May 2026 TV To-Do
New TV shows airing in May 2026.
Spider-Noir ✅
Prime VideoAction/NoirNicolas Cage's first lead TV role, playing a grizzled noir detective in an alternate 1930s NYC — who's also Spider-Man.
Releases May 27, 2026
Dutton Ranch
Paramount+Western/DramaKelly Reilly's Beth Dutton and Cole Hauser's Rip Wheeler start fresh on a Texas ranch. Yellowstone spinoff.
Releases May 15, 2026
Lord of the Flies ✅
NetflixDramaJack Thorne's four-episode adaptation is harrowing, beautifully shot, and utterly gripping. 95% RT.
Releases May 4, 2026
Widow's Bay
Apple TV+Comedy/HorrorKatie Dippold's supernatural comedy-horror set in a cursed New England island town. Hiro Murai directs Matthew Rhys as the mayor — Twin Peaks vibes, critically acclaimed. 10 episodes weekly through Jun 17.
Releases Apr 29, 2026
Rick and Morty: Season 9
Adult SwimAnimation/ComedyThe animated sci-fi comedy keeps rolling post-Justin Roiland. Season 8 proved the new voice cast could carry it.
Releases May 24, 2026
The Four Seasons: Season 2 ✅
NetflixComedy/DramaTina Fey's dramedy about six friends navigating a separation returns for its sophomore season.
Releases May 28, 2026
Euphoria: Season 3
HBODramaThe most divisive show of 2026. Lowest-ever scores after a four-year hiatus — 42% RT, 56 Metacritic.
Releases Apr 12, 2026
May 2026 TV Collection
TV finished before May 2026, ranked. Full write-ups in our Best TV of 2026 hub.
The Pitt: Season 2 ★
HBODramaReleased Jan 8, 2026
One Piece: Into the Grand Line (Season 2) ★
NetflixAction/AdventureReleased Mar 10, 2026
Industry: Season 4
HBODramaReleased Jan 11, 2026
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
HBOFantasyReleased Jan 18, 2026
Bait
Prime VideoComedyReleased Mar 25, 2026
The Night Agent: Season 3
NetflixThrillerReleased Feb 19, 2026
Dark Winds: Season 4
AMCCrime/DramaReleased Feb 15, 2026
How We Rank
Ranking the Collection
Aired shows (Jan–Apr) are ranked on critical reception (Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic), audience engagement, cultural impact, and quality relative to previous seasons.
Ranking the To-Do
Upcoming May–Dec shows are ranked on anticipation factors: showrunner pedigree, cast, source-material strength, platform investment, and franchise momentum.
S Tier = exceptional, must-watch regardless of genre preference
A Tier = excellent, highly recommended
B Tier = good, worth your time if the premise appeals to you
C Tier = decent, has strengths but notable weaknesses
FAQ
What are the best TV shows of May 2026 so far?
As of May 2026, the top-ranked TV show is The Pitt: Season 2 (S-tier). A-tier highlights include Industry Season 4, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Lord of the Flies, and Bait. This ranking is updated monthly.
What TV shows are coming out after May 2026?
Anticipated late-spring and summer 2026 releases include Spider-Noir and the Dutton Ranch finale (A-tier picks), plus Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Final Season), Rick and Morty Season 9, and The Four Seasons Season 2. Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 premieres in June.
How often is this TV tier list updated?
This tier list is updated on the 1st of every month. Each update re-evaluates rankings based on completed shows and newly premiered series. Monthly deep-dives are published as separate articles linked from the main Best TV Shows of 2026 hub.
Where can I watch the best TV shows of 2026?
The best TV shows of 2026 are spread across HBO (The Pitt, Industry, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Euphoria), Netflix (Lord of the Flies, The Four Seasons), Prime Video (Bait, Spider-Noir), Paramount+ (Dutton Ranch, Star Trek: SNW), and Adult Swim (Rick and Morty).
