Streaming Guide 2026: New Thrillers, Dramas and Documentaries to Watch
The streaming landscape for 2026 offers an exciting array of new content across multiple platforms. From gripping missing person mysteries to royal scandals and apocalyptic dramas, there is something for every viewer. This guide highlights the standout releases available on Prime Video, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and other services.
Vanished (2026 Series)
Glamorous missing boyfriend thriller, starring Sam Claflin and Kaley Cuoco
Year: 2026
Certificate: 18
Watch now on Prime Video
This glamorous thriller features two attractive stars in a puzzling mystery where the man, played by Sam Claflin, disappears unexpectedly. Kaley Cuoco portrays Alice, an archaeologist who discovers her long-distance boyfriend Tom has vanished right after she proposes a more permanent relationship. The story unfolds across fancy European hotels, with Alice using her professional skills to dig into Tom's life, questioning whether he truly worked in refugee aid. The scenic locations provide beautiful backdrops as she follows clues, offering a refreshing twist with a male missing person. The series consists of four tightly packed episodes.
Bridgerton (Series 4)
Benedict unknowingly falls for a maid in this Bridgerton Cinderella story
Year: 2026
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Netflix
The fourth installment of Shonda Rhimes's romance series presents a simple Cinderella narrative focusing on Benedict Bridgerton, a notorious rake unaware he desires a wife. During the season's first masquerade ball, he becomes enchanted by a lady in silver who vanishes without revealing her identity. The shocking revelation follows that his elusive love is actually Sophie, a maid living under a wicked stepmother figure portrayed by Katie Leung. Australian actress Yerin Ha delivers a strong performance as the soulful Sophie, while Luke Thompson embodies a jollier version of Colin Firth as Benedict. Their rocky path to love spans eight episodes, featuring memorable scenes like a lakeside moment, loosely based on the original book An Offer From A Gentleman but with creative adaptations.
I Swear I Can't Help It
Documentary insight into the life of John Davidson
Year: 2009
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Prime Video
This documentary, originally titled Tourettes: I Swear I Can't Help It, provides a profound look into the life of John Davidson, who became known to UK audiences through the QED documentary John's Not Mad in 1989. The film catches up with Davidson as an adult and others living with Tourettes syndrome, offering a strong insight into difficult lives handled with grace. Running just under an hour, it highlights Davidson's tireless campaigning for better public understanding of the condition. For further exploration, the biopic I Swear, starring Robert Aramayo as Davidson, is available to rent before its Netflix release on March 10.
Paul McCartney: Man On The Run
Documentary following the founding of Wings with Paul and his wife Linda
Year: 2026
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Prime Video
Directed by Oscar-winner Morgan Neville, this documentary aims to shift perceptions from Paul McCartney's Beatles era to his work with Wings. Featuring rare unreleased music and footage, the film captures the fun and freedom McCartney experienced with the band, which produced seven studio albums including UK number ones Band On The Run and Venus And Mars. At 115 minutes, it offers an entertaining glimpse into a decade-long musical journey that began after the Beatles' split.
Formula 1: Drive To Survive
The dramas behind the engines of Formula 1, now back for series eight
Year: 2019-
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Netflix
This Netflix documentary series has become a success story, introducing new fans to Formula 1 through beautifully shot behind-the-scenes access. Starting in 2019, each series tracks a racing season, highlighting drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Daniel Ricciardo, and Max Verstappen. The eighth series covers the 2025 season, with improved access and less over-dramatization compared to previous installments. Episode two stands out as a highlight in this eight-series collection.
The Lady
How Sarah Ferguson's former dresser became a murderer
Year: 2026
Certificate: 12
Watch now on ITVX
This four-part drama delves into the story of Jane Andrews, who murdered her lover Thomas Cressman in 2000. Her notoriety stems from her connection to Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, whom she served as dresser from 1988 to 1997. The series explores Jane's journey from an ordinary girl in Grimsby to a volatile killer, with significant focus on her relationship with Fergie, played by Natalie Dormer. The cast includes Mia McKenna-Bruce as Jane and Ed Speleers as Tommy, unraveling the events leading to the murder over four episodes.
Dirty Business
Two unlikely citizen detectives fight to bring big water to account
Year: 2026
Certificate: 12
Watch now on Channel 4
This three-part series exposes Britain's sewage pollution scandal with a balanced approach, avoiding sensationalism while presenting enraging facts. It highlights cases like an eight-year-old girl dying from E coli on a contaminated beach and billions in profits made by hedge funds managing water companies. David Thewlis and Jason Watkins star as Ash Smith and Peter Hammond, a retired police officer and professor who use their expertise to interpret data on corporate failings. The series effectively portrays the scandal as akin to organized crime, emphasizing the seismic failure of water infrastructure.
Scrubs
Hospital-set sitcom starring Zach Braff as an unorthodox doctor, now back for a new series
Year: 2001-
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Disney+ and ITVX
Created by Bill Lawrence, this underrated sitcom returns for a tenth series in 2026, following the medical careers of John 'JD' Dorian and his colleagues at Sacred Heart Hospital. The show blends playful silliness with unexpected tragedy, featuring a fantastic ensemble cast including John C McGinley as Dr Cox. The new series reunites original cast members like Donald Faison and Sarah Chalke, introducing new trainee doctors, including a Brit played by Jacob Dudman. With ten series available, it offers a mix of familiar comedy and fresh twists.
The Zero Line: Inside Russia's War
Disturbing documentary insight into the brutal Russian frontline
Year: 2026
Certificate: 18
Watch now on BBC iPlayer
Filmed in secrecy throughout 2025, this powerful documentary reveals the brutal realities of Russia's war in Ukraine. Soldiers and civilians risk arrest or worse by speaking out about torture, summary executions, and repression under Vladimir Putin's regime. The film paints a chilling picture of escalating suppression, with new laws stifling freedom of speech and thousands of arrests. At 60 minutes, it provides a harrowing look at the human cost of conflict.
Dead Of Winter
Emma Thompson plays a loner trying to save a young woman in this icy thriller
Year: 2025
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Paramount+
Emma Thompson stars as Barb, a widowed loner who discovers a young woman held captive in a remote Minnesota cabin. The thriller focuses on Barb's decision to act, driven by flashbacks to her marriage and Thompson's expressive performance. Judy Greer co-stars as part of the couple behind the captivity, with tension and emotion taking precedence over action. At 98 minutes, it offers a gripping portrait of marriage and morality in extreme situations.
The Stolen Girl
Exciting missing child thriller starring Denise Gough and Holliday Grainger
Year: 2025
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Disney+ and ITVX
Based on Alex Dahl's novel Playdate, this five-part drama follows a mother, played by Denise Gough, whose daughter goes missing after a playdate. Holliday Grainger portrays the enigmatic friend's mother, with Ambika Mod as a journalist uncovering secrets. The series builds tension through charged interactions and a Europe-wide hunt, offering an enjoyable ride reminiscent of Harlan Coben thrillers.
The Walsh Sisters
Novelist Marian Keyes' five chaotic Irish sisters arrive on the screen
Year: 2025
Certificate: 12
Watch now on BBC iPlayer
This six-part drama adapts Marian Keyes's novels about the dysfunctional Walsh family, updating the 1990s setting to the present day. It explores themes like addiction, heartbreak, and resilience through the lives of five sisters, their parents, and their unwavering support for each other. While initially disorienting for newcomers, the show gradually reveals each sister's strengths, making it a must-watch for fans and new viewers alike.
Paradise (Series 2)
The return of this gripping drama set in a forever-changed US
Year: 2026
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Disney+
The second series of this apocalyptic drama continues the story set in a bunker after a US President's assassination. Opening at Graceland with Shailene Woodley as a tour guide, it catches up with characters like Secret Service agent Xavier Collins, played by Sterling K Brown. The show stands out for its fun and uplifting tone compared to darker series like The Last Of Us, with eight episodes that keep viewers hooked.
LS Lowry: The Unheard Tapes
A treasure trove of audio tapes recorded with the artist during his final years
Certificate: PG
Watch now on BBC iPlayer
This documentary features previously unheard audio tapes of LS Lowry from 1972, lip-synced by Sir Ian McKellen in recreated period scenes. Lowry discusses his personal life, formative years, and the landscapes that inspired his iconic matchstick men paintings. Angela Barratt, a devoted fan, conducts the interviews, providing unique insights into the artist's world over 60 minutes.
Being Gordon Ramsay
Inside the six-month creation of a high-stakes restaurant project in London
Year: 2026
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Netflix
This six-episode series follows Gordon Ramsay as he opens a multi-experience restaurant at 22 Bishopsgate, a project costing him £20 million. Viewers see his fiery demeanor alongside softer moments with his family, reflecting on his journey from a council estate in Daventry. The show captures the stress and swearing involved in high-stakes culinary ventures.
Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model
Behind-the-scenes look at the wildly un-PC modelling contest
Year: 2026
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Netflix
This three-part documentary revisits the controversial reality show America's Next Top Model, hosted by Tyra Banks from 2003 to 2018. It explores intense challenges like blindfolded catwalks and racially insensitive photoshoots, with insights from Banks and her team. The series offers a snapshot of a provocative era in television history.
The Dyers' Caravan Park
Danny Dyer sinks his own money into a caravan park on the Isle of Sheppey
Year: 2026
Watch now on Sky
Danny Dyer and his daughter Dani invest in Priory Hill caravan park, aiming to revive the great British holiday experience. After a rocky start, they engage with guests and improve the site, showcasing their commitment over six episodes. The series highlights community and nostalgia for 1980s caravan holidays.
How To Get To Heaven From Belfast
Mix of murder mystery and dark comedy from Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee
Year: 2026
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Netflix
This eight-part series follows three Belfast women reuniting after a school friend's death, uncovering mysteries from their past. Starring Roisin Gallagher, Sinead Keenan, and Caoilfhionn Dunne, it blends dark comedy with drama, supported by a nostalgic soundtrack and a cast including Ardal O'Hanlon and Michelle Fairley.
Lord Of The Flies (2026 Series)
Schoolboys stranded on a tropical island fight to survive in this striking adaptation of William Golding's classic novel
Year: 2026
Certificate: 15
Watch now on BBC iPlayer
This television adaptation of William Golding's 1954 novel, set in the 1950s, explores themes of civility and morality as schoolboys struggle to survive on a desert island. Shot in Malaysia with a largely untrained cast, it focuses on characters like Ralph, Jack, Simon, and Piggy over four episodes, offering arresting visuals and a gripping narrative.
