It's been a great year for streaming television, and we're still months away from the official end of 2026. There are still so many new shows yet to premiere before a whole new year starts the process all over again, but as summer reaches its conclusion, it's safe to say that we have already seen some of the best 2026 has to offer, especially on Apple TV.
Between Your Friends & Neighbors season 2 continuing the breakout hit Jon Hamm dark comedy's hot streak and Ted Lasso returning for its highly anticipated fourth season, Apple TV has been on fire with its roster of returning hits. But the titles that we all talked about the most this year were the new Apple TV shows that pulled focus and, in some cases, became new awards darlings.
Even though Apple TV continues to increase it's subscription prices, one look at its current lineup of original programming makes it clear that it's worth it. From Widow's Bay rising as one of the best shows currently on television in general to Lucky giving the summer of bit of action, we have been thoroughly entertained. But what are the streaming service's best new 2026 shows so far?
Widow's Bay
If you haven't started watching or even heard of Widow's Bay, you might be the only one left out there who hasn't taken a trip to the wild titular town. The series easily takes the cake as Apple TV's best new show of 2026 and will very likely maintain that crown no matter what other shows the streaming service debuts for the rest of the year. Yes, it really is that good.
Widow's Bay debuted on Apple TV at the end of April 2026 and quickly connected with viewers. The comedy horror series from Katie Dippold stars Matthew Rhys as Tom Loftis, the mayor of the coastal town that has been struck with a supernatural curse that dates back for decades. It's as funny and thrilling as it is spooky and unexpected, the perfect mixture for a great, original new series.
It's no surprise that Widow's Bay received the most Emmy Award nominations with 19 this year for a new and trailed behind The Pitt and Hacks for most total nominations overall. Sometimes, award nominations aren't completely indicative of a show's quality, but this time, they got it right. Before Widow's Bay season 2 arrives, multiple rewatches of the year's best Apple TV show are a must.
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed
Like most streaming services, Apple TV releases more new original series than the average consumer can keep track of, and 2026 might have been the streamer's biggest output to date. The best part of Apple TV's original series output is that most of the time, its content is actually worth checking out, no matter what kind of shows you tend to gravitate toward.
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed made its debut in May 2026 and, for some viewers, might have gotten lost in the shuffle of the streamer's other popular original series. But with a cast that's led by Tatiana Maslany and Jake Johnson, this is one crime comedy that you don't want to miss. The series follows a divorcee who becomes a target when her camboy confidante winds up murdered.
The premise is just outlandish enough, and the performances of the leading stars are what helps ground Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed through its gripping twists. While it might not be the most popular new Apple TV series, it's garnered acclaimed from critics and viewers alike. As of this writing, season 2 hasn't been ordered, but there's no doubt its deserving of another installment.
Lucky
This summer, there were more mystery thriller limited series than ever, offering us an indoor escape from the hot temperatures outside. One of those limited series was Lucky, which came from Your Friends & Neighbors creator Jonathan Tropper and executive producer Reese Witherspoon. Week after week, the series further unpacked the past and present of Anya Taylor-Joy's titular character.
Loosely based on the novel of the same name by Marissa Stapley, Lucky stars Taylor-Joy as a con artist who's forced to go on the run after her husband Cary (Drew Starkey) leaves her high and dry with the millions they both stole. She now must contend with various enemies, the FBI on her tail, and her incarcerated father while trying to stay alive and leave the con life.
Lucky was the closest we have gotten to a fun and impactful 2000s action movie making a comeback. The series boasted great performances from its cast and explored some heavy themes, but at its center, the suspense was effective and demanded our attention. By the end of the season, the stories are wrapped up and resolved, giving us a satisfying end to Lucky's journey.
Margo's Got Money Troubles
Last but certainly not least, Apple TV continued to prove its strengths at crafting series that perfectly tow the line between comedy and drama. This spring, creator David E. Kelley debuted the ambitious comedy series Margo's Got Money Troubles on Apple TV. Not surprisingly, Kelley once again nabbed a critically acclaimed, award-nominated hit.
Based on the book of the same name by Rufi Thorpe, Margo's Got Money Troubles stars Elle Fanning as the titular Margo, whose financial insufficiencies are made more obvious when she becomes pregnant. She turns to OnlyFans for help making money while also having her unconventional parents, played by Michelle Pfeiffer and Nick Offerman, by her side through it all.
Margo's Got Money Troubles earned eight Emmy Award nominations for its first season, including nods for Outstanding Comedy Series and recognition for Fanning, Pfeiffer, and Offerman's performances. Apple TV quickly renewed the series for a second season, an easy decision when it comes to one of its most star-studded, original, and deeply funny new comedies.
Add us as a preferred source on Google