What Are Some Good Shows You Haven't Seen Yet?
- 01. Stop Scrolling-What Are Some Good Shows to Start Now
- 02. Why This List Matters for Educators & Families
- 03. Shows Ranked by Critical Score & Educational Value
- 04. Top 15 Best Shows of 2026 (So Far)
- 05. Shows for Marist Values: Empathy, Service, & Community
- 06. How to Choose Shows for Your Audience
- 07. Statistical Snapshot: 2026 TV Quality Metrics
Stop Scrolling-What Are Some Good Shows to Start Now
The best shows to start now in May 2026 are top-rated series like The Boroughs (97% Tomatometer), The Boys: Season 5 (93%), Off Campus (93%), Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed (94%), and Widow's Bay (97%)-all proven binge-worthy picks with strong critical consensus. For educators and families seeking values-aligned content, Love on the Spectrum (Season 4) and Hacks (final Season 5) offer constructive storytelling about empathy, resilience, and intergenerational mentorship.
Why This List Matters for Educators & Families
In Marist education across Brazil and Latin America, we recognize that media consumption shapes student development just as powerfully as classroom instruction. Our analysis of 2026's top shows applies the same evidence-based rigor we use in curriculum innovation-evaluating narrative depth, moral clarity, and developmental impact.
Shows Ranked by Critical Score & Educational Value
| Show Title | Tomatometer | Platform | Educational Theme | Age Appropriateness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Boroughs: Season 1 | 97% | Streaming | Sci-fi ethics, community | TV-14 |
| Widow's Bay: Season 1 | 97% | Apple TV+ | Horror-comedy, resilience | TV-14 |
| Love on the Spectrum: S4 | 95% | Netflix | Neurodiversity, empathy | TV-PG |
| Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed | 94% | Streaming | Mystery, moral choices | TV-MA |
| The Boys: Season 5 | 93% | Amazon Prime | Power accountability | TV-MA |
| Hacks: Season 5 | 92% | HBO Max | Mentorship, legacy | TV-MA |
| Off Campus: Season 1 | 93% | Streaming | Young adult relationships | TV-14 |
Top 15 Best Shows of 2026 (So Far)
According to TVLine's May 27, 2026 analysis, these series represent the highest-quality television released this year, combining critical acclaim with compelling character development:
- Beef (Netflix)-Season 2 explores privilege ethics with Oscar Isaac & Carey Mulligan; creator Lee Sung Jin tackles thorny dilemmas with psychological depth
- The Comeback (HBO)-Lisa Kudrow's final season addresses AI in entertainment; tribute to late Robert Michael Morris
- Hacks (HBO Max)-Jean Smart & Hannah Einbinder's intergenerational friendship concludes with Madison Square Garden storyline
- Industry (HBO)-Season 4 reboot features Max Minghella & Kiernan Shipka; tackles sex trafficking & fascism themes
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO)-George R.R. Martin's Dunk & Egg novellas adapted; Peter Claffey as Ser Dunk with Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg
- Love on the Spectrum (Netflix)-Season 4 introduces Logan, Dylan, Emma; features Madison-Tyler engagement & Connor-Georgie breakup
- Paradise (Hulu)-Sterling K. Brown as Secret Service agent; Season 2 adds Shailene Woodley & Thomas Doherty
- The Pitt (HBO Max)-Noah Wyle's career-best work as Dr. Robinavitch; Katherine LaNasa returns as Dana
- Scrubs (ABC)-Season 10 revival after 16-year hiatus; addresses aging, burnout, evolving workplace culture
- Shrinking (Apple TV+)-Season 3 features Michael J. Fox; addresses retirement, college departure, patient loss
- Survivor 50 (CBS)-Celebratory season with returning fan favorites; "In the Hands of the Fans" finale
- The Testaments (Hulu)-Handmaid's Tale spin-off led by Chase Infiniti & Lucy Halliday; already renewed Season 2
- The Traitors (Peacock)-Season 4 features Donna Kelce as Secret Traitor; Lisa Rinna's Black Banquet downfall
- Widow's Bay (Apple TV+)-Matthew Rhys as mayor; Katie Dippold's horror-comedy with Kate O'Flynn breakout
- The Real Housewives of Rhode Island (Bravo)-Newest franchise installment; authentic delusion without reality TV awareness
Shows for Marist Values: Empathy, Service, & Community
For school administrators seeking values-driven content aligned with Marist pedagogy, these programs emphasize spiritual and social mission through narrative:
- Love on the Spectrum-Celebrates neurodiversity with genuine empathy; avoids exploitation while showing authentic dating journeys
- Hacks-Demonstrates intergenerational mentorship; Deborah's legacy bid shows resilience through repeated setbacks
- Shrinking-Brian Lawrence's warm dramedy addresses grief, therapy boundaries, community support with Michael J. Fox guest star
- The Pitt-Medical drama explores caregiving ethics; Dr. Robinavitch's suicidal ideation handled with humane depth
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms-Hedge knight Ser Dunk embodies humble service; low stakes but real character plights
How to Choose Shows for Your Audience
When selecting content for students, families, or faculty events, use this decision framework based on 2026 viewing data:
- Check Tomatometer score-aim for 90%+ for critically acclaimed quality
- Verify age rating alignment with your audience (TV-PG for younger students, TV-14 for teens, TV-MA for adults only)
- Assess theme relevance to educational goals (empathy, accountability, resilience, mentorship)
- Review synopsis for moral clarity-avoid content glorifying harmful behaviors without consequences
- Consider binge-worthiness-strong Season 1 hooks or complete series for facilitated discussions
Statistical Snapshot: 2026 TV Quality Metrics
Analysis of the top 25 shows reveals 97% average Tomatometer for #1 ranked content, with 80%+ audience scores across top 10 picks. Season 5 finales (Hacks) and milestone seasons (Survivor 50, Scrubs Season 10) show stronger critical reception than mid-curve entries.
"The comeback of 'The Comeback' left us feeling warm and fuzzy inside, and that's a feeling we'll forever cherish." -TVLine on Lisa Kudrow's final season
For educators seeking reliable guidance on media selection aligned with holistic education principles, this curated list provides evidence-based recommendations grounded in 2026's most trusted review sources.
Helpful tips and tricks for What Are Some Good Shows You Havent Seen Yet
What makes a show "good" for educational settings?
A show is educationally valuable when it features character growth arcs, addresses real ethical dilemmas, represents diverse perspectives authentically, and sparks meaningful dialogue without gratuitous content.
Which shows are best for family viewing together?
Love on the Spectrum (TV-PG), A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (TV-14), and Scrubs (TV-14) offer the best multi-generational appeal with accessible themes and minimal mature content.
Are there shows with Marist educational values?
Yes-Hacks (mentorship), Love on the Spectrum (solidarity with vulnerable populations), The Pitt (service to others), and Shrinking (community healing) align with Marist principles of presence, compassion, and social mission.
How often should I update my show recommendations?
Update quarterly-TVLine's May 2026 list shows 15 new best shows this year alone, and Rotten Tomatoes updates popularity charts weekly.
What platforms have the most quality shows in 2026?
HBO/HBO Max leads with 5 top shows (Hacks, Industry, The Comeback, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, The Pitt), followed by Netflix (Beef, Love on the Spectrum) and Hulu (Paradise, The Testaments).
