5 Must-Watch New Netflix Shows in May 2026
Another month, another bunch of new shows to keep you entertained.
Netflix’s May lineup features a fresh adaptation of a classic young adult novel, a new reality series set in an exclusive California community, and a sci-fi thriller from the creators of Stranger Things about a mysterious force threatening an idyllic retirement community.
Keep reading for Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s picks for must-watch Netflix shows in May 2026.
‘Lord of the Flies’
Lord of the Flies, William Golding’s memorable tale of a group of English schoolboys whose attempts to survive on a deserted tropical island descend into chaos and violence, is getting a new adaptation from Netflix. The four-part series stars might be based on a decades-old story, but the themes are still relevant today, creator Jack Thorne told Tudum.
“As a society, we’re having a conversation right now about boys,” he said. “We’re losing a generation of boys, and we’re losing it because of the hate they are ingesting — because it is an answer to their loneliness and isolation.”
Lord of the Flies premieres May 4.
‘Worst Ex Ever’ Season 2
Think your ex was awful? Hopefully they weren’t as terrible as the people featured in season 2 of Netflix’s docuseries Worst Ex Ever. The four new episodes feature “gripping testimonials, startling bodycam footage, and vivid animated reenactments that bring harrowing tales of betrayal, violence, and deceit to life—exposing some of the most monstrous relationships and exes you’ll ever encounter.” One episode will focus on notorious 90 Day Fiancé cast member Geoffrey Paschel, who recently appeared on our list of the worst people to ever appear on the show.
Worst Ex Ever Season 2 premieres May 6.
‘Legends’
In this based-on-a-true-story crime drama starring Steve Coogan and Tom Burke, U.K. customs agents go undercover in an attempt to stop a flood of illegal drugs that were slipping in across the country’s borders in the 1990s. These average men and women were tasked with infiltrating some of Britain’s most dangerous gangs. They became “legends” who took great risks in order to complete their missions.
Legends premieres May 7.
‘The Boroughs’
The Duffer Brothers are the executive producers behind the new sci-fi mystery series The Boroughs, which sounds like Stranger Things for the over-60 set. Starring Alfre Woodard, Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, and Bill Pullman, it’s set in an idyllic desert retirement community that promises its residents they can enjoy their golden years in picture-perfect comfort. But when a new arrival has a terrifying nighttime encounter with something monstrous, he joins forces with a group of fellow misfits to investigate what’s really going on.
The Boroughs premieres May 21.
‘Calabasas Confidential’
New reality series Calabasas Confidential follows a group of lifelong friends, foes, and exes as they return to their parents’ hillside mansions after graduation. As they try to figure out next steps, they’ll confront unresolved drama and old feuds behind the gates of one of LA’s most exclusive zip codes.
Calabasas Confidential premieres May 29.
More new releases coming to Netflix in May 2026
What other shows and movies are coming to Netflix in May 2026? Here’s a list of the streamer’s other upcoming new releases.
- May 1: Swapped; My Dearest Senorita; and Shut Up Evan
- May 6: Countdown: Rousey vs. Carano and Love Is Blind: Poland
- May 7: The Chestnut Man Season 2; My Dearest Assassin; and USA 94: Brazil’s Return to Glory
- May 8: Remarkably Bright Creatures and Thank You, Next Season 3
- May 11: Pop Culture Jeopardy!
- May 12: Untold UK: Jamie Vardy and Marty: Life Is Short
- May 13: Perfect Match Season 4; Roosters Season 2; and The Bus: A French Football Story
- May 14: Nemesis
- May 15: Money Heist: Berlin and the Lady With an Ermine; The Crash; and The Wonderfools
- May 17: Rousey vs Carano
- May 19: Untold UK: Liverpool’s Miracle of Istanbul and Wanda Sykes: Legacy
- May 20: Carizzma
- May 22: Mating Season and Ladies First
- May 26: Untold UK: Vinnies Jones and Jae-seok’s B&B Rules!
- May 27: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
- May 28: Murder Mindfully and The Four Seasons Season 2
- May 29: Brazil ‘70: The Third Star and RAFA
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