4 new Netflix shows to watch (and 2 to skip) in October 2026

Nobody Wants This. Adam Brody as Noah in episode 305 of Nobody Wants This | Cr. Katrina Marchinowski/Netflix

Fall has finally arrived and so has one of the busiest months of the year on Netflix so far. If you thought summer brought some of the most highly anticipated new original series on the streamer, then prepare to be spoiled by star-studded shows every single week in October 2026.

In the first two weeks of the month, Netflix debuts a pair of new limited series with familiar faces and enticing premises. After Florence Pugh brings an American classic novel to life and Josh Hartnett’s mystery thriller had wowed as, a pair of Emmy Award-nominated hits arrive with more.

But are all off the new Netflix shows coming in October worth watching? We’re sharing the handful of high-profile new series dropping throughout the month and recommending whether they should have a place on your watch list or sit the bench. Let’s get this list started below!

East of Eden

Watch!Netflix kicks off October with a strong start thanks to the debut of the new limited series East of Eden.Based on the John Steinbeck novel and from Zoe Kazan, the new take on the classic story featuring Academy Award nominee Florence Pugh in the leading role as Cathy Ames.

The seven-episode series explores the multi-generational story of the Trask family and diverges from Steinbeck’s classic by placing the antihero Cathy Ames front and center. Beyond Pugh, the series also stars Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist, Hoon Lee, Tracy Letts, Ciarán Hinds, Martha Plimpton, Joseph Zada, and Joe Anders.

East of Eden will surely be one of the most popular Netflix shows this fall and likely make its way from award show to award show beginning with the Golden Globes through next year’s Emmys. Obviously, this isn’t one to be skipped when it premieres on Oct. 1.

Below

Watch!The Josh Hartnett renaissance continues in a big way this fall. Not only is the star heading to the big screen in Colleen Hoover’s Verity alongside Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, but he’s also leading the exciting new Netflix mystery thriller limited seriesBelow.

The suspenseful series takes place in Newfoundland as a fisherman becomes the leading force in protecting his town from a sea creature that unleashes a reign of terror. Secrets from the past, a chilling mythology, and some family drama mix together in the surefire hit series.

Belowcontains six episodes and a supporting cast of familiar faces behind Hartnett, including Stranger Things star Charlie Heaton. Get a jump on spooky season with a can’t-miss binge-watch of Netflix’s latest thriller when the series debuts on Oct. 8.

Hollywood Arts

Skip!Ever since the series finished its run on Nickelodeon, Victorioushas held a special place in the hearts of many fans. The musical children’s series also enjoyed a slight resurgence years ago when it began streaming on Netflix that had the world wondering whether a revival could happen.

Well, it’s kind of happening! Daniella Monet reprises her role as Trina Vega for Hollywood Arts,a new series set within the world of Victorious but with a new cast of young, ambitious characters. Trina’s back at her old stomping grounds to help guide the next generation.

Hollywood Artsdebuts on Oct. 15 and will eventually find its way to Nickeldeon and Paramount+ for a second run. If you’re a fan of Victorious, there’s no way you’re missing the continuation series, which also features Matt Bennett back as Robbie. But if not, feel free to skip this one.

The Diplomat season 4

Watch! If we were to have a conversation about what the best Netflix original series currently airing right now is, The Diplomatshould be at the top of everyone’s list. There’s no doubt that the political thriller has taken the crown as the streamer’s strongest original drama in years.

In the fourth season, Keri Russell returns as Kate Wyler, who’s caught in the middle of another mess after learning the her husband, Vice President Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell), and President Penn (Allison Janney) have stolen the dangerous Poseidon weapon. She fears the path of this administration.

It’s a gripping entryway for The Diplomat season 4, which premieres on Oct. 15 with another batch eight episodes. The critically acclaimed, fan-favorite series just won its first Emmy Award and should win many, many more. Make sure not to miss the latest season or finally get on board!

Nobody Wants This season 3

Watch!How many more times can we make an “everybody wants this” joke before the play on words gets old? Oh, it already has? Okay. Well, it’s simply true that everybody, at least the fans of the show, have been looking forward to a new season of Nobody Wants This all year.

In the third season, Joanne (Kristen Bell) and Noah (Adam Brody) are no longer wondering whether they can make their relationship work. They have fully committed to building a life and have decided to move in together. There will be ups and downs, but their only path is forward.

Nobody Wants This season 3 also promises even more rom-com hilarity with the rest of the ensemble, after the various splits that occurred in the season 2 finale. All in all, you can’t skip the new season when all 10 episodes begin streaming on Oct. 22.

Lupin part 4

Skip! Last but certainly not least, October 2026 on Netflix closes out with the latest chapter of Lupin.You might see that “skip” there and think that it’s somehow a comment on the French mystery thriller’s quality, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Omar Sy stars in Lupin as the thief Assane Diop, and the fourth season picks up years later with the character still in prison. He plans to turn over a new leaf once he completes his sentence, but he’s drawn back into the heist world to throw on the Lupin costume all over again.

There has been a long wait for Lupinpart 4. The last batch of episode dropped way back in October 2023, making this the end of a three-year hiatus. It’s clearly the perfect time to catch up. But on the other hand, skip if you either aren’t interested in the show or don’t have time for a rewatch.