2026 Entertainment Calendar Heats Up: Major TV Returns and Film Releases Kick Off the Year

Streaming and Television Dominates Early 2026

Netflix's "Bridgerton" Season 4 launches this week, with the first part debuting Thursday, January 29, 2026, followed by part two on February 26.[1] The highly anticipated return of the hit period romance series marks one of the streaming platform's biggest releases for the month.

ABC's "American Idol" Season 24 returns to television on January 26, bringing back the massively popular singing competition show.[1] Meanwhile, "Celebrity Jeopardy!" Season 4 will premiere on February 27, featuring celebrity contestants competing in the iconic quiz format.[1]

Film Slate Expands Throughout Early 2026

The movie calendar is filling with major releases across multiple genres. "The Devil Wears Prada 2" reunites Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep for the long-awaited sequel, hitting theaters May 1.[1][2] The film marks a significant return for the beloved franchise.

Science fiction takes center stage with "Project Hail Mary," starring Ryan Gosling as a science teacher on a space mission, releasing March 20.[2] Additionally, "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" brings the popular Disney+ series to the big screen on May 22, with Pedro Pascal reprising his role as Din Djarin.[2]

Other notable February releases include "Wuthering Heights," a high-profile adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie, arriving February 13.[2] The same date brings "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die," a science fiction film featuring Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, and Zazie Beetz.[2]

Animation and Drama Series Return

Pixar's "Hoppers," an animated film about communicating with animals, releases March 6 with Meryl Streep leading the voice cast.[2] In the drama space, "Euphoria" Season 3 returns in April 2026, bringing back the hit series starring Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney.[1]

The Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" arrives April 24, with Jaafar Jackson, the King of Pop's nephew, starring in the lead role.[1]

Reality Television and Additional Programming

"Below Deck Down Under" returns in February, continuing the reality series documenting the lives of a yacht crew.[1][2] The show joins a robust lineup of returning programming as networks capitalize on viewer interest in early 2026.