From giant crab men to searing satire, here's the best TV of 2026 so far

In a challenging media landscape where new streaming services constantly emerge and prices fluctuate, discerning quality television has become a daunting task. Amidst everyday life's stressors, committing to a new series can feel risky, especially if it fails to impress.

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It's been almost seven years since Apple TV entered the streaming war, and one thing has become apparent: the studio is great at making bespoke shows but terrible at telling the world about them.

To navigate this, a review has identified the standout shows of 2026. "Widow's Bay," available on Apple TV+, is singled out as the year's best. Created by Katie Dippold, known for her work on "Parks and Recreation" and "The Babadook," the series masterfully combines elements of Stephen King-style horror mysteries with workplace comedy. The show centers on Mayor Tom, who attempts to rebrand the reputedly cursed New English island of Widow's Bay, only to have its haunted past resurface.

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Which is how Widow's Bay, the best show of the year slid into our lives in late April, quietly waiting for the audience to discover its unearthly delights.

The series has garnered widespread acclaim, with notable figures like Guillermo del Toro and Jonathan Bailey praising its unique blend of genres. Episode four, "Beach Reads," is highlighted for its exceptional execution, featuring a possessed party book that derails a council worker's efforts to host a successful event. As the season progresses, "Widow's Bay" deepens its lore, exploring themes of isolation and the island's supernatural hold, all while maintaining its comedic charm. The review urges viewers to catch up before its popularity explodes, drawing a parallel to the delayed appreciation of "Severance."

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Created by former Parks and Recreation writer (and perhaps more importantly, the genius behind the Babadook at the adult halloween party tweet), Katie Dippold, Widow's Bay is like you took a misty Stephen King horror mystery and shook it up with your favourite workplace comedy.

Another show mentioned is "Saturday Night Live UK," described as facing significant challenges in its debut year. The British adaptation of the iconic American comedy sketch show features a cast of emerging comedians and Edinburgh Fringe Festival favorites.

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Mayor Tom (Matthew Rhys, slapstick master) is desperate to rehabilitate Widow's Bay's reputation from creepy New English island (with rumours of settler cannibalism) to the hottest new yuppie holiday destination.