Hey everyone, Summer here.

And it's January 2026, which means we're in peak TV season. Golden Globes just happened, streaming services are dropping new shows left and right, and you're probably wondering: what should I actually be watching?

The good news is there's a ton of great stuff out right now. The bad news? There's SO much that it's overwhelming to choose. Between Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, Disney+, Paramount+, and all the others, how do you even decide what deserves your time?

So today I'm breaking down the hottest shows you should be watching right now in January 2026—what's brand new, what's returning, and what's actually worth the hype.

Let's dive in.

PART ONE: THE MUST-WATCH NEW SHOWS 

Let's start with brand new series that just premiered or are about to.

The Pitt - Season 2 (HBO Max, January 8)

If you loved ER back in the day, you need to watch The Pitt. Noah Wyle—yes, from ER—is back in another medical drama, but this one's different. Each episode covers one hour of a 15-hour shift in a teaching hospital emergency room. The whole season takes place in a single day in real time.

Season 2 just dropped on January 8th, and critics are raving. It's been praised for its accuracy about modern medicine and healthcare, and it's perfect for binging since the real-time format makes you want to keep watching.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (Paramount+, January 15)

For sci-fi fans, this is the big one. It's a new Star Trek series following young cadets training to become Starfleet officers. Set in the 32nd century after Discovery, it's got Oscar winners Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti providing serious acting weight.

If you've been missing Star Trek or want a fresh entry point into the franchise, this looks like the perfect jumping-on spot.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO, January 18)

Game of Thrones fans, HBO's got you. This new spinoff is based on George R.R. Martin's novellas and follows Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg, set a century before the original Game of Thrones.

Martin himself promised duel scenes "on another level," and early word is it's more accessible than House of the Dragon while still delivering that Westeros drama we crave. Plus it's already been renewed for Season 2, so you know HBO has confidence.

Bridgerton - New Season (Netflix, January 16)

Regency romance fans know the drill—each season focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling. This time it's Benedict, the arty, licentious second son who's always resisted settling down until he spots a mysterious woman at a masked ball.

If you've been following Bridgerton, you're already watching. If you haven't started, this might be a good season to jump in because Benedict's story looks particularly compelling.

PART TWO: RETURNING FAVORITES YOU CAN'T MISS 

Now let's talk about shows coming back that you absolutely need to catch up on if you've fallen behind.

Industry - Season 4 (HBO, January 11)

This British drama about young recruits at a London investment bank has been getting better every season. Season 4 adds Kiernan Shipka, Kal Penn, and Max Minghella to an already strong cast.

If you want authentic finance industry drama with great writing and diverse casting, Industry is criminally underrated. Plus, Stranger Things fans will be happy to know Charlie Heaton is joining this season.

Shrinking - Season 3 (Apple TV, January 28)

Jason Segel and Harrison Ford star in this comedy-drama about a therapist who lost his wife and decides to completely change how he treats patients. Season 3 is adding Michael J. Fox to the cast, which is reason enough to watch.

If you loved Ted Lasso, Shrinking has some of the same creative team and that perfect blend of humor and heart. It's been getting better with each season.

The Boys - Season 5 (Prime Video, April 8)

Okay, this isn't January but it's close enough that I have to mention it—The Boys final season drops April 8th. The first two episodes release that day, then weekly after that.

This season will see Butcher, Hughie, and the gang try to take down Homelander once and for all. Plus, in fun casting news, Jared Padalecki is joining, reuniting with his Supernatural co-star Jensen Ackles who plays Soldier Boy.

Beef - Season 2 (Netflix, TBA)

The acclaimed A24 series from Lee Sung Jin is back with an all-new cast and story. This time it's Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton, and Cailee Spaeny dealing with viciously aired grievances at a country club.

Season 1 was phenomenal, and the anthology format means you don't need to have seen it to jump into Season 2.

PART THREE: HIDDEN GEMS AND NICHE PICKS 

Now for some shows that might not be on everyone's radar but are worth checking out depending on your interests.

His & Hers (Netflix, January 8)

Tessa Thompson stars in this psychological thriller based on a book, playing a newscaster trying to resurrect her career after tragedy. If you like suspense and strong performances, this could be your sleeper hit of January.

Hijack - Season 2 (Apple TV, January 14)

Idris Elba returns for another high-stakes hostage situation, this time on a Berlin underground train. Season 1 was tense and compelling, and if you missed it, Apple TV is worth the subscription just for Elba's performance.

Wonder Man (Disney+, January 27)

For Marvel fans, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stars as an actor whose failing career turns around when he discovers he has actual superpowers—just as he's auditioning to play Wonder Man in a Hollywood reboot. Meta, fun, and expanding the MCU in interesting ways.

Ripple (Netflix, January 5)

If you're an incurable romantic, this drama links four strangers in New York through strange coincidences involving a blue stone. It's been in Netflix's global top 10 and offers that feel-good interconnected storytelling if you need something lighter.

PART FOUR: HOW TO CHOOSE WHAT TO WATCH 

So with all these options, how do you actually decide what to watch?

Match It to Your Mood

• Want intense drama? The Pitt or A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
• Need laughs with heart? Shrinking
• Craving suspense? His & Hers or Hijack
• Love sci-fi? Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
• Want romance? Bridgerton or Ripple
• Need superhero fun? Wonder Man
• Love workplace drama? Industry

Consider Your Time

If you're short on time, pick shows that are easy to binge or have shorter episodes. The Pitt works great for binging because of its real-time format. Shrinking episodes are around 30 minutes. The Boys you can wait for since it's not until April.

Trial Multiple Shows

Here's my strategy: start the first episode of three different shows that sound interesting. Whichever one hooks you by the end of episode one, that's what you commit to. Life's too short to force yourself through shows that don't grab you.

Use Free Trials Strategically

If you don't have all the streaming services, use free trials strategically. Want to watch The Pitt? Free trial HBO Max for a month, binge it, cancel. Want Star Trek? Paramount+ trial. Rotate through services r...