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For the pop culture aficionado, there are many events to look forward to in 2026.
Days after the start of the new year, The Traitors season 4 is set to premiere with a star-studded cast including Stephen Colletti, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Lisa Rinna, Love Island USA‘s Rob Rausch and more contestants who will either be a Faithful — or a Traitor.
Music fans are saving up their money to secure the best seats for brand-new tours from Cardi B and Ariana Grande.
As for movie buffs, Conan O’Brien is returning to host the 2026 Oscars. While Hollywood’s biggest awards show celebrates the best films from the past year, moviegoers are already marking their calendars for the releases of new movies, including Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping and Focker in Law.
Scroll down to read a roundup of 26 pop culture events to look forward to in 2026:
‘The Traitors’ Season 4 Premieres — January 8
Host Alan Cumming will surely be bringing his signature flair to the mafia-style game, which sees famed NFL mom Donna Kelce, Dancing With the Stars pro Mark Ballas and more celebrities attempting to sniff out their murderous peers. — Ryan Hudgins
Lala Kent and Ambyr Childers Launch New Podcast — January 8
As the podcast platform continues to grow in 2026, iHeartRadio is ready to bring two unlikely faces together for a special project. Titled “An Unlikely Affair,” the podcast reunites Lala Kent and Ambyr Childers — who famously shared the same ex, Randall Emmett — as they explore single motherhood, personal reinvention and the process of letting go of toxicity.
“I think the one thing I want people to take away from the podcast is this is not a podcast that is going to be talking about he whose name we shall not mention,” Kent shared with Us Weekly in December 2025. “Of course that’s how she and I know each other, but it’s more about the relationship and us coparenting and sex and dating and being single.” — Mike Vulpo
‘Dancing With the Stars’ Live Tour Starts — January 22
Fans of the reality dancing competition can rejoice — the pros (and some stars!) will be back on the ballroom floor showing off their moves to a live audience across the country. While beloved pros Rylee Arnold and former Eras Tour dancer Jan Ravnik will be cheering on from afar, viewers can expect to see Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, Ezra Sosa and more. — RH
‘Shrinking’ Season 3 Premieres — January 28
There’s so much to look forward to in the brand-new season of Shrinking (there’s even more How I Met Your Mother reunions between Jason Segel and Cobie Smulders, after all), but Michael J. Fox’s return to acting may take the cake. In the teaser, released in December 2025, Fox’s character is seen asking Harrison Ford’s Dr. Paul Rhoades what he’s “in for” in the waiting room of a medical center. “Parkinson’s. You?” Paul replies, while Fox quips, “Just a haircut.” — RH
‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Part 1 Premieres — January 29
Get ready to travel back to the 1800s with Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson)’s love story taking center stage in season 4. In a first look of the season, Benedict meets the mysterious Sophie (Yerin Ha) at a masquerade ball — whom viewers know is a servant working for a wealthy family. Part 1 drops on Netflix January 29 while part 2 will be released on the streaming platform February 26. — RH
The Grammys — February 1
While questions about who will host the awards show are still swirling, the full list of Grammys nominations are in — and Kendrick Lamar scored the most, with a whopping total of nine. It’s possible he could go back-to-back with a Record of the Year win, after previously taking home the title in 2025 with “Not Like Us.” — RH
2026 Winter Olympics Kick Off — February 6
Ready, set, gold! Lindsey Vonn, Mikaela Shiffrin and Chloe Kim are just some of the members of Team USA who could medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
Fans can expect two weeks of inspirational moments in a variety of sports, including figure skating, hockey, snowboarding and of course, curling. — MV
2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show — February 9
With the NFL playoffs being finalized in the coming days, some fans aren’t interested in which teams will actually compete in Super Bowl LX 2026. Instead, they are pumped for the halftime show with headliner Bad Bunny.
“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” Bad Bunny said in a statement in September 2025 after he was announced as the performer. “It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown … this is for my people, my culture and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.” — MV
Cardi B Launches the ‘Little Miss Drama Tour’ — February 11
After the release of her album Am I The Drama?, the Grammy-winning rapper is ready to launch her first headlining arena tour by visiting more than 30 cities across North America.
“We putting the kids to bed early because the Little Miss Drama Tour is coming to a city near you!” she wrote via Instagram in September 2026 when revealing her tour dates. — MV
‘Wuthering Heights’ Premieres — February 13
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi are set to star in the film based on Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel of the same name, which follows their tumultuous love story — and has received some criticism from fans due to Elordi as Heathcliff, who was described as “dark-skinned” in the book. Robbie has since defended her costar’s casting, telling British Vogue in December 2025, “I saw him play Heathcliff. And he is Heathcliff. I’d say, just wait. Trust me, you’ll be happy.” — RH
‘Scrubs’ Revival Premieres — February 25
More than a decade after the medical drama came to a close, Scrubs is returning with Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, Zach Braff, Judy Reyes, John C. McGinley and more at the fictional teaching hospital Sacred Heart Hospital. While reflecting on their reunion, McGinley exclusively told Us Weekly in November 2025, “[It felt] like riding a bike. Like falling out of bed.” — RH
‘Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans’ Premieres — February 25
Ozzy Lusth Jeffrey R. Staab/CBS
Survivors ready? Jeff Probst is back to celebrate 25 years of CBS’ competition series with a massive all-star season. Survivor legends, including Cirie Fields, Ozzy Lusth and recent winner Savannah Louie, will return for a season that is expected to include shocking tribal councils, brutal competitions and more than a few backstabs. — MV
Christina Applegate Releases Her Memoir — March 3
The actress is ready to share new details about her life in a personal memoir titled You With the Sad Eyes. “I’ve had a career in TV and film since I was 3 years old, and I loved it. But with MS, all the things I thought were important shifted,” she explained when first announcing the project. “For a long time, it felt impossible to find the meaning in everything I’ve been through, but for the first time in my life I’ve been able to stop and reflect.” — MV
Conan O’Brien Hosting the Oscars — March 15
After receiving rave reviews one year prior, Conan O’Brien is returning to host the star-studded 98th Academy Awards. “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” the comedian quipped in a statement. — RH
‘The Bachelorette’ Season 22 With Taylor Frankie Paul Premieres — March 22
The internet was abuzz when The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star was announced as the next Bachelorette, and she’s since taken Us along for the ride with behind-the-scenes glimpses of her journey to find The One. On the heels of the announcement in September 2025, the reality star teased exclusively to Us that it’s her “goal” to get engaged on The Bachelorette. But will she find her happily ever after? Time will tell. — RH
Justin Bieber Headlines the Coachella Music Festival — April 10-12
It’s never too early to perfect your flower crowns and pack your bags for a trip to Indio, California, and the star-studded Coachella Music and Arts Festival. Although Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G are also headlining individual nights, the most buzz belongs to the Biebs — a.k.a Justin Bieber — who has participated in very few performances ever since he canceled the remainder of his Justice World Tour in 2022. — MV
Tortuga Music Festival with Kenny Chesney, Riley Green and Post Malone — April 10-12
Although the Stagecoach Music Festival grabs the attention of West Coast country music fans every April, those closer to Florida can’t wait to dust off their cowboy boots and attend the Tortuga Music Festival. Kenny Chesney, Riley Green and Post Malone are set to headline the annual festival, which also includes Russell Dickerson, Dustin Lynch and even Ice Cube. — MV
‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Hits Theaters— May 1
In the wise words of Nigel (Stanley Tucci), gird your loins for the highly-anticipated sequel revolving around “Miranda Priestly’s struggle against Emily Charlton, her former assistant turned rival executive, as they compete for advertising revenue amidst declining print media while Miranda nears retirement,” per IMDB. The crew took over New York City in summer 2025, so it’s safe to say the Big Apple may serve as the, ahem, runway for the upcoming comedy drama. — RH
The ‘Costume Art’-Themed Met Gala — May 4
Fashion’s biggest night is set to take place, per usual, in New York City at the Metropolitan Museum of Art — but this time, the gala will be themed “Costume Art.” While some of Hollywood’s biggest names will surely be at the event (the invite list currently remains tight-lipped), viewers can expect to see cochairs Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour. — RH
No Doubt Launches Las Vegas Residency — May 6
Don’t speak; we know what you’re thinking. It’s hard to believe Gwen Stefani, Tony Kanal, Tom Dumont and Adrian Young of No Doubt are just months away from reuniting for a limited residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Fortunately, the group is gearing up for a few special shows that are guaranteed to feature all the hits. — MV
Ariana Grande Launches the ‘Eternal Sunshine Tour’ — June 6
If 2025 was all about holding space for Ariana Grande in Wicked: For Good, 2026 will be all about celebrating the “dangerous woman” singer’s musical gifts as she hits the road for a special tour.
“I do know that I’m very excited to do this small tour, but I think it might not happen again for a long, long, long, long time,” she said on a November 2025 episode of the “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” podcast. “It’s going to be beautiful and I’m so grateful that — I think that’s why I’m doing it because I’m like, ‘One last hurrah.’ For now.” — MV
‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Premieres — November 20
Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are reportedly set to reprise their roles of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, respectively, during a flash forward epilogue in the upcoming prequel film.
Sunrise on The Reaping is the second prequel novel in Suzanne Collins‘ Hunger Games universe. The novel is the origin story for Woody Harrelson’s character Haymitch and recounts how he became the winner of the second Quarter Quell. — MV
‘Focker-in-Law’ Premieres — November 26
The Meet the Parents franchise is back and the cast for the fourth installment is once again more than impressive. Returning faces Ben Stiller, Teri Polo and Robert De Niro will join some new additions to the franchise, including Ariana Grande.
While much of the plot remains top secret, The Hollywood Reporter previously revealed that one story line revolves around the son of Stiller and Polo’s characters, who gets engaged to a ball-busting woman who seems all wrong for him. — MV
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Wedding — TBA
While the Eras Tour performer and Kansas City Chiefs tight end have yet to reveal plans for their nuptials, it’s possible the power couple could be tying the knot in 2026. “I’m so excited about it,” Swift said of their wedding during an October 2025 appearance on The Graham Norton Show. “I know it’s gonna be fun to plan because I think the only stressful weddings are the ones where you have a small amount and people are on the bubble.” — RH
If there’s one thing to look forward to in 2026, it may just be the amount of spinoffs and prequels coming to the small screen. Although 2025 saw the premieres of critically acclaimed series, including Adolescence, MobLand and The Pitt, the next 12 months may be dominated by spinoffs. For starters, reality TV viewers are […]
‘The Real Housewives of Rhode Island’ Premieres — TBA
Although Bravo fans are already whooping it up that Vicki Gunvalson is returning to The Real Housewives of Orange County for season 20, the real party may be in Rhode Island when viewers are introduced to a new group of ladies, including Bachelor Nation alum Ashley Iaconetti. If the trailer is any indication of what’s to come, fans better buckle up. — MV
‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Season 4 Premieres — TBA
After cameras stopped rolling on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 3, drama reached a peak — thanks, in part, to the Fruity Pebbles of it all with Demi Engemann. While it’s yet to be confirmed which stars are and aren’t returning for season 4, Engemann told People in December 2025 that her future on the show is “a big decision” that she isn’t taking “lightly.” — RH
