A variety of TV adaptations from popular books are scheduled to premiere in 2026, including prequels to major franchises and new limited series. Highlights range from George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones spin-off to sequels like The Last Thing He Told Me. These projects feature high-profile casts and span platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+ and HBO Max.
The new year brings a slate of TV shows inspired by best-selling novels, continuing the trend of literary adaptations in streaming. Leading the pack is HBO Max's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a six-episode prequel to Game of Thrones based on George R.R. Martin's novella The Hedge Knight, set in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire. It premieres on January 18.
Netflix follows closely with Finding Her Edge on January 22, adapted from Jennifer Iacopelli's novel about figure skating, tapping into the popularity of ice sports dramas. Bridgerton Season 4, drawing from Julia Quinn's An Offer From a Gentleman, shifts focus to Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie (Yerin Ha). The season splits into parts, with Part 1 on January 29 and Part 2 on February 26.
February features Netflix's The Night Agent Season 3 on the 19th, expanding on Matthew Quirk's political thriller beyond the original book. Apple TV+ counters with The Last Thing He Told Me Season 2 on February 20, based on Laura Dave's sequel novel The First Time I Saw Him, which publishes January 6. New additions to the cast include Judy Greer and Rita Wilson.
March arrivals include Starz's final Outlander Season 8, adapted from Diana Gabaldon's historical fantasy series of nine novels and two novellas. Prime Video's Scarpetta, starring Nicole Kidman as medical examiner Kay Scarpetta from Patricia Cornwell's books, also debuts then. Apple TV+ launches Imperfect Women on March 18, a psychological thriller from Araminta Hall's novel, featuring Kerry Washington, Elisabeth Moss and Kate Mara across eight episodes.
April brings Apple TV+'s Margo’s Got Money Troubles on the 15th, with Elle Fanning as a single mother turning to OnlyFans, joined by Michelle Pfeiffer and Nick Offerman, based on Rufi Thorpe's novel. Other projects like Vladimir, led by Leo Woodall and Rachel Weisz from Julia May Jonas' book, and Netflix's My Life With the Walter Boys Season 3 are slated for 2026 without specific dates. These adaptations highlight ongoing demand for book-to-screen stories across genres.
