The best new streaming shows of the week (Jan 22

It’s hard to keep track of which streaming service is premiering which new show or movie from week to week. Netflix used to be king, but the streaming field is full of alternatives, and they’re all regularly pumping out new content. So, what are the best new streaming shows and where can you watch them?

Every week, we answer that question for you, offering some exciting new and returning titles, including streaming originals, from services like Max, Hulu, Prime Video, Paramount Plus, and, yes, Netflix. We’ll be updating this list every week, so stay tuned for more new streaming shows on every major service.

The best new streaming shows this week

This week we saw several new shows across a variety of genres, with Abbott Elementary and Halo two of the new entries that excite me the most. Let’s jump right in and take a closer look at the best new shows debuting between January 22 and 28, in order from oldest to newest. 

Abbott Elementary, one of the funniest workplace comedies in recent years, remains a must-watch since its 2021 debut. The show follows the teachers and staff at a chronically underfunded Philadelphia school, highlighting their daily struggles and triumphs with its trademark quirky humor. Now in its third season, the trailer promises more hilarious antics. Ava looks to finally embrace professionalism, but her new obsession with security cameras drives her to the edge. Prepare for sparks to fly as the simmering romance between two beloved characters heats up.

Did you miss out on Abbott Elementary or need to catch up? Hulu has the first two seasons ready for your viewing pleasure!

• Years active: 2021 – Ongoing
• Genre: Workplace comedy
• Rating: TV-14
• Creator: Quinta Brunson
  
• Cast: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James

Based on the popular game franchise, Halo is set in the 26th century and centers around a war between humanity and the theocratic alien race known as the Covenant. At the front of this war are the Spartans, humanity’s super-soldiers and final hope. Among them is Master Chief, the most legendary Spartan in his group. The show focuses on his role in the war, which evolves over the first season. Now the show is back for its second season, continuing where the former left off.

While the series definitely feels like fan service for gamers, if you like sci-fi action shows, this is still a pretty enjoyable watch. I finished the whole first season and yet I haven’t actually played Halo since the original on the first Xbox. Yes, I’m old.

• Years active: 2022 – Ongoing
• Genre: Sci-Fi/Action
• Rating: TV-MA
• Showrunner: Kyle Killen
• Cast: Pablo Schreiber, Shabana Azmi, Olive Gray

One Day consists of twelve episodes centering around Emma and Dexter as they move in and out of each other’s lives. The show has a fairly unique format as each episode revisits either Emma, Dexter, or both on every subsequent July 15th from their first meeting in 88 all the way through the year 1999. Although I haven’t personally watched this one yet, from my research it has a pretty big twist towards its finale, so be aware of that. 

• Years active: 2024 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Romance/Comedy
• Rating: TV-14
• Creators: Nicole Taylor
• Cast: Ambika Mod, Leo Woodall, Eleanor Tomlinson

Couple to Throuple is a new reality TV series on Peacock that centers around the world of polyamory. The show follows four couples who are interested in opening their relationships and exploring beyond monogamy. They are sent to a tropical resort to mix and mingle and after a while, they will need to decide whether to go home as a couple, commit to life as a throuple, or even end the relationship altogether. 

The new reality series is hosted by Scot Evans with sex and relationship expert Shamrya Howard. 

• Years active: 2024 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Reality TV
• Host: Scot Evans, Shamyra Howard

Check out the best new streaming shows from previous weeks

Below are some of the TV shows we recommended in previous weeks. If you’ve watched the newer titles already or want more options, we have a solid mix of new shows on your favorite streaming services. We keep about two months’ worth of backlogged shows below, ensuring that all our recommendations are fairly recent. 

Mr and Mrs Smith is essentially a remake of the movie by the same name, centering on a couple that are both secretly spies for opposing agencies. Despite similarities, the tone is more dramatic and serious than in the film, diving into more serious issues like how their secrets impact the relationship. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of action and humor, just the format allows the series to dive a bit deeper into the dramatic aspects as well. 

As a big Donald Glover fan I had to give this one a watch and while I’ve only seen the pilot so far, I highly recommend this one. And that’s coming from someone who wasn’t a big fan of the actual movie. 

• Years active: 2014 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Comedy/drama
• Rating: TV-14
• Creators: Donald Glover
• Cast: Donald Glover, Maya Erskine, Wagner Moura

This biographical docudrama explores the lives of both Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The show focuses on their different approaches to Civil Rights, especially since King’s approach focused on nonviolence above all else. The show isn’t just a historic retelling as it also looks at the complex lives of the individuals involved. 

• Years active: 2024 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Drama/History
• Rating: 13+
• Showrunners:  Raphael Jackson Jr., Damione Macedon
• Cast: Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jayme Lawson

Based on the novel The Expatriates, the series centers around three American expat women living in Hong Kong whose families become intertwined after a major tragedy. Even before then, all three families were struggling with their lives abroad.

While I’ve yet to personally check this one out just yet, it’s already gaining a lot of positive attention, particularly for Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Margaret, though there’s certainly plenty of other great talent here as well. 

• Years active: 2024 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Drama
• Rating: TV-MA
• Creator: Lulu Wang
  
• Cast: Nicole Kidman, Brian Tee, Ji-young Yoo, Sarayu Blue

 Based on the non-fiction book of the same name,  Masters of the Air is a new Apple TV miniseries produced by Speilberg’s Amblin Television and set during World War 2. The series gives us a closer look at the 100th Bomb Group, a B-17 Flying Fortress unit during World War 2 that ultimately became responsible for taking the war to Hitler’s doorstep.

There’s a lot of big talent involved here both on-screen and off, many of which have been associated with similar films and series in the past. The best example is the writer behind it all, John Orloff, who previously was involved with writing Band of Brothers.

• Years active: 2014 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Action/Drama
• Rating: TV-MA
• Creators: John Orloff, John Shiban
• Cast: Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Sawyer Spielberg, Barry Keoghan

From the minds of Mike Judge, Zach Woods, and Brendon Gardner comes a new adult animated series centering around the man behind a radio show (voiced by Woods) called In the Know. Interestingly, the show has real non-animated guests like Mike Tyson, Tegan and Sarah, Hugh Laurie, and many others.

I’ve watched an episode already and have to say I’m impressed by what I’ve seen so far. Think of it almost like a dysfunctional version of OG Frasier, as the show puts equal emphasis on both the radio show, the office around it, and the character’s life outside of work as well. To say this one looks quirky and weird would be an understatement, but then I wouldn’t expect anything different considering the folks behind this one. 

• Years active: 2024 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Adult animation
• Rating: TV-MA
• Creators: Brandon Gardner, Mike Judge, Zach Woods
• Cast: Charlie Bushnell, Zach Woods, Carl Tart, Caitlin Reilly

Acting as a prequel to its namesake film, Sexy Beast is a new eight-part mini-series that takes place long before Gal and Don became a successful criminal duo. As you’d expect, the series has recast the main characters from the film in order to better fit the earlier timeline. The new series tells the story of Don and Gal before they were a criminal team. After a chance meeting, she immediately takes a shine to him and soon the pair find themselves wrapped up in a high-stakes job that will change everything.

While many of us probably didn’t feel like the story of how these two met was one that needed to be told, this still looks like a fun series that could be a great match for fans of the film in particular.

• Years active: 2024 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Crime Drama
• Rating: TV-MA
• Creator: Michael Caleo
• Cast: Sarah Greene, James McArdle, Stephen Moyer

From the creators of Narcos comes a new mini-series centering around the dangerous and successful cocaine drug lord Griselda (Vergara). When her success is threatened, she will go to great lengths to protect her little empire. Based loosely on a true story, if you enjoyed Narcos or are just into crime thrillers, you’ll want to give this one a watch.

I’ve already had the chance to watch the first episode and I have to say I was extremely impressed by Sofia Vergara’s portrayal of this character, especially since I’m a huge Modern Family fan and this is a very different (and yet equally great) job. 

• Years active: 2024 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Drama/Thriller
• Rating: TV-MA
• Creators: Doug Miro, Carlo Bernard, Eric Newman
• Cast: Sofia Vergara, Karol G, Venessa Ferlito

The Traitors is a unique reality series starring Alan Cumming as host and set in an ancient castle in the Scottish Highlands. Contestants have to work together on a variety of missions that are designed to ultimately identify the “traitors” hidden amongst their group which are working to steal the prize money only for themselves. Now the Peacock Original returns for a second season with new contestants and plenty of other tweaks to the original formula. 

• Years active: 2023 – Ongoing
• Genre: Reality
• Rating: TV-14
• Creator: Marc Pos
  
• Cast: Alan Cumming, Kate Chastain, Cirie Fields

Teath and Other Details is a new mystery drama set on a luxury cruiseliner. A guest is suddenly murdered which leads the one detective on board to suspect Imogene Scott. One problem, she’s not behind the murder but simply was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now she must partner with the detective, a man who she hates, in order to prove her innocence. 

• Years active: 2014 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Drama/Thriller
• Rating: TV-MA
• Creators: Heidi Cole McAdams, Mike Weiss
• Cast: Violett Beane, Lauren Patten, Angela Zhou

Kubra is a Turkish series debuting in America exclusively through Netflix. The story centers on a traumatized former soldier who receives a series of messages out of the blue that seem to predict the future. This leads to a much bigger mystery drama, one that is quickly starting to turn his already complicated life further upside down. 

• Years active: 2024 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Drama/Suspense
• Rating: NR
• Directors: Taylan Brothers
• Cast: Massi Pregoni, Zeynep Bostanci, Aslihan Malbora

Lucifer was originally an angel who had big ideas, but he didn’t see eye to eye with the other leaders of heaven. After the first two humans, Adam and Lilith, are created, the woman runs off as she doesn’t wish to be controlled by anyone. Drawn by her independent nature, Lucifer fell in love and eventually had a daughter. Fast forward to today, Charlie is the Princess of Hell and the daughter of Lucifer and Lilith. While that position grants her a lot of power, hell also has a bit of an overpopulation issue. This leads to the creation of Hazbin Hotel, a place where sinners can go and try to lead better lives on the off chance of convincing heaven that some of hell’s denizens are truly redeemable after all.

Despite just arriving on Amazon Prime the show has already managed to gather a pretty large fanbase, likely helped by the fact the entire first episode can be watched on YouTube as well. 

• Years active: 2024 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Comedy/drama/animation
• Rating: TV-MA
• Creator: Vivienne Medrano
• Cast: Erika Henningsen, Stephanie Beatriz, Blake Roman, Amir Talai

True Detective is an anthology series that centers on a different story arc every season, with completely different casts and locations. Night Country is the fourth season in the series and stars the very talented Jodie Foster this time around.

While previous stories were centered in warm climates, the latest story is set in an Alaskan town that’s so far north that it experiences a polar night. As the long winter begins eight men who operate the Tsalal Arctic Research Station vanish without a trace, leaving detectives Liz Danvers (Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Rels) with a major mystery on their hands. Along the way, they must confront their own pasts and learn the dark secrets lying under the ice. 

• Years active: 2014 – Ongoing
• Genre: Crime anthology series
• Rating: TV-MA
• Director: Issa López
• Cast: Jodie Foster, Kali Rels, John Hawkes, Fiona Shaw

My kids are obsessed with Sonic and so we’ve watched a lot of shows based on the hedgehog, including retro shows going back to the 90s. While my kids liked all of these, they would be the first to tell you that Prime is on a whole other level. While most of the older cartoons have short story arcs that only last an episode or two, Prime has a deeper story arc that involves multiple dimensions with a variety of different variants of Sonic’s friends.

Now Sonic Prime is back for its final chapter which pits Sonic and his allies against an unlikely villain, Nines, a variant of Tails. Even more interesting, including several variants of Doctor Robotnik are working to save the world. Needless to say, my kids started watching this one before school on the very morning it came out. 

• Years active: 2022 – 2024
• Genre: Family/Kids
• Rating: TV-Y7
• Director: Erik Wiese
• Cast: Deven Christian Mack, Ashleigh Ball, Vincent Tong

A terrified woman makes a phone call, alleging that her abusive boyfriend is responsible for a cold case murder for which another man is already serving a sentence. Upon discovering the call, Detective Sergeant June Lenker delves deeper into the case, leading to a confrontation with a seasoned detective determined to preserve his legacy, backed by formidable connections.

The show delves into various pressing topics such as institutional failures, race, shifting societal norms, and other significant issues. While I’ve only seen the first episode, I I’m not fully sold on it yet, it’s an interesting premise that I’ll likely revisit in the future.

• Years active: 2024 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Crime thriller
• Rating: TV-MA
• Creator: Paul Rutman
  
• Cast: Peter Capaldi, Cush Jumbo, Aysha Kala

Season 2 continues the same formula, following several players on the ATP Tour, including Nick Kyrgios, Holger Rune, Tommy Paul, and others.

• Years active: 2023 – Ongoing
• Genre: Documentary
• Rating: TV-MA
• Creator: Martin Webb

Set five months after the events of Hawkeye, Maya Lopez returns to her hometown in Oklahoma to hide from Wilson Fisk’s forces after she shot Fisk point blank in the face. After returning home she must learn to reconnect with her Native American roots and come to terms with her past.

Marvel’s latest show is a much darker, more violent affair than most are used to seeing from Marvel and represents the first Marvel series to have a TV-MA rating. This could be a great show if you’re looking for something with a somewhat similar vibe to Hawkeye but a darker, grittier story that connects to Native American culture. 

• Years active: 2024 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Action/Super Hero
• Rating: TV-MA
• Directors: Sydney Freeland, Catriona McKenzie 
• Cast: Alaqua Cox, Devery Jacobs, Cody Lightning

• Years active: 2023 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Crime Drama
• Rating: TV-MA
• Director: Pedro Alonso
• Cast:Álvaro Morte, Itziar Ituño, Úrsula Corberó, Alba Flores

• Years active: 2023 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Family/anime
• Rating: TV-PG
• Cast:Rena Nōnen, Fairouz Ai, Karen Fukhara

• Years active: 2016 – 2023
• Genre: Comedy
• Rating: TV-MA
• Cast: Jared Keeso, Michelle Mylett, Nathan Dales, Jacob Tierney

Marvel’s What If is back for its second season, dropping its first episode on December 22, with an episode following daily all the way through to December 30. The first episode asks “What if… Nebula joined the Nova Corps?” The nice thing about this series is it doesn’t matter if you’ve seen all the first season, in fact, my family just picked and chose the episodes we thought sounded most interesting. Other upcoming episodes will explore topics like what Iron Man crashed into Grandmaster, or what if the Avengers Assembled way back in 1602? That one in particular has me intrigued. 

• Years active: 2021 – Ongoing
• Genre: Superhero/action
• Rating: TV-14
• Cast: Cate Blanchett, Laurence Fishburne, Annet Benning

• Years active: 2021 – Ongoing
• Genre: True crime drama
• Rating: TV-MA
• Cast:Édgar Ramírez, Mandy Moore, Ashley Madekwe

With a book series like this it’s much easier to adapt to television than movies, so I’m personally excited to check this one out and see how it compares. Even more intriguing is Walker Scobell’s casting as Percy. I was a big fan of how well he mimicked Ryan Reynolds’ mannerisms in the Adam Project, playing a younger version of Reynold’s character, and am happy to see him in more projects. 

• Years active: 2023 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
• Rating: TV-PG
• Cast: Walker Scobell, Leah Jeffries, Lance Reddick

• Years active: 2023 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Comedy/drama
• Rating: TV-14
• Cast: Michelle Pellicer, Naheul Escobar, Carola Cuarón

• Years active: 2023 (Ongoing)
• Genre: Comedy
• Rating: TV-MA
• Cast: Martha Kelly, Kimberly Hebert Gregory, Shelby Young

• Years active: 2023
• Genre: Drama
• Rating: TV-MA
• Cast: Annabel Scholey, Jack Farthing, Luke Treadaway

• Years active: 2022 – Ongoing
• Genre: Action
• Rating: 15+
• Cast: Alan Ritcson, Malcolm Goodwin, Willa Fitzgerald