Things I’m looking forward to in 2026

It’s around that time when people start thinking about the new year, and they start thinking about resolutions and the whole “new year, new me” thing. I am personally thinking about all the new media there will be to consume in the new year.

(Movie poster for Sunrise on the Reaping)

There are so many movies coming out in the next year, but of course, there are some specific ones I’m most interested in. The movie I’m most excited for is obviously The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The Hunger Games is one of my favorite franchises, and I love every book and movie in the series. I really have high hopes for this new movie since I really enjoyed the book, and I think the cast is perfect. I can’t wait to see it in November. I’m also looking forward to the new Wuthering Heights movie. It definitely seems like it won’t be very book-accurate, but the costumes, sets, and cinematography seem very well done in the trailer. Another movie I’m excited to see is Spider-Man: Brand New Day. I’m not really a big fan of Marvel movies, but I’ve always liked Spider-Man, the best superhero in my opinion. I really liked No Way Home, so I’m excited about how the story continues, considering how the last movie left off.

(Cover of Half His Age)

Books are probably my second most consumed media after movies. I don’t usually keep track of books being released, but there are a couple of books coming out in 2026 that I have my eye on. Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy is being released in January and it’s Jennette’s debut novel. This story is told by a teenage girl, and it explores themes like loneliness and desire. I read her memoir a few years back, and I really liked her writing; it was like I could feel every emotion she felt. Since her last book was a huge hit, I can’t wait to see how well her novel does. Another book I’m looking forward to is Brawler by Lauren Groff. I haven’t read any of Lauren’s other books, but this one caught my eye because it’s 9 short stories set in the 1950’s to the present time. Through these short stories, we’ll be able to explore the conflict between human darkness and light. Lastly, I’m also looking forward to The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout. This novel is about a history teacher who seems to live a normal life, but inside, he feels isolated, and he starts to question how little people know about each other.

(Promotional poster for Bridgerton season 4)

Although I’m not a big TV show watcher, in 2026, a couple of shows that I like are getting a new season. I’m mostly excited for Bridgerton season 4; the trailer recently came out, and it looked really good and promising. I can’t wait to see all of the new outfits the characters will wear. Although there isn’t an exact release date for Euphoria season 3, I think I speak for most people when I say that this might be the most anticipated TV show for 2026. I honestly didn’t expect this show to get another season, given the passing of Angus Cloud, but it seems like it’s happening. I’m unsure if it’ll be any good, but I will be watching. Netflix’s One Piece is also releasing a second season. It’s been a long time since I watched the first season, but I did enjoy it, so I’m hoping to enjoy the next season too. I’ll probably need to rewatch the first season. Also, watching the live adaptation gives me a good reason not to watch the anime since it’s so long. Lastly, HBO’s The Pit is releasing its second season in January. The first season did really well, and a lot of people seemed to love it. I’m still watching it, but I look forward to not waiting for the next season.

That’s all I have for this week. I hope everyone is enjoying their winter break. I know I am. Happy New Year!!