As a new year dawns, it brings a fresh slate of must-see television, and TV Choice magazine has unveiled its definitive guide to the biggest shows and the upcoming awards ceremony that puts viewers in charge. The publication's preview for 2026 spotlights major returning dramas, hotly anticipated streaming arrivals, and the fan-voted process that crowns the nation's top TV stars and programmes.
The Prestigious Viewer-Voted Ceremony
The centrepiece of the television calendar is the TV Choice Awards 2026, scheduled for February 2. The event will once again be held at the luxurious London Hilton on Park Lane and hosted by popular comedian Jason Manford. What sets these awards apart is their democratic nature; winners are chosen exclusively by the magazine's readers, not industry panels, making it a true celebration of the public's favourites.
Drama and Streaming Highlights for 2026
The race for Best New Drama is particularly fierce this year. The shortlist includes the hard-hitting Stephen Graham series Adolescence and the compelling true-story legal drama I Fought The Law. Meanwhile, beloved returning series like All Creatures Great and Small and Call The Midwife continue to dominate ratings and will vie for top drama honours.
Streaming services are set to make a major impact early in the year. Netflix launches the fourth season of Bridgerton, shifting focus to Benedict's romantic pursuits in Regency London. Other significant streaming events for 2026 include the return of the global hit Stranger Things and the second series of The Night Manager, which begins on New Year's Day on the BBC.
Reality, Soaps and Unpredictable Votes
The Best Reality Show category promises another intense battle. Fan favourites The Traitors and Race Across the World lead the field, having captured audiences with their high-stakes formats and complex social dynamics. In the soap opera arena, perennial powerhouses Coronation Street and Emmerdale lead the nominations following a year of gripping storylines. TV Choice notes that the soap categories often yield the most surprising results, reflecting the passionate and loyal fanbases of these long-running programmes.
With viewer voting at its heart, the 2026 TV Choice Awards are set to be a definitive barometer of the UK's television tastes, celebrating everything from gritty new dramas to comforting returning favourites.
