Season five of “Stranger Things” sucked up all the streaming show zeitgeist with its three-part release structure, theatrical-length episodes and dramatic conclusion. But in its wake, 2026 looks pretty dead in comparison, right? Wrong! Where 2025 saw the end of streaming service favorites such as “Stranger Things,” “The Sandman” and “Cobra Kai,” 2026 is the year of new beginnings with entries into some of our favorite franchises.
“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” – Paramount+
Between bouts of all-nighters and exam prep, make the time to cozy up with one of these shows this winter.
Boldly go where no one has asked to go before.
In the Star Trek universe, “strange new worlds” typically refers to Klingon strongholds, planets that are exact copies of the Roman Empire or space stations having trouble with Tribbles, but on Jan. 15, the only strange new world viewers will explore is college. The series follows Caleb Mir, played by Sandro Rosta, who enrolls in Starfleet Academy to track down his missing mother. But before he can begin his literal star trek, Caleb must survive gym class, popular kids from rich families and romantic relationships.
Fan reception to this latest project has been negative, to say the least. However, while it may not appeal to die-hard fans of series like “Deep Space Nine” or “Voyager,” it’s not necessarily supposed to. This is a franchise that is stuck in the 60s, and while older fans praise “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” for bringing back beloved elements and characters from that original series, it isn’t reaching new audiences. However, a tonal shift that focuses on younger characters and relatable issues might be the fresh take this franchise needs.
So while Trekkies love “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” will they love this generation?
– Gavin Meichelbock
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” – HBO Max
Winter is coming back to HBO Max this January.
Decades after “House of the Dragon,” 100 years before the events of “Game of Thrones” and one millennium before George R. R. Martin finally releases “Winds of Winter,” audiences return to Westeros on Jan. 18, with the premiere of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.” Based on Martin’s novella, “The Hedge Knight,” the six-episode arc follows Ser Duncan the Tall, played by Peter Claffey, and his squire Egg, played by Dexter Sol, as they wander far and wide in search of honor and glory.
While the series doesn’t promise epic battles and dragon-riding, it is shaping up to be a refreshing entry into the franchise with its light-hearted, smaller scope that focuses on one primary character, with some good comedic moments already being shown in the trailers. Perhaps most divergent from the previous installments, the series consists of half an hour to 40 minute episodes as opposed to hour-long dramas that viewers need cliff notes to keep up with.
With the winds of winter rolling in, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is the perfect show to kick off this season of streaming.
– Gavin Meichelbock
“Wonder Man” – Disney+
Marvel goes meta with Wonder Man.
Premiering Jan. 27 on Disney+, the eight-episode series, “Wonder Man,” stars Emmy and Tony-winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams, a struggling actor who auditions for the in-universe Wonder Man reboot and somehow gets superhuman abilities. The show also marks the return of Ben Kingsley’s character, Trevor Slattery, last seen in 2021’s Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings, reprising the failed actor who sees promise in Simon.
The show appears to be a meta commentary on the state of superhero films, with a focus on “superhero fatigue.” “Wonder Man” is set to be an interesting foray into the in-universe movie industry and how non-powered people feel about superheroes in a world that already has seen so many different threats. However, the question on comic fans’ minds is how it will tie into “Avengers: Doomsday,” the highly anticipated finale of the Multiverse saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Is Simon Avengers material, or will he be the first to fall to Doom?
Filled with meta humor, world-building and familiar faces, prepare to feel wonder this January.
– Uziel Puente
“Bridgerton” Season four – Netflix
Dearest gentle reader, Lady Whistledown returns on Jan. 29 for another gossip-filled courting season.
Fans have been eagerly anticipating “Bridgerton’s” fourth season, which will center on the story of Benedict Bridgerton, the family’s infamous playboy, and Sophie Baek, a mysterious maid in disguise. Urged by his family to settle down and marry, Benedict resists a relationship until he meets Sophie and is suddenly captivated. As with the other heroines of the show, Sophie is no ordinary lady of the Ton. Strong-minded, witty and hardworking, she provides relief from the superficial and pretentious Ton. Their tale confronts struggles between social classes and highlights the battle between the fantasy and reality within a romance – Cinderella-esque, but unique in its own right.
Promising a deeper exploration into the lives of the wider Bridgerton family, the narratives of beloved couples from previous seasons will continue to unfold, and developments among the other Bridgertons will also be at the forefront of the season.
Fans got a taste of the upcoming release in the trailer, and it seems that “Bridgerton” is coming back with another stellar season.
– Kirpa Chawla
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Featured Image Courtesy of HBO
