January 2026 Streaming Preview: What to Watch

January 2026 is shaping up to be a strategically important month for streaming platforms, with several high-profile series and premieres arriving across Apple TV+, Netflix, and Disney+. Rather than relying on blockbuster theatrics, the month’s slate leans heavily on prestige television, franchise expansion, and the return of critically acclaimed originals. For audiences, January becomes less of a post-holiday lull and more of a continuation of peak-season viewing.

Tehran Season 3 (Apple TV+ – January 9)

Apple TV+ opens January 2026 with the return of Tehran, a series that has steadily built a reputation for grounded, high-stakes espionage. Unlike many spy thrillers that rely on spectacle, Tehran distinguishes itself through its political realism, multilingual dialogue, and morally ambiguous characters. Season 3 arrives at a moment when audiences are increasingly receptive to internationally rooted narratives, and Apple TV+ continues to position itself as a platform where global stories are given space to breathe. The show’s careful pacing and emphasis on consequence over action align well with the broader trend toward prestige television rather than mass-market thrill rides.

The Night Manager Season 2 (January 11)

After a long absence, The Night Manager returns for a second season, carrying with it the legacy of one of the most successful modern espionage dramas. The original series blended traditional spy fiction with sleek production values, creating a template that many subsequent thrillers attempted to replicate. Season 2’s arrival in January suggests confidence in the show’s enduring appeal, particularly among viewers drawn to slower-burning narratives driven by character tension and psychological maneuvering. Its placement early in the year reinforces January as a month for serious, adult-oriented storytelling.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (Netflix – January 18)

Netflix’s January lineup leans heavily into fantasy with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a smaller-scale entry in the wider A Song of Ice and Fire universe. Rather than focusing on sprawling political conflict, the series centers on personal honor, loyalty, and individual journeys. This more intimate approach reflects an evolving strategy within franchise storytelling, where depth and character are increasingly prioritized over sheer scale. For Netflix, the series serves as both a continuation of a proven fantasy brand and a test of whether audiences are ready for quieter, more reflective narratives within established worlds.

Steal (January 21)

Midway through the month, Steal arrives as a standalone film release, offering contrast to January’s series-heavy schedule. January has become an increasingly important window for films that benefit from sustained viewer attention rather than opening-weekend momentum. While details around Steal remain limited, its positioning suggests an emphasis on tension, atmosphere, or character-driven storytelling. Releases like this highlight how streaming platforms are using quieter calendar slots to surface films that might otherwise be overshadowed during peak release periods.

Wonder Man (Disney+ – January 27)

Disney+ turns its attention back to the Marvel universe with Wonder Man, a series that signals another step in Marvel’s evolving television strategy. Recent years have shown a shift away from purely event-driven superhero content toward more experimental and character-focused projects. Wonder Man fits within this recalibration, drawing on a lesser-known character to explore themes beyond conventional heroism. Its late-January premiere allows Disney+ to capture audience attention ahead of a crowded spring release slate, positioning the series as an early-year anchor for the platform.

Shrinking Season 3 (Apple TV+ – January 28)

Rounding out the month is the third season of Shrinking, one of Apple TV+’s most consistently well-received comedy dramas. The series has resonated with audiences by balancing humor with emotional vulnerability, offering a form of comfort viewing that still engages with serious themes. Its return underscores Apple’s commitment to nurturing successful originals over multiple seasons, rather than cycling rapidly through new concepts. Ending January with Shrinking reinforces the idea that streaming platforms are increasingly focused on sustaining viewer relationships, not just delivering short-term hits.

Overall, January 2026 reflects a deliberate and stick-to-tried-guns streaming strategy across platforms. Rather than flooding viewers with content, services are prioritizing carefully timed releases, established IP, and series with proven audience engagement. With espionage thrillers, fantasy expansions, superhero reinvention, and character-driven comedy all represented, the month sets a strong foundation for the streaming year ahead.