Netflix has a big January 2026 lineup—but only one series is about to dominate

Happy New Year! January 2026 is officially here, and with it comes the promise of fresh stories, new obsessions, late-night binges, and the comforting lie we all tell ourselves that this will be the month we finally keep our watchlists under control.

However, Netflix certainly isn’t making that easy. January 2026 arrives with an absolutely stacked lineup of premieres, returns, and new distractions across every genre imaginable. On paper, it should be the kind of month where viewers are spoiled for choice. But in reality? This month isn’t about all of them.

We’re not saying they aren’t worth a watch, but there's only one Netflix series that will completely dominate the conversation, take over social media, and demand your attention in a way no other release will. One of the best period dramas ever made is finally set to make its return on Netflix, and it's been a long time coming.

Bridgerton season 4 premieres on Netflix in January 2026

Bridgerton is easily one of Netflix's most popular shows, and it's been over a year since we last saw a new season. Remember season 3, which told the love story of Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington? Fans were captivated by their romance, enchanted by the drama, and swept away by the glittering, scandal-filled world of Regency London.

Now, Bridgerton season 4 is ready to take center stage, and this time, all eyes are on Benedict Bridgerton. The fourth season is based on Julia Quinn's third Bridgerton novel, An Offer From a Gentleman, and follows Benedict as he navigates the challenges of love, society, and family expectations.

After watching his siblings find love, Benedict has remained hesitant to settle down. But fate has a way of intervening. At a lavish masquerade ball thrown by his mother, he encounters a mysterious woman whose identity is hidden behind a mask. Instantly captivated, Benedict finds himself drawn into a whirlwind romance full of secrecy, stolen glances, and forbidden attraction.

Why is it forbidden? Well, we quickly find out that the mysterious woman he meets at the ball isn't part of his world. Sophie Baek, a clever and resourceful woman, comes from a different social class entirely, and her connection with Benedict defies the rigid rules of Regency society. Those who are fans of the classic fairy tales will immediately recognize the Cinderella-like undertones of their story. But of course, it has its differences to make it uniquely Bridgerton.

For this highly anticipated fourth season, Luke Thompson returns to reprise his role as Benedict. Additionally, Yerin Ha joins the Netflix series as Sophie. Also in the cast are Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Victor Alli, Adjoa Andoh, Julie Andrews, Lorraine Ashbourne, Masali Baduza, Nicola Coughlan, Hannah Dodd, Daniel Francis, Ruth Gemmell, Florence Hunt, Claudia Jessie, Luke Newton, Golda Rosheuvel, Katie Leung, Michelle Mao, Isabella Wei, and so many others.

Netflix has become fond of split releases for its shows, dropping the first batch of episodes to hook viewers and then spacing out the rest to keep the conversation and the anticipation alive for weeks. The streaming giant did this with Bridgerton season 3, and it's doing it again with season 4.

Bridgerton season 4 part 1, which consists of the first four episodes, will be released on Netflix on Jan. 29, 2026. Fans will then have to wait four full weeks for the second and final part to drop on Feb. 26. That's the last four episodes. This won't be the last season of Bridgerton either. The hit period drama was renewed for a fifth and sixth installment back in May 2025!

Stay tuned to Netflix Life for more news and coverage on Bridgerton.