January 2026 is shaping up to be an eventful month for PBS viewers across the United States, with a mix of bittersweet farewells and highly anticipated premieres. From Arizona to Nevada and North Carolina, PBS stations are rolling out new seasons of beloved dramas, launching creative contests for young writers, and reminding members to catch favorite programs before they disappear from streaming libraries. For fans of public broadcasting, there’s rarely been a better time—or a busier one—to tune in, sign up, or get involved.
According to Arizona PBS, January brings a last call for several popular shows on its streaming platform, Arizona PBS Passport. This member-exclusive service, which offers an expansive library of PBS favorites, is saying goodbye to a handful of programs this month. Notably, the acclaimed documentary series Nature—featuring the legendary Sir David Attenborough—will expire on January 7. In this episode, Attenborough delves into the remarkable discovery of the Ichthyosaur, a formidable marine reptile from the age of dinosaurs. For those who enjoy a blend of adventure and science, it’s a chance to join one of the world’s most respected naturalists on a deep-sea journey before the opportunity slips away.
Drama lovers have until January 18 to catch the first episode of Mercy Street, titled “The New Nurse.” Set during the American Civil War, the show follows Mary Phinney, a New England nurse navigating her initial day at Mansion House—a Southern hotel converted into a Union hospital. As Phinney adjusts to her new surroundings, the Mansion House owner struggles to protect his family’s fortune, while his daughter embarks on a secret search for her beloved. The historical backdrop and personal intrigue make for compelling viewing, but only for a limited time.
Another favorite, Antiques Roadshow, will see its Sands Point Preserve episode leave Arizona PBS Passport on January 23. The long-running series, part adventure, part history lesson, and part treasure hunt, allows viewers to watch as experts appraise antiques and collectibles, revealing unexpected stories behind family heirlooms and flea market finds. For those who appreciate the thrill of discovery, it’s a reminder to watch before it’s gone.
Music fans should mark their calendars for January 27, when Next at the Kennedy Center—featuring an electrifying performance from hip-hop legends The Roots—expires. The episode not only captures the band’s dynamic stage presence during their residency at the Kennedy Center but also highlights their efforts to inspire others and push creative boundaries. As Arizona PBS notes, “Beyond the stage, the band endeavors to inspire others and explore the depths of their creative potential.”
Perhaps the most complex story leaving Arizona PBS Passport is Independent Lens’s “The Picture Taker,” which will no longer be available after January 30. This documentary explores the life of Ernest Withers, a celebrated civil rights photographer whose nearly two million images chronicled Black history from his Memphis studio. However, Withers’ legacy is complicated by the revelation—after his death—that he spent decades as a secret FBI informant. The film asks a tough question: Was Withers a friend or foe to the civil rights community, or somehow both?
While some shows are departing, January is also a time of exciting beginnings. PBS North Carolina has announced a slate of new and returning dramas to warm up winter nights. Chief among them is the return of All Creatures Great and Small for its sixth season, premiering Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 9 PM on PBS NC and the PBS app. Set in May 1945 as victory in Europe is declared, the show finds James Herriot juggling his veterinary duties with family life and the challenges of a postwar world. According to PBS NC, “James is back at training with the Royal Air Force while Helen and everyone back home are all trying to adjust to life with the addition of baby Jimmy.” The new season promises a blend of heart, humor, and historical context as the characters reconnect and look toward brighter days.
Also premiering on January 11 is the sixth season of Miss Scarlet, featuring Eliza Scarlet’s continued adventures as London’s first female detective. As she balances her thriving business with a budding romance with Inspector Alexander Blake, viewers can expect a mix of crime-solving and personal growth. The new drama Bookish makes its debut the same night, introducing Gabriel Book, a postwar London bookseller with a knack for unraveling murder mysteries. The series stands out for its nuanced portrayal of a gay man navigating life and love in an era when homosexuality was illegal, adding a layer of social commentary to its whodunit format.
For those seeking something lighter, Happiness follows Broadway director Charlie Summers as he returns home to New Zealand to help his mother run the local theater. The show, now streaming on the PBS app with PBS NC Passport, promises laughs and heart as Charlie contends with an eccentric cast and his own dashed dreams.
Other highlights include Call the Midwife season 14, streaming from January 22 to February 20, with season 15 premiering weekly from February 20, and the twelfth season of Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr., which returns on January 6. The genealogy series continues to trace the family histories of actors, musicians, and other public figures, uncovering stories of resilience and identity across continents and generations.
Meanwhile, PBS Reno is harnessing the power of storytelling in its own way, launching the 2026 PBS Reno Writers Contest in partnership with the Rotary Club of Reno. Starting January 5, students from kindergarten through third grade in northern and central Nevada are invited to submit their own illustrated stories on the theme “special” by March 13. According to PBS Reno’s vice president of education, Nancy Maldonado, and content creator Rebecca Cronon, the contest helps children “build their creative voices and develop critical reading and writing skills.” Each entry must include five pages, five illustrations, and meet grade-specific word counts.
A team of educators and volunteers will review submissions, selecting first, second, and third place winners from each grade. The winning stories will be published as hardcover books and featured on PBS Reno’s airwaves and website. Every participant receives a certificate of participation, ensuring that all young writers are celebrated for their effort. Reflecting on last year’s turnout, PBS Reno reports that 3,206 entries were received in 2025 from students across multiple Nevada counties, underscoring the contest’s popularity and reach.
Across the PBS landscape, January 2026 is a month defined by both endings and beginnings. While viewers are urged to catch departing favorites before they disappear from streaming libraries, they’re also invited to discover new stories, revisit beloved characters, and even create their own. Whether it’s a stirring drama, a real-life documentary, or a child’s first illustrated tale, PBS continues to offer something special for everyone—reminding us that while some chapters close, new adventures are always just a click away.
