Peacock has officially set a premiere date for the return of its foul-mouthed bear. Ted: The Animated Series is scheduled to debut on December 17, 2026, marking the first time Mark Wahlberg will reprise his role as John Bennett since the 2015 sequel Ted 2.
The shift to a 2D animated format follows the conclusion of the live-action prequel series, which aired its second season in March 2026. Seth MacFarlane previously indicated that the high production costs associated with the CGI required for a live-action bear made a third season of the prequel unlikely, leading to this new creative direction for the franchise as a cost-effective alternative.
This new series serves as a direct narrative successor to the films rather than the recent prequel. The story picks up 12 years after the events of Ted 2, finding John and Ted living as neighbors. Both characters are depicted navigating a new stage of adulthood, complete with their own families and dead-end jobs.
Joining Wahlberg and MacFarlane are several returning faces from the original films. Amanda Seyfried is set to reprise her role as Sam, and Jessica Barth returns as Tami-Lynn, bridging the gap between the theatrical releases and the new streaming project. New additions to the voice cast include Kyle Mooney and Liz Richman, who will play new series regulars named Apollo and Ruth.
The series is expected to launch with an initial run of eight episodes. According to TheWrap, additional episodes are already scheduled to follow in 2027. While the project has been referred to by various titles in early development, the official branding remains Ted: The Animated Series.
