If you’re staring at your remote wondering if there’s actually anything new to watch, I get it. We’ve all been there, scrolling through 400 channels of nothingness. But honestly, tonight—Thursday, January 15, 2026—is actually kind of a banger for TV. Between a massive Star Trek premiere and a stacked slate of NBA and NHL games, the what's on tonight tv guide search is finally yielding some real results.
Forget the "suggested for you" algorithm for a second. We’re looking at the return of network heavyweights, some weirdly specific cable marathons, and a streaming debut that has Trek-moms and sci-fi nerds losing their minds.
Paramount+ Finally Drops the Starfleet Academy Premiere
The big story tonight is undoubtedly Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. It’s been teased for what feels like a century, and it finally lands on Paramount+ today.
Holly Hunter is playing Captain Nahla Ake, the Chancellor of the academy. It’s set in the 32nd century (the Discovery era for those keeping track), and the vibe is very much "high-stakes university drama but with phasers." If you’re worried it’s just a teen soap, the critics are already pointing to the cameos. Paul Giamatti is in this. Tatiana Maslany is here. It’s got that high-budget gloss that makes you feel okay about your subscription price for once.
Primetime Network Must-Watches
If you’re a broadcast purist, the big three (ABC, NBC, Fox) aren't leaving you hanging. Thursdays have traditionally been the "big" night for TV, and 2026 is keeping that flame alive.
📖 Related: Emily Piggford Movies and TV Shows: Why You Recognize That Face
- ABC (8:00 PM ET): 9-1-1 is back in its midseason groove. If you missed the cliffhanger from last week, you’re going to be lost, but basically, there’s a massive sinkhole situation. Classic 9-1-1. At 9:00 PM, 9-1-1: Nashville takes over, and then Grey’s Anatomy (yes, it is still on, and yes, it is still addictive) hits at 10:00 PM.
- Fox (9:00 PM ET): Joel McHale is back with Animal Control Season 4. It’s one of those rare comedies that actually got funnier as it went on. Right after that at 9:30 PM is Going Dutch, which is the Season 2 premiere.
- NBC (8:00 PM ET): It’s a Law & Order night. The OG Law & Order starts the block, followed by SVU at 9:00 PM. If you want something a bit newer, The Hunting Party Season 2 is airing at 10:00 PM. It’s a solid procedural if you’re into "high-concept crime" stuff.
The Sports Slate is Honestly Overwhelming
Look, if you aren't into scripted drama, the what's on tonight tv guide for sports is where the real action is. ESPN and TNT are basically fighting for your eyeballs tonight.
NBA Doubleheader on ESPN:
First off, you’ve got the Cleveland Cavaliers taking on the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:00 PM ET. But the real "stay up late" game is the Denver Nuggets vs. the Dallas Mavericks at 9:30 PM ET. Watching Jokic and Luka go at it is basically the basketball equivalent of a chess match played with a sledgehammer.
NHL on TNT:
Hockey fans are getting two solid matchups. The Philadelphia Flyers vs. Buffalo Sabres at 7:30 PM ET, followed by a late-night West Coast clash: Vegas Golden Knights vs. Los Angeles Kings at 10:00 PM ET. Both are on TNT and streaming on Max.
College Hoops:
It’s a huge night for the Big Ten. Iowa vs. No. 5 Purdue is on the Big Ten Network (BTN) at 6:30 PM ET. If you want to see if Purdue can maintain that top-five ranking, that’s your game. Later on, No. 4 Michigan takes on Washington at 10:30 PM, also on BTN.
👉 See also: Elaine Cassidy Movies and TV Shows: Why This Irish Icon Is Still Everywhere
What’s On Tonight TV Guide: The Quick Reference
I know you just want to know when to flip the channel. Here is the rough breakdown of the heavy hitters.
- 7:00 PM: NBA: Cavs vs. 76ers (ESPN)
- 8:00 PM: 9-1-1 (ABC), Law & Order (NBC), Trivial Pursuit (CW - R)
- 9:00 PM: SVU (NBC), Animal Control Season 4 Premiere (Fox), 9-1-1: Nashville (ABC)
- 9:30 PM: NBA: Nuggets vs. Mavericks (ESPN), Going Dutch Season 2 Premiere (Fox)
- 10:00 PM: Grey's Anatomy (ABC), The Hunting Party (NBC), NHL: Knights vs. Kings (TNT)
Don't Forget the Streaming "Drops"
Aside from Starfleet Academy, Netflix decided today was the day to dump a bunch of content. The Upshaws Season 7 is officially live if you need a binge-watch that won't stress you out. Also, the UK mystery Agatha Christie's Seven Dials premiered this morning, so if you're into period-piece whodunnits, that’s sitting there waiting for you.
Peacock also launched a new series called Ponies. It’s a Cold War thriller starring Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson. They play secretaries at the American Embassy in Moscow who end up as undercover spies. It’s getting a lot of "The Americans" comparisons, which is high praise in my book.
Setting Your DVR and Staying Sane
The biggest mistake people make with the what's on tonight tv guide is trying to watch everything live. You can't.
✨ Don't miss: Ebonie Smith Movies and TV Shows: The Child Star Who Actually Made It Out Okay
If you have to choose, watch Starfleet Academy or Ponies on your own time—they aren't going anywhere. But if you’re a sports fan, you’ve got to catch those NBA games live or risk the spoilers on social media.
For the network procedurals like 9-1-1 or Law & Order, most of those hit Hulu or Peacock by tomorrow morning. My advice? Prioritize the live sports and the "event" premieres. Everything else is a Friday night problem.
To make the most of your viewing time tonight, verify your local channel numbers for BTN and FDSN (the old Bally Sports) as regional coverage for the NBA games (like Lakers vs. Hornets at 10:30 PM ET) can vary wildly depending on your zip code. If you're planning to stream Starfleet Academy, ensure your Paramount+ app is updated before 8 PM ET to avoid the "release hour" server lag that usually hits major franchise launches.