Best New TV Show of 2026: Hate the Player

There’s no denying it – Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story is the standout TV show of 2026 so far. This Canadian gem aired its final two episodes on GameTV, and they are now ready to stream on Paramount+ in Canada.

These episodes brought a mix of laughs and deeper themes, focusing on the relationship between sprinter Johnson (played by the talented Shamier Anderson) and his mother (the always brilliant Karen Robinson from Schitt’s Creek). While the humor may have been politically incorrect at times, it also delved into the serious issue of family separation due to immigration policies that have impacted many Caribbean-Canadian families.

The series finale explored Canada’s complicated relationship with the United States in a clever way, while also poking fun at the Dubin inquiry into performance-enhancing drugs following Johnson’s scandal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. This show stands out because it takes a fresh comedic angle on late 20th-century tabloid scandals, unlike many other shows that have explored similar themes in the past.

Creator Anthony Q. Farrell deserves credit for injecting new life into a genre that has seen diminishing returns in recent years. While American producer Ryan Murphy has been a pioneer in this field, some recent shows have fallen short in living up to the standards set by earlier successes. Hate the Player manages to succeed not only because it is Canadian, but because it offers a unique perspective on American entertainment.

The show’s disclaimer at the beginning of each episode sets the stage for a humorous and exaggerated retelling of Johnson’s story. By framing Johnson as an unreliable narrator and using a cast of actors to play multiple roles, the show creates an entertaining mix of truth and fiction that keeps viewers engaged.

Overall, Hate the Player is a refreshing take on the “rise and fall” narrative, offering a more nuanced look at Johnson’s story. With the potential to become an anthology series taking on other controversial Canadians in future seasons, it will be interesting to see where the show goes next. Let’s hope it finds success beyond Canada’s borders, as its themes are sure to resonate with audiences worldwide.