AceShowbiz - Fans of television are preparing to bid farewell to several beloved shows in 2026, including Outer Banks, The Bear, Outlander, and Tell Me Lies. These series have captivated audiences with their engaging storylines and memorable characters, but their finales are now on the horizon.

Outer Banks, which premiered in 2020, centers on the divide between two groups of teenagers in a coastal North Carolina town: the affluent Kooks and the working-class Pogues. The upcoming Season 5, which recently completed production, is expected to explore the consequences following the shocking death of JJ, portrayed by Rudy Pankow.

The decision to kill off JJ stirred controversy when announced. Despite the show's writers asserting that this plot development was planned from the start, fans questioned if Pankow’s exit was influenced by rumored conflicts with fellow cast members, including Chase Stokes (John B), Madelyn Cline (Sarah), Madison Bailey (Kiara), Jonathan Daviss (Pope), and Carlacia Grant (Cleo). Pankow himself has commented that JJ’s death was intended to advance the story.

2026 has proven to be a difficult year for TV enthusiasts with multiple cancellations and series conclusions. For instance, Netflix discontinued Boots just two months after its debut. This scripted series, adapted from Greg Cope White’s memoir, followed the journey of Cameron (Miles Heizer) and his best friend Ray (Liam Oh) as they joined the U.S. Marine Corps in the 1990s.

Meanwhile, Hulu wrapped up Tell Me Lies after three seasons, and FX plans to conclude The Bear following its fifth season. These endings mark the close of some of the most talked-about television stories currently airing.

Here is a detailed list of TV shows that have ended or will officially finish in 2026 across various networks:

• AMC: Talamasca: The Secret Order
• Apple TV+: Palm Royale
• CBS: DMV, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, The Neighborhood, Watson
• The CW: All American
• FOX: Sherri
• FX: The Bear
• Hallmark: The Way Home
• HBO: The Comeback, Like Water for Chocolate
• HBO Max: Hacks
• Hulu: Tell Me Lies
• NBC: The Kelly Clarkson Show

Several beloved CBS shows and a "Law & Order" spinoff have also been lost in 2026, adding to the list of fan disappointments. In July 2025, Stephen Colbert announced that CBS will end The Late Show With Stephen Colbert next year, confirming the end of one of late-night television's staples.

As for streaming giants, Netflix will say goodbye to a number of series including Avatar: The Last Airbender, Outer Banks, Queer Eye, The Witcher, and The Upshaws. Paramount+ will conclude shows like Mayor of Kingstown and The Chi.

Other notable streaming and cable network shows ending in 2026 include:

• Prime Video: Good Omens, The Boys
• Showtime: Yellowjackets
• Starz: Outlander, Power Book IV: Force

The television landscape is shifting as these series wrap up their story arcs, providing closure for fans and making room for new content. While it’s always difficult to say goodbye to favorite shows, the endings in 2026 mark the close of significant chapters in contemporary TV entertainment.

As 2026 unfolds, viewers can expect heartfelt farewells and dramatic conclusions from these popular series. The industry continues to evolve, but the impact of these shows will remain a memorable part of television history.