A ranked shortlist of May 2026's scripted premieres and returning seasons, built for people who want a confident watchlist without scanning the full calendar.
By PremiereLens
Ranked from audience rating, release timing, and editorial fit. Updated Jun 15, 2026.
The month's strongest pick: a 9.0-rated season 9 return on Adult Swim with animation / comedy appeal.
An animated series on adult-swim about the infinite adventures of Rick, a genius alcoholic and careless scientist, with his grandson Morty, a 14 year-old anxious boy who is not so smart. Together, they explore the infinite universes; causing mayhem and running into trouble.
9.0 rating on Sky Open, anchored by drama / crime, with enough signal to earn shortlist space.
"Bust up" is a so called Buddy Cop Crime Series on german ZDF and sky New Zealand.
8.6 rating on Paramount Network, anchored by western / drama, with enough signal to earn shortlist space.
Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler fight to survive on their cherished 7,000-acre ranch amid tough times and stiff competition, while ensuring young Carter becomes the man he's supposed to be.
8.4 rating on MGM+, anchored by crime / drama, with enough signal to earn shortlist space.
8.2 rating on Prime Video, anchored by drama / romance, with enough signal to earn shortlist space.
8.1 rating on TBS, anchored by action & adventure / action, with enough signal to earn shortlist space.
8.0 audience rating, Nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys. 7 wins & 20 nominations total, and a proven season 3 return make this a credible shortlist choice.
8.0 rating on Channel 4, anchored by drama / crime, with enough signal to earn shortlist space.
7.9 rating on Mango TV, anchored by drama / romance, with enough signal to earn shortlist space.
