It is a new year, and Netflix is launching a major lineup of fresh series and movies. From a new season of the hit show Bridgerton to a live climbing event and several exciting new series, your watchlist for January 2026 is packed.
Here is a guide to the top five streaming picks to start your year, based on new releases and returning favorites. This list focuses on shows arriving in January, with a look ahead at other big titles returning later in the year.
A Major Mystery Series and a popular Thriller
January starts strong with gripping dramas perfect for fans of twists and suspense.
The month’s first major new series is Run Away. This show is another adaptation of a popular Harlan Coben novel. It follows a father, played by James Nesbitt, who is searching for his runaway daughter. The search pulls him into a dangerous situation filled with secrets. The eight-episode series arrives on January 1.
Arriving on January 8 is the mystery series His & Hers. This show stars Tessa Thompson as a former news anchor and Jon Bernthal as a detective. They are brought together by a murder case in a small town. The story shows both of their perspectives on the investigation.
“They’re estranged spouses, each telling their own version of the truth,” notes one description of the show, highlighting its dual-narrative structure.
For movie fans, the big action release of the month is The Rip. This film features Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as Miami cops. Their team finds millions of dollars in cash during a raid, which causes trust to break down. The movie, directed by Joe Carnahan, starts streaming on January 16.
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The Return of a Global Hit and a Must-See Live Event
The end of January brings one of Netflix’s most popular shows back, along with a unique live broadcast.
Bridgerton returns for its fourth season on January 29. This new season focuses on Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson. The story follows him as he meets a mysterious woman at a masquerade ball. The season will be released in two parts, with the second part coming on February 26.
A unique event is scheduled for January 23. Skyscraper Live will broadcast professional climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to free-climb the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan. The event will be shown live on Netflix.
Other Major Shows Coming to Netflix Later in 2026
Beyond January, Netflix has confirmed several other major returning series for 2026.
The live-action One Piece series will return for its second season on March 10, 2026. The political thriller The Night Agent comes back for a third season on February 19, 2026. The acclaimed anthology series Beef will also return for a second season with a new cast, though a specific date has not been set.
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