There’s no denying it: the TV landscape in early 2026 is bustling with fresh content, returning favorites, and a few surprise revivals that have fans buzzing. With 31 scripted shows set to premiere or return between January and early March, viewers are spoiled for choice—though keeping up with all the action might feel like a full-time job. According to a January 13, 2026 roundup from BuzzFeed, this winter’s slate excludes ongoing mid-season hits like Percy Jackson and the Olympians, High Potential, Grey’s Anatomy, 9-1-1, Abbott Elementary, and Ghosts, focusing instead on those about to launch or make a comeback.
So, what’s actually new this week? TVLine’s daily "What to Watch" column, published January 13, spotlights a handful of buzzworthy English-language shows and select movies gracing broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. For Tuesday, the must-see list includes the second episode of Best Medicine, the return of Tell Me Lies for its third season, and the kickoff of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City reunion. It’s a reminder that, even on a regular weeknight, options abound—whether you’re after scripted drama, reality intrigue, or something in between.
Netflix, never one to be left out of the conversation, is making waves this January with a trio of law-enforcement-led series that have migrated from network and cable TV to the streamer. According to a January 13, 2026 article from Us Weekly and Yahoo, these shows—The Following, Rizzoli & Isles, and Southland—offer a mix of suspense, character-driven drama, and procedural thrills, and each brings its own pedigree.
The Following, which originally aired on Fox from 2013 to 2015, stars Kevin Bacon as Ryan Hardy, a former FBI agent drawn back into the fold when notorious serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy) escapes from custody. The twist? Carroll has amassed a cult of devoted followers, some of whom have infiltrated the FBI itself. The stakes rise when Carroll orchestrates the kidnapping of Hardy’s young son, Joey, in an attempt to corrupt him. Each of the show’s three seasons delivers a mostly self-contained story arc, with enough lingering threads to keep viewers hooked. For those eager to binge, The Following is already available on Netflix as of January 14.
Coming up next is Southland, the gritty police drama that debuted on NBC in 2009 before moving to TNT. The series, featuring Ben McKenzie as rookie cop Ben Sherman and Michael Cudlitz as the closeted veteran John Cooper, earned praise for its raw, unvarnished take on police work in Los Angeles. Unlike more formulaic procedurals, Southland zeroes in on the psychological toll of the job, the vulnerabilities of its officers, and the often-messy realities of life on the force. Not every character walks away unscathed—physically or emotionally. The show’s transition to TNT allowed for a more mature, less restricted narrative, and its focus on character over crime made it a standout. Fans can catch Southland on Netflix starting January 16.
Rounding out the trio is Rizzoli & Isles, the long-running TNT drama (2010-2016) that pairs detective Jane Rizzoli (Angie Harmon) with medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander). After her time on Law & Order, Harmon’s role as the tough, sharp-witted Rizzoli helped anchor the series, while Alexander’s Isles brought a cerebral, slightly quirky energy to the partnership. The show’s episodic format—typically one case per episode—made it accessible for casual viewers, but recurring storylines, like the ongoing threat of serial killer Charles Hoyt (Michael Massee), added depth and continuity. As their friendship deepened, the show balanced procedural elements with personal drama, cementing its place as a fan favorite. Rizzoli & Isles joins Netflix’s catalog on January 20.
Of course, these aren’t the only options for TV fans this winter. The broader landscape is crowded with new scripted series, ambitious miniseries, and returning juggernauts. The sheer volume of content means that even the most dedicated viewers may need a little help sorting through what’s worth their precious screen time. That’s where curated lists and daily watch guides come in handy, offering a roadmap through the ever-expanding universe of television.
For those feeling overwhelmed, newsletters like TVLine’s "What to Watch" and BuzzFeed’s "Screen Time" provide timely recommendations and reminders. These services aim to cut through the noise, spotlighting both buzzy premieres and hidden gems. As TVLine notes, their daily column organizes picks by release time and alphabetically, making it easy to plan an evening’s viewing. BuzzFeed’s approach, meanwhile, emphasizes upcoming scripted shows and sidesteps those already in the thick of their seasons, ensuring readers stay on top of the freshest content.
What’s driving this explosion of scripted TV? Partly, it’s the streaming wars—Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other platforms are locked in fierce competition, each eager to keep subscribers engaged with exclusive series and beloved classics. The result is a golden age of content diversity, with something for nearly every taste: high-concept sci-fi, twisty crime dramas, heartfelt comedies, and reality spectacles alike. Yet, as the options multiply, so does the challenge of discovery. It’s not just about what’s new, but what stands out.
The return of older, critically acclaimed series to streaming platforms is also a boon for viewers who missed them the first time around. As Us Weekly and Yahoo point out, Netflix’s January 2026 lineup offers a second chance to experience shows like Southland and Rizzoli & Isles, which might have slipped under the radar during their original runs. This strategy not only broadens Netflix’s appeal but also introduces a new generation to characters and stories that once defined network and cable TV.
Meanwhile, the ongoing popularity of franchises like Grey’s Anatomy, Abbott Elementary, and Ghosts speaks to the enduring power of serialized storytelling and well-drawn characters. Even as audiences sample new offerings, many remain loyal to the comfort and familiarity of long-running series—evidence that, in the crowded TV marketplace, both novelty and nostalgia have their place.
So, whether you’re eager for the latest police procedural twist, a returning favorite, or a reality TV showdown, January 2026 has you covered. Just don’t forget to carve out a little time for yourself between all those binge sessions—after all, even the most dedicated TV fan needs a breather now and then.
This winter’s TV schedule proves that, in the age of endless choice, there’s always something worth watching—if you know where to look.
