Netflix has kicked off the new year with a bang, ushering in January 2026 with a slew of fresh content that has TV lovers buzzing. Among the most notable arrivals is the psychological crime drama Prodigal Son, which made its debut on the platform on January 9. The series, which originally aired on Fox from 2019 to 2021, is now available to stream in its entirety, all 33 episodes, for the first time on Netflix. Previously, fans could only find the show on Hulu and HBO Max, making this release a significant expansion for the series' audience.
For those unfamiliar, Prodigal Son stars Tom Payne as Malcolm Bright, a gifted but troubled former FBI profiler who now works with the NYPD. His knack for solving murders is complicated by a dark family legacy: his father, Dr. Martin Whitly—played with chilling charisma by Michael Sheen—is a notorious serial killer. This twisted father-son dynamic is at the heart of the show, infusing each episode with psychological tension, dark humor, and a dash of melodrama that sets it apart from more conventional police procedurals.
According to ComicBook.com, the arrival of Prodigal Son is one of the most exciting streaming events of the month. The site describes the series as "addictive and fun," noting its unique blend of dark themes, unexpected levity, and psychological depth. Fans of shows like Dexter, Hannibal, and The Mentalist will likely find themselves hooked from the very first episode. Despite receiving a mixed critical reception—holding a 56% Tomatometer rating on Rotten Tomatoes—the series has been overwhelmingly embraced by viewers, boasting an impressive 86% audience score. One enthusiastic viewer called it "a gripping and compelling series from start to finish," while another declared it "one of the best shows out there."
The show's cancellation after just two seasons left fans clamoring for more, and its move to Netflix is poised to introduce a whole new wave of viewers to its twisted thrills. As Screen Rant points out, the series is a "fan-favorite hit," and its arrival on Netflix is expected to spark renewed conversation and binge-watching marathons. The platform's robust recommendation algorithms and massive subscriber base could even give the show a second life, possibly turning it into a surprise streaming hit.
But Prodigal Son isn't the only title making headlines this January. Netflix has also rolled out several other high-profile additions, making it a veritable feast for fans of crime dramas, thrillers, and mysteries. On January 7, the platform debuted 11.22.63, an eight-part sci-fi thriller based on Stephen King's acclaimed novel. The series stars James Franco as Jake Epping, a teacher who discovers a portal to the past and attempts to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Originally released on Hulu, 11.22.63 has quickly climbed the Netflix charts, proving that some stories only get better with age.
Meanwhile, January 8 saw the premiere of His & Hers, a six-part murder mystery that has rocketed to the top of Netflix's U.S. and global streaming rankings. Starring Jon Bernthal as detective Jack Harper and Tessa Thompson as journalist Anna Andrews, the show follows their intertwined investigations into a small-town murder. As Anna begins to suspect Jack knows more than he lets on, viewers are treated to a suspenseful, binge-worthy experience. Screen Rant hails His & Hers as the platform's "#1 trending hit," and with only six episodes, it's the perfect candidate for a weekend marathon.
Netflix's January rollout doesn't stop there. The company has announced an ambitious schedule of TV arrivals throughout the month. Fans of cult classics can look forward to Veronica Mars Seasons 1-3 on January 14, the gritty police drama Southland Seasons 1-5 on January 16, and the long-running procedural Rizzoli & Isles Seasons 1-7 on January 20. For movie lovers, recent additions include 30 Minutes or Less, Dawn of the Dead, District 9, Ghostbusters: Answer the Call, Lone Survivor, and Priscilla, the latter of which is currently dominating streaming charts across the U.S.
What makes Prodigal Son stand out in this crowded field? Much of its appeal lies in the performances of Tom Payne and Michael Sheen. Payne’s portrayal of Malcolm Bright is both vulnerable and intense, capturing the internal struggle of a man haunted by his father’s crimes and his own fear of inheriting those dark tendencies. Sheen, meanwhile, delivers a tour de force as Dr. Martin Whitly, imbuing the character with a blend of menace and charm that makes every scene crackle with tension. Their on-screen chemistry elevates the show beyond the typical cat-and-mouse formula, delving deep into the psychological scars left by violence and trauma.
The series also distinguishes itself with its tone. While the subject matter is undeniably dark—serial killers, gruesome murders, and fractured families abound—the writers manage to inject moments of self-deprecating humor and over-the-top melodrama. The result is a show that never feels oppressively grim, instead offering viewers a rollercoaster ride that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. As ComicBook.com puts it, Prodigal Son is "bound to be your next guilty pleasure."
Despite its relatively short run, the show has left a lasting impression. Its cancellation after two seasons sparked a wave of disappointment among fans, many of whom felt there was still more story to tell. Now, with its arrival on Netflix, there’s renewed hope that the series might find a broader audience—or at least give existing fans a chance to relive the suspense.
For those still on the fence, the numbers speak for themselves. An 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is no small feat, especially for a show that divides critics. And with the streaming landscape more competitive than ever, Netflix’s decision to add Prodigal Son to its lineup signals confidence in the show’s ability to attract and retain viewers.
As the streaming wars heat up in 2026, Netflix’s January offerings are a testament to the platform’s commitment to variety and quality. Whether you’re in the mood for a psychological thriller, a time-traveling adventure, or a classic procedural, there’s something new to discover. And if the early buzz is any indication, Prodigal Son may just be the breakout hit of the season—proving that sometimes, the best shows are the ones that get a second chance.
