The first week of January 2026 brings a fresh wave of entertainment to streaming platforms across the UK. From highly anticipated album releases to the return of award-winning television dramas and a cult sci-fi franchise, there's plenty to add to your watch and listen lists.
New Films and Series to Stream
The digital world of "Tron" expands once more as "Tron: Ares" arrives on Disney+ on Wednesday, 7 January. This third instalment stars Jared Leto, Greta Lee, and Jodie Turner-Smith, with a welcome return for Jeff Bridges, who originated the franchise in 1982. The AP's film critic Mark Kennedy highlighted the strong performances from Leto and Lee, noting that while the film "bites off too much," it remains a worthwhile watch. A bonus for fans is the film's soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails, which pays homage to the original score.
In television, two major drama series make their comeback. The Emmy-winning hospital drama "The Pitt" returns for its second season on HBO Max on Thursday, 8 January, at 9 p.m. ET. The show, which follows a single hectic shift in a Pittsburgh emergency room, won five Emmys after its first season, including Best Drama and acting awards for Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa. Season two picks up ten months later, set during a July Fourth weekend.
After a nearly decade-long hiatus, "The Night Manager" also returns for a second season, premiering on Prime Video in the US on Sunday, 11 January, with a three-episode drop. The new season features an original story, moving beyond the John le Carré novel that inspired the first outing, with Tom Hiddleston reprising his role.
New Music to Stream
The music highlight of the week is the sophomore album from Grammy-nominated artist the Kid Laroi. His new record, "Before I Forget," is released on Friday, 9 January. Described as a direct inheritor of Justin Bieber's polished pop-R&B style, the album promises a mix of introspective breakup ballads and slick, high-hat-driven tracks, offering what AP Music Writer Maria Sherman calls "frictionless listening to start the new year."
What It Means for Viewers and Listeners
This week's slate underscores the continued strength and variety of streaming content as we move into the new year. The return of prestigious, award-winning shows like "The Pitt" demonstrates the medium's capacity for high-quality, serialised drama, while the revival of "The Night Manager" shows that even limited series can find new life. Meanwhile, major film franchises like "Tron" are finding a direct-to-streaming home, and platforms remain a crucial launchpad for major music releases. For audiences, it means an increasingly rich and convenient hub for the latest in entertainment.
