January always feels like a reset button, and we're embracing it this year with some seriously good streaming content. While everyone else is setting ambitious goals and meal prepping for the week, we're settling in with a cozy blanket and our remote control, ready to discover what Netflix and Hulu have in store for us this month.

Whether you're recovering from the holiday chaos, easing back into work mode, or just looking for something to unwind with after those long meetings, January 2026 is delivering some incredible options. From the return of Bridgerton to Ryan Murphy's latest wild creation, there's something here for every mood and moment.

We've done the scrolling for you (because let's be real, sometimes choosing what to watch is harder than the actual watching), and these are the shows and movies we're genuinely excited about this month.

What We're Watching on Netflix

Netflix is coming in strong this January with a mix of brand-new originals and some classic comfort watches. We're particularly excited about the variety – there's everything from sweeping period dramas to edge-of-your-seat thrillers.

Can't-Miss Originals

Bridgerton Season 4, Volume 1

We've been waiting for this one, and it's finally here. Season 4 focuses on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) as he meets the mysterious Sophie (Yerin Ha) at a masquerade ball. When he later discovers she's actually a maid, the drama unfolds in classic Bridgerton fashion. Perfect for when you need pure escapism with gorgeous costumes, swoon-worthy romance, and just the right amount of scandal. Volume 1 drops this month, so prepare to binge and then anxiously wait for Volume 2.

The Rip

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite for this crime thriller about two law enforcement officers who stumble upon $24 million in a Miami safehouse. You know that combination is going to deliver, and we're here for every twist and turn. This is the kind of movie that makes you want to order takeout, turn off your phone, and just get completely absorbed in the chaos.

People We Meet on Vacation

Based on Emily Henry's beloved novel, this rom-com follows best friends Alex (Tom Blyth) and Poppy (Emily Bader), who take annual summer trips together. If you loved the book, you're going to want to see how they bring this friends-to-more storyline to life. It's the perfect pick for a cozy weekend afternoon when you want something light, heartwarming, and just a little bit romantic.

His & Hers

Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal star in this mystery thriller limited series set in Atlanta. The combination of these two actors plus a compelling detective story? We're absolutely in. This is one of those shows that's going to have everyone talking, so you'll want to watch it while it's fresh so you can join the conversation.

Free Bert

Bert Kreischer brings his unfiltered comedy style to this series about a father trying to navigate his family's adjustment to a fancy new school. If you're familiar with Bert's stand-up, you know this is going to be chaotic, hilarious, and probably a little ridiculous – in the best way possible.

Comfort Classics Worth Revisiting

Netflix is also adding some serious comfort-watch gold to its library this month. Sometimes you don't want something new – you want something familiar that feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket.

12 Years a Slave – Steve McQueen's powerful biographical drama is essential viewing. Yes, it's heavy, but it's also beautifully crafted and incredibly important.

Erin Brockovich – Julia Roberts at her absolute best, playing a determined woman fighting for justice. Perfect for when you need a reminder that one person really can make a difference.

Man on Fire – Denzel Washington in peak form. If you're in the mood for an action thriller with serious emotional depth, this is it.

Dune (1984) – David Lynch's version of the sci-fi epic. It's visually stunning and wonderfully weird. Great for a Sunday afternoon when you want something immersive.

What We're Watching on Hulu

Hulu is bringing some serious heat this January, especially if you're into drama, thrillers, and shows that'll have you yelling at the screen. The lineup is smaller than Netflix's, but every single addition feels intentional and worth your time.

New Releases We're Excited About

The Beauty

Ryan Murphy is back with another wild creation, and this one's a body horror thriller set in the high-fashion world. The premise alone has us hooked: a miracle beauty drug makes everyone who takes it stunningly gorgeous, but with seriously twisted consequences. The cast includes Evan Peters, Ashton Kutcher, Anthony Ramos, Jeremy Pope, Bella Hadid, and Pedro Pascal's sister Lux Pascal. It's going to be unhinged, it's going to be beautiful, and we're absolutely going to be obsessed. The series premiere includes the first three episodes, dropping on FX and streaming on Hulu.

Tell Me Lies Season 3

Lucy and Stephen are back, and honestly, we can't look away from this toxic relationship even though we know we should. The new season picks up with them rekindling their romance for spring semester at Baird College. They promise things will be different this time (spoiler: they won't be), and past mistakes threaten their best intentions. Grace Van Patten and Jackson White are phenomenal in these roles, and the show does an incredible job of portraying the messy reality of complicated relationships.

A Thousand Blows Season 2

From Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, comes this historical drama set in London's notorious East End. Stephen Graham stars as a boxer navigating the seedy underbelly of the boxing world. If you loved Peaky Blinders' gritty atmosphere and complex characters, this is going to be right up your alley.

The Artful Dodger Season 2

Jack's back and in deep trouble. Thomas Brodie-Sangster, David Thewlis, and Maia Mitchell return for more sharp wit, high-stakes adventure, and clever reimagining of the classic Dickens character. It's the perfect combination of humor, history, and heart.

Perfect Weekend Watches

Hulu's also adding some fantastic movies that are ideal for weekend viewing when you just want to relax and enjoy something familiar.

Twinless – This psychological black comedy premiered at Sundance to rave reviews (97% on Rotten Tomatoes). Dylan O'Brien delivers an incredible dual performance as twin brothers, and the film explores grief in unexpected ways. Perfect for when you want something smart, emotionally resonant, and a little bit dark.

Heat (1995) – If you've never seen this Michael Mann crime epic with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, January is your moment. Even if you have seen it, it's worth another watch. The cinematography alone makes it essential viewing.

Big Daddy – Adam Sandler at his most charming, playing a guy who adopts a 5-year-old to impress his girlfriend. It's sweet, it's funny, and it's the kind of comfort watch that never gets old.

Bad Moms – When you need to laugh and remember that perfection is overrated, this is your movie. Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn are hilarious as overwhelmed mothers who decide to rebel against unrealistic expectations.

The Predator Collection – All five Predator films are now available on Hulu, including the incredible 2022 Prey. Perfect for a sci-fi marathon weekend.

Our Personal Picks for Different Moods

Because let's be real – what you watch often depends entirely on your current state of mind. We've broken down our top picks based on exactly what you might be feeling.

When You Need an Escape

Some days, you just want to completely disconnect from reality and lose yourself in another world. For those moments, we're reaching for Bridgerton Season 4. The lavish sets, gorgeous costumes, and romantic drama are exactly the kind of escapism we need. Alternatively, People We Meet on Vacation offers a lighter escape – sun-soaked locations, charming characters, and the kind of romance that makes you believe in happy endings.

When You Want Something Light

After a particularly draining day, sometimes you need something that won't require too much emotional energy. Free Bert is perfect for this – it's funny, it's easy to follow, and you can zone in and out without missing crucial plot points. Big Daddy on Hulu falls into this category too. It's the kind of movie where you already know how it ends, but you watch it anyway because it just feels good.

When You're Ready to Feel Something

For those nights when you actually want to engage with complex emotions and thought-provoking content, The Beauty is going to deliver. Ryan Murphy's exploration of beauty standards, body horror, and societal pressure promises to be as disturbing as it is compelling. HIS & HERS on Netflix also fits this mood – it's the kind of mystery thriller that'll keep you thinking long after the credits roll. And if you're ready for something truly moving, Twinless on Hulu offers a unique take on grief that's both heartbreaking and oddly hopeful.

What We're Actually Watching This Week

Honestly? We're probably going to start with Bridgerton because we've been waiting for Benedict's season forever, and the anticipation is real. Then we're diving straight into The Beauty when it drops, because anything Ryan Murphy creates is guaranteed to be a conversation starter. Tell Me Lies Season 3 is also on our immediate watch list – we can't resist a toxic relationship drama that feels oddly relatable in all the wrong ways.

For weekend viewing, we're planning a cozy Saturday night with People We Meet on Vacation and probably some takeout. And when we need something, we can watch while working on other things or winding down before bed, we're going to have The Artful Dodger Season 2 queued up.

Making Time for What You Love

January can feel overwhelming with everyone pushing productivity and new year goals. But carving out time for the things that bring you joy – including the simple pleasure of a really good show – is just as important as any other resolution. Whether you're watching solo with a glass of wine, having a weekly watch party with friends, or enjoying quality couch time with your partner, these moments of entertainment and relaxation matter.

You don't need to apologize for taking an evening to binge Bridgerton or spending your Saturday morning catching up on Tell Me Lies. Rest and enjoyment are productive, and you deserve to have things in your life that are just for fun.