The best shows to watch this week, led by new fantasy and buzzy dramas

A wave of early-2026 releases has reshuffled what “must-watch” looks like right now, with one new fantasy series driving conversation, a hospital drama returning with fresh urgency, and a breakout romance that’s pulling in viewers well beyond its core audience. With Valentine’s Day on Saturday, Feb. 14 (ET), the timing is also pushing many people toward shorter seasons and faster binges.

Below is a practical, right-now guide built around what’s trending globally this week, plus a handful of proven favorites that hold up if you want something finished and easy to start.

The six quickest picks right now

What’s driving the conversation this week

The headline mover is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which premiered in mid-January and is now deep into its first run. Its appeal is simplicity: fewer sprawling subplots, tighter episodes, and an odd-couple dynamic that carries the story even when the politics recede. It’s a good choice if you want fantasy flavor without committing to a sprawling rewatch.

Another reason these picks are popping: several series have clear “watch windows” right now. Some are airing weekly with fixed episode dates, while others are already sitting there, ready for a weekend binge.

Newer shows that feel like instant staples

If you want something current but not overwhelming, start with the shows that balance accessibility with momentum:

• The Pitt returns to the pressure-cooker formula—one decision snowballs into five more—and it’s built for viewers who like urgency over slow-burn mystery. It’s also a strong pick if you want a show that makes episodes feel consequential.

• Industry is back in its comfort zone: status anxiety, ruthless incentives, and relationships that are never fully separate from self-interest. If you like dialogue that snaps and characters who make bad choices for understandable reasons, it’s a safe bet.

• Heated Rivalry is the wildcard hit: it’s romance-forward, but the storytelling is propulsive enough to hook even viewers who don’t normally chase that genre.

Finished series that still win “best shows” arguments

If you’d rather avoid waiting week to week, a few completed or well-established titles remain the most reliable way to get a great run with minimal risk:

• The Sopranos: still the gold standard for character complexity and moral drift.

• The Wire: sprawling, patient, and deeply rewarding if you can commit to its rhythm.

• Chernobyl: short, intense, and devastating—ideal if you want a limited series that lands hard.

• The Leftovers: emotionally bold, surreal in the best way, and unlike most prestige dramas.

• Veep: fast, sharp, and rewatchable when you want comedy that bites.

• Barry: a dark comedy that keeps mutating as it goes, and sticks the landing.

Animation and comedy picks that don’t feel like a compromise

Not every “best show” needs to be heavy. If you want something that plays well between plans (or as a palette cleanser), these are consistent winners:

• Harley Quinn: gleefully chaotic and surprisingly heartfelt when it wants to be.

• Primal: nearly wordless intensity with stunning action and mood.

• The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball: playful, clever, and easy to dip into without tracking continuity.

• Peacemaker: loud, weird, and more sincere than it looks at first glance.

What to watch next week

With the calendar pushing toward Feb. 14 (ET), the “best” choice often comes down to how you’re watching:

• If you want a shared weekly ritual, pick a current headline series and keep pace.

• If you want a weekend binge, choose a short, finished run (limited series works best).

• If you want something light, stick to animated or half-hour comedy options that don’t demand full attention.

The biggest advantage right now is variety: you can go prestige, comfort, or buzzy-new without feeling like you’re settling.

Sources consulted: TV Guide; Wired; Rotten Tomatoes; FlixPatrol