Apple TV's February 2026 Slate: New Seasons of Monarch, The Last Thing He Told Me, and a Sci-Fi Epic

Apple TV's 2026 content strategy is clearly focusing on franchise expansion rather than launching a slate of brand-new series. After a January that saw five different shows return for new seasons, February continues this pattern with two major returning series and one high-profile film premiere. This approach makes strategic sense for a streaming service that's been building its library for years—it's cheaper to renew a proven hit than to gamble on an unknown property, and it keeps subscribers engaged between seasons of flagship shows.

The centerpiece of February's lineup is the romantic sci-fi film Eternity, premiering February 13. The premise explores a classic philosophical question with a modern twist: souls in the afterlife have one week to decide where to spend eternity. Elizabeth Olsen stars as Joan, who finds herself torn between her late husband (Miles Teller) and her first love (Callum Turner), who died young and has waited decades for her arrival. The film's genre classification as a romantic comedy seems somewhat misleading given the existential stakes, but it suggests the film balances its heavier themes with lighter moments. This is director David Freyne's follow-up to The Book of Love, and it represents Apple's continued investment in mid-budget original films that can attract talent without requiring Marvel-level budgets.

February 20 brings the second season of The Last Thing He Told Me, the thriller adaptation of Laura Dave's bestselling novel. The first season, which concluded in 2023, centered on Hannah (Jennifer Garner) discovering her husband had vanished, leaving behind a cryptic note and a stepdaughter she barely knew. The new season picks up five years later when Owen (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) unexpectedly returns after being on the run. The core tension shifts from a mystery about a missing husband to a race against time to reunite a fractured family before their past catches up with them. The show's strength lies in its grounded emotional stakes—this isn't a superhero story, but a family drama wrapped in thriller elements. The first season is available to stream on Apple TV, providing a convenient entry point for viewers who haven't caught up yet.

The most significant return is Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which premieres its second season on February 27. The first season successfully blended the Godzilla/Kong monster universe with a human-centric story about two siblings uncovering their family's connection to the secretive Monarch organization. The narrative spanned decades, from the 1950s to the present day, with Kurt Russell and his son Wyatt Russell playing the same character at different ages. Season two appears to raise the stakes considerably, with the fate of Monarch—and potentially the world—hanging in the balance. The story will explore Kong's Skull Island and introduce a new village where a "mythical Titan rises from the sea." This continuation suggests the series is moving beyond the human mystery and deeper into the monster mythology that the Godzilla franchise is known for. The first season is available on Apple TV, and its success likely determined whether Apple would continue investing in this shared universe approach.

Beyond these three marquee releases, February will see new episodes of several ongoing series:

• Tehran: The espionage thriller's third season continues through February 27
• Hijack: The thriller's second season continues through March 4
• Drops of God: The drama's second season continues through March 11
• Shrinking: The heartfelt comedy's third season continues through April 8

This steady drip of episodes from established series creates a consistent viewing rhythm for subscribers, reducing the "binge and forget" cycle that plagues many streaming platforms. Shrinking in particular has been a critical darling, with its blend of comedy and grief counseling providing a unique tone that differentiates it from standard sitcoms.

The broader context here is Apple's evolving position in the streaming wars. Unlike Netflix or Amazon, Apple doesn't need to justify its streaming service through subscriber numbers alone—it's part of a larger ecosystem that includes hardware, services, and software. This allows Apple TV+ to take more creative risks and focus on quality over quantity. The 2026 strategy of expanding existing series rather than constantly launching new ones suggests the platform is maturing, with a library of proven properties it can continue to develop.

For developers and tech professionals, this content strategy has indirect relevance. Apple TV+ is a key driver for Apple TV hardware sales, and the platform's success influences how Apple positions its entertainment services. The quality of Apple's original content affects how users engage with the Apple TV app on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, and the platform's technical requirements for streaming quality (4K HDR, Dolby Atmos) push the boundaries of what's possible on Apple's hardware ecosystem.

The February lineup also highlights Apple's genre diversity. From the romantic sci-fi of Eternity to the thriller elements of The Last Thing He Told Me and the monster-action of Monarch, Apple is covering multiple demographics. This breadth is important for a platform that needs to appeal to households with varied tastes, especially as it competes with services that offer more volume but less curation.

Pricing remains straightforward at $12.99 per month, with the Apple One bundle offering a discount for those already subscribed to other Apple services. For developers building apps that integrate with Apple TV or creating content for the platform, understanding these release patterns can inform timing for app updates, marketing campaigns, or even feature development that aligns with major releases.

The question of which February releases viewers plan to watch will likely be answered by individual preferences. Monarch appeals to monster movie fans and those invested in the Godzilla/Kong universe. The Last Thing He Told Me caters to viewers who enjoy character-driven thrillers with emotional depth. Eternity offers something different—a philosophical romance that might attract audiences tired of traditional genre fare. The ongoing series provide continuity for existing subscribers.

Apple's approach to content distribution—premiering episodes weekly rather than dropping entire seasons at once—also affects viewing patterns and app engagement. This model encourages sustained interaction with the Apple TV app over weeks rather than a single weekend of binge-watching, potentially creating more consistent usage metrics for the platform.

As the streaming landscape continues to consolidate, Apple's strategy of quality over quantity, combined with its ecosystem integration, positions Apple TV+ as a premium service rather than a volume play. The February 2026 lineup exemplifies this approach: a curated selection of returning favorites and one high-profile film, all designed to keep subscribers engaged without overwhelming them with choice.

For those interested in catching up before the new seasons premiere, the first seasons of both The Last Thing He Told Me and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters are available on Apple TV. The platform's interface makes it easy to jump back into these series, with episode recaps and recommendations helping viewers get up to speed quickly.

The success of these February releases will likely influence Apple's content strategy for the remainder of 2026. If Monarch season two performs well, we might see more investment in the Godzilla/Kong universe. Strong numbers for The Last Thing He Told Me could lead to a third season. The reception to Eternity will inform future film acquisitions and productions. For now, February offers a solid mix of returning series and one intriguing film premiere, continuing Apple TV+'s steady march through 2026.