5 must-see TV shows to check out in January 2026
With 2026 approaching, viewers have a lineup of thrilling new TV shows to enjoy as they enter the New Year. This January, major franchises such as Marvel and Game of Thrones will unveil their latest projects on both TV and streaming platforms. Established favorites like Fallout and The Pitt will also continue their beloved narratives with new seasons. As everyone organizes their calendars for 2026, be sure to note these five new shows premiering in January.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2026-present)
HBO / HBO
Taking place a century before Game of Thrones, this prequel series tells the story of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), a humble hedge knight who mentors young Prince Aegon Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell) as they traverse Westeros in search of honor and justice. Eventually, Duncan participates in a tournament and confronts the malevolent Prince Aerion Targaryen (Bertie Carvel), embarking on a journey that will cement his status as a legend.
This new spinoff is sure to please fans eager for the next season of House of the Dragon. Rather than focusing on the dragons and nobles of Westeros, this series will introduce a lighter, more comedic tone compared to previous installments, offering a refreshing contrast to the franchise's usual atmosphere of despair while further expanding the world of Westeros and showcasing its greatest heroes.
Catch A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms on HBO or HBO Max starting January 18.
Wonder Man (2026)
Disney+ / Disney+
In a unique twist within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Wonder Man will center on the production of a remake of a superhero movie set in a world already populated by superheroes. The series follows Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), an actor with actual superpowers, as he vies for the lead role in the new Wonder Man film. Additionally, viewers will see Williams working to land a role alongside Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), a failed actor and former faux villain.
Wonder Man diverges from the typical, planet-altering storylines frequently found in the MCU, which may alleviate the superhero fatigue that audiences have been experiencing lately. Those who enjoy superheroes and metafictional series like The Studio will likely be drawn to this Marvel miniseries when it premieres.
Tune in to Wonder Man on Disney+ on January 27.
Fallout (2024-present)
Prime Video / Prime Video
Fallout has quickly become one of Prime Video’s most popular original series since its debut in 2024. Following its return on December 17, season 2 will continue its captivating storyline with new episodes throughout January. The second season follows Lucy (Ella Purnell) and the Ghoul (Walter Goggins) as they journey across a post-nuclear America to New Vegas.
As they pursue Lucy’s nefarious father (Kyle MacLachlan), they face the myriad dangers of the wasteland while uncovering Vault-Tec’s sinister secrets. Viewers will also encounter iconic adversaries from the Fallout video games, such as Caesar’s Legion and the fearsome Deathclaws.
Watch Fallout season 2 on Prime Video.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians (2023-present)
Disney+ / Disney+
Percy Jackson and the Olympians will continue its second season throughout January, following the heroes' latest adventure that began in December. Season 2 sees demigod Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell) returning to Camp Half-Blood, only to find that his friend Grover (Aryan Simhadri) has been captured by the cyclops Polyphemus, while the malevolent Kronos (Nick Boraine) threatens the camp. This forces him to venture to the Sea of Monsters to retrieve the Golden Fleece and rescue his friends and fellow demigods.
This Emmy-winning series continues to adapt Rick Riordan’s classic novels into thrilling television experiences. As the show moves into The Sea of Monsters narrative, viewers are one step closer to witnessing an epic clash among the Olympians, the Half-Bloods, and Kronos. Fans of coming-of-age tales like Stranger Things and Harry Potter will want to embark on Percy’s mythical journey this season.
View Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 2 on Hulu and Disney+.
The Pitt (2025-present)
HBO Max / HBO Max
Yet another season is upon us. The first season of The Pitt included 15 episodes chronicling the experiences of the students and professionals at a financially strained Pittsburgh hospital during their inaugural 15-hour shift. After winning multiple Emmys with its first season, the show returns for its second season on HBO Max this January, showcasing another day in The Pitt.
Though medical dramas are quite common on television, The Pitt is distinctive for its raw realism, immersing viewers in the chaos and tension that hospital staff face daily. One can only speculate what intense challenges the cast will encounter on their second day.
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5 must-see TV shows to check out in January 2026
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Wonder Man, and The Pitt are among the new series that viewers should check out in January 2026.
