TV has never been better than it is right now—and who among us doesn’t love a good binge-watch with our pets by our side? That’s why we’ve picked 10 new shows and movies to stream this month (with your paw-tner in crime television, of course). Some have a plucky pet at the center of the action; others are simply the most buzzworthy releases that we know we won’t be able to stop talking about around the dog park. Either way, we’ve got some cute pet products picked out to help your fur friend enjoy the streaming sesh with you even more.
This adaptation of author Karin Slaughter’s bestselling book series looks like a refreshing twist to the classic detective series genre. Here’s the main plot: Having grown up in Atlanta’s challenging foster care system, Special Agent Will Trent approaches his work with a mission to make sure no one is ever left behind—not even Betty, the adorable Chihuahua he rescues from a life (and possibly death) at a local animal shelter. With his pup by his side, and with the help (and snarky commentary) of colleagues on the force, they set out to catch a killer who’s terrorizing the streets of Atlanta.
For Fans Of: adult animation and superhero underdogs
Starring: Michael Cusak (“YOLO: Crystal Fantasy”); Sarah Snook (“Succession”); Jemaine Clement (“Flight of the Conchords,” “What We Do In The Shadows”); Hugh Jackman (“The Wolverine”)
There’s a new superhero in town, and his name is … Koala Man? This quirky new Hulu animated series follows a middle-aged father named Kevin, who moonlights as a koala mask-wearing super hero living in the Australian town of Dapto. OK, so he’s not actually a koala or some sort of half-koala mutant hero. Rather, he’s your everyday rule-abiding, justice-seeking family man with zero super powers, and there’s no doubt it will make for some entertaining episodes.
“The Drop”
Premiere Date: January 13
For Fans Of: “PEN15,” or anyone looking for a lighter, more comedic version of “The White Lotus”
Starring: Anna Konkle (“PEN15”); Aparna Nancherla (“Mythic Quest”); Jermaine Fowler (“Sorry to Bother You”)
If you’ve watched “PEN15,” you already know that star Anna Konkle’s got comedy chops. In the film “The Drop,” she applies them to a story of Lex, whose luxurious vacation with her friends and partner starts falling apart when she absentmindedly drops her friend’s baby. Her partner Mani sees “the drop” as a sign that Lex might not be cut out for motherhood, putting a serious damper on their plans to try to conceive during the trip. With a cast packed with comedic talent, “The Drop” just might have you rolling on the floor laughing—just try not to roll over your own “baby” (aka your pet) in the process.
This self-described “crime anthology series” is already making headlines for its unusual format: Its episodes don’t need to be viewed in any particular order (save for the finale), so that every viewer has a unique experience. “Kaleidoscope” centers around a crew of expert thieves, including ringleader Leo Pap, as they come up with a plan to break into the most heavily guarded vault in New York City for their biggest payday ever. Think of it as a modern installment in the heist movie tradition of “Ocean’s 11” and “The Italian Job.”
Starring: Callie Haverda (“The Lost Husband”); Ashley Aufderheide (“Emergence”); Reyne Doi as Ozzie (Nickelodeon’s “Drama Club”)
It’s time for a whole new generation to gather in the Formans’ basement in this spinoff of the late 90s-early aughts hit, “That 70s Show.” This time, we’ll be following the shenanigans of Donna and Eric’s daughter, Leia, as she spends an unforgettable summer staying at her grandparents’ house, making new friends along the way. That’s right: Kitty and Red are back—and you can expect alums of the original series, including Topher Grace, Laura Prepon and Mila Kunis, to make guest appearances throughout the season, too.
Make Your Binge-fest Extra Cozy With These Pet Picks
Animal lovers, unite—again! Produced by National Geographic, this second season of the “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” docuseries brings us an even more in-depth view behind the residents of the Happiest Place on Earth. Watch and learn more about the 300+ species of wildlife living in the Disney parks and how staff make sure they’re living their best lives. From the birth of a new mountain zebra, to caring for a recently rescued group of sea turtles, to showing us how to give Lily the Masai giraffe an X-ray, each episode will grant you an inside look into the lives of the 5,000-plus animals who call Disney their home.
For Fans Of: “The Walking Dead” and zombie thrillers of all kinds
Starring: Pedro Pascal (“The Mandalorian”); Bella Ramsey (“Game of Thrones”)
Based on the 2013 Playstation game by the same name, “The Last Of Us” is a post-apocalyptic drama that will surely have you and your furry companions on the edge of your seats. Viewers are dropped into the future, 20 years after modern civilization has been decimated after an outbreak turns people into zombie-like beings. The series follows Joel, a survivor holding on to some serious trauma who is hired to smuggle a teenage girl out of a quarantine area and across the U.S. The girl, Ellie, might hold the secret to a cure—but only if the pair can survive the journey with danger lurking around every turn.
For Fans Of: reality competitions and mountain climbing
Starring: Jason Momoa (“Game of Thrones,” “Aquaman”); record-breaking rock climber Chris Sharma
If you’ve been looking for the inspiration to finally get into rock climbing, look no further. In the exhilarating reality show “The Climb,” amateur climbers must compete in a series of challenges in the hopes of being named the best in the world, along with a $100,000 cash prize. Hosted by Momoa and Sharma, the show may have you wanting to finally sign up for that climbing gym. At the very least, the beautiful scenery will keep you engaged long enough to build a real appreciation for the sport and where it can take you.
Starring: Lauren Ambrose (“Six Feet Under”); Toby Kebbell(“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”); Nell Tiger Free (“Game of Thrones”) and Rupert Grint (the “Harry Potter” films)
M. Night Shyamalan’s psychological thriller “Servant” has kept audiences enthralled for years, and this month, it finally comes to an end with season 4. The premise: A tragedy-stricken couple in Philadelphia hire a woman to help them after the loss of their infant—inadvertently allowing something even more sinister into their home. Each season has taken on new twists and turns, and these final new episodes are sure to be just as nerve-wracking in the very best way. The show has been praised by horror megastars Stephen King and Guillermo Del Toro, so you know it’s got to be worth watching.
Paramount+
“Wolf Pack”
Premiere Date: January 26
For Fans Of: “Teen Wolf” and other werewolf stories
Starring: Sarah Michelle Geller (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”)
Sarah Michelle Geller is no stranger to the supernatural, but this time, it’s not vampires she’s hunting. Instead, the former “Buffy” star plays an arson investigator looking for the person who started a massive wildfire. Then, amid the blaze, two high school kids encounter a creature who changes their lives forever. (Spoiler: They’re about to get a lot, uh, hairier.) This spinoff of the “Teen Wolf” series, based on the “Wolf Pack” book series written by Edo Van Belkom, is sure to make its fans howl in the night.
Looking for more ways to spend time with your pet this month? Check out our January calendar full of fun activities and timely reminders for all the things they need. We’ll be back here next month with more recommendations for the newest releases on streaming. Until then, happy watching!
