Major streaming platforms and the BBC are preparing a diverse lineup of television for 2026. The upcoming slate includes everything from character-driven sitcoms to high-stakes action comedies and natural history epics.

Diane Morgan and Sue Johnston explore loneliness in 'Ann Droid'

The BBC iPlayer is set to host Ann Droid, a six-part sitcom featuring Diane Morgan in a leading role. As the report indicates, Morgan stars as Linda, a humanoid care robot, alongside Sue Johnston, who portrays a recently widowed woman named Sue. The series, written by Morgan and Sarah Kendall, uses the presence of an "AnnDroid Z58/100 Basic Eldercare Robot" to navigate the complexities of human connection.

While the show is expected to deliver the dry humor characteristic of Morgan's previous work, it aims for more than just laughs. The narrative explores heavy themes such as grief and the challenges of aging, creating an emotional bond between the human characters and the socially inept machine. The character of Michael, played by Paul Ready, serves as the catalyst for this unexpected domestic arrangement.

The Nantucket getaway featuring Jennifer Garner and Gemma Chan

The streaming service NOW will premiere The Five-Star Weekend, an eight-part drama based on the novel by Elin Hilderbrand. The production features a high-profile ensemble cast navigating a weekend retreat on Nantucket. According to the preview, the series follows Hollis Shaw, a food blogger played by Jennifer Garner, as she seeks distraction following the loss of her husband.

The series highlights a variety of character perspectives through its diverse cast:

  • Jennifer Garner as Hollis Shaw
  • Chloe Sevigny as the bitter Tatum
  • Regina Hall as Dru-Ann
  • D'Arcy Carden as Brooke
  • Gemma Chan as Gigi

    • Unlike some previous adaptations of Hilderbrand's work, this series focuses specifically on women coming to terms with their current life stages within a lush, coastal setting.

    An eight-part assassin comedy starring Hannah Waddingham

    Amazon's Prime Video is expanding its action-comedy catalog with the series Ride Or Die. this eight-part production pairs Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer as unlikely friends Judith and Debbie. The plot centers on a high-stakes secret: Judith is an assassin who has maintained her professional cover for 20 years until a violent night of gunfire forces her hand.

    The production leverages the chemistry between its two leads, supported by Bill Nighy in the role of Judith's paymaster. Written by British comedian Tessa Coates, the show is positioned as a global platform for Coates' wry comedic voice, blending high-octane action with an "odd-couple" dynamic.

    Chris Packham traces the 90,000 muscles of the elephant

    Natural history enthusiasts can look to the Evolution series, hosted by Chris Packham, for a deep dive into biological history. The series explores the evolutionary journeys of five modern animals, aiming to make complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Packham will guide viewers through the history of life, beginning with the concept of Luca (the Last Universal Common Ancestor).

    The series will highlight specific biological marvels, such as the anatomy of the elephant. Viewers can expect to learn about the animal's massive scale, its tusks that grow continuously, and the incredible complexity of its trunk,which contains approximately 90,000 miniature muscles .

    What the preview leaves out regarding 2026 release dates

    Several key details regarding the 2026 television schedule remain unconfirmed by the current report . while the preview identifies the four standout series , it does not provide specific months or days for their premieres. additionally, the report does not clarify if these four shows represent the entirety of the major upcoming slate for the BBC, Prime Video, and NOW, or if further announcements are expected.