“A Knight of Seven Kingdoms”
HBO returns (again) to the world of George R.R. Martin with “A Knight of Seven Kingdoms.” The series takes place a century before the events of “Game of Thrones,” following two unlikely heroes: the knight Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg. Based on Martin’s novella, “The Hedge Knight,” the story follows the duo as they embark on a dangerous adventure as the Targaryen family maintains power on the Iron Throne: Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell star.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres January 18 on HBO.
“The Beauty”
Ryan Murphy continues to churn out series with his latest, “The Beauty,” starring Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall. Leaning into body horror, the series, created by Murphy and Matt Hodgson, is based on the comic book by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley. The story follows two partners who are investigating a Beauty STD that’s causing aesthetic effects but with lethal results. Anthony Ramos, Jeremy Pope, and Ashton Kutcher also star, along with a recurring performance from Isabella Rossellini.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres January 21 on Disney+ and Hulu.
“Wonder Man”
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stars in the latest series from Marvel in “Wonder Man,” created by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest. The series follows Simon Williams, a struggling actor who finds himself in the world of superheroes after gaining his own superpowers. Ben Kingsley reprises his role as Trevor Slattery, alongside the ensemble, including Arian Moayed, X Mayo, Zlatko Burić, Olivia Thirlby, and Byron Bowers.
Release Date: The series premieres January 27 on Disney+.
“Shrinking”
The Apple TV+ comedy “Shrinking” returns for its third season with a new, primary name attached. Jason Siegel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Christa Miller, Ted McGinley, Luke Tennie, and Lukita Maxwell all return, with Brett Goldstein and Cobie Smulders both returning, along with the arrival of Michael J. Fox in his first role since 2020. Season 3 follows Jimmy as he continues to heal from the death of his wife while trying to move on, while Paul deals with the ongoing, developing progression of his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Release Date: Season 3 premieres January 28 on Apple TV+.
“Bridgerton”
The historical romance drama “Bridgerton” returns for its fourth season, centering on a new pair at the heart of the story. Season 4 follows Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton and his romance with Sophie, played by Yerin Ha. The story follows them from their first meeting at a masquerade ball to their eventual romance, as Benedict looks to uncover her identity. Familiar faces are joined by cast members Michelle Mao, Isabella Wei, and Katie Leung.
Release Date: Season 4 premieres January 29 on Netflix.
Honorable Mentions:
Elsewhere, there’s the murder mystery British series “Run Away,” based on the novel by Harlan Coben, which premiered on January 1 on Netflix. Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson star in “Ponies” as two women in the 1970s who, following the death of their husbands, join the CIA, premiering on January 15 on Peacock. Lastly, there’s “Steal,” led by Sophie Turner, which follows an office worker who gets caught up in a heist, premiering January 21 on Prime Video.
New England-based Tomatometer-approved film and television critic. Ally is a member of the Boston Society of Film Critics, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, and the Online Film Critics Society. Her writing has also appeared at RogerEbert.com and The Mary Sue.
