Streaming Services Roll Out Major Entertainment Lineup for January 2026 Including The Rookie Premiere and Bridgerton Return

New Year's Entertainment Surge on Hulu and Netflix

Streaming platforms are launching a packed slate of content for early January 2026. Hulu kicks off with Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2026 premiering on January 1, alongside complete seasons of shows like Global Soul Kitchen Season 2 and Million Dollar Zombie Flips Season 1.[1]

Netflix counters with high-profile additions, including part one of Bridgerton Season 4 on January 29, starring Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha. The service also features a new crime thriller directed by Joe Carnahan with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.[2]

Key TV Premieres and Returning Favorites

Hulu's January 7 brings back fan favorites with The Rookie Season 8 and Will Trent Season 4 premieres. Later in the month, The Masked Singer Season 14 debuts on January 8, joined by Kevin Costner's The West complete Season 1.[1]

On January 27, Hulu hosts American Idol Season 9 premiere and Extracted Season 2. Netflix adds series like Unlocked: A Jail Experiment Season 2 on January 7 and WWE: Unreal Season 2 on January 20.[2]

Highlighted Movies and Specials

• Hulu: The Luckiest Man in America (2024) arrives January 6; Wicked Little Letters (2024) on January 27.[1]
• Netflix: Skyscraper Live special with Alex Honnold climbing Taipei 101 on January 23; all 25 films from a beloved movie franchise added this month.[2]

Celebrity Birthdays Mark the Day

January 1, 2026, celebrates birthdays of entertainment figures like rapper Ice Spice turning 26, known for her hit 'Munch (Feelin' U)' and hip-hop impact. Singer Winter turns 25, and YouTuber Poppy hits 31.[3]

Actor Morris Chestnut turns 57, famed for Boyz n the Hood and The Best Man series, with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Ice dancer Meryl Davis, 39, Olympic gold medalist, also shares the date.[3]

What Viewers Can Expect Next

These releases span reality TV, dramas, thrillers, and documentaries, catering to diverse tastes. Platforms like Hulu and Netflix aim to retain subscribers post-holidays with timely premieres and franchise expansions.[1][2]

Upcoming highlights include Bachelor in Paradise Season 9 on Hulu January 4 and multiple Netflix series debuts throughout the month, ensuring steady entertainment flow into late January.[1][2]