January TV Premieres Bring Crime Thrills And Fantasy

With January winding down and the chill of winter settling in, television and streaming services are rolling out a dazzling array of new series, returning favorites, and long-awaited finales to keep viewers entertained. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas, fantasy epics, nature documentaries, or romance-fueled soap operas, there’s something for everyone on the small screen this week. So, if you’re wondering what to watch as the days get shorter, here’s your comprehensive guide to the must-see TV moments of mid-January 2026, as reported by leading entertainment sources including TVLine, BBC, and Watch With Us.

Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated premiere is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the latest entry in the ever-expanding Game of Thrones universe. This prequel, debuting on HBO and Sky Atlantic on Monday, January 19, 2026, whisks viewers back a century before the original series. The story follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall, played by Peter Claffey, and his squire Egg, portrayed by Dexter Sol Ansell. Set in a time when the Targaryen dynasty still sits on the Iron Throne and dragons are not yet a distant memory, the series promises to blend political intrigue and epic journeys with the rich lore fans have come to love. Daniel Ings steps in as Ser Lyonel Baratheon, while Bertie Carvel takes on the role of Baelor Targaryen. According to TVLine, this new chapter is poised to capture the imagination of both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

Crime drama aficionados have plenty to look forward to as well. After the Flood returns for its second series on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm on Sunday, January 18. Sophie Rundle reprises her role as detective Jo Marshall, who is confronted with a new crisis—this time, a deadly combination of fire and flood risks, as well as the discovery of a body under mysterious circumstances. As BBC describes, Marshall’s investigation quickly becomes personal, drawing her deeper into the secrets of the small town of Waterside and pushing her to the limits in her race to catch a killer. The show’s return is highly anticipated, especially since many believed the first season’s dramatic conclusion would be the end of the story.

For those who enjoy a good heist, Steal is set to premiere on Prime Video on Wednesday, January 21. The show stars Sophie Turner as Zara, an ordinary office worker whose day takes a harrowing turn when a gang of thieves storms the pension fund investment company where she works. Jacob Fortune-Lloyd co-stars as DCI Rhys, a detective with a complicated past—he’s a recently relapsed gambling addict—tasked with unraveling the motive behind the crime. The tension mounts as he attempts to keep his personal demons at bay while solving the case. As highlighted by BBC, Steal promises a gripping blend of suspense and character-driven drama.

On the streaming front, Ryan Murphy returns with another bold and boundary-pushing series, The Beauty, landing on Disney+ on Thursday, January 22. The show follows FBI agents Cooper Madsen (Evan Peters) and Jordan Bennett (Rebecca Hall) as they are drawn into the glamorous yet perilous world of Parisian high fashion. Their investigation centers on a chilling mystery: supermodels are dying in bizarre and gruesome ways, and a sexually transmitted virus appears to be transforming people into physically perfect—but ultimately doomed—versions of themselves. BBC describes the series as “weird and wonderfully addictive viewing,” and fans of Murphy’s previous hits like Monster and All’s Fair will no doubt be eager to dive in.

Nature lovers can escape the winter blues with the latest season of Winterwatch, which for the first time ever broadcasts live from the Mount Stewart estate on the shores of Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. The show airs at 7pm on Tuesday, January 20, on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, with beloved hosts Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, and Iolo Williams returning. Over several nights, the team will explore the wild stories shaping the UK winter, from climate-driven changes in animal migration to the challenges local species face in a rapidly warming world. According to BBC, Winterwatch offers the perfect weeknight escape—no boots or binoculars required.

There’s also something for film buffs this week, as the Italian crime drama The Big Fake lands on Netflix on Friday, January 23. Inspired by the true story of master forger Toni Chichiarelli, the film chronicles the rise of an ambitious artist who becomes entangled in the criminal underworld of 1970s Rome. Hungry for recognition, Toni’s journey into forgery brings him face-to-face with dangerous criminal gangs and tests the boundaries of his ambition. BBC describes the film as a “fascinating story of criminal entanglement” and a must-watch for fans of true crime and historical drama.

Reality TV fans won’t want to miss the finale of The Traitors, airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Friday, January 23. With two episodes left before the big reveal, the competition is reaching fever pitch. As BBC reports, “Despite Harriet quite literally sacrificing herself so that her fellow Faithfuls would finally clock that Rachel is the Traitor of all Traitors, no one is voting for her. Or even pointing the finger at her.” The suspense is palpable, and viewers are left guessing who will emerge victorious in this game of deception and strategy.

Meanwhile, Hulu is keeping drama fans satisfied with new seasons of returning favorites. January 2026 sees the arrival of Tell Me Lies season three, starring Grace Van Patten and Jackson White, as well as season two of A Thousand Blows, featuring recent Golden Globe winner Stephen Graham. As noted by Watch With Us, these shows offer a mix of romance, intrigue, and high-stakes storytelling that Hulu subscribers have come to expect.

Elsewhere, the conclusion of Landman season two and the premiere of The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins starring Tracy Morgan round out a packed schedule, ensuring there’s no shortage of fresh content for every taste. The TVLine team also points out that January 2026 brought back The Pitt for its second season and introduced new series like Ponies on Peacock and an Agatha Christie adaptation on Netflix, further expanding the viewing options for those looking to try something new.

With such a rich and varied lineup, January’s final week is shaping up to be a celebration of television’s diversity and creativity. Whether you’re looking to lose yourself in fantasy, unravel a mystery, or simply enjoy a bit of escapism, there’s plenty to watch—and plenty of reasons to stay in and tune out the cold.