Viewers name the best TV of 2026 so far, from Legends to The Pitt
A reader survey crowns crime drama, social satire and warm British comedy as the standout shows of the year, spanning streaming and public-service channels.
Sophie Bennett
Writer ·
A reader survey has put a clutch of shows, including Legends, The Boroughs, Criminal Record, Small Prophets, Tip Toe, Babies and The Pitt, among the standout television of 2026 so far.
The list shows audiences rewarding a broad mix of genres rather than a single dominant title, drawing on both streaming services and public-service broadcasters.
What viewers picked
Crime drama remains a powerful draw, while social satire and warm British comedy sit alongside more emotionally direct storytelling. The spread underlines how varied audience tastes have become as choice expands across platforms.
What it tells us
With no overwhelming favourite, the picture suggests a healthy and competitive year for television in which several styles of programme can find a devoted audience at once.
Referenced coverage: Our reporting and analysis draws on coverage first reported by The Guardian. The NE Times publishes original reporting and independent analysis written by our editorial team. We credit and link the outlets whose primary reporting informed this article.
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