6 returning Netflix shows we can’t wait to binge in 2026

Netflix has a way of sneaking into our lives and taking over our free time, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Every year brings new releases, fresh stories, and addictive series that keep us glued to our screens, but there’s something uniquely thrilling about the shows that are coming back.

Returning shows carry with them a sense of familiarity paired with anticipation. In 2026, some of our all-time favorites are making their triumphant return. In this article, we've rounded up six of these highly anticipated returning Netflix series and shared them below. That way, you’ll know exactly which shows to look forward to and can plan your binge-watching marathons!

Bridgerton season 4

• Release dates: Part 1 (Jan. 29) and Part 2 (Feb. 26)

Bridgerton remains in many fans' eyes as one of the best period dramas ever made, and luckily, Netflix is bringing the beloved series back in 2026 with all the romance, scandal, and jaw-dropping drama that made us fall in love with it in the first place. Based on Julia Quinn's An Offer from a Gentleman novel, Bridgerton season 4 will follow the love story of Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek, a spirited young woman he meets at his mother's masquerade ball.

Luke Thompson returns as Benedict, with Yerin Ha joining the cast as Sophie. Also in the cast are Jonathan Bailey (Anthony Bridgerton), Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury), Julie Andrews (Lady Whistledown), Simone Ashley (Kate Bridgerton), Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Bridgerton), Hannah Dodd (Francesca Stirling), Ruth Gemmell (Violet Bridgerton), Florence Hunt (Hyacinth Bridgerton), Claudia Jessie (Eloise Bridgerton), Luke Newton (Colin Bridgerton), and so many others.

Virgin River season 7

• Release year: 2026 (possibly March)

Although fans were hoping that Virgin River season 7 would be released by the end of the year, that's not going to happen. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos previously announced in the streamer's Q3 earnings call that the new season will be released in 2026. On top of that, Netflix has already unveiled its list of upcoming new releases in December 2025, and the romantic drama series was notably missing. So, fans will have to exercise a little more patience.

The good news is that there's a rumored release window going around. One of the show's stars, Ben Hollingsworth, hinted in a recent interview that the seventh season could come out in March 2026. Although Netflix hasn't confirmed this date, it's something to keep in the back of your mind.

Virgin River season 7 will see Mel and Jack navigating the joys and challenges of newlywed life. But what fans really want to find out is what happened to Charmaine. The season 6 finale ended on a suspenseful cliffhanger, with Charmaine missing, signs of a break-in at her home, and a shocking discovery in the nursery. We can't wait to see how things unfold in the next season. Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson return as Mel and Jack.

Ginny and Georgia season 4

• Release year: 2026

The Ginny and Georgia season 3 finale left viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering who exactly could be the father of Georgia's unborn child. There are two candidates, Paul and Joe, and most fans are hoping it's Joe. He's the best fit and seems to share a deeper connection with Georgia. However, the writers might go the Paul route to add more drama. Regardless, all eyes are on the upcoming Ginny and Georgia season 4, which should finally reveal the baby’s father. Brianne Howey and Antonia Gentry reprise their respective roles as Georgia and Ginny.

The cast and crew are hard at work shooting the fourth season in Canada, so we most likely won't be getting a release date anytime soon. However, our best guess at the moment is that we're looking at a mid-to-late 2026 release on Netflix. We'll have to get back to you with the official release date once it's announced.

One Piece season 2

• Release date: March 10

After an amazing first season, fans will get to set sail on the Going Merry again when One Piece returns with its highly anticipated second season next year. In the first season, Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates crew defeat Arlong and then continue their journey toward the Grand Line.

In One Piece season 2, the crew will explore more iconic locations from the manga, like Reverse Mountain, Loguetown, Whiskey Peak, Little Garden, and Drum Island. They will also encounter new adversaries and face fresh challenges as they move closer to Luffy’s ultimate dream of becoming the King of the Pirates.

Iñaki Godoy reprises his role as Monkey D. Luffy. Mackenyu, Emily Rudd, Jacob Romero, and Taz Skylar also return in their respective roles. In addition, the second season adds many new, talented actors to the cast, including Mikaela Hoover, Charithra Chandran, Katey Sagal, and Joe Manganiello.

Outer Banks season 5

• Release year: 2026

It's been an incredible journey with the Pogues in Outer Banks, but in 2026, we'll officially be saying goodbye to them all. Sadly, the upcoming Outer Banks season 5 is the final installment of the hit teen series. Who would've thought a show about a tight-knit group of teens chasing treasure and secrets along the North Carolina coast would grow into one of Netflix's best shows?

It's not going to be easy once the final season arrives, but we're looking forward to seeing how the Pogues’ story concludes. Hopefully, it ends with a bang. That's the only right way to close out such a fantastic show. Outer Banks season 5 will see John B, Sarah, Kiara, Pope, and Cleo on a revenge mission after the untimely death of their friend, JJ. We'll also see them continue their pursuit of the Blue Crown treasure.

The returning cast includes Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss, Drew Starkey, Carlacia Grant, Austin North, Fiona Palomo, Tony Crane, and Cullen Moss.

My Life with the Walter Boys season 3

• Release year: 2026

My Life with the Walter Boys will also be coming back with a new season in the new year, and fans are more than ready to return to Silver Falls after that shocking season 2 cliffhanger ending. Not only do we need to find out what comes of the Jackie, Cole, and Alex love triangle, but we also need to find out if George is okay. The season 2 finale wrapped up with the ambulance arriving at the Walter family's ranch and Will telling Cole and Jackie that something happened to George. It's definitely going to be an interesting season 3 premiere.

My Life with the Walter Boys season 3 sees the return of Nikki Rodriguez, Noah LaLonde, and Ashby Gentry in their respective roles of Jackie, Cole, and Alex. We'll most likely see Johnny Link, Corey Fogelmanis, Connor Stanhope, Zoë Soul, Jaylan Evans, Sarah Rafferty, Marc Blucas, and many others return as well for the third installment.