What to Watch: January 2026

by Julian Spivey & Tyler Glover
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Many of our favorite television series are returning in January, ensuring we kick off 2026 in fine pop-culture fashion. 
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Photos: Apple, ABC, Netflix & HBO

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Will Trent: Season 4 (ABC) - Tuesday, January 6
ABC’s Will Trent has been the best drama on network television for the majority of its run. The series that stars Ramon Rodriguez as the titular detective premieres Tuesday, January 6. Season three was particularly tough on Will Trent with a breakup, the accidental shooting death of a teenage boy and another breakup, so hopefully he’ll be able to catch a break in the fourth season, while still providing us with entertaining cases of the week. 
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The Pitt: Season 2 (HBO Max) - Thursday, January 8
HBO Max’s medical drama “The Pitt,” which recently ranked as the No. 1 TV show of 2025 on this website, returns for its second season on Thursday, January 8. The reigning Outstanding Drama Series Emmy winner sees a time jump of more than half a year to a hectic July 4th weekend for the Pittsburgh emergency room, and its incredible staff (and the show’s cast). Once again, the show will follow a singular day at the hospital told in hour-long increments. Let’s see if the magic of season one remains. 

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All Creatures Great & Small: Season 6 (PBS) - Sunday, January 11 
“All Creatures Great & Small,” which airs in the U.K. in the fall and as part of the PBS “Masterpiece” series in the U.S. every winter, debuts its sixth season on Sunday, January 11. The series, which follows a small-town veterinary practice in 1940s Northern England, is TV comfort food. We’ll see what Siegfried, James Herriot and company have in store for us in season six, with World War II surely still raging.  

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Shrinking: Season 3 (Apple TV) - Wednesday, January 28
Apple TV’s “Shrinking” is very likely the single funniest comedy on television, and yet it also contains a whole lot of heart, making it one of the best overall shows. It was disappointing we didn’t get season three at the end of 2025, but at least it wasn’t pushed too far into 2026. Season three of the show will follow the incredible ensemble cast, led by Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, and Jessica Williams, and will see Michael J. Fox return to acting in a much-anticipated guest role. There’s a good chance this one will end up in our year-end top 10. 
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Bridgerton: Season 4 (Netflix) - Thursday, January 29 
Dearest gentle reader, the wait is almost over! Soon, Lady Whistledown will return to give us the latest delicious gossip on the members of the ‘ton in Netflix’s hit series, “Bridgerton.” Every season, we get to see a different member of the Bridgerton family find love during the social season. This time, it is Benedict’s turn. “Bridgerton” fans are in for a treat as this season promises to be a Cinderella-like story. The first four episodes will premiere on Thursday, January 29th, followed by the final four on Thursday, February 26th, 2026.

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Which January Premiere Are You Most Excited For?