PaleyFest LA Returns to the Dolby Theatre in April — First Programs from Netflix, Apple TV and HBO Max Announced

A fresh PaleyFest line-up lands in Hollywood: what we know now

The Paley Center for Media has set PaleyFest LA 2026 for April 4 through April 12 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, and it has released the first batch of programs. The early announcement names shows from three big streamers — Netflix (NFLX), Apple (AAPL) and HBO Max (WBD) — and says audiences should expect a mix of screenings and onstage conversations with creators and cast. The news matters because PaleyFest is one of the few festival stages that turns TV premieres into public events, and these first picks give a clear signal about where the industry will aim for attention next spring.

Confirmed programs and what audiences can expect

Netflix’s Nobody Wants This (NFLX) — The series was listed among the festival’s first offerings. PaleyFest traditionally pairs episode screenings with a moderated Q&A, so attendees can likely expect a preview screening followed by a live discussion with the people who made the show. For fans, that format lets you see an episode in a theatrical setting and hear the creators explain why they made specific choices.

Apple TV’s Shrinking (AAPL) — Shrinking has been a buzzy title for Apple’s streaming arm, and its inclusion signals that the festival will again highlight both established hits and buzzy newcomers. The Paley announcement indicates the event will bring at least some of the show’s principals to the stage for a conversation. Those panels are where behind-the-scenes stories and chemistry between cast and creators often make headlines.

HBO Max’s The Pitt (WBD) — The third confirmed program comes from the HBO Max side of the business. As with the other entries, the format is expected to combine a screening element with an onstage conversation. For industry watchers, a presence from this streamer helps keep PaleyFest balanced across the main players making prestige TV.

Across these items, the common thread is the chance for fans to see early footage in a big-room setting and to hear creators speak candidly. The organizers emphasized live panels as a core draw, which has been a defining feature of PaleyFest’s appeal.

How tickets and Paley membership perks will work

The Paley Center says Paley members get first access to tickets and a slate of member-only benefits. That typically means an early presale window, opportunities to buy better seats, and occasional member-only events or receptions tied to specific programs. The organization also said it will release the full PaleyFest lineup on Jan. 26; after that date, broader ticketing information and public on-sale dates will be posted on the Paley Center’s website.

Why these announcements matter for fans and TV culture

PaleyFest has long been a place where television seasons become public moments. The festival turns industry premieres into fan-facing conversations, and it often generates media attention that can help a show build momentum. By opening its first slate with picks from the biggest streamers, PaleyFest LA 2026 is signaling that it still matters to both audiences and networks as a way to spotlight programming ahead of wider release.

In past years, Paley events have produced memorable moments — surprise reunions, first looks at new series and panels that shape early narratives about a show’s tone and ambitions. For viewers who follow television closely, a PaleyFest slot can be the first real temperature check on whether a series will become a cultural conversation in the months that follow.

Practical details and what to watch next

PaleyFest LA 2026 runs April 4–12 at the Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. The Paley Center for Media will publish the full lineup on Jan. 26, and that announcement should include detailed ticketing dates and the complete schedule. For reporters and interested viewers, the next steps are clear: watch the Jan. 26 release for the full program, and expect Paley members to receive early access to tickets in the days that follow.

The early list gives a sense of the festival’s shape but not its full sweep. As the Paley Center rolls out the rest of the lineup, look for additional high-profile shows, special events and the usual mix of screenings and in-person conversations that make PaleyFest a marquee stop on the TV calendar.

Sources

• prnewswire.com