In January, not many films or television series are typically released; following the holiday season, the release schedule for studios tends to slow down at the start of a new year. Naturally, January may be the best month to rewatch old favorites and prepare yourself for the coming year of releases in 2026.
“Bridgerton”
Fellow “Bridgerton” fans will remember that the first four episodes of “Bridgerton” season four will be released on Jan. 29, which provides the perfect amount of time to binge the romantic series’ first three seasons.
If you haven’t seen the series yet and are a fan of Jane Austin and period romance, I’m not sure how you have missed it. Without really trying to be historically accurate, “Bridgerton” does a wonderful job of telling the stories of diverse characters in an alternate Regency Era England.
If you are a longtime fan of the series, well gentle readers, perhaps choose your favorite season or episode to watch before the next season to get yourself in the “Bridgerton” spirit. Personally, I am a huge fan of Kate and Anthony, so season two is naturally my go-to for a rewatch.
“The Pitt”
Boy, am I glad season two of “The Pitt” has started releasing a year after season one (as I believe shows should). Unlike “Stranger Things” or “Bridgerton,” where the showrunners take at least two or three years to produce a season, “The Pitt” gives its audience what it wants: real-time ER drama every spring.
If you didn’t know, season two of “The Pitt” has already begun with episode one having been released Jan. 8; episodes drop every Thursday. But if you still need to watch the first season, there’s plenty of time as season two’s finale won’t be airing until April 16.
I suggest getting yourself some easily digestible snacks for this gritty medical viewing.
“The Devil Wears Prada”
Meryl Streep. Need I say more? Okay, I will: Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt, too. Okay, okay, so if you haven’t seen this classic, you may need a bit more to go off. The 2006 classic The Devil Wears Prada” is getting a long-awaited sequel May 1: “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
Yes, I know we all have sequel fatigue, but I’m really hoping this is the one to prove us wrong. If the studio can get Streep to come back for a sequel, then I’m quite hopeful. The new movie will actually include some new faces, including one of my favorite comedians, Caleb Hearon.
So, do yourself a big favor and watch or rewatch the first movie this month to prepare for the success or flop of the sequel.
Greta Gerwig and “Narnia”
Goodness gracious, please watch Greta Gerwig’s trifecta of movies, as we will be receiving a fourth installment later this year in the form of “Narnia.” The trifecta includes “Lady Bird,” “Little Women” and “Barbie.”
I think these movies are masterclasses in directing, emotion and storytelling. If I were to choose just one to watch to prepare for “Narnia,” I would pick 2019’s “Little Women.” I think “Little Women” adapts the original story in a wholly unique way from other versions and adds some of Gerwig’s feminist flair. I think what she did in “Little Women” is something we could expect her to do in “Narnia” as well: non-linear storytelling, unique lighting and cinematography as well as a personal angle from Gerwig.
Some other great movies to rewatch before the new movie are, of course, the original Narnia movies: “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” and “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.”
Having grown up with the Narnia books, I trust Gerwig to create a moving retelling of “The Magician’s Nephew.”
So, while you’re inside, shielding yourself from the cold of January, throw on one of these movies or series to watch, easing your boredom until something more exciting comes to our screens!
