The beginning of 2026 has arrived with a bang for television fans, as networks and streaming giants alike roll out a packed slate of premieres, finales, and much-anticipated returns. Among the most notable headlines is Netflix’s announcement of the final season of "Queer Eye," which will debut on January 21, 2026, bringing the transformative series to an emotional close after a decade of heartfelt makeovers and social impact.
According to Deadline, the annual calendar of TV premieres for 2026 is more crowded than ever, with hundreds of broadcast, cable, and streaming programs debuting or returning. The list, updated daily, covers everything from drama and comedy to unscripted series, live sports, and awards shows. But for many, the most poignant moment will come with the last bow of the Fab Five in Washington, D.C., where they’ll help local heroes embrace their fullest lives through signature makeovers and moving transformations.
Netflix confirmed in a January 5 video announcement that "Queer Eye" Season 10 will be its swan song. The streaming platform described the final season as one where the Fab Five "help Washington, D.C. heroes live their fullest lives through stunning makeovers and emotional transformations." This echoes the show’s longstanding tradition of uplifting everyday people—teachers, activists, first responders—by celebrating their stories and empowering them to shine.
The decision to end "Queer Eye" after ten seasons is bittersweet for fans and creators alike. The series, which rebooted the early 2000s classic, quickly became a cultural touchstone when it launched on Netflix in 2018. Its blend of fashion, food, grooming, design, and culture—delivered with empathy, humor, and a healthy dose of tough love—won over audiences worldwide. Over the years, the Fab Five have become household names, known as much for their expertise as for their emotional intelligence and ability to connect across divides.
As the show heads to the nation’s capital for its final chapter, viewers can expect the same mix of laughter, tears, and jaw-dropping transformations that have defined "Queer Eye" from the start. The choice of Washington, D.C. as the setting carries symbolic weight: it’s a city known for its power and politics, but also for its vibrant communities and unsung heroes. By focusing on local figures who make a difference, the Fab Five aim to leave a lasting mark—not just on individuals, but on the city itself.
Netflix’s announcement is just one highlight in a whirlwind start to the TV year. On January 6, "WWE Raw" returns for its second season on Netflix, promising more over-the-top action and behind-the-scenes drama. BET’s hit series "Sistas" launches its tenth season on January 7, with KJ Smith, Mignon, and Crystal Renee Hayslett reprising their roles alongside new cast members. Meanwhile, "The Upshaws" will conclude its run on January 15, also on Netflix, as Regina makes a bid for office and the family navigates life’s ups and downs with trademark humor and heart.
The following week, Netflix will also drop the second season of "WWE: Unreal" on January 20, offering fans a glimpse into the wild world of wrestling—the plot twists, the larger-than-life personas, and the creative chaos that fuels the spectacle. The platform’s programming slate underscores the streaming wars’ ongoing intensity, with platforms vying for attention through buzzy originals, high-profile finales, and genre-spanning content.
For those keeping track, Deadline’s comprehensive list includes not just scripted series but also docuseries, competition shows, and live events. Among the highlights: "Antiques Roadshow" celebrates its 30th season on PBS on January 5; "The Masked Singer" returns for its 14th season on FOX on January 7; and the Golden Globes air live on CBS on January 11. Sports fans have plenty to cheer about too, with the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl on ESPN, the Winter Olympic Games on NBC starting February 6, and Super Bowl LX on February 8.
Looking ahead, the rest of 2026 is equally packed. Netflix will premiere new drama series like "To Love, To Lose" and "Can This Love Be Translated?", while Disney+ brings back "The Muppet Show" with Sabrina Carpenter as a special guest. Hulu, meanwhile, offers new dramas such as "Spring Fever" and the return of "Red Eye" for its second season. Other anticipated debuts include "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy" on Paramount+, "Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials" on Netflix, and "The Beauty" on FX.
What makes this year’s lineup stand out isn’t just the volume of content, but the sense of transition. Several beloved series are wrapping up: "The Upshaws" and "Queer Eye" on Netflix, "The Way Home" on Hallmark Channel, and "Outlander" on Starz, to name a few. At the same time, networks are doubling down on new franchises and revivals, hoping to capture the next big hit in an ever-evolving media landscape.
For "Queer Eye" fans, the end of an era is at hand. The show’s legacy is undeniable: it helped redefine reality television, brought LGBTQ+ representation to the mainstream, and inspired countless viewers to embrace authenticity and kindness. As the Fab Five prepare for their final makeovers in Washington, D.C., viewers around the world will tune in not just for the transformations, but for the hope, empathy, and joy that "Queer Eye" has delivered for nearly a decade.
In a year overflowing with premieres and finales, the final season of "Queer Eye" stands out as a moment to celebrate what TV can do at its best: bring people together, spark conversation, and remind us all of the power of compassion—one episode at a time.
