Television in 2026 is bringing back some familiar faces. After a couple of slower years following the writers’ and actors’ strikes, networks and streaming services are filling their schedules with shows that audiences already love. The revival trend this year seems aimed directly at millennials who grew up watching these series, though there is something for every age group.
Several beloved shows are returning with new episodes, some after more than a decade off the air. From medical comedy to vampire slaying, these revivals are bringing back original cast members while introducing new characters. Here are five TV show revivals in 2026 that deserve a spot on your viewing schedule.
The Cast of ‘Scrubs’ Returns to Sacred Heart Hospital on February 25
The medical comedy that ran from 2001 to 2010 is getting another chance. ABC will premiere the Scrubs revival on February 25, with the episode streaming the next day on Hulu . Zach Braff, who played J.D., is directing the first episode himself, which feels like a proper welcome back for longtime viewers .
Most of the main cast is returning. Braff, Donald Faison (Turk), and Sarah Chalke (Elliot) are back in their lead roles. John C. McGinley (Dr. Cox) and Judy Reyes (Carla) will make guest appearances throughout the nine-episode season . New faces joining the Sacred Heart staff include Vanessa Bayer from Saturday Night Live and Joel Kim Booster from Fire Island .
Series creator Bill Lawrence is serving as an executive producer, though he is not handling day-to-day duties because of his other commitments . The revival takes place at the same hospital, checking in on where the characters ended up while introducing new medical staff. Fans can expect the same mix of absurd daydreams, emotional moments, and the J.D.-Turk friendship that made the original work.
‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Returns for a Four-Episode Reunion on April 10
Hulu is bringing the chaotic family back for a short run. Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair premieres on April 10 and will run for four episodes . The revival catches up with Malcolm, now an adult living a quiet life with his girlfriend and their daughter.
Frankie Muniz returns as Malcolm, while Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek are back as Hal and Lois. The story centers on the family gathering for the parents’ 40th wedding anniversary, which forces Malcolm to reconnect with everyone . For viewers who remember Cranston mostly from Breaking Bad, this revival shows his comedy roots.
The four-episode format feels more like a family reunion than a full season, giving fans a chance to see how the family turned out without stretching the story too thin. Given that the original ended 20 years ago, this shorter approach might work better than a long season.
Sarah Michelle Gellar Mentors a New Slayer in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale’
After years of rumors, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival is finally happening in 2026. The new series, titled Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale, brings back Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers, but she is not the main focus this time .
Chloé Zhao, who won an Oscar for Nomadland, is directing the revival. Gellar is also serving as an executive producer. The story centers on a new 16-year-old Slayer, described as smart and somewhat of a loner . Buffy steps into a mentoring role, guiding the next generation of vampire hunters.
The revival aims to return to the feel of the first season, before the show got darker and more complex. While the focus is on new characters, chances are high that familiar faces like Willow and Spike could show up. No exact premiere date has been announced yet, but the show is expected to land on Hulu sometime in 2026.
‘Stargate SG-1’ Joins Netflix on February 15
Science fiction fans get a massive treat this month as the complete Stargate SG-1 arrives on Netflix on February 15 . While not a new season, this is a revival in the sense that the streaming deal brings the series back into public view after years of being scattered across different platforms.
Stargate SG-1 ran for 10 seasons and over 200 episodes between 1997 and 2007, making it the longest-running American science fiction series to date . The show started on Showtime before moving to Syfy, which explains why early seasons feel darker than later ones.
The series picks up after the 1994 film, following Richard Dean Anderson as Colonel Jack O’Neill and Michael Shanks as Daniel Jackson as they lead military teams through the Stargate to other planets. Amanda Tapping plays Samantha Carter, and Christopher Judge portrays Teal’c, an alien warrior who joins the team. The show built a massive following over its run, and having all episodes in one place on Netflix makes it easy for new viewers to discover it.
‘The Muppet Show’ Revival Special Scores Perfect Reviews
For fans of classic variety shows, The Muppet Show returned with a revival special on February 4 on Disney+ . The special coincides with the show’s 50th anniversary and brings Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the whole gang back to the stage format that made them famous.
Sabrina Carpenter hosts the special, with Seth Rogen and Maya Rudolph also appearing as guest stars. The special has received a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising how it honors the original while feeling fresh .
“The Muppet Show deserves two flippers up and a Kermit flail for bringing the Muppet gang back to the format that showcases their comedy, creativity, and heart in the very best way.” – IGN Movies
Critics note that the special faithfully recreates the original show’s format. The Hollywood Reporter mentioned that while this is not the show at its absolute best, it returns to what the Muppets do best . For anyone who grew up watching the Muppets, this special offers a warm trip back to familiar territory.
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Other Revivals Worth Noting
A few other familiar titles are coming back in different ways. Ted Lasso returns for a fourth season on Apple TV in summer 2026, with Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, and Brett Goldstein confirmed to return . This one is less a revival and more a continuation, since the show had only been off for a few years.
The Comeback, the Lisa Kudrow comedy, is coming back for a third and final season, two decades after its first episodes aired . Kudrow reprises her role as Valerie Cherish, a struggling actress trying to stay relevant in Hollywood.
Netflix also added Prodigal Son and Night Court to its library in February . While these are not new episodes, the streaming availability gives these canceled shows a second life with new audiences.
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