Unmissable Streaming Picks: What to Watch This January

With the new year finally finding its stride, streaming platforms are rolling out a fresh batch of series and films that promise to liven up your evenings. This week’s selection features a blend of high-stakes drama, science fiction, and a few familiar faces returning for another round. Whether you’re after a tense thriller, a nostalgic spy caper, or a dose of futuristic adventure, there’s something here to suit every taste.

Fresh Faces and Familiar Universes

Paramount Plus is ushering in a new era for a much-loved sci-fi universe with Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Set centuries after the days of Picard and the Enterprise, the series introduces viewers to the first intake at a newly rebuilt academy, following a galaxy-wide catastrophe. The narrative weaves between the seasoned instructors and their spirited students, balancing cosmic escapades with more grounded, earthbound stories. The cast, featuring Holly Hunter, Tig Notaro, and Paul Giamatti, brings a lively energy to a show that, while occasionally weighed down by its ensemble, retains the franchise’s trademark optimism.

Meanwhile, Netflix is serving up The Rip, a taut thriller from Joe Carnahan, known for his work on The Grey and Copshop. The film stars Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, and Teyana Taylor as Miami police officers who stumble upon a hidden fortune during what should have been a routine call. The temptation to pocket some of the cash proves too much for some, setting off a chain of suspicion and betrayal. With its sharp direction and a cast that’s hard to fault, it’s a proper Friday night watch for those who fancy something a bit grittier than the usual fare.

Returning Favourites and Classic Collections

Apple TV brings back Idris Elba in the second series of Hijack. This time, Elba’s character, Sam Nelson, finds himself embroiled in another transport crisis—only now, the action shifts from the skies to Berlin’s U-Bahn. The new series leans into the psychological toll of Nelson’s previous ordeal, with Elba portraying a man visibly changed by his past. The familiar tension remains, but the setting and character development offer a fresh twist on the formula.

For those in the mood for a marathon, Netflix is making all 25 James Bond films available from 15 January. From Dr. No to No Time to Die, including the rarely screened Never Say Never Again, viewers can revisit their favourites or discover lesser-known entries. Whether you’re partial to From Russia With Love or have a soft spot for Licence to Kill (controversial, perhaps, but it has its defenders), there’s plenty to keep you occupied while waiting for the next instalment.

Espionage and Emotional Journeys

Prime Video and BBC iPlayer are finally bringing the long-awaited second series of The Night Manager to a wider audience. Tom Hiddleston returns as Jonathan Pine, the ex-soldier turned hotelier who’s once again drawn into the world of espionage by Olivia Colman’s Angela Burr. This time, Pine’s path crosses with a mercenary linked to his past, setting off a new round of intrigue. Based on John le Carré’s work, the series offers a cooler, more measured alternative to the high-octane world of Bond, with six new episodes rolling out through January and February.

On a different note, The Life of Chuck arrives on Hulu and Netflix, offering a more contemplative take on the Stephen King canon. Directed by Mike Flanagan, the film stars Tom Hiddleston as Chuck Krantz, an accountant whose story unfolds in reverse, beginning with his death and tracing back through a life marked by both turbulence and beauty.

This isn’t your typical Stephen King adaptation!

Flanagan’s approach, reminiscent of Forrest Gump, divided critics on its cinema release, but its heartfelt tone may find a warmer reception among streaming audiences.