As the series, which has already been renewed for a third season, drew to a close, a title card appeared in memory of Judy Ann Prachyl and fans are keen to find out more about her role in the show.
Judy died on December 18, 2025 and she was a self-confessed fan of the Yellowstone series and Sheridan himself.
She was described in the series as the “nursing home OG” and she was from Weatherford, Texas, like Sheridan and his Bosque Ranch.
In an obituary shared online, a special mention is made of Sheridan’s wife Nicole, suggesting she was personally connected to the family.
While she did not have an acting role in Landman, she holds a place in the hearts of Sheridan and his family, as well as the wider Texas community.
The online tribute shared how Judy retired from Weatherford Independent School District where she worked in administration.
She also worked as a volunteer at St Stephen Catholic Church and often took part in church events and services.
Judy was “known for her vibrant personality and beautiful smile” and the obituary said her “spirit will continue to inspire those she leaves behind, and her impact on her community will forever be felt”.
Referencing Sheridan’s wife, it went on to say: “The family would like to give a special heart-filled thanks to Nicole Sheridan, Traci Werne-Morrison and Johnny Holt for the love and care they had for Judy during the last few years.”
The Landman season two finale also highlighted some significant turning points for the characters, with Tommy turning his attention to a solo venture.
For fans of the series, the tribute to Judy offered a look into the personal side of the show’s creative process.
Even though Judy was not involved in the show in any way, the tribute clearly meant a great deal to Sheridan and his team.
The series will return to Paramount Plus with season three in the near future.
The Madison, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell, is the latest series in the Yellowstone franchise set to debut on Paramount Plus soon
The Madison star Michelle Pfeiffer appeared in some first look images(Image: PARAMOUNT)
Yellowstone devotees and Taylor Sheridan enthusiasts are buzzing with anticipation following the announcement of the official release date for his forthcoming drama The Madison.
The six-episode season is set to debut on March 14 and represents Sheridan’s most compact project yet, as his productions typically span eight or 10 episodes.
The ensemble cast also features Beau Garrett, Elle Chapman, Patrick J. Adams, Amiah Miller, Alaina Pollack, Ben Schnetzer, Kevin Zegers, Rebecca Spence, Danielle Vasinova and Matthew Fox.
Paramount unveiled some first-look images showcasing the cast in contemporary settings, including Pfeiffer as Stacy Clyburn and Garrett as Abigail Reese.
Fans flocked to X, formerly Twitter, to express their reactions to the latest news, with Luce commenting on one of the photos: “Beautiful shot. We’re ready and waiting for you, Pfeiffer.”
Reacting to a photograph of Ben Schnetzer portraying Sheriff Van Davis, one enthusiast commented on Deadline’s platform: “I will tune in for that sheriff alone!”.
This neo-Western drama marks the fifth instalment in the Yellowstone franchise, though it operates independently from the original Yellowstone series.
The project received the green light in May 2023 as an unnamed Yellowstone spin-off, with filming taking place across Montana between September and October 2024.
Sequences depicting New York City were shot in Dallas, before production relocated to Fort Worth, Texas. The second season concluded filming in North Texas during December 2025.
On 20 December, actress Elle Chapman confirmed via an Instagram story that production had finished, writing: “And that’s a wrap on season 2. Heart is full.”
Uncertainty remained regarding whether the upcoming episodes would constitute a second series, or simply serve as the latter half of the first season.
The Madison airs on Paramount Plus on March 14
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Hit drama Landman will be heading on hiatus as the second season finale drops this Sunday, so what should die-hard fans check out next?
Landman season two is coming to an end this weekend with what’s shaping up to be a jaw-dropping finale.
After Tommy Norris (played by Billy Bob Thornton) is fired from his role as M-Tex President by his boss Cami Miller (Demi Moore), he faces an impossible decision now his purpose in life is unclear for the first time in years.
Thankfully, Tommy still has his unpredictable ex-wife Angela (Ali Larter), loyal daughter Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) and ambitious son Cooper (Jacob Lofland) to support him.
But will their dysfunctional dynamic prove too much to handle in this precarious stage of the landman’s career? Find out today (Sunday, 18th January).
As the hit drama’s second season comes to an end, let’s count down five must-watch Western series fans should check out during the wait for the confirmed third outing.
5. Yellowstone – Paramount+ and Netflix (UK)
A list of the best modern Westerns wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of Sheridan’s most iconic series to date, the Kevin Costner-led ranch drama Yellowstone.
While it’s safe to assume most fans of Landman will already be caught up on the Dutton family saga, they may not be aware that the first four seasons of the global phenomenon are currently streaming on Netflix in the UK.
Plus, the thrilling story is set to continue this year with both Marshals and The Dutton Ranch hitting Paramount+, following John’s son Kayce (Luke Grimes), his daughter Beth (Kelly Reilly) and her husband Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) as they continue his legacy.
While the series’ reputation has somewhat dwindled in recent years, the earlier seasons received acclaim from fans and critics alike. One 10/10 IMDb review raved: “Yellowstone stands as a modern Western masterpiece, a gripping tale that transcends the genre’s conventions, and at its core is the formidable Dutton family.
“Taylor Sheridan’s creation is a compelling blend of family drama, political intrigue, and breathtaking landscapes that make it a must-watch series.”
4. Dark Winds – AMC+ (US) Netflix (UK)
This lesser-known drama is a darker thriller set in the 1970s that follows three Navajo Tribal Police officers investigating chilling conspiracies. It stars Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, and Jessica Matten, in addition to The Office’s Rainn Wilson in the first season.
Based on the novels by Tony Hillerman, Dark Winds is perfect for Western fans who want something a little different after Landman. Not only does the period setting offer plenty of nostalgia for older fans, but the exploration of Navajo culture as well as its subtle supernatural horror makes it stand out among other recent titles.
The first season of six episodes are currently available on Netflix in the UK, which one fan on IMDb described as “well written, well acted, well paced. Two episodes in and I’m hooked.”
Someone else gushed in a 10/10 review: “I really loved the 2 seasons of this show. Suspenseful, gripping storyline and great acting.”
3. Deadwood – Paramount+ (UK) HBO Max (US)
One of the most iconic period Westerns of the 21st Century, the hit HBO drama Deadwood is still fondly remembered for its three seasons of cutthroat cowboy drama and a stark, unsanitized portrayal of the Old West.
Iconic performers such as Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker, Brad Dourif and many more starred in the thrilling series, which is currently available on Paramount+.
One fan made a bold claim: “Every aspect of the series was perfect. From the setting, cast, acting, writing, and just the entire idea of what this show is. I think most people who have had the opportunity to enjoy this show would say this is maybe the most beautifully written drama since Shakespeare.”
While another said: “This is one of the best shows I’ve ever watched. The acting is just incredible.”
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2. Lawman: Bass Reeves – Paramount+
Sticking with the period theme, this riveting historical drama set just after the American Civil War follows iconic star David Oyelowo as Bass Reeves, one of the first-ever African American Deputy U.S. Marshals west of the Mississippi river.
After his escape from slavery, Reeves becomes a legendary lawman in Arkansas whilst balancing his responsibilities to his family. An A-list cast feature alongside Oyelowo, including Barry Pepper, Dennis Quaid and one of the final performances of Hollywood legend Donald Sutherland.
One positive IMDb review called it “Another great show from Taylor Sheridan!”
They went on: “Well, I was looking forward to seeing Bass Reeves and it didn’t disappoint! A top-notch cast did a great job bringing the characters to life. The locations and cinematography were fantastic and it had a sense of grit that many western series don’t.”
Watch Bridgerton on Netflix for free with Sky
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Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.
This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Bridgerton.
1. Ransom Canyon – Netflix
This recent Netflix drama is a more subdued offering for Landman fans who stick around for the heartfelt family drama rather than Tommy’s cartel clashes or violent drilling disasters.
Starring Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly, this romantic-drama is centred around another land dispute, similar to Yellowstone, but focuses on the burgeoning relationship between a grieving rancher and a longtime family friend, the owner of the local dancehall.
However, the sudden appearance of a mysterious drifter with a secretive past threatens to throw their community off its axis. While the stakes aren’t quite as high, fans have all agreed Ransom Canyon is well worth a watch.
One IMDb user promised in a 10/10 review: “If you’re a fan of emotionally rich dramas like Yellowstone and Virgin River, this show is about to become your next obsession. While it begins with a slow burn, give it an episode or two and you’ll be completely hooked.”
Landman season 2 concludes Sunday, 18th January on Paramount+.
It’s the start of a new year and that means the kickoff of a whole new slate of television series. And while 2026 will bring plenty of those, it will also yield revivals, new seasons of beloved shows, spinoffs and long-awaited finales. Though this list isn’t exhaustive by any means, and not all dates have been announced, there’s plenty to start penciling into your calendar.
Holly Hunter as Capt. Nahla Ake in “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.”
(Brooke Palmer/Paramount+)
In these awful, uncertain times, it is heartening that “Star Trek,” that most good-hearted, proudly progressive of space operas, continues to create new missions for fresh multiplanetary crews of explorers. The latest series, set like “Star Trek: Discovery” in the far-flung 32nd century, when anything the writers need created can be, takes place both in San Francisco — where the rebuilt Starfleet Academy is welcoming its first new class in more than 100 years — and aboard a training starship, the USS Athena, which will presumably carry cadets into situations more dangerous than rush week or beer pong. Tig Notaro’s engineer Jett Reno, surviving from “Star Trek: Discovery,” and Robert Picardo’s holographic doctor way back from “Star Trek: Voyager,” are seen here, as are several new young actors for youth appeal and Holly Hunter, as the academy chancellor and starship captain, for the “Broadcast News” fans. The voice of Stephen Colbert, making announcements as the Digital Dean of Students, is heard, and Paul Giamatti puts on prosthetics to play the villain. — Robert Lloyd
‘Memory of a Killer’ (Jan. 25, Fox)
Michael Imperioli, left, and Patrick Dempsey in “Memory of a Killer.”
(Christos Kalohoridis/Fox)
Former “Grey’s Anatomy” heartthrob Patrick Dempsey trades in his “McDreamy” scrubs for a high-powered rifle in Fox’s thriller drama. Inspired by the 2003 Belgian film “De Zaak Alzheimer,” the drama features Dempsey as Angelo Ledda, a New York City hit man facing a devastating dilemma: he has early Alzheimer’s. The disease complicates his deadly profession and his life as a low-key family man. With a cast that includes Michael Imperioli (“The Sopranos”) and Gina Torres (“Suits”), the trailer looks particularly intriguing, with Dempsey looking intense while backed by the Who’s “Behind Blue Eyes.” Fox is spotlighting the series with a two-night premiere; the first episode airs following the NFC Championship game. The second episode airs Jan. 26 as the drama settles into its regular slot on Mondays at 9 p.m. — Greg Braxton
‘Scrubs’ revival (Feb. 25, ABC)
Zach Braff, top, and Donald Faison in the “Scrubs” revival.
(Jeff Weddell/Disney)
Ready for another walk through the halls of Sacred Heart Hospital with J.D., Elliot, Turk, Dr. Cox and Carla? The 30-minute sitcom was a comfort watch throughout much of the early aughts, with an endless loop of reruns keeping the show alive in the minds of fans long after it was canceled in 2010. But now ABC is bringing back the medical sitcom nearly 16 years later, and a lot of familiar faces are returning too: Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke and Donald Faison will reprise their lead roles, and John C. McGinley and Judy Reyes will make guest appearances. But not all is the same — several new cast members will join “Scrubs,” including Vanessa Bayer (“Saturday Night Live,” “I Love That for You”) and Joel Kim Booster (“Fire Island,” “Loot”). As long as J.D.’s daydreams and goofy bromance with Turk remain, I’m all in. — Maira Garcia
‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ Season 2 (Feb. 27, Apple TV)
Wyatt Russell and Mari Yamamoto in Season 2 of “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.”
(Vince Valitutti/Apple)
It’s been two years since the first season of “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” ended with a surprise two-year time jump and I’ve been waiting to see what’s next for the extended Randa clan ever since. The Monsterverse series follows Cate Randa (Anna Sawai) — a survivor of a Godzilla encounter — trying to learn the truth about her father Hiroshi’s (Takehiro Hira) disappearance with the help of her newly discovered half-brother Kentaro (Ren Watabe) and ex-pat hacker May (Kiersey Clemons). It turns out the Randa family legacy is intertwined with Godzilla as well as Monarch, a secret organization dedicated to studying the giant monsters known as Titans. The possibility of kaiju battles was definitely what initially drew me to the show, but the humans have kept me hooked. Season 1 ended with Cate reuniting with her brother and father after escaping a mysterious pocket world beneath Earth’s surface with her long-lost grandmother Keiko (Mari Yamamoto) in tow. If that is not the setup for some gloriously messy family drama, I don’t know what is — and that’s not even taking into account a potential love triangle. But don’t fret monster lovers, the presence of Kong has also been teased for Season 2. — Tracy Brown
’American Love Story’ (February, FX)
The latest iteration of Ryan Murphy’s “American Story” anthology will focus on John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, whose relationship and untimely deaths in 1999 created a media frenzy. (The couple died in a plane crash that Kennedy was piloting — the cause of death was deemed pilot error, but with no survivors, we’ll never know with 100% certainty.) Though their deaths occurred more than two decades ago, the event remains a significant moment in the memories of Americans and the Kennedy family, which has endured numerous tragedies over the decades. While Kennedy family members have openly criticized the series, it hasn’t stopped Murphy from proceeding. The television creator knows how to pique viewers’ interest, often dramatizing notable people and events. The series stars Sarah Pidgeon as Bessette, newcomer Paul Kelly as Kennedy and Naomi Watts as matriarch Jackie Kennedy. — M.G.
Logan Marshall-Green, Arielle Kebbel and Luke Grimes in CBS’ “Y: Marshals.”
(Sonja Flemming/CBS)
More than a year has passed since “Yellowstone” rode off into the sunset. The modern western was television’s hottest series during its five-season run, solidifying the star power of its lead Kevin Costner as patriarch John Dutton while establishing co-creator Taylor Sheridan as one of TV’s top writer-producers. Sheridan hopes to continue his “Yellowstone” triumph with several spinoffs. Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser will reprise their respective roles as Dutton’s volcanic daughter Beth Dutton and her husband, boss ranch hand Rip Wheeler, in Paramount+’s “Dutton Ranch.” Luke Grimes, who played Dutton’s son Kayce Dutton, will headline “Y: Marshals” in which Kayce joins a top U.S. Marshals unit. Joining Grimes in the CBS drama are “Yellowstone” cast members Gil Birmingham (Thomas Rainwater) and Mo Brings Plenty (Mo). Also in development is “The Madison,” a drama starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell about a New York City family living in Montana’s Madison River territory. — G.B.
‘Imperfect Women’ (March 18, Apple TV)
Elisabeth Moss, left, Kerry Washington and Kate Mara in “Imperfect Women.”
(Nicole Weingart/Apple)
If you’re longing for the elusive Season 3 of “Big Little Lies” or a similar crime-laced psychological thriller led by powerhouse women, Apple TV might be able to scratch that itch with this upcoming drama. Based on Araminta Hall’s novel of the same name, “Imperfect Women” will follow three lifelong friends, played by Kerry Washington, Elisabeth Moss and Kate Mara, as a murder sends their lives into chaos. Moss and Washington also serve as executive producers with Hall. Details about the plot of the series are scant (it is a mystery, after all), but the novel teases a story with deep betrayal and guilt, a secret affair and muddled perspectives, all underpinned by a murder investigation. That all sounds pretty dark, but Moss said the series will somehow be a “fantastic palate-cleanser” after the close of her dystopian drama “The Handmaid’s Tale.” “Imperfect Women” is “super different,” she added. “It’s fun, it’s sexy.” — Kaitlyn Huamani
‘The Forsytes’ (March 22, PBS)
Danny Griffin and Tuppence Middleton in “The Forsytes.”
(Sean Gleason/Masterpiece / PBS)
Written by Debbie Horsfield (“Poldark”), this is, as far as I can tell, a freely adapted, female-forward prequel to John Galsworthy’s “Forsyte Saga” novels, which provided the basis for a highly popular, 26-part adaptation in 1967 and subsequent filmings in 2002 and 2003. Set among a late Victorian-era family of stockbrokers, a phrase that will undoubtedly bring the word “succession” to mind, it promises to be a meaty, cheesy and handsomely dressed — sometimes undressed — romp. The large ensemble cast includes Francesca Annis, Stephen Moyer, Tuppence Middleton, Eleanor Tomlinson, Jack Davenport, “Doctor Who” companion Millie Gibson and Susan Hampshire, who starred in and won an Emmy for the 1967 series. — R.L.
‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’ (April 15, Apple TV)
Michelle Pfeiffer and Elle Fanning in “Margo’s Got Money Troubles.”
(Allyson Riggs/Apple)
Ever look at a television title and think: “It’s great to see myself represented on TV?” The actual premise of this series may feel less relatable on the surface to most, but the struggle to stretch a dollar like it’s made of industrial-use elastic is a conundrum many of us know all too well these days. And this new series from prolific TV producer David E. Kelley promises humor and heart in its adaptation of Rufi Thorpe’s novel of the same name, which explores sex work and financial precarity without moralization. The series stars Elle Fanning as the titular character, a recent college dropout from a working-class background who, as a new mom raising a baby solo, is forced to figure out how to make ends meet and finds a financial lifeline as a creator for OnlyFans, the subscription-based platform made famous by adult content. The series also features Michelle Pfeiffer as Margo’s mother (an ex-Hooters waitress) and Nick Offerman as her father (an ex-pro wrestler). And to ensure she’s not letting 2026 go by without adding a stamp to her TV punch card, Nicole Kidman is also part of the stacked cast. Because we need that, all of us. — Yvonne Villarreal
‘The Testaments’ (April 2026, Hulu)
Lucy Halliday, left, and Chase Infiniti in “The Testaments.”
(Disney)
The success of Bruce Miller’s award-winning adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” prompted the author to write the Booker Prize-winning sequel “The Testaments,” which Miller is also adapting. Set to premiere in April, it returns viewers to the Old Testament world of Gilead, years after the events in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and focuses on June’s (Elisabeth Moss) daughters Hannah, renamed Agnes (Chase Infiniti), and Daisy, previously known as Nicole (Lucy Halliday), as they face the brutal forces of a misogynistic theocracy. Ann Dowd reprises her role as Aunt Lydia, the only character (with the possible exception of June) who will cross over from the previous series. Miller has characterized the series as a “coming of age” story, but readers of the book will know that all is not what it once was in Gilead; forces both without and within plot its downfall and June’s daughters will not be far from the fight. — Mary McNamara
‘Beef’ Season 2 (2026, Netflix)
Three years after gifting us a darkly comic road rage thriller fronted by Steven Yeun and Ali Wong that was set against a soundtrack of ‘NSync, Tori Amos and Hoobastank songs, Lee Sung Jin’s anthology series returns for its second season with another layered, twist-filled exploration of class struggles, resentment and the absurdity of life’s curveballs. Consisting of eight 30-minute episodes, this season unpacks the pursuit of the American Dream by way of an exclusive Southern California country club and two couples from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The chaos kicks off when a young couple who work at the club (Cailee Spaeny and Charles Melton) witness a heated fight between their boss (Oscar Isaac), the general manager, and his wife (Carey Mulligan), an interior designer, just as the club’s new Korean billionaire owner (Youn Yuh-jung) takes over. The encounter spins out into a web of favors and coercion in this tale of broken systems and characters going to great lengths to get what they want. “Parasite’s” Song Kang-ho and K-Pop star BM (of KARD) round out the cast. And yes, there will be needle drops. — Y.V.
‘Little House on the Prairie’ (2026, Netflix)
It’s beyond time that someone revisited the semi-autobiographical series by Laura Ingalls Wilder in a way more suited to modern television. The 1974 NBC adaptation is a classic, but as a family drama of its time, it did not attempt to capture the historical breadth the book series documented. The many tribulations, and triumphs, the Ingalls family experienced as they moved from state to state, (including the locust plague of 1874, described in “On the Banks of Plum Creek,” which devastated the Midwest) provide a unique look into life on the American “frontier.” With any luck, showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine and her team of writers will do the same. — M.M.
‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’ (2026, Netflix)
Fans of the nearly 10-year long “Stranger Things” chapter on Netflix are sure to be feeling a bit of Duffer Brothers withdrawal in the new year. But their overall deal with Netflix will bear another intriguing project before the creators move over to Paramount exclusively. “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen” is a horror drama centering on a soon-to-be bride and groom, although the title seems to imply they never make it to the altar. The Duffer Brothers, Matt and Ross, and Hilary Leavitt from Upside Down Pictures are executive producing along with Haley Z. Boston, who will serve as showrunner. Boston has written on “Guillermo del Toro’s “Cabinet of Curiosities” and “Brand New Cherry Flavor,” both of which attracted avid horror fans. Camila Morrone (“Daisy Jones & the Six,” “The Night Manager”) stars alongside Adam DiMarco (“The White Lotus,” “Overcompensating”). Very few other details have been shared, but the talent involved — both behind the scenes and in front of the camera — is enough to pique my curiosity, even if I’ll have to close my eyes when things get a little too scary for my comfort. — K.H.
‘Yellowjackets’ Season 4 (2026, Showtime)
Tawny Cypress in the Season 3 finale of “Yellowjackets.”
(Darko Sikman/Paramount+ with Showtime)
I thought high school was traumatizing enough, but I didn’t have to deal with anything close to what the teens in “Yellowjackets” have endured for three seasons. The coming-of-age survival thriller is about a championship high school soccer team whose plane crashes into the remote Canadian wilderness where they are stranded for 19 months. The story unfolds over two timelines, with one following the girls as they do whatever it takes to survive in the wilds — including cannibalism and ritual sacrifice — and the other following the survivors in the present day as they are trying to live their lives. Unfortunately for them, whatever they started in the wilderness is unwilling to be left buried in the past and is back on the h(a)unt. There is plenty of rage, trauma, secrets and murder in both timelines, as well as some unsolved mysteries that may or may not involve supernatural elements. With the upcoming fourth season confirmed to be the last, here’s to hoping some of the remaining questions — including how the girls were saved, how many girls actually survived, and why the “wilderness” came back to them in the present day — will be answered. — T.B.
‘VisionQuest’ (2026, Disney+)
It feels like forever ago that “WandaVision” kicked off Marvel Studios’ foray into television with a bang. A clever homage to sitcoms, the show followed Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) as she tried to magically piece together a life and family with Vision (Paul Bettany) after the events of “Avengers: Endgame” (2019). The upcoming Disney+ series “VisionQuest” will cap off the “WandaVision” trilogy, which also includes one of my favorite MCU installments, “Agatha All Along.” When audiences last saw Vision, the reconstructed android had just regained his memories and, presumably, his sentience, before flying off into the unknown. The new series will see Vision trying to navigate that aftermath to figure out who he is — reportedly with some help from other known Marvel AI programs and robots. Both “WandaVision” and “Agatha” explored grief and trauma and motherhood in their own ways, so I’m curious how these themes might carry over into “VisionQuest.” I’m admittedly a bit more into witches than robots, but I’m looking forward to the proper introduction of Tommy Shepherd (Ruaridh Mollica), who in the comics is the grown-up version of one of Wanda and Vision’s magically-created twins, and any potential family reunions. — T.B.
From EU border fingerprint checks to new visa waivers and tourist taxes, British holidaymakers face major changes in 2026. Here are some of the most important ones you need to know about before you jet off
EES gates will soon become a necessary step when flying to Europe(Image: Getty)
The world of travel is constantly changing, with alterations to airport regulations, tourism restrictions, and new paperwork to complete. These changes can often leave holidaymakers scratching their heads, unsure of how they’ll be affected or what steps they need to take.
The upcoming year promises a wave of significant changes, particularly for Brits traveling to or from the EU. The potential requirement for a visa waiver is on the horizon, and the new entry and exit system is likely to be implemented this year, reports the Express.
But what does this mean for the average holidaymaker? And what do Brits need to sort out before they set off? Here’s a breakdown of some of the changes you need to keep an eye on if you have a trip booked.
EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
After numerous delays, the Entry/Exit System (EES) finally got off the ground in October. This means anyone from outside the Schengen Area, including Brits, will have to provide fingerprints and a facial image at the border when entering EU countries.
This initiative aims to phase out manual passport stamps and make it easier to monitor tourists who overstay their welcome. However, the roll-out of the system has hit a number of snags.
For instance, the Port of Dover was initially set to start using EES in October for car passengers, but this was pushed back to early 2026 to prevent delays over the busy festive season. Not all EU airports have the system up and running yet, so if you’re planning to travel early next year, your experience may differ.
The deadline for full implementation across all Schengen members, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, is set for 10 April 2026. Once operational, travellers won’t need to do anything beforehand, but there may be lengthier airport queues as people adjust to the new system.
ETIAS – EU Visas
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new visa waiver programme for exempt visitors making trips to the EU. It’s similar to the United States’ ESTA, and the procedure will be largely the same.
Once implemented, Brits planning an EU holiday will need to complete an ETIAS application, which is a pre-screening that permits you to enter the Schengen Area without a visa.
The downside is that the visa will cost €7 per person (roughly £6.10). However, once approved, the ETIAS will remain valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever happens first.
Currently, no launch date has been declared on the official ETIAS website, but it’s advisable to stay alert for any updates. The launch date for ETIAS has already been postponed several times, and while it’s presently set for Q4 of 2026, which is October, there could still be delays in rolling out the system.
As with any travel visa or application, only use the official ETIAS website for applications and steer clear of third-party sites.
Brits face bigger bills on arrival
Overtourism has consistently made the news throughout 2025, and Brits travelling to certain countries might be caught off guard by unforeseen additional costs.
An increasing number of destinations are implementing tourist taxes, and while these are typically minor nightly fees, they can quickly accumulate for extended stays or larger groups. English mayors are also set to be given the authority to impose tourist taxes, meaning even staycations could come with added expenses.
New tourist taxes set to begin in 2026 include Edinburgh, where a 5% surcharge will be added to hotel bills from July, and Thailand, which will levy a 300 baht fee (approximately £7) on air passengers.
Brits heading abroad might also discover they’re charged more than locals to visit popular sites. A recent case in point is the Louvre in Paris, which announced that from early 2026, EEA residents will be charged €22 for entry, roughly £19.15, whereas those from outside the EEA, including Brits, will be hit with a €32 admission fee (around £27.86).
U.S. National Parks are set to introduce a two-tier pricing system for American citizens and tourists, with the latter being hit with an additional $100 fee on top of standard charges to gain entry into popular parks such as the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. This surcharge can be applied per person or per vehicle, depending on the park’s policy.
For instance, a family visiting the Grand Canyon typically pays $35 (roughly £25.87) for a private car. However, under the new rules for non-Americans, this will skyrocket to a staggering $135, meaning visitors could pay just under £100 to simply pass through the gates.
Changes to liquid rules
Air travellers should stay up-to-date with any changes to liquid rules at their departure and destination airports, as the 100ml rule is often subject to change and has even been scrapped in some places due to advancements in technology.
At Birmingham, Gatwick, and Edinburgh airports, passengers can now carry up to two litres of liquids in their hand luggage, thanks to enhanced scanning technology. Meanwhile, at Luton Airport, while the 100ml rule remains in effect, there’s no longer a requirement to remove liquids from your hand luggage. This means the small plastic bag is no longer necessary; you can simply place your luggage in the scanner.
However, it’s important to remember that the regulations at your destination may differ. So, if you bring a two-litre bottle from the UK in your hand luggage, it might need to be stowed in a checked bag for your return journey.
Tightening of smoking and vaping bans
Several Spanish holiday hotspots favoured by Brits are considering imposing stricter regulations on smoking and vaping in public areas. In certain tourist hotspots like Barcelona and the Balearic Islands, puffing away on a cigarette or vape is already prohibited on beaches, while some Canaries’ beaches have been declared ‘clean-air zones’.
However, new proposals set to potentially take effect in 2026 could see a total ban on smoking and vaping in various outdoor spaces, including beaches and bar terraces throughout Spain, with immediate fines for those flouting the rules. In the Canary Islands, penalties for violating anti-smoking laws currently range from €30 to €2,000 (approximately £26 to £1,730), so it’s anticipated that similar fines would accompany the new regulations.
Crackdowns on unruly passengers
A recently enacted law in France, which may soon be replicated across other EU nations, is set to clamp down hard on disruptive behaviour among air passengers.
Starting from November, passengers traversing French airspace who commit offences such as using an electronic device when forbidden, hindering flight crew, or failing to adhere to safety instructions, will face hefty fines of up to €10,000 and flight bans lasting up to four years. For repeat offenders, fines can soar to €20,000, serving as a stern reminder for passengers to maintain decorum when flying over France.
The French Civil Aviation Authority will maintain a database of misconduct, enabling French airlines to report troublesome passengers and identify habitual offenders.
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