Updated September 28, 2026. Netflix’s October schedule brings a new adaptation of East of Eden, Ben Affleck’s thriller Animals, and returns for The Diplomat, Nobody Wants This, and Lupin. Documentary fans also have several new films to choose from, including portraits of Norm Macdonald and the cast of SCTV.
Here are the announced releases to put on your watchlist. Dates below are Netflix premiere dates unless otherwise stated.
Netflix October 2026 Release Calendar
| Date | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 1 | East of Eden | New limited series |
| Oct. 2 | Tyler Perry’s Doing Life | Film |
| Oct. 7 | Who Is Martin Mull? | Documentary film |
| Oct. 9 | Animals | Film |
| Oct. 15 | The Diplomat, Season 4 | Returning series |
| Oct. 16 | Sacrifice | Film |
| Oct. 16 | Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald | Documentary film |
| Oct. 16 | The Disciple | Documentary film |
| Oct. 22 | Nobody Wants This, Season 3 | Returning series |
| Oct. 23 | Lupin, Part 4 | Returning series |
| Oct. 23 | Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story | Documentary film |
| Oct. 30 | How to Ruin Diwali: Meet the Parents | New series |
| Oct. 30 | SCTV: The Greatest Show You’ve Never Heard Of | Documentary film |
The Biggest New Series
East of Eden — October 1
Florence Pugh stars as Cathy Ames in Zoe Kazan’s limited-series adaptation of John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist play Adam and Charles Trask. The series explores family conflict and ambition across generations, making it a strong pick for viewers who enjoy character-driven literary dramas.
How to Ruin Diwali: Meet the Parents — October 30
The How to Ruin universe expands with a South African comedy about a woman trying to impress her fiancé’s traditional Indian family before Diwali. Her plans unravel when she accidentally reveals a family secret. It is one of October’s notable new series for viewers looking beyond Netflix’s English-language US releases.
Major Returning Netflix Shows
The Diplomat, Season 4 — October 15
The political drama returns with Keri Russell as Kate Wyler. If you have been following the series’ shifting alliances and diplomatic crises, this is the October date to mark. Netflix has confirmed the fourth season for October 15.
Nobody Wants This, Season 3 — October 22
Kristen Bell and Adam Brody return as Joanne and Noah. The romantic comedy’s third season arrives October 22, offering another look at how the couple manages their relationship and the people around them.
Lupin, Part 4 — October 23
Omar Sy returns as Assane Diop in a new chapter of Netflix’s French heist series. Lupin Part 4 arrives October 23. It is one of the month’s clearest picks for viewers who want suspense, disguises, and a returning lead they already know.
Netflix has also announced October 2026 returns for anime series Ranma 1/2 and The Ramparts of Ice. Check your local Netflix listing for their episode schedules and availability.
New Netflix Movies to Watch
Tyler Perry’s Doing Life — October 2
Written and directed by Tyler Perry, Doing Life follows a single mother and a reformed former prisoner who find an unexpected chance to rebuild their lives. Naomi Baker and Jay Reeves lead the cast.
Animals — October 9
Ben Affleck directs and stars in this thriller about a Los Angeles mayoral candidate whose son is kidnapped. He and his wife, played by Kerry Washington, face increasingly difficult choices as they try to find the ransom. Gillian Anderson and Steven Yeun also appear in the cast. Netflix lists the film for October 9, with a release in select theaters on the same date.
Sacrifice — October 16
Chris Evans and Anya Taylor-Joy star in Romain Gavras’s satirical thriller. At a lavish charity gala, a movie star is taken hostage by a radical warrior and her followers. Its mix of celebrity spectacle and social satire makes it one of the month’s more unusual film premieres.
October Documentaries: Comedy, Music and More
Who Is Martin Mull? arrives October 7. Directed by Bob Saget and Neil Berkeley, it follows the comedian, musician, actor, and painter through the different stages of his career.
Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald premieres October 16. Judd Apatow’s documentary draws on archival footage, photographs, and home videos to tell the late comedian’s story.
Also arriving October 16 is The Disciple, a documentary about an outsider’s journey into the Wu-Tang Clan’s circle. On October 23, Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story examines the comedian’s career, family relationships, and mental health journey. Finally, SCTV: The Greatest Show You’ve Never Heard Of lands October 30, tracing the influential sketch show and the creative partnerships behind it.
What Should You Watch First?
Start with East of Eden for a new prestige drama, Animals for a tense movie night, or The Diplomat if you are ready to pick up a returning series. Comedy fans have an especially full month, from Nobody Wants This to documentaries about Norm Macdonald, Maria Bamford, Martin Mull, and SCTV.
This is a selection of announced highlights, not every licensed title joining Netflix. Release dates can move, and the catalog varies by country, so check Netflix in your region before making plans.
Sources: Netflix’s fall movie guide, Netflix’s 2026 shows guide, and Netflix’s individual announcements for East of Eden, The Diplomat, Nobody Wants This, and Lupin. Checked September 28, 2026.