You know that feeling when you're scrolling through the same three apps, sighing at the "Because you watched..." suggestions, and realizing you've basically reached the end of the internet? Yeah, me too. But honestly, tonight is a massive reset button for your TV habits. It’s Thursday, January 15, 2026, and the mid-winter premiere floodgates have officially burst.
If you're a Trekkie, a fan of gritty British mysteries, or someone who just likes watching a family yell at each other in a living room, you’re covered. We aren't just talking about reruns or "best of" clips. Real, high-budget, "did you see that?" television is hitting our screens today.
Let's break down the chaos.
The Heavy Hitters: Starfleet and Seven Dials
I’ve been tracking the buzz on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy for months, and it finally drops on Paramount+ today. It’s a weird, bold pivot for the franchise. Instead of the usual "bridge of a starship" vibe, we’re following a bunch of cadets. Think Grey’s Anatomy but with phasers and way more blue makeup. Holly Hunter is leading the cast, which is honestly a flex for a streaming sci-fi show. Some critics are already calling it "Star Trek meets college drama," and while that might sound a bit CW-adjacent, early reviews suggest it’s got a much sharper edge than people expected.
Then there’s Netflix. They are betting big on Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials.
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This isn't your grandma's Poirot.
Chris Chibnall, the guy who ran Doctor Who and Broadchurch, is behind this one. It’s set in the 1920s, full of that post-war tension, and it basically centers on a secret society and a series of mysterious deaths. If you like Knives Out or The Afterparty, this is the vibe you’re looking for tonight.
Network TV Still Has a Pulse (Seriously)
Don't sleep on broadcast. Fox is bringing back Animal Control for Season 4 at 9:00 p.m. Joel McHale is still doing his Joel McHale thing—dry, cynical, and weirdly charming. It’s one of those shows that survived the "death of the sitcom" by actually being funny.
Right after that at 9:30 p.m., we get the second season of Going Dutch. It’s a bit of a cult hit, but it’s finding its legs.
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Over on Netflix, The Upshaws returns for Season 7. Seven seasons! That’s basically an eternity in the streaming world. The chemistry between Mike Epps and Wanda Sykes is just lightning in a bottle. It’s one of the few shows that actually feels like a real family living in a real house, messes and all.
The "Wait, What Is That?" Shows
Peacock is throwing a curveball tonight with Ponies. No, it’s not about horses. It’s a Cold War spy thriller starring Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson. They play two women working undercover in 1970s Moscow.
The title is apparently a slang term for the lower-level staff at the embassy who do all the dirty work. It looks gritty, dark, and expensive. If you miss The Americans, this is definitely the one to check out.
Sports and Live Events
If you aren't in the mood for a scripted plot, the Sony Open is kicking off its first round in Hawaii. You can catch the coverage on the Golf Channel or stream it on ESPN+ if you want to see the featured groups.
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Also, for the hoop fans, Prime Video has a triple-header today:
- Memphis vs. Orlando (coming live from Berlin!)
- Oklahoma City at Houston
- New York at Golden State
How to Actually Choose What to Watch
It’s easy to get choice paralysis. Here is the move:
If you want something light and familiar, go with The Upshaws. You know what you’re getting, and it’s consistently solid.
If you want to feel like you’re part of the cultural conversation tomorrow morning, it has to be Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. The fan theories are already starting to spiral, and you don’t want to be the one asking for context in the group chat.
For the "I want to be impressed by acting" crowd, hit Ponies. Emilia Clarke rarely misses when she picks these types of intense, character-driven projects.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your logins now. Don't be that person trying to remember your Paramount+ password while the opening credits are rolling.
- Download the apps. If you're watching Ponies or Starfleet Academy, make sure the apps are updated on your smart TV or Roku.
- Prioritize the premieres. Sitcoms like Animal Control will be on Hulu tomorrow. Big-budget streaming premieres like Seven Dials are meant to be experienced without spoilers.
Clear your schedule. Order the pizza. Tonight is actually worth the couch time.