The dawn of 2026 is ushering in a tidal wave of fresh entertainment, with streaming platforms and networks lining up an impressive roster of new and returning titles. From globe-trotting sci-fi blockbusters to prestige dramas and highly anticipated television revivals, there’s a palpable sense of excitement among audiences and industry insiders alike. Perhaps the most notable event kicking off the year is the streaming debut of Men in Black: International on Starz, a move that rekindles interest in the beloved franchise and signals a broader trend of big-budget films heading straight to streaming platforms.
Men in Black: International—the fourth installment in the iconic sci-fi series—lands on Starz starting January 1, 2026. According to Collider, the film, directed by F. Gary Gray and starring Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, picks up the franchise baton from Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. The plot follows decorated Agent H (Hemsworth) and rookie Agent M (Thompson) as they tackle shape-shifting alien threats in a globe-spanning adventure. Despite its star power and a hefty $110 million production budget, the film received a chilly reception from critics, earning just 23% on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences, however, were more generous, giving it a 66% approval rating—a split that highlights the evolving tastes and expectations of moviegoers in the streaming era.
The film’s performance at the box office was a mixed bag. As reported by Collider, Men in Black: International grossed $254 million worldwide, with $80 million coming from domestic markets and $174 million overseas. While these figures place it as the 32nd highest-grossing film of 2019, the returns were only modestly profitable when measured against its sizable budget and marketing costs. The critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes summed up the sentiment: “Amiable yet forgettable, MiB International grinds its stars’ substantial chemistry through the gears of a franchise running low on reasons to continue.”
The arrival of Men in Black: International on Starz is just the tip of the iceberg for 2026’s entertainment slate. As BuzzFeed and TVLine both point out, the year is jam-packed with new scripted TV shows and movies across every major platform. Netflix, HBO Max, Prime Video, Hulu, and others are rolling out a dizzying array of premieres, many of which are already generating significant buzz.
Among the most anticipated TV debuts is His and Hers, a Netflix mystery-thriller premiering January 8. Starring Tessa Thompson (fresh off her Men in Black role) and Jon Bernthal, the series adapts Alice Feeney’s bestselling novel. It promises a tangled murder investigation set in Georgia, drawing the two leads into an ever-deepening web of secrets and lies. TVLine describes it as a six-episode binge-worthy limited series, with Thompson playing a former news anchor and Bernthal as a skeptical detective.
Also on the TV front, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms arrives January 18 on HBO Max. This Game of Thrones prequel, set a century before the original series, follows Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) as they navigate a Westeros under Targaryen rule. The show is expected to blend chivalrous adventure with the political intrigue fans have come to love from the franchise.
For those craving romance and period drama, Bridgerton returns to Netflix with its fourth season, rolling out in two parts on January 29 and February 26. This season shifts the focus to Benedict Bridgerton’s journey, promising new love interests and the opulent visuals that have become the show’s signature. The return of familiar faces like Anthony and Kate, as noted by BuzzFeed, ensures that fans will be glued to their screens.
The streaming landscape in 2026 isn’t limited to just new series. Returning favorites and ambitious adaptations are also making their mark. The Night Manager returns for a second season on Prime Video January 1, sending Tom Hiddleston’s Jonathan Pine on undercover missions across London, Colombia, and France. The cast, which includes Hugh Laurie and Olivia Colman, promises high-stakes espionage and international intrigue.
Meanwhile, TVLine provides a comprehensive calendar of premieres, highlighting everything from psychological thrillers like Girl Taken (Paramount+, January 8) to high-concept science fiction such as The Beauty (Hulu, January 21). The sheer volume and diversity of content reflect the increasingly competitive landscape, as networks and streamers vie for viewers’ attention in a crowded market.
On the movie side, 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year. BuzzFeed lists a slew of hotly anticipated films, including People We Meet on Vacation (Netflix, January 9), The Moment (January 30), and Wuthering Heights (February 14), the latter featuring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie in a stylish new adaptation. Sci-fi fans have Project Hail Mary (March 20) and Dune 3: Messiah (December 18) to look forward to, while family audiences will be treated to Toy Story 5 (June 19).
Amid this flood of new content, Chris Hemsworth remains a central figure. In addition to his role in Men in Black: International, he’s set to star in Crime 101, a heist thriller scheduled for release on February 13, 2026. With a cast that includes Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, and Halle Berry, and Hemsworth also serving as producer, expectations are sky-high for this project.
Industry observers note that the 2026 schedule is notable not just for its volume but for the variety of genres and storytelling approaches. From reimaginings of classics like The Cat in the Hat (February 27) to bold new dramas like The Drama starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson (April 3), there’s a clear effort to cater to every conceivable audience. As TVLine points out, the list of confirmed titles is still growing, with networks and streamers updating their slates as new projects are announced.
It’s worth noting that the competition for viewers’ time and attention has never been fiercer. The proliferation of high-profile premieres—many dropping in bingeable formats—means audiences are spoilt for choice but may also face decision fatigue. Still, the consensus among critics and fans is that 2026’s entertainment lineup is one of the most diverse and ambitious in recent memory.
With Men in Black: International leading the charge on Starz and a parade of new series and movies following close behind, 2026 is set to be a landmark year for streaming and television. For fans, it’s a golden age of choice—one that’s sure to keep screens glowing and conversations buzzing well into the future.
