What Show To Watch Next? The One That Changes Everything
Watch The Boroughs on HBO Max next-if you want the highest-rated new show right now with a 97% critics score and a star-studded cast including Bill Pullman and Jena Malone.
Top 10 Shows to Watch Next in May 2026
Based on Rotten Tomatoes' latest popularity charts released May 25, 2026, here are the definitive recommendations for what show to watch next, ranked by critical acclaim and audience engagement.
| Rank | Show Name | Season | Critics Score (%) | Audience Score (%) | Genre | Streaming Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Boroughs | 1 | 97% | 79% | Sci-Fi | HBO Max |
| 2 | The Boys | 5 | 93% | 49% | Superhero | Prime Video |
| 3 | Off Campus | 1 | 93% | 88% | Romance | Netflix |
| 4 | Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed | 1 | 94% | 87% | Thriller | Hulu |
| 5 | Widow's Bay | 1 | 97% | 92% | Horror-Comedy | Netflix |
| 6 | Legends | 1 | 97% | 85% | Criminal Drama | BBC iPlayer |
| 7 | Spider-Noir | 1 | 92% | 92% | Superhero | Disney+ |
| 8 | The Mandalorian | 3 | 84% | 51% | Sci-Fi | Disney+ |
| 9 | Dutton Ranch | 1 | 89% | 83% | Drama | Paramount+ |
| 10 | From | 4 | 100% | 80% | Mystery | AMC+ |
Why The Boroughs Is the Best Choice Right Now
The Boroughs exudes excellence through its wonderfully plotted sci-fi trappings, star-studded cast, heartfelt narrative, and genuine ingenuity-making it a new classic through-and-and-through. The series premiered May 15, 2026, and features Bill Pullman, Jena Malone, Alfred Molina, and Geena Davis in a compelling ensemble that critics say elevates the genre.
With a 97% critics score and strong audience engagement at 79%, this HBO Max original represents the pinnacle of current TV quality.
Best Shows by Genre
Different viewers seek different experiences, so here are the top picks categorized by genre to help you find your perfect next watch:
- Sci-Fi: The Boroughs (97% critics) or From (100% critics)
- Superhero: Spider-Noir with Nicolas Cage (92% both scores) or The Boys Season 5 (93% critics)
- Romance: Off Campus (93% critics, 88% audience)
- Thriller: Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed starring Tatiana Maslany (94% critics)
- Horror-Comedy: Widow's Bay with Katie Dippold (97% critics, 92% audience)
- Criminal Drama: Legends with Tom Burke and Steve Coogan (97% critics)
Top New Releases in May 2026
May 2026 has seen an unprecedented surge of high-quality premieres. According to Screen Crush's weekly guide published May 24, 2026, new TV shows this week include World War II With Tom Hanks, Spider-Noir, Criminal Minds: Evolution, and Calabasas.
- The Boroughs - May 15, 2026 (HBO Max)
- Widow's Bay - May 20, 2026 (Netflix)
- Off Campus - May 18, 2026 (Netflix)
- Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed - May 12, 2026 (Hulu)
- From Season 4 - May 22, 2026 (AMC+)
Anticipated Shows Coming Soon in 2026
Deadline's 2026 TV guide reveals several highly anticipated series still to come. January 2026 brought back HBO dramas including The Pitt and Industry, plus the Game of Thrones prequel A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
February 2026 will feature a remake of The Burbs starring Keke Palmer on Peacock, Season 3 of The Night Agent, and Season 2 of The Last Thing He Told Me. March and April are packed with exciting content including Bridgerton Season 4 on Netflix and Shrinking Season 3 on Apple TV+.
"The Boroughs exudes excellence through its wonderfully plotted sci-fi trappings, star-studded cast, heartfelt narrative, and genuine ingenuity; a new classic through-and-through." - Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Final Recommendation
For the best overall experience combining critical acclaim, star power, and fresh storytelling, start with The Boroughs on HBO Max-it's the #1 most popular show right now for good reason. If you prefer mystery over sci-fi, choose From Season 4 on AMC+ with its perfect 100% critics score.
Expert answers to What Show To Watch Next The One That Changes Everything queries
What show should I watch if I liked The Boys?
If you enjoyed The Boys' dark superhero satire, watch Spider-Noir on Disney+ (92% critics, Nicolas Cage) or Devil May Cry Season 2 on Crunchyroll (100% critics).
What is the highest-rated new show in 2026?
The Boroughs holds the highest critics score at 97% among new 2026 series, with From Season 4 achieving a perfect 100% critics score but being a continuing show rather than new.
Which streaming platform has the best shows right now?
HBO Max leads with The Boroughs (97%), Netflix has multiple top-10 shows including Off Campus and Widow's Bay, and Disney+ offers Spider-Noir and The Mandalorian.
What show is best for binge-watching?
Off Campus (romance, 93% critics, 88% audience) and Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed (thriller, 94% critics) are ideal for binge-watching with their whirlwind narratives and strong character dynamics.
Are there any family-friendly shows to watch next?
The Mandalorian Season 3 (84% critics) on Disney+ offers family-friendly sci-fi adventure, while Dutton Ranch (89% critics) on Paramount+ provides drama suitable for mature teens and adults.