The Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, is announcing its 2026 Primetime programme, spotlighting groundbreaking episodic storytelling and auteur-driven television from some of the world’s most exciting creators. This year’s Official Selections showcase the creative power and influence of the medium, featuring major World Premieres and new seasons of compelling dramas, thrillers, and docuseries starring François Arnaud, Bérénice Bejo, Linda Cardellini, Jon Hamm, Carrie-Anne Moss, Gary Oldman, Hudson Williams, and more.
Primetime spotlights the best in international and North American series, bringing new shows to the big screen. Featuring one or two episodes and conversations with cast and creators, this programme treats TIFF audiences to a first look at upcoming series before they hit TV, alongside the people who made them. This year’s lineup has a heavy focus on series based on established IP, including American Hostage, Carrie, and Crystal Lake (Friday the 13th).
The programme’s opening title is Jesse McKeown’s Below, a six-episode series starring Mackenzie Davis, Charlie Heaton, and Josh Hartnett, about a small town in Newfoundland that comes under siege by a mysterious sea creature. Premiering his new series Carrie, Mike Flanagan makes his return to TIFF after his 2024 People’s Choice Award winner The Life of Chuck.
2026 Primetime programme (in alphabetical order):
2.6 Seconds: Death in the Outback | Darren Dale | Australia
World Premiere
Alice | Virginie Verrier, Guillaume Lonergan | France, Canada
World Premiere
American Hostage | Shawn Ryan, Eileen Myers, Adam Arkin | USA
World Premiere
Below | Jesse McKeown | Canada
World Premiere
Opening series
Blindspot Berlin | David Nawrath | Germany
World Premiere
Carrie | Mike Flanagan | Canada, USA
World Premiere
Closing series
Crystal Lake | Brad Caleb Kane, Michael Lennox | USA
World Premiere
Oxygen Masks Will (Not) Drop Automatically | Marcelo Gomes, Carol Minêm | Brazil
North American Premiere
Slow Horses | Will Smith, Adam Randall | United Kingdom, USA
International Premiere
YAGA | Kat Sandler, Rachel Talalay, David Frazee | Canada
World Premiere
Primetime’s lead programmer is Geoff Macnaughton. The 51st edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 10–20, 2026. Today concludes this week’s announcements. TIFF Takeover returns on Tuesday, August 4, at 10am ET with more programming news.
About TIFF:
TIFF is a not-for-profit cultural organization with a mission to transform the way people see the world through film. A global leader in film and entertainment, TIFF initiatives include the annual Toronto International Film Festival® in September; TIFF Lightbox, which features five cinemas, plus learning and entertainment facilities; the Donald Shebib TIFF Film Circuit, an innovative national distribution programme; and TIFF: The Market launching in 2026. The organization generates an estimated annual economic impact of $240 million CAD. TIFF Lightbox is generously supported by contributors including the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family (Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel, and Susan Michaels), The Daniels Corporation, and RBC. For more information, visit tiff.net.
TIFF is generously supported by Festival Presenting Sponsor Rogers Communications.
TIFF is generously supported by Major Sponsors RBC and Visa and Major Supporters Telefilm Canada, the Government of Ontario, Telefilm Canada, and the City of Toronto.
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