This Saturday, January 4, viewers have a wide array of new and returning shows and movies across major streaming platforms. Fans can dive into a new Harlan Coben thriller, revisit a sci-fi classic, or embark on adventures with a legendary archaeologist. The start of 2026 brings fresh content and popular library titles for every taste.
New Thrills and Classic Adventures This Weekend
Netflix kicks off the new year with "Run Away," a gripping thriller based on a Harlan Coben novel. The series follows a desperate father searching for his missing daughter, who becomes entangled in a murder investigation. This eight-episode adaptation promises twists and turns, starring James Nesbitt as the frantic father. Also new to Netflix is the true-crime documentary "Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story," which revisits the disturbing case of a Utah life coach involved in a child abuse scandal.[huffingtonpost+4]
For film enthusiasts, Netflix also added the 1984 adaptation of "Dune," offering a timely rewatch ahead of upcoming theatrical releases in the franchise. Directed by David Lynch, this version stars Kyle MacLachlan as Paul Atreides and features surrealist visuals. Horror fans can find Zack Snyder's 2004 zombie flick "Dawn of the Dead," co-written by James Gunn, providing a gory and entertaining ride. Additionally, Sofia Coppola's 2023 biopic "Priscilla" is available, exploring Priscilla Presley's journey from teenager to Elvis's confidante.[screenrant+3]
Disney+ expands its adventure offerings with the entire "Indiana Jones" film series now streaming. This includes classics like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," alongside the 2023 release "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny". Viewers can enjoy Harrison Ford's iconic portrayal of the archaeologist battling foes and facing ancient mysteries.[mashable+4]
Diverse Options Across Streaming Platforms
Hulu presents "Ash," a new sci-fi thriller from electronic music producer Flying Lotus. The film stars Eiza González as an astronaut who wakes up on an unknown planet with amnesia, encountering a man played by Aaron Paul who claims to be her rescuer.The Coen Brothers' musical epic "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" also joins Hulu's lineup.This film, loosely inspired by Homer's "The Odyssey," features George Clooney as a convict on the run in 1937 rural Mississippi.Another new Hulu offering is the body horror film "Together," starring real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco, exploring themes of codependency.[timeout+3]
HBO Max brings a selection of acclaimed films, including the Coen Brothers' crime comedy "Fargo," known for Frances McDormand's stirring performance as police chief Marge Gunderson.Action fans can immerse themselves in the first three "John Wick" movies, following Keanu Reeves' ex-hitman character.Several classic Mel Brooks comedies, such as "Blazing Saddles" and "High Anxiety," also landed on the platform.[thewrap+2]
On Prime Video, the second season of the hit video game adaptation "Fallout" continues to stream.This post-apocalyptic series features Walton Goggins and Ella Purnell, with new characters like Macauley Culkin's introduced this season.[forbes+1]
For those seeking something different, Shudder offers "A Desert," a horror noir feature debut from director Joshua Erkman. The film follows a photographer's wife and a private investigator drawn into a vortex of sex and violence in the California desert.[timeout]
Live Television and Reality Show Highlights
Saturday, January 4, also features a mix of live television and reality programming. Fox airs "Best Medicine" at 8 p.m. ET, following an NFL doubleheader.Hallmark Channel presents "When Calls the Heart" at 9 p.m. ET.The "Critics Choice Awards" broadcast live on E! at 7 p.m. ET, celebrating cinematic and television achievements.The "Sunday Night Football" Season 39 finale airs on NBC at 8:15 p.m. ET.[hollywoodlife+5]
Reality TV fans can tune into "Baking Championship: Next Gen" on Food Network at 8 p.m. ET, and the Season 5 finale of "Name That Tune" on Fox at the same time.PBS offers the Season 12 premiere of "Finding Your Roots" at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the documentary "Bombshell" at 9 p.m. ET.Acorn TV streams Season 5 of "My Life Is Murder".Prime Video also launches the three-episode premiere of "Beast Games" Season 2.CBS features "Harlan Coben's Final Twist" at 10 p.m. ET, and ABC brings back "Shark Tank" at 10 p.m. ET.Hulu provides the music special "Bruce Springsteen: Nebraska Live," and BritBox streams "The Game".Paramount+ offers the six-episode binge of "Girl Taken".[tvline+6]
Looking Ahead in January 2026
The month of January promises more anticipated releases. HBO Max will premiere "The Pitt" Season 2 on January 8, a medical drama that won five Primetime Emmy Awards for its first season.The highly anticipated "Game of Thrones" prequel, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," is also set to debut on HBO Max on January 18.This series will explore Westeros a century before the events of "Game of Thrones".[tvinsider+5]
Netflix has several upcoming originals, including the comedy special "Marcello Hernández: American Boy" on January 7, and the psychological thriller "His & Hers" on January 8, starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal. The film adaptation of Emily Henry's romance novel "People We Meet on Vacation" arrives January 9. Later in the month, "Agatha Christie's Seven Dials" will stream on January 15, and "Bridgerton" Season 4 Part 1 is expected on January 29.[time+6]
Peacock will launch "The Traitors" Season 4 on January 8, featuring a star-studded cast including Donna Kelce. Apple TV+ is bringing back "Hijack" for its second season and "Shrinking" for its third season. Paramount+ has "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy" premiering on January 15, and the true-crime docuseries "Handsome Devil: The Charming Killer" on January 20. Paramount+ also holds streaming rights for UFC events, with two live marquee events scheduled for January 24 and 31, alongside NFL playoffs, college basketball, and European soccer.[forbes+4]
However, Paramount+ is raising its prices by $1 per month, increasing to $8.99 or $13.99 starting January 15. This price adjustment helps fund deals for content like UFC and "South Park".[morningstar]
This weekend, and throughout January, viewers have a wealth of options to explore, from intense thrillers and classic films to returning dramas and live sports.
