It's a whole new year, and a whole new decade! Is it also a whole new you, watching a whole new batch of more respectable, intellectually lofty streaming programs? Only you can decide...
Disney+
Apparently Disney didn't get the memo about all this shiny "newness" going on, because they, uh, aren't launching anything new. Don't get me wrong, there'll be new episodes of the shows they've already launched (the Jeff Goldblum one, the High School Musical one, the one with the inquisitive Forky, etc.), and they're adding the live-action Aladdin movie on January 8, and... that's about it. Moving on!
Apple TV+
Apple at least has one new show this month, and it looks... pretty great, actually. Little America (January 17) is an anthology series about immigrants coming to America, inspired by the true stories featured in Epic Magazine. It's executive produced by Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, with Lee Eisenberg (Good Boys) and Sian Heder (Tallulah) as co-showrunners. The trailer doesn't give too much away, but what it does offer is already tugging on my thin, frail heartstrings:
Hulu
Again, there's only one big new show to talk about this month, but it's Shrill so who cares! That's enough! Yup, Aidy Bryant's comedy is back for a second season on January 24, and will follow her character, Annie, as she tries to figure out what to do with her newfound confidence and sense of purpose.
Amazon Prime
Amazon has a bit more on deck this month, including some exciting new comedy specials. Broad City's Ilana Glazer has her very first standup special, called The Planet Is Burning, debuting on January 3, and Catastrophe's Rob Delaney has one called Jackie launching January 17. Also on January 17 there's Troop Zero, a film that premiered at Sundance last year starring Mckenna Grace, Viola Davis, and Allison Janney. The story, written by Lucy Alibar (Beasts of the Southern Wild), follows a space-obsessed girl named Christmas as she pursues her dream of being recorded on NASA's Golden Record in 1977.
Netflix
As usual, Netflix has a lot to offer this month. On the spooky side of things, there's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: Part 3 (January 24), which finds our favorite teen witch struggling to free her ridiculously named boyfriend from the pits of Hell, where I'm sure Michelle Gomez will be looking fabulous as per ush. I'm hoping I can convince Dustin is a true and proper Riverdale spinoff so he has to recap it (shhhhhh don't tell him otherwise). Though honestly, the satanic offerings of Greendale don't look half so creepy as this new reboot of Dracula, coming from Sherlock's Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss on January 4. I don't know what sets it apart from other tellings, exactly, but the trailer is absolutely NOT FIT for anyone who can't handle some wiggly fingernails. No, really.
If you've been wondering what January Jones has been up to, then plan to stay home New Years Day and watch her antagonize Kaya Scodelario in Spinning Out, which kinda looks like Black Swan but make it skating? I don't know if it'll cross from suspense into sheer weirdness or not, but there's definitely something unsettling in how close Scodelario is getting to a full-on Nancy Kerrigan impression.
Also landing on January 1 is a new series called Messiah, about a miracle-performing guy who is maybe NuJesus, or maybe just a global con artist -- and the efforts of one CIA agent (Michelle Monaghan) to get to the bottom of it:
And if you're in the mood for some weird foreign sci-fi to fill the Dark-sized hole in your heart (I AM!), here's a trailer for Ragnarok (January 31), in which a small Norwegian town appears to be facing some sort of apocalypse while a dude turns into... Nerd Thor, maybe?
There are some returning series, like Grace And Frankie (January 15) and Sex Education (January 17), and some series that are reaching their ends, like Anne with an E (January 3) and The Ranch. Just kidding, nobody cares about The Ranch (sorry, Sam Elliott)! What I meant to say is: Pour one out for BoJack Horseman, which will stream its final block of episodes, Season 6B, on January 31. Netflix kindly put together this retrospective trailer just to punch you right in the feels:
Coming Soon (Originals in BOLD)
What the Love! with Karan Johar -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Multihyphenate celebrity Karan Johar guides perennially lonely singletons through physical and emotional makeovers to set them up for dating success.
Avail. 1/1/20
Ghost Stories -- NETFLIX FILM
From the directors of "Bombay Talkies" and "Lust Stories" come four new short films taking a twisted turn into the spine-chilling realm of horror.
Good Girls: Season 2
Messiah -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
When CIA officer Eva Geller (Michelle Monaghan) uncovers information about a man (Mehdi Dehbi) gaining international attention through acts of public disruption, she begins an investigation into his origins. As he continues to cultivate followers who allege he's performing miracles, the global media become increasingly beguiled by this charismatic figure. Geller must race to unravel the mystery of whether he really is a divine entity or a deceptive con artist capable of dismantling the world's geopolitical order. As the story unfolds, multiple perspectives are interwoven including that of an Israeli intelligence officer (Tomer Sisley), a Texas preacher (John Ortiz) and his daughter (Stefania LaVie Owen), a Palestinian refugee (Sayyid El Alami) and the journalist (Jane Adams) who covers the story. The series also stars Melinda Page Hamilton, Wil Traval, Fares Landoulsi, Dermot Mulroney and Beau Bridges.
Created by Michael Petroni (The Book Thief), directed by James McTeigue (V for Vendetta) and Kate Woods (Rectify), and executive produced by Petroni, McTeigue, Andrew Deane (The Double), Mark Burnett and Roma Downey (The Bible Series, Ben Hur), the Netflix original series MESSIAH is a provocative and suspenseful thriller that explores the power of influence and belief in the social media age.
Nisman: Death of a Prosecutor -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
This series follows a prosecutor who investigated the biggest attack against a Jewish community outside Israel since World War II -- and met a violent and mysterious death.
Spinning Out -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
After choking during an important performance, a competitive skater dealing with family issues and her own inner demons struggles to revive her career.
The Circle -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Welcome to the ultimate popularity contest. To win the cash prize, would you be yourself, a better version of yourself -- or someone else altogether?
21
A Cinderella Story
American Beauty
Catch Me If You Can
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Chasing Amy
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chloe
City of God
Dinner for Schmucks
Dragonheart
Dragonheart 3: The Sorcerer
Dragonheart: A New Beginning
Drugs, Inc.: Season 6
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Free Willy
Ghost Rider
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
Hitch
Inception
Instructions Not Included
Julie & Julia
Kate & Leopold
Kill Bill: Vol. 1
Kill Bill: Vol. 2
Kingpin
Kiss the Girls
Monster-in-Law
New York Minute
Pan's Labyrinth
Patriot Games
Saint Seiya: Season 4-5
Seal Team Six: The Raid on Osama Bin Laden
Shrek Forever After
Strictly Ballroom
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
The Original Kings of Comedy
The Ring
The Talented Mr. Ripley
Tremors
True Grit
Up in the Air
What Lies Beneath
Wild Wild West
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Wyatt Earp
Yes Man
Avail. 1/2/20
Sex, Explained: Limited Series -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
Attraction. Fantasies. Fertility. Discover the ins and outs of sex in this fun and informative series, narrated by singer-actress Janelle Monáe.
Thieves of the Wood -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
In this historical drama series, infamous Flemish highwayman Jan de Lichte becomes a local hero during the Austrian occupation of 18th-century Belgium.
Avail. 1/3/20
Anne with an E: The Final Season -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
A milestone birthday sparks a search for Anne's origin story as she sorts out matters of the heart and starts setting a course for her future.
All the Freckles in the World -- NETFLIX FILM
In Mexico City, a 13-year-old falls for the most beautiful girl in school. With some help from his friends, he will try everything in order to win her heart.
Avail. 1/4/20
Dracula -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
From the makers of "Sherlock," Claes Bang stars as Dracula in this series inspired by Bram Stoker's classic novel.
Go! Go! Cory Carson -- NETFLIX FAMILY
Join kid car Cory Carson on his adventures around the winding roads of childhood in Bumperton Hills! Based on the hit toy line Go! Go! Smart Wheels.
Avail. 1/8/20
Cheer -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
From the team behind Last Chance U, Netflix's documentary series Cheer follows the competitive cheerleaders of Navarro College in Corsicana, TX. Led by Monica Aldama, the small junior college has won 14 National Championships since 2000. The stakes on the mat are high, but for these athletes, the only thing more brutal than their workouts and more exceptional than their performances are the stories of adversity and triumph behind the team members themselves. Over the course of six episodes, viewers will join the Navarro College cheerleaders as they face injuries, sacrifice, personal setbacks and triumphs, all leading up to one nail-biting and adrenaline pumping final competition at the National Championship.
Avail. 1/10/20
AJ and the Queen -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
RuPaul stars in this outrageous series as a down-on-her-luck drag queen traveling across America in a van with a tough-talking 10-year-old stowaway.
The Evil Dead
Giri / Haji -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Family duty sends a lawman to London to look for his mob-assassin brother as a yakuza war threatens to engulf Tokyo. Trust is even tougher to find.
Harvey Girls Forever!: Season 4 -- NETFLIX FAMILY
A robot band, a pirate adventure ... and a run-in with a friendly ghost? Just another season on Harvey Street, where every day's out of the ordinary.
The Inbestigators: Season 2 -- NETFLIX FAMILY
Who? When? Where? These school-age sleuths ask smart questions -- and they always solve the case! When crime strikes, call the Inbestigators.
Medical Police -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Two American doctors who discover a deadly virus in Brazil are recruited as government agents in a race to find a cure and uncover a dark conspiracy.
Scissor Seven -- NETFLIX ANIME
With a trusted pair of hairdressing scissors and the ability to disguise himself, Seven offers contract killing on the cheap. The only problem? He often has trouble completing assignments.
Until Dawn -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
France's funniest comics carry out ghastly tasks as they try to outlast -- and outwit -- one another while overnighting in famously haunted locations.
Zumbo's Just Desserts: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Cohosts Adriano Zumbo and Rachel Khoo return to the Dessert Factory to judge impossible cakes, amazing confections and other fantastic sweets.
Avail. 1/12/20
Betty White: First Lady of Television
Avail. 1/13/20
The Healing Powers of Dude -- NETFLIX FAMILY
When an 11-year-old boy with social anxiety disorder has to start middle school, he finds strength in a lovable comfort mutt named Dude.
Avail. 1/14/20
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts -- NETFLIX FAMILY
"Burrow girl" Kipo's life turns upside down when she surfaces in a wild world of mutant creatures. She'll need all the help she can get to go home.
The Master
Avail. 1/15/20
Big Fat Liar
Quien a hierro mata -- NETFLIX FILM
A cartel boss is released from prison and put in the care of nurse Mario (Luis Tosar), who questions his duty and reconnects with his traumatic past.
Grace and Frankie: Season 6 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are two women reinventing their lives in this funny and honest series, now returning for Season 6.
Avail. 1/16/20
NiNoKuni -- NETFLIX ANIME
High school colleagues Yuu and Haru travel between the real world and a parallel fantasy universe to help their friend Kotona, whose life is in danger.
Steve Jobs
Avail. 1/17/20
Ares -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
When her friend suffers a bizarre accident, Rosa realizes the secret student society they've just joined is built on demonic secrets from Dutch history.
Hip-Hop Evolution: Season 4 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Season 4 of the music series follows hip-hop in the U.S., showcasing the stories and sounds that shaped its history and culture.
Sex Education: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Sex Education is about Otis Milburn, a socially awkward high school student who lives with his sex therapist mother, Jean. In season 1 Otis and his friend Maeve Wiley set-up a sex clinic at school to capitalise on his intuitive talent for sex advice. In season 2, as a late bloomer Otis must master his newly discovered sexual urges in order to progress with his girlfriend Ola whilst also dealing with his now strained relationship with Maeve. Meanwhile, Moordale Secondary is in the throes of a Chlamydia outbreak, highlighting the need for better sex education at the school and new kids come to town who will challenge the status quo.
Tiny House Nation: Volume 2
Tyler Perry's A Fall from Grace -- NETFLIX FILM
Grace Waters (Crystal Fox), a longtime pillar of her Virginia community, stays composed when her ex weds his mistress and her son moves away. With convincing from her best friend Sarah (Phylicia Rashad), she tries putting herself first, and a handsome stranger (Mehcad Brooks) becomes her surprise second love. Yet any woman can snap, and Grace's new husband soon ravages her life, her work and -- many say -- her sanity. Shuttered in a cell awaiting trial for his murder, Grace's only hope for vindication lies with Jasmine Bryant (Bresha Webb), a public defender who has never tried a case. Co-starring Oscar nominee Cicely Tyson and writer/director Tyler Perry, A FALL FROM GRACE is a mesmerizing thriller built from unthinkable secrets.
Vivir dos veces -- NETFLIX FILM
Emilio searches for the great love of his youth, with the help of his daughter and granddaughter. Will he be able to reconnect with this lost love before his memory fails?
Wer kann, der kann! -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
"Nailed It!" takes its cakes to Germany, where amateurs try to re-create fantastic sweets. Model Angelina Kirsch hosts alongside chef Bernd Siefert.
Avail. 1/18/20
The Bling Ring
Avail. 1/20/20
Family Reunion: Part 2 -- NETFLIX FAMILY
This sitcom about a Seattle family who must readjust to simple living in Georgia returns for its second season.
Avail. 1/21/20
Fortune Feimster: Sweet & Salty -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Southern-born comedian, writer and actress Fortune Feimster is back with her first hour-long Netflix original comedy special, Fortune Feimster: Sweet & Salty. The comedian recalls her childhood misadventures as a former Girl Scout, debutante and (disqualified) swim meet champion; her family's complicated relationship with Hooters; and how a movie helped her realize she was a lesbian.
Word Party: Season 4 -- NETFLIX FAMILY
Cue the music: It's time for a party! Join animal babies Franny, Bailey, Kip, Lulu and their new friend, Tilly, for more learning and language fun.
Avail. 1/22/20
Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
The six episode docuseries explores the ways influenza evolves and how prepared humans are -- or aren't -- for the next devastating global outbreak.
Playing with Fire: Season 1
Avail. 1/23/20
The Ghost Bride -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
In 1890s Malacca, a young woman finds herself in the afterlife and becomes mired in a murder mystery connected to the deceased son of a wealthy family.
October Faction -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Monster hunters Fred (J.C. Mackenzie) and Deloris Allen (Tamara Taylor) hide their identities as members of a covert syndicate while their teenage kids, Geoff (Gabriel Darku) and Viv (Aurora Burghart), are forced to live in a town trapped in the past. From the comics by Steve Niles and Damien Worm.
The Queen
SAINT SEIYA: Knights of the Zodiac: Season 1 / Part 2 -- NETFLIX ANIME
Hard work and training have paid off for Seiya, who is now one of Athena's Saints. But it doesn't end here. What new adventures await the heroes of this epic saga in Part II?
Avail. 1/24/20
A Sun -- NETFLIX FILM
A family reckons with the aftermath of their younger son's incarceration and a greater misfortune that follows.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: Part 3 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina re-imagines the origin and adventures of Sabrina the Teenage Witch as a dark coming-of-age story that traffics in horror, the occult and, of course, witchcraft. Part Three finds Sabrina reeling from the harrowing events of Part Two. Though she defeated her father Lucifer, the Dark Lord remains trapped within the human prison of her beloved boyfriend, Nicholas Scratch. Sabrina can't live with herself, knowing that Nick made the ultimate sacrifice and is suffering, burning in Hell under Madam Satan's watchful eye. So with an assist from her mortal friends, "The Fright Club" (consisting of Harvey, Rosalind, and Theo), Sabrina makes it her mission to free him from eternal damnation and bring him back into her arms. However, the Dark Lord's unseating has sent shockwaves through the realms--and, with no on the throne, Sabrina must assume the title of "Queen" to defend it against a challenger, the handsome Prince of Hell Caliban. Meanwhile, in Greendale, a mysterious carnival rolls into town, bringing with it a threat to the Spellmans and the coven: A tribe of pagans looking to resurrect an ancient evil...
The Ranch: The Final Season -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
This comedy series set on a ranch and starring Ashton Kutcher and Sam Elliott returns for its final season.
Rise of Empires: Ottoman -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
With a mix of scripted and documentary elements, this series examines the history of the Ottoman Empire.
Avail. 1/26/20
Vir Das: For India -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Vir Das takes his audience on a celebratory journey through the history of India, from its people and traditions to modern culture and famous films.
Avail. 1/27/20
Country Strong
We Are Your Friends
Avail. 1/28/20
Alex Fernández: El mejor comediante del mundo -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
A new stand-up special from Mexican comedian Alex Fernández.
Avail. 1/29/20
Frères Ennemis -- NETFLIX FILM
A cop and a drug dealer who grew up in the same neighborhood reluctantly join forces to solve a murder. Matthias Schoenaerts and Reda Kateb star.
Next In Fashion -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Next In Fashion is a high-stakes competition series featuring some of the world's best and quietly innovative designers who compete for a chance to become the next big name in fashion. The series is hosted by fashion designer and TV personality Tan France (Queer Eye) and designer, model and global style icon Alexa Chung.
Night on Earth -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
From the award-winning producers of "Planet Earth II," "Life" and "Blue Planet," this stunning natural history series reveals the wonders of the nocturnal world.
Omniscient -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
In a future where each citizen is monitored 24/7 by a drone, a woman discovers a murder unaccounted by this surveillance system, and investigates why.
Avail. 1/30/20
Ainori Love Wagon: African Journey -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
To find love, seven strangers leave Japan and embark on a journey through the continent of Africa together. Challenges, adventure and romance await!
Nighthawks
Raising Cain
The Stranger -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Secrets, violence and a conspiracy send family man Adam Price on a desperate quest to uncover the truth about the people closest to him.
Avail. 1/31/20
37 Seconds -- NETFLIX FILM
A young woman with cerebral palsy is torn between family obligations and her dream to become a successful manga artist.
American Assassin
BoJack Horseman: Season 6 (Part B) -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
BoJack inches his way toward redemption as a stint in rehab forces him to confront his mistakes and start making amends.
Diablero: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Demons walk among everyday citizens, and the angels took off long ago. Who's left to save humanity? Diablero returns for Season 2.
I AM A KILLER: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Season 2 of the documentary series features death row inmates convicted of capital murder giving a firsthand account of their crimes.
Luna Nera -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
In 17th-century Italy, a teenage midwife accused of witchcraft must choose between a star-crossed love and fulfilling her powerful destiny.
Ragnarok -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
A small Norwegian town experiencing warm winters and violent downpours seems to be headed for another Ragnarok -- unless someone intervenes in time.
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