We're officially halfway through 2026, and the entertainment world has already delivered unforgettable moments: The Devil Wears Prada 2, Obsession, Project Hail Mary, new music from Madonna and Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Styles' Wembley residency, and celebrity weddings for Zendaya, Dua Lipa, and Taylor Swift. But the best is yet to come. Here are 21 upcoming events we are totally hyped about.
Charlie and Nick's love story comes to an emotional end in Heartstopper Forever
Later this month, Netflix's Heartstopper concludes with a feature-length finale. Creator Alice Oseman teases an exploration of time, memory, love, and the changing of seasons. A behind-the-scenes documentary will also celebrate the beloved show. Heartstopper Forever premieres on Netflix on Friday 17 July.
Christopher Nolan brings the Greek epic The Odyssey to life with an A-list cast
Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's epic stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, with Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson. Shot entirely in IMAX, it promises a grand, green-screen-free spectacle. The Odyssey hits cinemas on Friday 17 July.
Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS promise to put on a show at the World Cup halftime show
Fifa's first-ever World Cup halftime show features Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and BTS in an 11-minute spectacle curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin to raise money for education. The event takes place on Sunday 19 July.
The Big Bang Theory gets an epic multiverse spin-off
In Stuart Fails To Save The Universe, Kevin Sussman's Stuart Bloom breaks a device causing a multiverse incident. He must restore reality with help from familiar characters like Denise, Bert, and Barry Kripke. The show blends sci-fi mythology with comedy. Premieres Friday 24 July on HBO Max.
Charli XCX has a completely new sound on Music, Fashion, Film
Charli XCX's seventh album moves away from the Brat summer sound toward rock influences. Singles include Rock Music, Wink Wink, and SS26. She warns fans the record might not be as universally loved but embraces the change. Released Friday 24 July.
We're also getting new music, a tour and a film from Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande releases her eighth album Petal on Friday 31 July, calling it "a little feral." The UK leg of her Eternal Sunshine tour begins Saturday 15 August. She also stars in Focker In-Law, the fourth Meet the Parents film, out Friday 25 November.
Ted Lasso returns to the pitch on Apple TV+
After a three-year hiatus, Ted Lasso returns for a fourth season focusing on women's football. New cast members include Tanya Reynolds and Abbie Hern. Season four explores leaping before looking. Returns Wednesday 5 August.
The DC Cinematic Universe continues to take shape
Lanterns, starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as Hal Jordan and John Stewart, investigates a murder in Nebraska. Clayface, a body horror film starring Tom Rhys Harries, releases in October. Both are part of James Gunn's rebooted DCU. Lanterns premieres Sunday 16 August on HBO Max.
Strictly Come Dancing is back with a bold new look
The beloved dance show returns with new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, and a rumored revamp. Confirmed contestants include Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, and Lacey Turner. Expected in early September.
You're cordially invited to season four of The Gilded Age
Julian Fellowes' period drama returns with Carrie Coon, Cynthia Nixon, and Christine Baranski. The new season explores consequences of Bertha Russell's social climb and Marian forging her own path. Coming in autumn.
We're ready for one last adventure in the final season of Outer Banks
The fifth and final season of Outer Banks drops Thursday 20 August. The Pogues face a desperate race to avenge their best friend and win freedom. New episodes follow the tragedy of season four.
Tom Cruise moves away from action franchises in Digger
Tom Cruise stars as an eccentric oil baron in Alejandro G. Iñárritu's black comedy Digger. Co-stars include Jessie Plemons, Riz Ahmed, and Sandra Hüller. The film explores ecological disaster and redemption. Released Friday 2 October.
Diane Morgan takes on the world of AI in her new comedy
Diane Morgan stars in Ann Droid, a BBC sitcom about an AI AnnDroid bought to help a widowed mother, but turns into a socially inept pain. Co-written by Sarah Kendall, it also stars Paul Ready and Sue Johnston. Premieres Friday 17 July on BBC One.
The Celebrity Traitors reopens its doors to a new cast of famous faces
The hit show returns with 21 new celebrities including Bella Ramsey, Michael Sheen, Maya Jama, and Rob Beckett. Expect bickering, challenges, and national treasures. Back on BBC One in autumn.
Rivals returns after that devastating cliffhanger
Disney+'s Rivals returns in November with six new episodes. The mid-season finale left characters in peril after a storm. The new episodes promise hedonistic parties, Bonfire Night chaos, and a turbulent Christmas.
A brand new take on Pride & Prejudice is coming to Netflix
Emma Corrin stars as Elizabeth Bennet, Jack Lowden as Mr. Darcy, with Olivia Colman and Rufus Sewell as Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Written by Dolly Alderton, this adaptation aims to stay faithful yet appeal to a Gen Z audience. Premieres on Netflix in autumn.
Florence Pugh is back on our screens in East Of Eden
The miniseries reimagines John Steinbeck's novel with a focus on anti-hero Cathy (Pugh). Christopher Abbott plays Adam. Directed by Zoe Kazan, it explores generational trauma and good versus evil. Also coming: Dune: Part Three and Avengers: Doomsday. Premieres later this year on Netflix.
Steven Moffat opens up the doors of Number 10 in a new political comedy
Former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat's Number 10 is a six-part Channel 4 dramedy set inside the PM's residence. Stars Rafe Spall as Prime Minister Harry Douglas, Katherine Kelly, and Jena Coleman. Premieres in autumn.
The new Hunger Games film will reintroduce Haymitch Abernathy as we've never seen him before
The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping follows a young Haymitch at the 50th Hunger Games. Cast includes Elle Fanning as Effie, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow. Released Friday 20 November.
Dune reaches its epic conclusion with a third film that's completely different from its predecessors
Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Three takes place 17 years after Part Two, focusing on Paul Atreides dealing with the consequences of power. Described as a thriller and more emotional. Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Anya Taylor-Joy return. Released Friday 18 December.
The world's mightiest heroes band together to fight a new threat in Avengers: Doomsday
Avengers: Doomsday, also out 18 December, brings together MCU veterans and new heroes, plus X-Men from Fox's universe. Robert Downey Jr. returns as Doctor Doom. The film pits heroes from three universes against an existential threat.
Source:Yahoo News UK News
