October 2026 features a jam-packed program of new TV shows, returning series, specials, and season finales. Streaming platforms, broadcast networks, and cable channels all have important releases scheduled for the month.
Quick Fact
| Date | Key premieres and specials | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 1 | East of Eden, War, Scrabble | Netflix, HBO, The CW |
| Oct. 2 | Tip Toe, Kill Jackie, Adventure Time: Side Quests | Starz, AMC+, Disney+, Hulu |
| Oct. 7 | Carrie, Small Prophets, Chicago Med | Prime Video, Apple TV, NBC |
| Oct. 9 | Avatar: Seven Havens, Haunted Hotel, Fire Country | Paramount+, Netflix, CBS |
| Oct. 15 | Crystal Lake, The Diplomat, 911 | Peacock, Netflix, ABC |
| Oct. 21 | The Terminal List, Six Kings Slam | Prime Video, Netflix |
| Oct. 23 | Lupin, Yaga, Happy’s Place | Netflix, AMC+, NBC |
| Oct. 30 | Dexter: Resurrection, Nocturne, Beat Luke Littler | Paramount+, Apple TV, Netflix |
October 2026 TV Premiere Dates
Thursday, October 1.
HBO and HBO Max premiere War at 9 p.m.
Friday, October 2.
Starz presents Tip Toe, while AMC+ debuts Kill Jackie. Disney+ and Hulu have added Adventure Time: Side Quests, while Tubi has launched Bite Size Terror.
Adult Swim debuts Get Jiro at midnight.
Sunday, October 4.
Marshals premieres on CBS at roughly 8:30 p.m., following the NFL doubleheader and 60 Minutes.
On Monday, October 5, Hulu will show Family Guy: Happy Hell o ween, with Tracker following at 9:30 p.m. CBS resumes with FBI at 8 p.m. and CIA at 9 p.m. CW also airs Private Eyes West Coast and Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent.
At 10 p.m., CBS will screen Harlan Coben’s Final Twist. In the same time slot, Food Network airs Sweet Deceit.
Tuesday, October 6.
Hulu debuts Reasonable Doubt. CBS maintains its NCIS lineup.
At 8 p.m., ABC airs Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. Nat Geo continues with Africa: Earth’s Wild Home.
Wednesday, Oct. 7
Carrie (Prime Video)
Small Prophets (Apple TV)
8 p.m.: Chicago Med (NBC)
8:30 p.m.: Abbott Elementary (ABC)
9 p.m.: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (ABC), Chicago Fire (NBC), Sistas (BET)
10 p.m.: Shark Tank (ABC, regular time), Chicago PD (NBC)
Thursday, Oct. 8
Below (Netflix)
The Kardashians (Hulu)
6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT: Saban (ESPN)
8 p.m.: Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage (CBS)
8:30 p.m.: Eternally Yours (CBS)
9 p.m.: Elsbeth (CBS), Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
10 p.m.: Cupertino (CBS), Law & Order (NBC)
Friday, Oct. 9
Avatar: Seven Havens (Paramount+)
Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger (Disney+/Hulu)
Haunted Hotel (Netflix)
8 p.m.: Sheriff Country (CBS)
9 p.m.: Fire Country (CBS)
10 p.m.: Boston Blue (CBS)
On October 22, Nobody Wants This premieres on Netflix, followed by Lupin on October 23, and Yaga on AMC+. Battle of the Streaming Stars will also premiere on the Roku Channel.
On that nite, NBC airs Happy’s Place and Newlyweds.
On October 25th, Paramount+ will premiere A Course Called Ireland, followed by The Mob on October 26th on Hulu.
The One About Matthew Perry will appear on Netflix on October 27th.
On October 29, Hulu will premiere Love Island Australia, while CBS will screen its Ghosts Halloween special.
On October 30th, many important releases are scheduled. Dexter: Resurrection makes its premiere on Paramount+. Apple TV debuts Nocturne, while Netflix debuts Beat Littler.
What to Watch in October 2026
October’s lineup includes returning favorites, new dramas, reality shows, documentaries, comedy specials, and significant streaming releases. Viewers can expect a particularly busy month on Netflix, Hulu, CBS, ABC, NBC, Prime Video, Disney+, and Paramount+.
The schedule may vary when networks and streaming services announce new dates. Check back for updates throughout October.
