Can you believe it’s already 2023? It’s time to update that New Year’s resolution as well as that watchlist! In terms of the whole “new year, new me” thing, it’s time to check out this month’s best new shows to watch!
This new month of the year brings us a lot of new shows we can binge with from everyone’s favourite game characters on the big screen to spooky anime Japanese tales. There is always a new show to start the new year.
EDITOR’S PICK
“The Last of Us”
Release date: 16th December
Where to watch: HBO GO or Astro Channel 411 HD
Based on the critically acclaimed video game, this series takes place 20 years after modern civilisation has been destroyed. Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal, heart-breaking journey, as they both must traverse the US and depend on each other for survival.
SERIES
1. “Vikings: Valhalla: Season 2”
Release date: 12th January
Where to watch: Netflix
Set over a thousand years ago in the early 11th century, “Vikings: Valhalla” chronicles the heroic adventures of some of the most famous Vikings who ever lived. Season 2 finds our heroes shortly after the tragic fall of Kattegat; an event that has shattered their dreams and altered their destinies. Finding themselves suddenly fugitives in Scandinavia they are forced to test their ambitions and courage in worlds beyond the fjords of Kattegat.
2. “Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre”
Release date: 19th January
Where to watch: Netflix
The stories of horror manga master Junji Ito are set to receive an anime adaptation. Horror manga masterpieces penned by king of the genre Junji Ito are coming to Netflix this January in an anime series. From Ito’s wealth of works, 20 outstanding stories with the shared theme of madness will be animated. Stories include “Hanging Blimp”, “Tomie・Photo”, “Four x Four Walls” and “Intruder”.
3. “Shrinking”
Release date: 27th January
Where to watch: Apple TV
Shrinking follows a grieving therapist (played by Segel) who starts to break the rules and tell his clients exactly what he thinks. Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge, tumultuous changes to people’s lives… including his own. In addition to Segel and Ford, Shrinking stars Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, and Lukita Maxwell.
4. “Bling Empire: New York”
Release date: 20th January
Where to watch: Netflix
Meet a fresh group of wealthy, sophisticated and hilarious Asian-Americans from New York City, where the quality of real estate is measured by address, not acreage. Conversations are direct, not coded. And competition – for love, for money, and for power – is fierce. Billionaires, CEOs, and fashion icons – it’s a city where you can be anything you want to be.
5. “How I Met Your Father: Season 2”
Release date: 20th January
Where to watch: Hulu
The last time Sophie and Jesse were seen in “How I Met Your Father” Season 1 finale, the two went from nearly becoming a couple to reigniting romances with old flames. After sleeping together, Jesse pulled a classic Mosby by accidentally saying “I love you” too soon, causing Sophie to leave out of fear of moving too fast. Watch what happens in Season 2 with Hulu.
6. “Lockwood & Co.”
Release date: 27th January
Where to watch: Netflix
In a world plagued by ghosts, where giant corporations employ psychic teens to battle the supernatural, only one company operates without adult supervision, and its name is Lockwood & Co. Run by Anthony Lockwood, a rebellious young entrepreneur haunted by his mysterious past, his brilliant but eccentric sidekick George and a newly arrived, supremely gifted girl called Lucy, this renegade trio are about to unravel a terrifying mystery that will change the course of history.
6. “That ’90s Show”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOpoPPIRtdQ
Release date: 19th January
Where to watch: Netflix
Hello, Wisconsin! It’s 1995 and Leia Forman, daughter of Eric and Donna, is visiting her grandparents for the summer, where she bonds with a new generation of Point Place kids under the watchful eye of Kitty and the stern glare of Red. Sex, drugs and rock ’n roll never dies, it just changes clothes.
7. “Koala Man”
Release date: 9th January
Where to watch: Hulu
A family father lives a not-so-secret identity as the titular hero who possesses a burning passion to snuff out petty crime.
8. “Physical: 100”
Release date: 24th January
Where to watch: Netflix
If you are a fan of “Squid Game”, this brand-new real life series will intrigue you. One hundred contestants in top physical shape compete to claim the honour of the ultimate physique in this intense survival reality series.
9. “The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House”
Release date: 12th January
Where to watch: Netflix
After graduating from junior high school, 16-year-old Kiyo leaves her home of Aomori and heads to Kyoto with her friend Sumire with dreams of becoming a beautiful Maiko (apprentice geisha). However, she is told she is not suited to being one. As a tearful Kiyo is about to return to Aomori, her skill for cooking is discovered and she is hired as a Makanai, a cook for a house where Maiko live together.
10. “Servant: Season 4”
Release date: 13th January
Where to watch: Apple TV
From M. Night Shyamalan, Servant follows a Philadelphia couple in mourning after an unspeakable tragedy creates a rift in their marriage and opens the door for a mysterious force to enter their home. In Season 4, Leanne’s war with the Church of Lesser Saints heightens, threatening Spruce street, the city of Philadelphia and beyond. Meanwhile, the shattered Turner family must not only confront the increasing threat of Leanne, but the certain reality that Dorothy is waking up.
MOVIES
1. “JUNG_E”
Release date: 20th January
Where to watch: Netflix
In this gripping sci-fi thriller, humans have escaped Earth, which has been devastated by drastic climate change. And to end the war taking place at the shelters, the brain of the legendary mercenary Yun Jung-yi is cloned by those trying to develop the ultimate A.I. combat warrior.
2. “You People”
Release date: 27th January
Where to watch: Netflix
A new couple (Jonah Hill, Lauren London) fall in love and find themselves confronting societal expectations and generational differences amidst their families (Eddie Murphy, Nia Long, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Duchovny) clashing cultures, societal expectations and generational differences in this comedy from Kenya Barris.
3. “Dog Gone”
Release date: 13th January
Where to watch: Netflix
After a young man and his beloved dog are separated on the Appalachian Trail, he and his father must begin a desperate search to find him before it’s too late. Based on an incredible true story of humanity and everyday heroism. Based on the book “Dog Gone: A Lost Pet’s Extraordinary Journey and the Family Who Brought Him Home” by Pauls Toutonghi.
4. “Teen Wolf: The Movie”
Release date: 26th January
Where to watch: Paramount+
A terrifying evil has emerged, and the wolves howl once again. Only a Werewolf like Scott McCall can gather both new allies and reunite trusted friends to fight back against what could be the most powerful and deadliest enemy.
DOCUMENTARIES & REALITY
1. “The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker”
Release date: 10th January
Where to watch: Netflix
This shocking documentary chronicles a happy-go-lucky nomad’s ascent to viral stardom and the steep downward spiral that resulted in his imprisonment.
2. “Super Junior: The Last Man Standing”
Release date: 18th January
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
The band’s cast and crew celebrate the 18th anniversary of Super Junior, following the group’s journey from its beginnings to its current status as a global star, but also through the entire K-pop industry.
Puteri Teja contributed to this article.
