3 new Netflix shows to watch (and 2 to skip) in January 2026

If you can believe it, a new year is already around the corner. While 2025 sure had its surprises, ups, and down, you can't deny that there were some really great Netflix shows. Whether they were new shows that pleasantly caught us off guard or returning shows that finally released new seasons, the year had amazing releases. Thankfully, 2026 promises to be just as jam-packed.

Netflix kicks off 2026 with a real bang in January. The month already has a number of exciting new shows headed for our watch lists that we simply can't miss. After watching the Stranger Things series finale on New Year's Eve, 2026 comes in strong the very next day with a brand-new binge-worthy show that's the perfect cure for our Hawkins-induced sadness.

From another twisty mystery from Harlan Coben to captivating limited series starring a pair of talented stars to the long-awaited comeback of Bridgerton, Netflix is keeping the presents coming long after Christmas has already passed. But which shows are worthing watching as soon as they drop and which ones can be skipped for another time? Let's check out the list!

Harlan Coben's Run Away

Watch! How could you turn down a mystery limited series from Harlan Coben? Especially one that's coming out on New Year's Day, the perfect time to slow down, stay inside, and spend the day binge-watching a new Netflix show.

In Run Away, Simon Greene (James Nesbitt) finally finds his runaway daughter Paige (Ellie de Lange), but the reunion leads to violence and the girl going missing again, leading to a tangled web of danger and secrets. You might be able to see the twists coming or guess the ending, but the eight-episode series is a must-watch on Jan. 1.

His & Hers

Watch! On the heels of hit mystery limited series The Beast in Me, Netflix preps its next star-studded miniseries His & Hers, which is based on the book of the same name by Alice Feeney and comes from executive producers Jessica Chastain and Ozark creator Bill Dubuque.

In the series, news anchor Anna (Tess Thompson) crosses paths with Detective Jack Harper (Jon Bernthal) as they both investigate a murder in the small town where she grew up. The six-episode limited series drops on Jan. 8 and keeps the streamers thrilling momentum going right into 2026!

Agatha Christie's Seven Dials

Skip! There's something in the water on Netflix in January 2026 because a lot of the new shows coming are mysteries designed to keep us on the edge of our seat. Mystery fanatics will surely be eating up the one-after-the-other pacing of Netflix's mystery releases, but by the debut of Agatha Christie's Seven Dials on Jan. 15, some might be ready to skip this one and try something else.

Based on Christie's novel, the series takes place in 1925 as Lady Eileen “Bundle” Brent (Mia McKenna-Bruce) delves into a mystery at a country estate. The cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter, Martin Freeman, Edward Bluemel, and Corey Mylchreest among others.

Star Search

Skip! If you have seen one talent competition series, you have kind of seen them all at this point. Obviously, those who love this genre of reality shows will be tuning in no matter what, but for those on the fence, here's more details.

Netflix will be rebooting the popular '80s/'90s series Star Search and airing live episodes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT with host Anthony Anderson. Performers of all ages will compete for their chance at stardowm. Viewers can vote in real time for their favorites. It's truly a first of its kind for Netflix, but if it's not for you, skip it!

Bridgerton season 4 part 1

Watch! Last but certainly not least, there's no way we could ever suggest skipping Bridgerton season 4. Once again, Netflix has opted to split the new season in half, with part 1 premiering on Jan. 29 and the remaining half of the season dropping on Feb. 26.

The Bridgerton taking center stage this season is Benedict as he romances Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). There are more changes in store for Francesca, Eloise, and even the newly married and unmasked Penelope. If there was any season of Bridgerton not to miss, it's season 4! Things are really starting to heat up in a big way.