New Shows 'Scarpetta' and 'Sunny Nights' Debut This Week

Plus, the 98th Academy Awards air live and a look at other notable TV premieres.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

This week in television brings the debut of several new shows, including the Nicole Kidman-led crime drama 'Scarpetta' and the Australian comedy 'Sunny Nights.' The 98th Academy Awards will also air live, honoring the best in film. Other notable premieres include new seasons of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' on Hulu and 'Virgin River' on Netflix, as well as the debut of Taylor Sheridan's latest series 'The Madison' on Paramount+.

Why it matters

The new television premieres this week offer viewers a diverse array of programming, from prestige crime dramas to lighthearted comedies, catering to a wide range of tastes. The Oscars broadcast remains a major cultural event, drawing significant attention and interest. These new shows and specials provide fresh entertainment options during a busy week in the TV landscape.

The details

The new crime drama 'Scarpetta,' starring Nicole Kidman, follows a forensic pathologist grappling with the psychological toll of her work, set across two timelines. 'Sunny Nights' is an Australian comedy about siblings trying to grow their spray-tan business. The fourth season of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' on Hulu will feature storylines around 'Dancing With the Stars' and 'The Bachelorette.' 'Virgin River' returns for season 7 on Netflix, as the couple Mel and Jack navigate adopting a baby. Taylor Sheridan's new series 'The Madison' premieres the first half of its debut season on Paramount+.

  • The 98th Academy Awards will air live on Sunday, March 12 at 7 p.m. on ABC.
  • 'Scarpetta' and 'Sunny Nights' begin streaming on Wednesday, March 13.
  • Season 4 of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' premieres on Thursday, March 14 on Hulu.
  • Season 7 of 'Virgin River' debuts on Thursday, March 14 on Netflix.
  • The first 3 episodes of 'The Madison' will be available to stream on Saturday, March 16 on Paramount+.

The players

Nicole Kidman

An acclaimed actress who stars in the new crime drama series 'Scarpetta.'

Will Forte

An actor who stars in the new Australian comedy series 'Sunny Nights.'

D'Arcy Carden

An actress who stars alongside Will Forte in the new series 'Sunny Nights.'

Taylor Sheridan

A showrunner known for hit shows like 'Yellowstone' and '1923,' who has a new series 'The Madison' premiering this week.

Michelle Pfeiffer

An acclaimed actress who stars in Taylor Sheridan's new series 'The Madison.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The second half of the debut season of 'The Madison' will premiere a week after the first three episodes, on March 23.

The takeaway

This week's TV lineup offers viewers a diverse range of new programming, from prestige crime dramas to lighthearted comedies, catering to a wide variety of tastes. The continued success of long-running shows like 'Virgin River' also demonstrates the audience's appetite for familiar, character-driven narratives.