Picture Credit: Netflix
Wondering what’s coming to Netflix in 2026? You’ll have some of your questions answered this week with a new event Netflix is putting on, previewing what’s to come throughout the year with release dates, first looks, a sizzle reel, and more details on new and returning series and upcoming movies.
We first broke the news of Next on Netflix’s return in late 2025 by posting on our social channels. For those unfamiliar, it’s an early look at confirmed titles coming up throughout the year, with the events typically taking place in January or February.
It was on Christmas Day that Netflix itself confirmed the event was coming back on both its UK and US social accounts. It comes with a new name, though, WHAT NEXT, and was posted alongside a trailer with the caption: “Your Future is on its way. #WhatNext Jan 7, 2026.” On the YouTube upload, they still use the #NextOnNetflix hashtag.
The teaser was purposely cryptic, with the following being said throughout its minute-long duration: “Sometimes, the universe shows you a sign. You can brush it off, call it a coincidence, but I know you got some questions, lucky you, your future’s on its way, and even when you’re not working, it haunts you. So go on. All you gotta do is ask.”
Throughout, we got flashes of upcoming titles or teases. Bridgerton, set to return across two volumes in January and February, was among the easiest to identify from the teaser. WWE was there, too, along with One Piece and a few other teases, hints, or subtle messaging we suspect were for Heartstopper: Forever, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Sesame Street. Teyana Taylor was at the end of the teaser, who will be appearing in The Rip later in January.
Plus, we can’t mention the start of the teaser featuring Stranger Things! That’s something that’s set the Stranger Things fandom alight, given the fact that if you type #whatnext into the search bar on Netflix, Stranger Things is the only thing that shows up.
Next on Netflix has been ongoing now for the past few years and has evolved a fair bit, although our understanding is that this year will be a slimmed-down affair. In prior years, countries held events on different dates, unveiling a portion of their slate to local journalists before sending the slate-reveal documents.
Last year was the most ambitious by far. The event was held simultaneously in around a dozen countries worldwide, with the first half broadcast live from Los Angeles before returning to the local markets (we attended both the British and French events). It was a fascinating way to announce your slate, but given the number of titles unveiled from all corners of the globe, it was hard to keep track of on our side, and no doubt even harder for audiences.
This year, we’re expecting the event to be mostly, if not entirely, digital, as we’re not aware of any in-person events ongoing (or at least we haven’t been invited!).
Lots still we’ve got to learn. Will it just be English language titles this week or Non-English too? Will it be across multiple days (we’ve had some indication it might be), and what type of coverage will outlets like ours be given in advance? Lots still to learn.
Naturally, we’ll be doing our best to cover it all by updating our massive 2026 release calendar, revising other previews and articles, and publishing news posts throughout. Stay tuned!
