2021 was a monumental year for television — from great new seasons of favorites like Doctor Who and American Horror Story, to brand new series like Midnight Mass and Loki. TV in 2021 covered countless genres and topics as well, from terrifying horror to groundbreaking science fiction.
But a new year brings new shows to discover, binge watch, or fall in love with. January is shaping up to be an awesome month for television, in part to the many inventive and interesting shows that are set to premiere over the month. Here are the upcoming new series that are worth checking out this January.
Naomi (Premieres January 11th on The CW)
Towards the beginning of the month, this teen drama based on a DC character will hit television. Developed and produced by Ava DuVernay and Arrow writer Jill Blankenship, Naomi tells the story of a teenage girl that spans from her small town in the northwest to a multiverse. When a supernatural event shakes the town of Port Oswego, Naomi McDuffie investigates, leading to her discovery of the world around her and even herself.
The House (Premieres January 14th on Netflix)
This creepy horror-comedy anthology has been kept mostly under wraps by its creators and Netflix. The House is a three-episode series done in beautiful stop motion animation and follows characters who live in the same house across three different realities. With eccentric directors and a star-studded voice cast, The House is shaping up to be an interesting watch.
Archive 81 (Premieres January 14th on Netflix)
Another Netflix horror series comes in January with Archive 81. Based on the podcast of the same name, the series follows archivist Dan Turner, who is restoring the work of filmmaker Melody Pendras, who investigated a cult over 25 years ago. As Dan uncovers more of the story, he becomes convinced that he can save Melody from her dark fate.
Somebody Somewhere (Premieres January 16th on HBO and HBO Max)
Starring comedian and singer Bridget Everett, this HBO comedy focuses on Sam, a woman who stays in her hometown after dealing with a loss in her family. When she starts singing for a choir, she begins to find herself and truly belong despite everything. Heartwarming and hilarious, Somebody Somewhere feels like the perfect vehicle for Everett to get her dues as a creative force.
How I Met Your Father (Premieres January 18th on Hulu)
This next entry has been highly debated and waited on for years. How I Met Your Father is a standalone sequel to the acclaimed How I Met Your Mother. This new take stars former Disney star Hilary Duff as Sophie, a young woman living in New York City as she navigates life and love with her friends — told from Sophie herself. The premise is enough to warrant a watch, but Duff's performance might make viewers stay the whole season.
The Gilded Age (Premieres January 24th on HBO and HBO Max)
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes returns to the small screen with this HBO series. The Gilded Age is a historical drama with a stacked cast of actors like Carrie Coon and Christine Baranski. While much of the plot isn't clear yet, the trailers have shown a stylish and extravagant setting with enough drama and intrigue among its characters to spare.
In From the Cold (Premieres January 28th on Netflix)
Ready for a spy thriller? In From The Cold follows an American mother whose past is uncovered thanks to a violent crime spree. Now she must use her skills as a former member of the KGB to stop a villain or risk losing the new life she has built. The series also has deep science fiction elements, perfect for a new spin on the spy genre.
The Afterparty (Premieres January 28th on Apple TV+)
The only entry from Apple's streaming service, The Afterparty is a murder mystery comedy starring legends like Dave Franco and Tiffany Haddish. After a murder takes place at the afterparty of a high school reunion, the attendants are all interviewed to get to the bottom of the case — but no one seems to remember the night the same.
The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window (Premieres January 28th on Netflix)
Rounding out the month is another murder mystery comedy that feels plucked from a good book. Kristen Bell stars as Anna, who is stuck in a rut thanks to heartbreak. Her sulking changes when she thinks she sees a gruesome murder in the house across the street. Mixing well-known thriller elements with absurdity, The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window might just be worth checking out to fully understand its vision.