Winter 2026 Brings a Wave of New and Returning TV Shows, Including Final Season of ‘Outlander’
NEW YORK — As the chill of winter settles in, television audiences are gearing up for a rich lineup of new and returning scripted series set to premiere or return between January and early March 2026. This season promises a blend of fresh stories and familiar faces, including the highly anticipated second season of HBO Max’s The Pitt, the emotional conclusion to the long-running Starz hit Outlander, and the return of Patrick Dempsey to network television.
Fans of medical drama will be pleased to see Noah Wyle reprise his role as Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch in The Pitt, which returns on January 8. The new season picks up on the Fourth of July, with familiar characters navigating the chaos of the emergency room once again. The show’s success has already secured it a third season, underscoring its growing fanbase and critical acclaim. Meanwhile, Patrick Dempsey’s return to network TV adds a nostalgic draw for viewers who remember his iconic role on Grey’s Anatomy.
On January 18, HBO and HBO Max will debut A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a prequel series set in the world of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. This show explores the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Prince Aegon Targaryen, set a century before the events of Game of Thrones. Notably, this series features two actors familiar to fans of the original show, adding an extra layer of excitement.
For those who have followed the epic saga of Jamie and Claire Fraser, the final season of Outlander begins airing on March 6. After 12 years, the series will explore the consequences of war reaching Fraser’s Ridge and the internal struggles threatening to unravel the family. This poignant farewell is expected to draw significant attention from devoted viewers.
Netflix continues to deliver compelling content with the premiere of His & Hers on January 8. Based on Alice Feeney’s novel, the series follows Anna, a reclusive news anchor who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation in her hometown. The show stars Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal, whose dynamic performances promise a gripping narrative.
Other notable returns include the third season of Shrinking on Apple TV, which follows a grieving therapist’s unconventional methods to connect with his patients, and the second season of Hulu’s Paradise, which continues to unravel the mysteries of a seemingly perfect society post-apocalypse.
With 31 scripted series premiering or returning this winter, viewers have an abundance of options to fill their schedules. This carefully curated selection excludes ongoing seasons of popular shows like Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Grey’s Anatomy, focusing instead on fresh starts and season premieres.
For more information on upcoming television programming and to stay current with weekly releases, audiences can subscribe to entertainment newsletters or visit official streaming platforms. The diversity and depth of this winter’s lineup reflect the evolving landscape of television, where storytelling continues to captivate and connect audiences worldwide.
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