As we get to the end of another year, we start to see our favorite shows head on their winter breaks. This does mean something great, though, as we know many TV shows will return soon.
With 2026 packed with new and returning TV shows, there is plenty to look forward to. We’re only looking at the returning shows in this post, whether they’re coming off the back of their winter breaks or they’re starting new seasons. And this is only for broadcast shows!
Whether you need something purely entertaining or you want some top drama in your life, here are the seven returning TV shows we’re more excited to see in 2026.
Will Trent
We have to start with one of the first shows to come back, and it will bring a whole new season. Will Trent season 3 ended with some major cliffhangers, putting two lives on the line. We’ve waited all summer and fall for answers, and while we appreciate ABC bringing us an uninterrupted season, it was still hard to wait for so long.
The fourth season will not only need to tell us if Ormewood and Amanda will survive, but we also need to know more about how Will deals with finding out about his biological father. Now that he and his father have met, Will has to make a choice about whether he will integrate with him and his half-siblings or not. This could depend on how things go with Amanda, as she is his family.
Will Trent premieres on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 8/7c on ABC.
The Rookie
ABC held two shows back from the fall schedule for strategic purposes, and The Rookie season 8 was the other one. The series will continue the journey of rookie cop, John Nolan. Well, he’s not quite a rookie anymore, as now he is the one training the rookies.
At the end of season 7, the LAPD and FBI were delivered a blow. Monica Stevens managed to make a deal, which got her out of jail, and she walked out with confidence. It’s clear that she’s going to be a bigger problem, and it looks like she takes the team internationally, as they’re heading to Europe to tackle a case with the Feds.
The Rookie season 8 premieres on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 10/9c on ABC.
The Hunting Party
While it’s in a timeslot that is tricky for it, we’re certainly excited to see The Hunting Party return. The series was originally slated to be part of the fall 2025 lineup, but then it was pushed back to 2026, and this could be a good thing as it means less pressure for the linear ratings.
After the first season ended with Odell’s life on the line, all eyes are on whether he can be saved or not. There are rumors that he’ll die, and that is sure to lead to issues for the show’s fans sticking around, as there are many waiting for Odell and Bex to get together! On top of that, there are many questions about what the task force will do now that they’ve been disbanded because they started asking the wrong questions.
The Hunting Party season 2 premieres on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 10/9c on NBC.
The Masked Singer
For the first time in 14 seasons, The Masked Singer didn’t get a fall premiere. However, the show will make its way back to our screens in 2026. There will be new costumes to marvel, new clue packages to work out, and new celebrities performing for their chance to win.
Rita Ora will be back with the rest of the panelists, and Nick Cannon is back as the host. It’s not clear whether there will be a change to the format this season. During the 13th season, Lucky Duck was added as someone to guess, creating more of a guessing game for the panelists. We also saw the return of the Golden Ear trophy.
The Masked Singer season 14 premieres on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 8/7c on FOX.
The Bachelorette
After taking 2025 off, there is another search for love. The Bachelorette kicks off in the spring, bringing us something different to everything we’ve seen before. In fact, we’re already getting all sorts of teases and spoilers, and it’s all due to the lead for the season. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Taylor Frankie Paul is the lead, and she’s continuing her online presence despite filming.
This is the first season with a Mormon in the lead. However, Paul isn’t looking purely for another Mormon. She wants someone who aligns with her values, even if that means outside of her own faith. It’s all about respect and love, and we’re ready to see what this season can bring.
The Bachelorette premieres on Sunday, March 22 at 8/7c on ABC.
Brilliant Minds
Now it comes to the shows on their winter breaks, and Brilliant Minds just headed into its break with a major cliffhanger. A life is on the line, but nobody at the hospital knows about it just yet. How will they all react when they learn the truth?
Meanwhile, Wolf has learned about Charlie’s backstory — and it’s one we all saw coming, right? Charlie is out for revenge, but he’s also doing that in a way to make Wolf break mentally. It looks like it’s all leading up to Wolf’s current situation in Hudson Oaks, where he has signed himself in and now feels trapped.
Brilliant Minds returns on Monday, Jan. 5 at 10/9c on NBC.
High Potential
When it comes to sophomore shows, High Potential continues to entertain. While there are some elements that just don’t quite work as well as they did in the first season, the cases are still quirky and the relationship between Morgan and Karadec is still on-point.
However, we’re more excited to find out what’s going on with Roman. Now we know that Roman did keep an eye on Ava and Morgan over the years, and he dropped off a backpack to Arthur to help get it to Morgan. Others want that backpack, though, which is now with the police. So, what has Roman actually been up to? It’s time to get some answers.
High Potential returns on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 9/8c on ABC.