2025’s Best Books, What to Watch in 2026, and More

Plus, the rom-com you need to see this weekend.

View in Browser  Monday, January 05, 2026 Where editors share their weekly musings on pop culture—and recommend what to watch, read, and listen to right now. This week, we discuss our most anticipated new releases of the year.  Euphoria Season 3 Is One of Our Most Anticipated TV Shows of 2026 Erica Gonzales, deputy editor, digital content: And just like that, it's 2026! That means there's a whole new year's worth of TV and movies to watch in the months ahead. There are already several titles that have caught my eye in this year's lineups, but perhaps none more than Euphoria season 3, which premieres on HBO in April. It's been four years since the last season—where on Earth are they supposed to take this story next? Lauren, what new release are you anticipating the most?   Lauren Puckett-Pope, senior culture editor:  As someone who loved the novel, I'm really praying that Apple TV's adaptation of Rufi Thorpe's Margot's Got Money Troubles—also dropping in April—is as good as it should be. And I've already seen bits of Industry season 4 and Bridgerton season 4, both of which I think will make for major pop-culture moments this year. Is there one specific 2026 film you're dying to see, Erica? We already know of one winner heading to screens this week: the Netflix adaptation of Emily Henry's rom-com People We Meet on Vacation, which I loved.  Erica: That one was sweet; I can see it being a big crowd pleaser. On a completely different note, I'm intrigued by Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights. It's probably my favorite novel of all time, so I'm proceeding with caution, but the Charli XCX soundtrack and edgy gothic visuals just might win me over. Do you have high hopes? Lauren: Here's how I put it to a book publicist friend the other day: Whatever happens—whether Fennell honors the source material or, depending on whom you ask, desecrates it—I'm just here for the spectacle, you know? I'm glad we're talking about Wuthering Heights, period. Happy New Year to book lovers, indeed.  In Case You Missed It The Best Books of 2025     The Best New Couple, the Worst Threesome, and More Pop Culture Moments That Defined 2025 Brigitte Bardot's Life in Photos WHAT YOU SHOULD WATCH: People We Meet on Vacation The first Emily Henry adaptation is almost here—and if its quality is any indication, we hope it's the first of many. People We Meet on Vacation stars a pitch-perfect Emily Bader and Tom Blyth as the sunshine-y Poppy and straight-laced Alex, who meet as recent college graduates and become unlikely friends, then annual travel buddies. But as the accumulation of their years of "summer trips" uncover the undeniable chemistry between them, both Poppy and Alex will have to get real about what it is they really want. As a big fan of the book, I was delighted by how well the Netflix adaptation nails Poppy and Alex's banter. The film lands on the streamer January 9, and I think audiences are going to love it.—LPP READ MORE WHAT YOU SHOULD STREAM: The Pitt Season 2 Mark your calendars for Thursday, January 8, this week: Emmy-winning drama The Pitt will return for a second season, promising a strong start to the year in TV. Season 2 continues to follow the show's signature format, where each episode covers an hour of the ER team's 15-hour shift. But, this time, the chaos is set during Fourth of July weekend. Expect both literal and metaphorical fireworks.—EG READ MORE WHAT YOU SHOULD READ: The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave Out this week from Laura Dave is The First Time I Saw Him, the sequel to her 2021 thriller The Last Thing He Told Me, which was later adapted into an Apple TV series starring Jennifer Garner. The sequel picks up where its predecessor ended: five years after the disappearance of protagonist Hannah Hall's husband, Owen. As Hannah and her stepdaughter, Bailey, are thrown back into danger again, they must outrun the criminal organization that still threatens Owen's life. As they speed toward Paris, Hannah and Bailey cling to the chance that maybe, finally, they can reunite with Owen for good. Fans of Dave's bestseller will absolutely relish following Hannah and Bailey again, just as they'll appreciate the chance to have their lingering questions from the first book finally answered.—LPP $24 AT AMAZON $27 AT BOOKSHOP WHAT YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO: "Such a Funny Way" by Sabrina Carpenter Just before New Year's, Sabrina Carpenter dropped a new version of her Grammy-nominated Man's Best Friend, which included this bonus track. It's got her classic snark and a retro country-inspired sound as Carpenter calls out a partner who says "I love you" and doesn't mean it. That beat-switch mid-song was a nice surprise.—EG   LISTEN WHAT YOU SHOULD QUOTE: Need a New Year mantra? Look no further than the man who inspired Marty Supreme. Perhaps a taste of his delusional confidence will help you meet those 2026 resolutions. And don't be surprised to see this clip resurface if Chalamet wins big during awards season.—EG  More From ELLE Beyoncé Is Now a Billionaire READ MORE In Heated Rivalry's Season 1 Finale, Love Steps Carefully Into the Light READ MORE The Bridgerton Season 4 Official Trailer Is Here READ MORE Everything to Know About Outlander Season 8 READ MORE What are you watching, reading, or listening to right now? Send us a note at ellespotlight@hearst.com. You can also follow us on Instagram at @ericagonzo and @laurpuckett—and of course, don't forget to check out @elleusa. Follow Us Unsubscribe | Manage Preferences | Privacy Notice | CA Notice at Collection ELLE is a publication of Hearst Magazines. ©2026 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779