Collider has rounded up TV shows from 2026 that became unexpected "sleeper hits" – series that arrived with little promotional buzz but went on to attract large audiences and generate significant conversation, in the mould of previous surprise successes like The Night Agent and The Pitt.

– His & Hers (Netflix): a six-episode mystery thriller starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal, based on Alice Feeney's novel, which has reportedly become one of Netflix's most-watched English-language shows ever
– Cape Fear (Apple TV): a 10-episode psychological thriller reimagining the classic film, with Javier Bardem as villain Max Cady opposite Amy Adams; reviews have been mixed but it has proven a ratings success
– Widow's Bay (Apple TV): an ongoing drama starring Matthew Rhys as a small-town New England mayor, praised as one of the standout new shows of 2026 despite a slow start
– The list continues with further titles, some already renewed for further seasons and others cancelled despite strong performance