11 New Releases to Watch on Netflix in October 2026

On October 1, Netflix is launching East of Eden, a new seven-episode drama miniseries starring Florence Pugh. Adapted from John Steinbeck’s famous novel, this family saga takes us back to the early 20th century and follows several generations connected to the Trask and Hamilton families. Pugh plays Cathy Ames, a fiercely independent and complex woman whose arrival profoundly disrupts the relationship between brothers Adam and Charles Trask, portrayed by Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist.

Created and adapted by Zoe Kazan, the series explores themes of good and evil, personal choices, and family legacy. An interesting tidbit: her grandfather, Elia Kazan, directed the 1955 film adaptation of East of Eden starring James Dean.

On October 2, Netflix will release Schumacher ’90–’94: The Birth of a Legend, a documentary chronicling the years that transformed Michael Schumacher into a true Formula 1 phenomenon. The film looks back at his early days at the highest level, when the young German driver quickly impressed with his speed, daring, and immense determination. This pivotal period culminated in 1994, when he won the first of his seven world championship titles with Benetton.

Through archival footage and interviews, the documentary allows viewers to relive the rise of a competitor who would leave an indelible mark on his sport. Long before his years of dominance with Ferrari, Schumacher had already established himself as one of the most formidable and fascinating drivers of his generation.

On October 9, Netflix is releasing Animals, a political thriller directed, co-written, and starring Ben Affleck. The actor plays Mark Kimball, a candidate for mayor of Los Angeles whose perfectly orchestrated life is turned upside down when his son Denny is kidnapped. Alongside his wife Abigail, played by Kerry Washington, he must quickly raise the money needed to pay the ransom. But this race against time forces the couple to make extreme decisions and reveal secrets that could tear their family apart.

Animals also stars Gillian Anderson, Steven Yeun, Adriana Paz, and Luis Gerardo Méndez. Produced by Affleck and Matt Damon, among others, the film explores not only the kidnapping but also marriage, compromise, and the true nature of the characters when they find themselves in a crisis.

On October 9, Haunted Hotel returns to Netflix with a second season that promises to plunge subscribers back into its completely wacky supernatural world. This animated series for adults follows Katherine, a single mother trying to run the Undervale, a hotel populated by ghosts, demons, and creatures as strange as they are unpredictable. Fortunately, she can count on the help of her brother Nathan… even though he’s now a ghost convinced that other spirits have good ideas.

Created by Matt Roller, who previously worked on Rick and Morty, the series blends dark humor, paranormal phenomena, and dysfunctional family dynamics. After a first season filled with absurd situations, Katherine and her family will once again have to deal with the particularly difficult guests at this hotel where absolutely nothing goes as planned.

On October 12, Netflix will release Free Leonard Peltier, a documentary about one of the most controversial legal cases in modern U.S. history. Directed by Jesse Short Bull and David France, the film traces the journey of Leonard Peltier, an Indigenous activist and member of the American Indian Movement, who was convicted of the murder of two FBI agents during a 1975 shootout on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

His conviction has been contested for decades by his supporters. The documentary looks back on nearly 50 years of advocacy for his release and follows a new generation of Indigenous activists who are taking up the fight. Presented at Sundance in 2025, Free Leonard Peltier focuses as much on the man himself as on the political and social movement surrounding his story.

On October 13, Netflix delves into the tumultuous life of Mike Tyson with TYSON, a four-episode documentary series directed by Floyd Russ. The series chronicles the boxer’s spectacular journey, from his difficult childhood in Brooklyn to his meteoric rise to the top of his sport. At just 20 years old, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history, before embarking on a path marked by excess, controversy, prison, financial troubles, and addiction.

The documentary features interviews with Tyson himself, as well as members of his inner circle, to explore the man behind the public persona. More than just a look back at his achievements in the ring, TYSON examines the personal consequences of fame and how he has evolved over the years.

On October 15, The Diplomat returns to Netflix for a fourth season that plunges Kate Wyler back into the heart of international power struggles. Keri Russell reprises her role as a brilliant American diplomat who is constantly caught up in crises where politics, loyalty, and her personal life intertwine. In the wake of the upheavals of Season 3, Kate must now navigate a profoundly changed White House, while her complex relationship with Hal—played by Rufus Sewell—continues to shape her journey.

Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford also return in this new batch of episodes. Created by Debora Cahn, The Diplomat has established itself as one of Netflix’s flagship political dramas thanks to its sharp dialogue, plot twists, and effective blend of international diplomacy, suspense, and human relationships.

On October 15, Netflix brings viewers back to the world of Victorious with Hollywood Arts, a new spin-off series centered on Trina Vega. Daniella Monet reprises her role more than ten years after the original series ended. Still searching for her big break as an actress, Trina returns to her former school, Hollywood Arts, where she becomes a substitute teacher despite her obvious lack of qualifications.

She finds herself facing a new generation of ambitious students whom she will, against all odds, manage to inspire. The cast includes Alyssa Miles, Emmy Liu-Wang, Peyton Jackson, Erika Swayze, and Martin Kamm. With a mix of music, humor, and nostalgia, Hollywood Arts aims to introduce this world to a new generation while offering plenty of nods to Victorious fans.

On October 20, Netflix returns to the brutal and spectacular world of Night City with Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2. This new standalone animated series is set in the same world as Cyberpunk 2077, but tells an all-new story with new characters, rather than directly continuing the story of David Martinez and Lucy.

Produced once again in collaboration with TRIGGER and CD PROJEKT RED, this second adventure retains the essence that made the first one a hit: explosive action, violence, intense emotions, and characters grappling with the excesses of a society dominated by technology and megacorporations. Comprising ten episodes, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 promises a dark tale of redemption and revenge, while exploring a new facet of Night City.

On October 22, Nobody Wants This returns to Netflix for a third season that continues the endearing yet complicated love story between Joanne and Noah. Kristen Bell reprises her role as the outspoken and independent podcaster, while Adam Brody returns as the rabbi whose life was completely turned upside down when he met Joanne. After two seasons of trying to reconcile their feelings, their religious differences, their families, and their sometimes conflicting visions of the future, the couple enters a new phase in their relationship.

Created by Erin Foster and loosely based on her own story, Nobody Wants This quickly stood out thanks to the chemistry between its stars, its biting humor, and its natural dialogue. This third season promises to continue exploring adult love without shying away from the compromises and awkward moments that come with it.

On October 23, Lupin returns to Netflix with a highly anticipated fourth season. Omar Sy, of course, reprises his role as Assane Diop, the gentleman thief inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin. Following the events of the third season, Assane must once again deal with the consequences of his choices and the dangers his double life poses to the people he loves.

The French series sticks to the formula that has contributed to its immense international success: ingenious heists, disguises, mind games, suspense, and numerous plot twists. Ludivine Sagnier, Clotilde Hesme, Antoine Gouy, and Soufiane Guerrab are among the returning cast members. With this fourth season, Lupin continues the adventures of a character who has become one of the most iconic figures in Netflix’s French productions.

On October 27, Netflix pays tribute to Matthew Perry with The One About Matthew Perry, an intimate three-part documentary series. The project traces the journey of the actor who rose to global fame thanks to his role as Chandler Bing in Friends, while revealing the man behind this iconic character. His sister, Mia Perry Bowick, his longtime friends, and several colleagues speak out to share their memories.

Never-before-seen photos and videos from the family’s private archives will also be featured. The documentary candidly addresses Perry’s long struggles with addiction, as well as his desire to help others facing similar challenges. Directed by Mary Robertson, the series aims above all to highlight his sense of humor, his vulnerability, and the legacy he left behind.