The new year has arrived, and that means a lot of things await us. new films and TV shows to look forward to. To kickstart your 2026, the world best streaming services are releasing a mix of new releases that should help you hang in there a little longer in this holiday bubble.
From the epic conclusion of one of the most popular TV shows of all time to the streaming debuts of two recent 2025 films, there's plenty to watch in the list below that's almost guaranteed to keep you entertained this weekend. Now get ready for your first watch list of the year! – Amelia Schwanke, Senior Entertainment Editor
Stranger Things Season 5 Finale (Netflix)
One of the biggest rivalries on television is finally here! Eighth and final episode Stranger Things Season 5 released on Netflix in late 2025. If you haven't seen the two-hour finale called “Right Side Up,” during a limited run in the US and Canada There's no better time to stream this week, especially now that Netflix's servers are a little less overloaded.
The Duffer Brothers live out their '80s fever dream one last time, capping an emotional 10-year journey as one of NetflixThe most watched and most discussed shows. There is also something to sum up in the finale. From stopping Vecna ​​to fighting the Mind Flayer once and for all, Hawkins' heroes have everything on their plate in the final battle. – HOW
Run Away (Netflix)
There are only a few days left until 2026, and The Getaway of Harlan Coben revealed a plotline so crazy it could set a record for Netflix crime dramas. Simon (James Nesbitt) is desperately searching for his runaway daughter Paige (Ellie de Lange) after she left home for her abusive drug addict boyfriend Aaron (Thomas Flynn).
When Aaron turns up dead, Simon becomes the number one suspect. Going against the police, his family and his conscience to find Paige, he discovers more than he ever bargained for. You will have to give up every ounce of faith in your body, but it will be worth it.
I was left dizzy throughout the entire viewing and it's safe to say I've never enjoyed watching a gruesome murder more. Ruth Jones needs to do more serious dramas, but the star of the series is end of the serieswhich I may never forget. — Jasmine Valentine, entertainment reporter.
Barron's Cove (Paramount+)
Severance pay Fans, do you need more Tramell Tillman in your life? Of course yes, that's why you should watch it Barron's Cove this weekend. He joins a great cast in this thriller, along with Garrett Hedlund, Hamish Linklater and Brittany Snow.
Paramount+ The thriller tells the story of a man who kidnaps a young boy after his son's death is ruled a suicide and justice is not served. A boy, a classmate of his late son, is taken to a remote lake house where a man questions him about his son's disappearance.
It's truly dark stuff, and although critics are divided, the premise is intriguing, meaning you might enjoy this gripping thriller. – Lucy Buglass, Senior Entertainment Writer
Together (Hulu)
Real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco lead the cast This body horror movie is not to be missed.which explores codependency in a very chilling way. They play Tim and Millie, a couple who move to the countryside where disturbing events begin to happen to them as their bodies begin to stick together.
There are some moments here that are truly cringe-inducing, and I mean that in the best possible way. While it's not as complex as it could be, there are plenty of great special effects and moments that are very uncomfortable to watch.
Together widely regarded as one of the 2025s best horror movieswith a glowing 90% Rotten Tomatoes rating. It's worth your time this weekend. – LB
Cult of the Real Housewife (HBO Max)
TLC's New Investigative Documentary Investigates The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby and her Faith Temple Pentecostal Church. Given allegations of spiritual and financial impropriety both by Cosby and the church itself, there's a lot to unpack in this three-part series currently airing on the network. HBO Max.
Throughout its episodes, the series documents the history of the church thanks to the investigative journalists and bloggers who have followed the story from the beginning. It also features a leading cult expert who will share information about mind control cults and looks like it will be some decent entertainment this weekend.
I've been a fan of TLC programs for years now and I'm sure this one will be no exception. – LB
Cheetahs Up Close with Bertie Gregory (Disney+/Hulu)
Clearly, Cheetahs up close with Bertie Gregory This is a documentary I need to watch Disney+seeing as I glanced at the trailer thumbnail above and proudly told my colleagues that it was a leopard. A new special documentary directed by Bertie Gregory “reflects the extreme challenges facing the world's fastest land animal,” according to National Geographic.
Gregory follows the wildebeest migration into the Serengeti first-hand, resulting in a survival of the fittest special. Don't worry, it's not all that cruel… the cubs are incredibly cute. – JV
Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story (Netflix)
Pretty brilliant, Netflix is ​​trying to top Hulu's True Crime Documentary Game. In 2025 Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke brought Disney+ international acclaim, and now we're revisiting this horrific story, but focusing on Utah therapist Jodi Hildebrandt.
In 2023, her arrest for child abuse along with parent YouTuber Ruby Franke shocked the world and, according to Netflix, “exposed a twisted tale of manipulation.” It's a story we can't seem to get enough of, and we're going to revisit it from a whole new angle.
If anything, this documentary may be even more shocking than anything the public has already known. Hildebrandt is the biggest mystery we know the least about… well, until now. – JV
Follow TechRadar on Google News. And add us as your preferred source to get our expert news, reviews and opinions in your feeds. Be sure to click the “Subscribe” button!
And of course you can also Follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxing videos and get regular updates from us on whatsapp too much.
