TV shows and movies coming out this month: what to watch in January 2026
Vitalii Shvets
January promises to be a powerful start for all movie lovers and fans of cozy evenings in front of the screen. As the holiday hustle and bustle gradually fades, streaming platforms and cinemas are preparing to present projects that will set the tone for the entire upcoming year. This month, you can expect both the long-awaited returns of iconic franchises and ambitious new releases: from intense thrillers starring top Hollywood actors to grand family fairy tales. We've put together the most up-to-date premiere guide so you won't miss a single big story this January.
The most anticipated TV shows of January 2026
In this section, you'll find a selection of series that should be added to your must-watch list first.
The Pitt — Season 2
- Created by: R. Scott Gemmill;
- Starring: Noah Wyle, Tracy Ifeachor, Patrick Ball, Supriya Ganesh;
- Release: 08 January 2026;
- Country: USA (HBO Max);
- Number of episodes: 15.
The second season continues the traditions of the first, maintaining its unique real-time storytelling format: each episode covers one hour in the life of a Pittsburgh emergency department. The events begin ten months after the finale of the first season. The main action takes place during the holiday weekend celebrating July 4th. This is one of the most intense days for American doctors due to injuries from fireworks, accidents during leisure activities, and incidents related to alcohol.
Industry — Season 4
- Created by: Mickey Down, Konrad Kay;
- Starring: Myha'la Herrold, Marisa Abela, Ken Leung;
- Release: 11 January 2026;
- Country: USA, United Kingdom (HBO Max);
- Number of episodes: 8.
The fourth season takes the action to a global stage, where Harper, now based in New York, is waging an aggressive financial war against the new fintech giant, Tender. Meanwhile, Yasmin, who has become part of the British aristocracy through her marriage to Henry Mack, uses her influence to protect her family's interests. The main conflict centers on the clash of ambitions between the former friends, as well as Eric and Rishi’s attempts to survive in the new reality following the collapse of Pierpoint bank.
Agatha Christie's Seven Dials — miniseries
- Created by: Agatha Christie;
- Starring: Mia McKenna-Bruce, Martin Freeman, Helena Bonham Carter;
- Release: 15 January 2026;
- Country: United Kingdom (Netflix);
- Number of episodes: 3.
England, 1925. During a lavish reception at a country estate, an innocent joke unexpectedly turns into a real murder. At the center of the events is Lady Eileen Brent—a curious and sharp-witted aristocrat who suddenly takes it upon herself to investigate a case that could change her life forever. As she unravels a chain of secrets hidden behind the facade of high society, she gradually comes closer to uncovering a sinister conspiracy.
The series offers a dynamic and ironic reimagining of Agatha Christie’s classic “country house” detective story. Here, a tense plot is combined with witty dialogues, the atmosphere of the era, and unexpected twists, turning the familiar formula into an exciting and modern-sounding drama.
Ponies — Season 1
- Created by: Susanna Fogel, David Iserson;
- Starring: Emilia Clarke, Haley Lu Richardson, Adrian Lester;
- Release: 15 January 2026;
- Country: USA (Peacock);
- Number of episodes: 8.
The spy thriller is set in Moscow in 1977. The story follows two women — Bea, the educated daughter of Soviet immigrants, and Twila, a fearless provincial — who work as ordinary secretaries at the US Embassy. After their husbands, CIA operatives, die under mysterious circumstances in a plane crash, the heroines become spies themselves, determined to uncover a large-scale Cold War conspiracy and learn the truth about their loved ones’ deaths. They use their "invisibility" as their main weapon in the male-dominated world of espionage.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — Season 1
- Created by: George R. R. Martin;
- Starring: Nick Tarabay, Dexter Sol Ansell, Finn Bennett;
- Release: 18 January 2026;
- Country: USA (HBO);
- Number of episodes: 6.
The series is based on George R. R. Martin's novella cycle Tales of Dunk and Egg and transports viewers to Westeros decades before the events of Game of Thrones. At the heart of the story are the wandering knight Ser Duncan the Tall and his clever squire Egg, who travel across the Seven Kingdoms, facing intrigue, danger, and the harsh laws of a feudal world. Their journey is not only a series of trials, but also a tale of friendship, honor, and choices in an era when the fate of people is decided by sword and oath.
The first season adapts the novella The Hedge Knight. After the death of his lord, Duncan sets out for a knightly tournament, where a chance encounter with a boy named Egg changes his life. It soon becomes clear that the squire is hiding royal origins, and Duncan himself is drawn into a dangerous conflict between the most noble knights of Westeros and the heir to the throne. These events become the starting point for a story that will leave its mark on the fate of the Seven Kingdoms and shape the future of one of the greatest kings of House Targaryen.
Wonder Man — Season 1
- Created by: Destin Daniel Cretton, Andrew Guest;
- Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Ben Kingsley, Demetrius Grosse;
- Release: 27 January 2026;
- Country: USA (Disney+);
- Number of episodes: 8.
The series tells the story of Simon Williams — a Hollywood actor and stuntman who grew up in the shadow of his wealthy and influential industrialist father. In search of his own path, he makes a dangerous deal with Baron Helmut Zemo, undergoes ionic radiation, and gains incredible superpowers. Known as Wonder Man, Simon is drawn into a world of superheroes and threats, where fame and responsibility go hand in hand.
As he struggles to reconcile his past life with his new destiny, Wonder Man becomes a key member of the West Coast Avengers in Los Angeles. The series blends action, drama, and irony, exploring themes of self-identity, the price of power, and what it means to be a hero in a city where the line between show business and reality is almost erased.
Shrinking — Season 3
- Created by: Jason Segel, Brett Goldstein, Bill Lawrence;
- Starring: Jason Segel, Jessica Williams, Harrison Ford;
- Release: 28 January 2026;
- Country: USA (Apple TV);
- Number of episodes: 11.
In the third season, Jimmy continues to walk the line between his unconventional method of "psychological patrolling" and his attempts to improve his personal life, while his relationship with Gaby grows increasingly complicated after their intimate encounter. The plot focuses on the theme of forgiveness and the consequences of past mistakes: Paul faces new challenges due to his progressing Parkinson’s disease and tries to reconnect with his family, while Alice seeks independence as Brian and Charlie adapt to a new chapter in their lives. The entire season is infused with the show’s signature blend of sadness and optimism, exploring how the characters cope with grief and change, remaining a support for each other in their big, strange "found family".
Bridgerton — Season 4
- Created by: Chris Van Dusen;
- Starring: Adjoa Andoh, Lorraine Ashbourne, Jonathan Bailey, Ruby Barker;
- Release: 29 January 2026;
- Country: USA (Netflix);
- Number of episodes: 8.
Benedict meets the mysterious "Lady in Silver", who instantly captures his heart but disappears before midnight. This enigmatic stranger turns out to be Sophie Beck — the illegitimate daughter of an earl, forced to work as a maid for her cruel stepmother, Lady Araminta. The season explores the social divide between the characters and forces the confirmed bachelor Benedict to choose between following the rules of high society and listening to his heart, while also developing the storylines of Penelope, Colin, and Eloise in their new roles.
Which format is best for the New Year holidays?
The most anticipated movies of January 2026
January will be a month of premieres that can surprise, move, and deliver unforgettable emotions. Here are the most notable films you won’t want to miss in the coming weeks.
Greenland 2: Migration
- Directed by: Ric Roman Waugh;
- Starring: Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, Roman Griffin Davis;
- Release: 09 January 2026;
- Country: USA.
The Garrity family emerges from their underground shelter in Greenland to face a world forever changed by the comet's impact. Ruined cities, scarce resources, and new threats make every decision a matter of survival.
In search of a safe place to live, the protagonists embark on a perilous journey across devastated lands, where the main threat comes not only from the environment but also from other survivors. The sequel continues the story of resilience, family bonds, and the price of hope in a post-apocalyptic world.
People We Meet on Vacation
- Directed by: Brett Haley;
- Starring: Emily Bader, Tom Blyth;
- Release: 09 January 2026;
- Country: USA (Netflix).
The adaptation of Emily Henry's bestselling novel of the same name tells the story of two former best friends who used to travel together every summer, only to lose touch for many years. She is an energetic blogger in search of adventure and vivid experiences, while he is a calm English teacher accustomed to a measured life.
After some time, the two decide to revive their tradition of vacationing together and set off on a new journey, where old hurts, memories, and candid conversations gradually transform their relationship. What began as an attempt to recapture the past unexpectedly turns into a story about growing up, making choices, and feelings that have always run much deeper than just friendship.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
- Directed by: Nia DaCosta;
- Starring: Alfie Williams, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, Erin Kellyman;
- Release: 16 January 2026;
- Country: USA, United Kingdom.
The film takes place after the events of 28 Years Later in post-apocalyptic England, ravaged by a deadly virus. Spike is captured by Sir Jimmy Crystal and his gang of acrobatic killers, for whom violence has become both a means of survival and entertainment. Meanwhile, Dr. Ian Kelson makes a dangerous discovery that could forever alter the balance of power in this shattered world. Against the backdrop of collapsing human values, the story shows that the real threat comes not only from the virus, but also from people who have lost the boundaries between fear, power, and cruelty.
The Rip
- Directed by: Joe Carnahan;
- Starring: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck;
- Release: 16 January 2026;
- Country: USA (Netflix).
A tense crime thriller about a Miami tactical police team that, during a raid, stumbles upon a cartel stash containing an unexpectedly huge sum of money. Instead of the expected three hundred thousand dollars, the officers find twenty million in cas — and the discovery quickly ceases to be a secret. The leak draws the attention of the criminal underworld and sparks a chain of suspicion within the group itself. Under the pressure of greed, fear, and external threats, trust between partners unravels, turning the operation into a dangerous game where the main question is: who among them is ready to betray the others.
Mercy
- Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov;
- Starring: Chris Pratt, Rebecca Ferguson, Annabelle Wallis;
- Release: 23 January 2026;
- Country: USA.
In the near future, where artificial intelligence has become an integral part of society, a seasoned detective finds himself on the wrong side of the law. He is accused of deliberately murdering his own wife, and now his fate will be decided in an accelerated trial. He has only ninety minutes to prove his innocence — a time in which the past, emotions, and facts collide in a deadly, high-stakes race.
The judge in this case is an impartial algorithm, incapable of doubt or compassion. To survive, the detective must not only reconstruct the chain of events but also challenge a system where the logic of machines can be more terrifying than human error. The film becomes a tense thriller about truth, responsibility, and the price of trusting technology.
Return to Silent Hill
- Directed by: Christophe Gans;
- Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Hannah Emily Anderson, Evie Templeton;
- Release: 23 January 2026;
- Country: France, USA.
The film takes viewers back to the ominous Silent Hill — a town where the fog hides not only the streets, but reality itself. James, unable to come to terms with the loss of his beloved, receives a mysterious letter and sets out to find her, hoping for answers in the place that was once home. However, the familiar surroundings have become unrecognizable: the town is warped by an unknown evil, and each step draws him deeper into a nightmare.
Wandering through darkness and ruins, James encounters terrifying creatures—manifestations of pain, guilt, and fear. The line between memories, illusions, and reality blurs, turning his journey into a trial for both body and mind. To reach the truth and save his lost love, he must face the darkest corners of his own past.
Iron Lung
- Directed by: Mark Fischbach;
- Starring: Mark Fischbach, Caroline Rose Kaplan, Seán McLoughlin, David Szymanski;
- Release: 30 January 2026;
- Country: USA.
In a post-apocalyptic future following a mysterious event, the universe has lost its stars and all habitable planets. In a desperate attempt to find new resources, humanity sends a convicted criminal to an abandoned moon, where a sinister ocean of blood has been discovered. His mission is to explore the uncharted abyss aboard the mini-submarine Iron Lung. Alone in total isolation and darkness, the protagonist faces not only the oppressive unknown of the depths, but also his own fears, as every meter of descent could be his last.
Send Help
- Directed by: Sam Raimi;
- Starring: Rachel McAdams, Dylan O'Brien;
- Release: 30 January 2026;
- Country: USA.
A dark tragicomic story about survival, power, and psychological tension. After a plane crash on a deserted island, an employee and her boss find themselves cut off from the outside world and forced to survive together. The former hierarchy begins to crack: fear, hunger, and isolation expose hidden conflicts, shifting familiar roles and the balance of power. In these extreme conditions, their relationship takes a disturbingly new turn, where the line between cooperation and confrontation grows ever thinner.
Which TV shows and movies are you planning to watch?
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