Key Takeaways:
- Netflix is releasing a slew of new content in January, including the return of "Bridgerton" and the final season of "The Upshaws"
- New releases include the murder mystery "His & Hers", the comedy special "Marcello Hernández: American Boy", and the film adaptation of Emily Henry’s novel "People We Meet on Vacation"
- The live reboot of the talent competition series "Star Search" is also premiering, hosted by Anthony Anderson
- Other notable releases include the crime thriller "The Rip" starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, and the final season of the sitcom "The Upshaws"
- The new content offers a range of genres and styles, from romance and comedy to mystery and thriller
Introduction to January’s New Releases
A new year with Netflix can only mean tons of new releases worth getting excited about. This month alone leaves us plenty to look forward to: another star-studded Ben Affleck and Matt Damon team-up (“The Rip”), a gripping murder mystery (“His & Hers”), a final farewell from a beloved comedy (“The Upshaws”) and a nostalgic live reboot of a legendary talent show (“Star Search”). Of course, the most anticipated is the return of “Bridgerton,” which will premiere Part 1 of its swoonworthy Season 4. And if you’re looking for more romance vibes this month, an Emily Henry novel finally has a film adaptation.
New TV Shows and Series
Nothing kicks off the new year quite like a thrilling new Netflix mystery. In “Run Away,” based on Harlan Coben’s 2019 novel, a desperate father’s (James Nesbitt) life begins to crumble after his oldest daughter (Ellie de Lange) runs away. But when he gets caught up in a murder case while searching for her, he discovers secrets that could destroy his family for good. The eight-episode series also stars Ruth Jones, Alfred Enoch, Minnie Driver, Lucian Msamati, Jon Pointing, Ellie de Lange, Adrian Greensmith, Ellie Henry, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Annette Badland, Ingrid Oliver and Amy Gledhill. Another notable release is “Marcello Hernández: American Boy,” a comedy special where the comedian shares his Latino roots, from unhinged family dance-offs to his mom’s unforgettable life lessons.
Murder Mysteries and Thrillers
There are at least two sides to every story in “His & Hers,” the twisty thriller starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal as two locals surprisingly linked to a shocking murder. Set in a quiet Georgia town, the limited series follows reclusive news anchor Anna (Thompson) as she resurfaces to look into said murder, while Detective Jack Harper (Bernthal) zeroes in on her potential involvement, drawing her into the center of his own investigation. The cast also includes Pablo Schreiber, Crystal Fox, Sunita Mani, Rebecca Rittenhouse, Marin Ireland, Chris Bauer, Jamie Tisdale and Poppy Liu.
Comedies and Talent Shows
“The Upshaws” are bidding us farewell this month with a final season. The long-running sitcom, led by Mike Epps, Kim Fields and Wanda Sykes, follows a working-class Indiana family as they bicker, banter and try to make it through life’s everyday struggles together. The series also stars Khali Spraggins, Jermelle Simon and Journey Christine. Over 30 years after its original run, “Star Search” is back to find the next big thing. The legendary talent competition series — on which stars like Beyoncé, Usher, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and more have appeared — now returns as a live reboot, hosted by Anthony Anderson, where viewers will be introduced to the next generation of potential breakout stars, including dancers, musicians, comedians and kids’ acts.
Returning Favorites and New Romances
Another Bridgerton sibling is gearing up for his own epic love story in the sweeping fourth season of “Bridgerton.” Split into two parts, the first half centers on a Cinderella-esque meet-cute between Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and the enchanting Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), who have a chance encounter at Lady Bridgerton’s famed masquerade ball. As the longline teases, “Behind the cover of a mask, anything can happen.” The Season 4 cast also includes Jonathan Bailey, Adjoa Andoh, Julie Andrews, Nicola Coughlan, Hannah Dodd, Daniel Francis, Ruth Gemmell, Claudia Jessie, Luke Newton and Golda Rosheuvel. Emily Henry’s words have finally come to life in the very first film adaptation of her novel “People We Meet on Vacation.” The swooning rom-com follows unlikely best friends Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth), who have been close pals for a decade, living in different cities yet spending every summer vacation together.
Action-Packed Films
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck team up as Miami cop partners stuck in a sticky situation in “The Rip.” In the Joe Carnahan-directed crime thriller, trust among a squad of cops begins to unravel after they find $24 million stashed away in a safehouse. By law, the team is required to count the money on-site, but with outsiders watching, the shady bunch must survive the night — and each other. Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Scott Adkins and Kyle Chandler also star. With so many exciting new releases, January is shaping up to be a great month for Netflix subscribers. Whether you’re in the mood for romance, comedy, mystery, or action, there’s something for everyone.
