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Jesse McKeown’s Below Opens the Programme While Mike Flanagan’s Carrie Closes with Star-Studded Cast Including Gary Oldman, Jon Hamm, and Carrie-Anne Moss
The Toronto International Film Festival has announced its 2026 Primetime programme, spotlighting groundbreaking episodic storytelling and auteur-driven television from some of the world’s most exciting creators.
This year’s Official Selections showcase the creative power and influence of the medium, featuring major World Premieres and new seasons of compelling dramas, thrillers, and docuseries starring François Arnaud, Bérénice Bejo, Linda Cardellini, Jon Hamm, Carrie-Anne Moss, Gary Oldman, Hudson Williams, and more.
Primetime spotlights the best in international and North American series, bringing new shows to the big screen. Featuring one or two episodes and conversations with cast and creators, this programme treats TIFF audiences to a first look at upcoming series before they hit television, alongside the people who made them.
This year’s lineup has a heavy focus on series based on established IP, including American Hostage, Carrie, and Crystal Lake, based on the Friday the 13th franchise.
The programme’s opening title is Jesse McKeown’s Below, a six-episode series starring Mackenzie Davis, Charlie Heaton, and Josh Hartnett, about a small town in Newfoundland that comes under siege by a mysterious sea creature. Premiering his new series Carrie, Mike Flanagan makes his return to TIFF after his 2024 People’s Choice Award winner The Life of Chuck.
2026 Primetime Programme in Full
The Primetime programme features nine titles in alphabetical order.
2.6 Seconds Death in the Outback by Darren Dale from Australia is a World Premiere documentary series.
Alice by Virginie Verrier and Guillaume Lonergan from France and Canada is a World Premiere.
American Hostage by Shawn Ryan, Eileen Myers, and Adam Arkin from the United States is a World Premiere.
Below by Jesse McKeown from Canada is the Opening Series and a World Premiere. The six-episode series stars Mackenzie Davis, Charlie Heaton, and Josh Hartnett.
Blindspot Berlin by David Nawrath from Germany is a World Premiere.
Carrie by Mike Flanagan from Canada and the United States is the Closing Series and a World Premiere.
Crystal Lake by Brad Caleb Kane and Michael Lennox from the United States is a World Premiere.
Oxygen Masks Will Not Drop Automatically by Marcelo Gomes and Carol Miném from Brazil is a North American Premiere.
Slow Horses by Will Smith and Adam Randall from the United Kingdom and the United States is an International Premiere.
YAGA by Kat Sandler, Rachel Talalay, and David Frazee from Canada is a World Premiere.
Primetime Leadership
Primetime’s lead programmer is Geoff Macnaughton.
The 51st edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 10 to 20, 2026. Today concludes this week’s announcements. TIFF Takeover returns on Tuesday, August 4, at 10am ET with more programming news.
About TIFF
TIFF is a not-for-profit cultural organization with a mission to transform the way people see the world through film. A global leader in film and entertainment, TIFF initiatives include the annual Toronto International Film Festival in September, TIFF Lightbox, which features five cinemas, plus learning and entertainment facilities, the Donald Shebib TIFF Film Circuit, an innovative national distribution programme, and TIFF The Market launching in 2026. The organization generates an estimated annual economic impact of 240 million Canadian dollars.
TIFF Lightbox is generously supported by contributors including the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family, The Daniels Corporation, and RBC.
TIFF is generously supported by Festival Presenting Sponsor Rogers Communications, Major Sponsors RBC and Visa, and Major Supporters Telefilm Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of Toronto.