'East of Eden' & 7 Other Most Anticipated TV Series to Be Released in the Second Half of 2026

The first half of 2026 has already brought us major premieres and highly anticipated returns, but the most exciting surprises are yet to come.

The second half of the year promises to be a real treat: both continuations of iconic sagas that have been eagerly awaited for years and brand new projects from renowned creators who can set new trends will hit the screen.

1. 'East of Eden'

Release Date: Fall 2026

Streaming Platform: Netflix

Zoe Kazan, the granddaughter of the director of the 1955 movie, is directing a new adaptation of John Steinbeck's monumental novel. The cast includes Florence Pugh, Christopher Abbott, and Mike Faist.

Set in California's Salinas Valley from the early 20th century to the end of World War I, the series follows the Trask family as they navigate significant historical events.

Brothers Adam and Charles live in the shadow of their father, unwittingly inheriting his family's trauma and cruelty. Everything changes when Cathy Ames enters their lives. She marries Adam and conceals details of her dark past.

2. 'Harry Potter'

Release Date: December 25, 2026

Streaming Platform: HBO Max

This December, the magical atmosphere of pre-New Year's Eve is being evoked by the new adaptation of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the first book in J.K. Rowling's series about the Boy Who Lived.

Francesca Gardiner, creator of the His Dark Materials show, is the showrunner. This new adaptation features a completely different cast. The golden trio will be played by Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton, respectively.

John Lithgow will play Professor Albus Dumbledore, and British comedian Nick Frost will portray Hagrid.

3. 'Ted Lasso' Season 4

Release Date: August 5, 2026

Streaming Platform: Apple TV

The fourth season of the sports comedy will once again take place in London. Jason Sudeikis' character will coach a second-division women's soccer team.

According to the official Apple TV+ synopsis, Ted and his athletes will take their sport to the next level in the new season, and the series itself will begin to gain momentum.

Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, and Juno Temple will reprise their roles, and Tanya Reynolds from Sex Education will join the cast as the coach's young assistant.

4. 'Carrie'

Release Date: October 2026

Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video

After taking a break from television, Mike Flanagan is returning to his old ways. Another multi-episode horror story will finally be released this fall. The director has returned to his favorite genre: Stephen King's prose.

He has already adapted Gerald's Game, The Life of Chuck, and Doctor Sleep, and now he's turned to the writer's first published novel. King was initially skeptical about revisiting Carrie, but he gradually warmed to Flanagan's vision.

The novel tells the story of a high school student with telekinetic powers who is bullied at school and abused by her extremely religious mother at home. Summer H. Howell plays Carrie.

5. 'Lucky'

Release Date: July 15, 2026

Streaming Platform: Apple TV+

In the new Apple TV+ series, Anya Taylor-Joy plays Lucky, a talented con artist who grew up in a family of con artists. Years ago, she renounced her past to start a new life, but it catches up with her.

She wins a million dollars in the lottery, but the only way to cash the check is to reveal her true identity.

The series is based on Marissa Stapley's 2023 novel of the same name. The project was produced by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine studio, which is known primarily for its adaptations of modern bestsellers.

6. 'Elle'

Release Date: July 1, 2026

Streaming Platform: Prime Video

Instead of a third Legally Blonde movie, Amazon Prime Video will release Elle, a TV prequel about Elle Woods' high school years set several years before she enters Harvard.

The story follows young Elle and her family as they move from sunny Bel-Air to rainy Seattle. For a girl accustomed to a certain lifestyle and popularity, this becomes a serious challenge.

At her new school, she must face envy, prejudice, and the need to prove her right to her own opinions and choices.

7. 'Crystal Lake'

Release Date: October 15, 2026

Streaming Platform: Peacock

The Friday the 13th prequel, which has been in development since 2022, finally has a firm release date. Over the past six years, the project has gone through three screenwriters and lost Charlize Theron, who was set to play Pamela Voorhees.

While the final storyline is less promising than expected, it still leaves room for surprises. Brad Caleb Kane has been named the showrunner, and Linda Cardellini has replaced Theron. A24 is producing the show.

Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the creators promise to bring back the classic 1980s atmosphere with plenty of fake blood and intense sound design for slasher fans.

Jason Voorhees himself will also appear, but in a much younger form. The future maniac will be played by up-and-coming actor Callum Vinson.

8. 'Lanterns'

Release Date: August 16, 2026

Streaming Platform: HBO Max

Marvel Studios is revisiting the story of Green Lanterns, intergalactic police officers with a strong sense of justice.

The series stars seasoned Green Lantern Corps enforcer Hal Jordan and newcomer John Stewart. The plot follows the two as they investigate a mysterious murder.

Screenwriters Chris Mundy and Damon Lindelof wrote the story in the spirit of the first season of True Detective, branding Lanterns as a superhero noir – a concept that is intriguing in itself.