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The Complete Guide to Summer TV 2026: Everything to Know About What to Watch This Season

Keep cool with the coolest shows

Aug. 25, 2026

These days, summer TV means whatever you want it to mean. You can watch reality dating shows, or you can watch prestige dramas that feel like summer blockbusters. Why not both? This summer has it all. We've got acclaimed, established hits like AMC's The Vampire Lestat and HBO's House of the Dragon, plus buzzy new series like Apple TV's Lucky and HBO's Lanterns. We've got one annual favorite (FX's The Bear) signing off off for the last time while another favorite (Apple TV's Ted Lasso) makes a comeback. We've got summer beach reads in TV form (Peacock's The Five Star Weekend and Prime Video's Every Year After). We've got a Legally Blonde prequel (Prime Video's Elle). We've even got another Big Bang Theory spin-off (HBO Max's Stuart Fails to Save the Universe).

TV Guide's 2026 Summer Guide has everything you need to know about summer TV in one place. First, you'll find our top picks for the most anticipated shows of the season, as well as a list of all the major new shows coming this summer. After that, we've got monthly TV updates, including what to watch this month and what's been renewed and canceled. Then, check out everything coming to each of the major streamers, including premiere dates, schedules, and the best shows and movies on each streamer. Finally, don't miss all our in-depth coverage of your favorite shows.

Whether you want to know what to watch on Netflix or get the scoop on a certain rock star vampire, you'll find the information you need right here. All season long, we'll keep this page updated with our latest summer TV coverage, so keep it bookmarked and check back throughout the season. Happy watching!

ALSO READ: The complete guide to spring TV

Top picks and new shows

Anya Taylor-Joy, Lucky — Anya Taylor-Joy, *Lucky*
Apple TV

Our most anticipated summer shows

If you want to watch the best of the best, look no further. We'll help you scope out exciting new shows, like Apple TV's Lucky and HBO's Lanterns, and set aside time for returning favorites, like AMC's The Vampire Lestat and HBO's House of the Dragon. These are the shows we can't wait to watch this summer.

All the major new shows this summer

Refresh your watchlist with something new. We're keeping track of all the noteworthy new shows coming this summer, like Prime Video's Sterling Point and Netflix's Little House on the Prairie.

Monthly TV updates

Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler, Lanterns — Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler, *Lanterns*
John P. Johnston/HBO

The ultimate guide to what to watch in August

Here's everything you need to know about what to watch in August across all streaming services, cable channels, and broadcast networks. From TV Guide's top picks — like HBO's Lanterns and FX and Hulu's The Shards — to a calendar of the month's highlights, it's all here. Plus, this guide links out to all of our individual guides to the major streamers.

The best movies to stream at home in August

Normal, starring Bob Odenkirk, and Mother Mary, starring Anne Hathaway, are coming to streaming platforms alongside new originals like Netflix's The Whisper Man. Here's what you need to know about the best movies streaming in August and where to watch them.

All the canceled and renewed TV shows in August

Get ready for another Five Star Weekend. These are all the shows that have been renewed or canceled in August.

The ultimate guide to what to watch in July

You'll be Furious (on Hulu) if you miss Lucky (on Apple TV). These are the best shows and movies that premiered in July.

The best movies to stream at home in July

Your next Obsession is coming home. These are the films that hit streaming in July, including box office hits like Project Hail Mary and streaming originals like The Dink.

All the canceled and renewed TV shows in July

Godfather of Harlem is about to make one last offer you can't refuse. These are all the shows that were renewed or canceled in July.

The ultimate guide to what to watch in June

As summer began, we said goodbye to the chefs of FX's The Bear and hello to the romance of Prime Video's Every Year After. These are the best shows and movies that premiered in June.

All the canceled and renewed TV shows in June

The party is over for NBC's The Hunting Party, and more shows are preparing to wrap up soon. These are all the shows that were renewed or canceled in June.

What to watch on streaming

We'll be updating this section each month as information is released.

D'Arcy Carden, Regina Hall, Chloë Sevigny, Jennifer Garner, and Gemma Chan, The Five Star Weekend — D'Arcy Carden, Regina Hall, Chloë Sevigny, Jennifer Garner, and Gemma Chan, *The Five Star Weekend*
Seacia Pavao/Peacock

Netflix

Prime Video

Hulu

HBO Max

Peacock

Paramount+

Tubi

Everything new on Tubi in July

Everything to know about your favorite summer shows

Throughout the season, we'll be updating this section with more coverage — including previews, reviews, and interviews — of this summer's biggest shows, as well as shows that premiered earlier but are airing into the summer months.