FOX Reveals 2026 Winter Premiere Dates for 'Masked Singer' and 'Fear Factor'

FOX Announces Winter 2026 Lineup with New and Returning Shows

FOX has officially revealed its Winter 2026 release dates, featuring a mix of new series, returning favorites, and special events. The network is set to deliver an exciting lineup that promises to keep viewers entertained throughout the season.

New Series to Watch

Two highly anticipated new series will debut this winter: Best Medicine and Memory of a Killer. Additionally, the reimagined version of Fear Factor, titled Fear Factor: House of Fear, will return to the screen, hosted once again by Johnny Knoxville.

Best Medicine follows Dr. Martin Best (Josh Charles), a brilliant surgeon who abruptly leaves his prestigious career in Boston to become a general practitioner in a quaint East Coast fishing village. Despite his medical expertise, Martin’s blunt and often rude demeanor creates tension with the quirky townspeople. The show also features Abigail Spencer, Annie Potts, Josh Segarra, and Cree.

Memory of a Killer is a dramatic thriller inspired by the book and 2003 award-winning Belgian film De Zaak Alzheimer. It stars Emmy nominee Patrick Dempsey as Angelo Doyle, a hitman leading a dangerous double life. Michael Imperioli plays Dutch, Angelo’s oldest friend and a chef whose restaurant serves as a front for criminal activities. The series also includes Richard Harmon, Odeya Rush, Daniel David Stewart, Peter Gadiot, and Gina Torres.

Returning Favorites

Several long-running shows will return for their latest seasons, including Doc, Animal Control, Going Dutch, The Masked Singer, Extracted, Next Level Chef, Family Guy, and American Dad!.

The much-anticipated return of The Masked Singer will feature a special two-hour Season 14 premiere with a double unmasking. This event is sure to be a highlight of the season.

Special Events and Milestones

One of the most significant milestones of the season will be the celebration of The Simpsons’ landmark 800th episode on Sunday, February 15. As the longest-running American animated series and sitcom, The Simpsons continues to captivate audiences with its humor and cultural relevance.

Another notable addition to the schedule is the three-part inspirational drama The Faithful, which will air on Sundays starting March 22, 29, and April 5 (Easter Sunday). Inspired by the best-selling book of all time, the Bible, The Faithful dramatizes the Book of Genesis through the eyes of legendary women from the Old Testament. The series stars Minnie Driver, Natacha Karam, Alexa Davalos, Millie Brady, Blu Hunt, Jeffrey Donovan, Tom Mison, Tom Payne, Ben Robson, James Purefoy, Taylor Napier, and Will Stevens.

Midseason Premiere Schedule

FOX has released its midseason premiere schedule, which includes the following highlights:

• Thursday, January 1

• 8:00–9:00 p.m.: Hell’s Kitchen (New Episode)

• Monday, January 5

• 8:00–9:00 p.m.: Celebrity Name That Tune (Season Finale)

• Tuesday, January 6

• 8:00–9:00 p.m.: Best Medicine (Series Premiere)

• 9:00–10:00 p.m.: Doc (Winter Premiere)

• Wednesday, January 7

• 8:00–10:00 p.m.: The Masked Singer (Special Two-Hour Season 14 Premiere)

• Wednesday, January 14

• 8:00–9:00 p.m.: The Masked Singer (Time Period Premiere)

• 9:00–10:00 p.m.: Fear Factor: House of Fear (Series Premiere)

• Thursday, January 15

• 8:00–9:00 p.m.: Hell’s Kitchen (New Episode)
• 9:00–9:30 p.m.: Animal Control (Season 4 Premiere)

• 9:30–10:00 p.m.: Going Dutch (Season 2 Premiere)

• Thursday, January 22

• 8:00–9:00 p.m.: Hell’s Kitchen (Season 24 Finale)
• 9:00–9:30 p.m.: Animal Control (New Episode)

• 9:30–10:00 p.m.: Going Dutch (New Episode)

• Monday, January 26

• 8:00–9:00 p.m.: Extracted (Season 2 Premiere)

• 9:00–10:00 p.m.: Memory of a Killer (Series Premiere)

• Thursday, January 29
  

• 8:00–9:00 p.m.: Next Level Chef (Season 5 Premiere)
• 9:00–9:30 p.m.: Animal Control (New Episode)
• 9:30–10:00 p.m.: Going Dutch (New Episode)

Additional Programming

FOX will also continue its weekly programming on Fridays and Saturdays, including Fox Sports Friday and Fox Sports Saturday. On Sundays, The Simpsons will take center stage with a special 800th episode on February 15, followed by Universal Basic Guys and Family Guy.

On February 22, Family Guy will return with a time period premiere, while American Dad! will debut its Season 20. The week will conclude with Family Guy airing a new episode.

For those interested in more updates, FOX will add the three-part inspirational drama The Faithful to its Sunday night schedule just in time for Easter.