New streaming releases this week: can’t-miss movies and shows Jan. 23, 2026

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What's new to streaming this week? (Jan. 23, 2026)
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If you’re scrolling for your next binge, this week’s streaming roster delivers a wild mix: international crime thrillers, nostalgic revivals, live stunts, music biopics, and fresh true-crime takes. Platforms from Netflix and Apple TV to Hulu, Peacock, and Shudder all have new arrivals worth queuing. Below are standout picks, quick verdicts, who’s in them, and where to stream each title.

Netflix pick: The Big Fake — Italian art-forgery drama set in 1970s Rome

A charismatic forger rises through Rome’s glamorous underworld in this stylish period piece. The film focuses on the tricky craft of convincing collectors and dealers that a modern copy is actually a masterpiece.

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  • Lead cast: Pietro Castellitto, Giulia Michelini, Andrea Arcangeli, Claudio Santamaria.

  • Why watch: Slick visuals and moral tension drive this crime story about art, identity, and deception.

  • Where to stream: Netflix — released Jan. 23.

Apple TV’s globe-trotting wine drama: Drops of God — Season 2

This French-Japanese adaptation dives deeper into elite wine culture. Expect tasting showdowns, family secrets, and obsessive vineyard lore that fans of fine wine will love.

  • Lead cast: Tomohisa Yamashita, Fleur Geffrier, Tom Wozniczka.

  • Format: Weekly episodes on Apple TV, new installments on Wednesdays.

  • Why it matters: A rare drama that treats wine as central character and mystery element.

Netflix comedy: Free Bert — the chaotic family sitcom with Bert Kreischer

The comedian plays an exaggerated version of himself as family life bumps up against his notorious party persona. Expect crude jokes and heartfelt family moments.

  • Cast: Bert Kreischer, Arden Myrin, Chris Witaske, Mandell Maughan.

  • Why watch: Big laughs and cringe parenting scenes; best for fans of adult-family comedy.

  • Where: Now streaming on Netflix.

Netflix event: Skyscraper Live — Alex Honnold’s live ascent of Taipei 101

Climber Alex Honnold attempts a rope-free ascent of one of the world’s tallest towers — live. The special mixes real-time action with commentary and surprise guests.

  • Featured: Alex Honnold, Emily Harrington, host Elle Duncan.

  • When: Live stream on Netflix, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. ET.

  • Draw: High-stakes, uncut climbing drama for adrenaline seekers.

Hulu franchise sequel: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire — the family-focused continuation

The latest Ghostbusters sequel expands the franchise with new generations and returning faces. It blends heavy CGI, fan callbacks, and a plot built around legacy characters.

  • Cast: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Kumail Nanjiani.

  • Why tune in: Fan service and family drama mix with occasional strong jokes.

  • Where: Streaming now on Hulu.

Netflix teen romance: Finding Her Edge — a figure skating YA romance

Set in the competitive world of pair skating, this Netflix romance mixes sponsorship pressure, fake-dating tropes, and a love triangle with a past partner.

  • Cast: Madelyn Keys, Cale Ambrozic, Olly Atkins.

  • Vibe: Light, swoony, and familiar to YA-romance fans.

  • Where: Available now on Netflix.

Paramount+ true-crime doc: Handsome Devil: Charming Killer

This three-part documentary explores a criminal whose looks and charisma drew a troubling online fan base. The series examines media attention and the people who stayed faithful during trial.

  • Focus: The crimes, the trial, and the disturbing public fascination.

  • Critic note: Gripping but leaves some deeper questions unanswered.

  • Where: Streaming on Paramount+.

Netflix feel-good finale: Queer Eye — Season 10

The Fab Five return for a final run of makeovers, this time set in Washington, D.C. The season mixes big emotional arcs with the show’s hallmark lifestyle fixes.

  • Cast: Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown, Jonathan Van Ness, Jeremiah Brent.

  • Why watch: Emotional transformations and community stories, despite behind-the-scenes headlines.

  • Where: Season 10 on Netflix now.

Netflix wrestling doc: WWE: Unreal — Season 2

This inside look pulls back the curtain on the planning, choreography, and drama that go into WWE’s biggest shows. Season 2 follows the path to SummerSlam.

  • Appearing: Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch.

  • Why it’s compelling: A blend of athleticism, writing, and behind-the-scenes tension.

  • Where: Now available on Netflix.

Disney+ action sequel: Venom: Let There Be Carnage

Tom Hardy returns as Eddie Brock opposite a volatile new threat. The sequel ramps up chaos by introducing a second symbiote antagonist.

  • Cast: Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris.

  • Tone: Loud, comic-book violence with dark humor.

  • Where: Streaming on Disney+.

Netflix reboot: Star Search — talent competition returns live

The classic talent showcase is back with live episodes and celebrity judges. Expect singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, and surprise acts.

  • Host and judges: Anthony Anderson; Jelly Roll, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chrissy Teigen.

  • When: Debuted Jan. 20; new live shows Tue/Wed at 9 p.m. ET.

  • Why watch: Nostalgia plus the thrill of live talent discovery.

HBO Max documentary: Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!

A two-part biography celebrating Mel Brooks’ long, chaotic, and brilliant comedy career. Interviews, archival footage, and anecdotes from peers offer a lively portrait.

  • Featured voices: Mel Brooks, Ben Stiller, Dave Chappelle, Conan O’Brien.

  • Why it stands out: A joyous deep dive into decades of parody and satire.

  • Where: Streaming on HBO Max now.

Dropout game show: Um, Actually — Season 11

Trivia with a twist: players must correct small but specific errors in pop culture facts. Quick wit and niche knowledge reward precision and comedic timing.

  • Host and guests: Ify Nwadiwe; recurring players from the tabletop and livestream scenes.

  • Who will enjoy it: Pop-culture nerds and comedy trivia fans.

  • Where: Dropout — Season 11 streams now.

Prime Video family film: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants

SpongeBob heads on an absurd quest to become a swashbuckler. This animated adventure doubles down on silly set pieces and affectionate nostalgia.

  • Voice cast: Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Clancy Brown, Ice Spice.

  • Why add it: Pure, unpretentious family fun with visual gags and heart.

  • Where: Available to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Hulu drama: Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere — the album-era biopic

Jeremy Allen White portrays Bruce Springsteen during the making of Nebraska. The film centers on the album’s stark production and the artist’s emotional struggles.

  • Cast: Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong, Paul Walter Hauser.

  • Tone: Quiet, melancholic, and music-focused rather than sweeping career biography.

  • Where: Arrives on Hulu Jan. 23.

VOD comedy live show: Smosh Hospital — improv meets soap-opera parody

Smosh turns medical melodrama into an improv playground where actors swap roles mid-scene. The result is chaotic, often silly, and aimed at fans who love inside jokes.

  • Cast: Angela Giarratana, Shayne Topp, Anthony Padilla, many more.

  • Best for: Longtime Smosh followers and viewers craving fast-paced improv.

  • Where: Available to buy on VOD through Feb. 1.

Shudder new horror: Mother of Flies — family-made witchcraft tale

A filmmaking family returns with a witchy story of illness, faith, and uncanny encounters in the woods. The indie horror leans into atmosphere and practical oddity.

  • Cast/Creators: Toby Poser, John Adams, Zelda Adams.

  • Why watch: Strange, unsettling, and distinctly indie-horror in tone.

  • Where: Debuts on Shudder Jan. 23.

Peacock comedy: The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins — Tracy Morgan mockumentary

From the creators of 30 Rock, this mockumentary follows a disgraced former NFL star trying to reboot his life while a frazzled filmmaker documents the chaos.

  • Cast: Tracy Morgan, Daniel Radcliffe, Erika Alexander.

  • Why it clicks: Sharp satire, absurd characters, and big comedic risks.

  • Where: Premiere streaming now on Peacock.

Prime Video stage capture: Merrily We Roll Along — the acclaimed Broadway revival

The 2023 revival that dominated awards has been filmed for home audiences. The reverse-timeline musical explores friendship, ambition, and regret.

  • Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez.

  • Who it’s for: Musical lovers and theater fans who missed the live run.

  • Where: Available to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Netflix anime feature: Cosmic Princess Kaguya! — Vocaloid-powered virtual idol tale

This anime blends folklore and modern streaming culture inside a glittering virtual world. Vocaloid producers helped craft the songs that power the story.

  • Voices: Yuko Natsuyoshi, Anna Nagase, Saori Hayami.

  • What to expect: A bright, music-driven fairy tale about identity and online fame.

  • Where: Now streaming on Netflix.

Netflix documentary: Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart — a survivor’s story

This documentary balances investigative detail with Elizabeth Smart’s reflections on survival and forgiveness. It revisits the crime and focuses on healing.

  • Featured: Elizabeth Smart and interviews with investigators and family.

  • Why it resonates: Clear-eyed and ultimately hopeful in tone despite the horror of the crime.

  • Where: Streaming now on Netflix.

Hulu limited series highlight: The Beauty — Ryan Murphy’s glossy body-horror satire

Ryan Murphy’s latest blends corporate conspiracy with body horror, all wrapped in a commentary on beauty standards. Supermodels and a deadly infection drive the plot.

  • Cast: Evan Peters, Rebecca Hall, Ashton Kutcher, Bella Hadid.

  • Why watch: Maximalist, deranged, and visually bold.

  • Where: First episodes streaming on Hulu now.

Quick viewing notes: how to decide what to press play on

Use these quick rules to pick a title that suits your mood:

  • Want adrenaline? Try the live climb or a superhero sequel.

  • Need a laugh? Choose the mockumentary or sketch improv.

  • Looking for depth? Biopics and survivor documentaries offer more to chew on.

  • Family night? Animated SpongeBob or smirk-ready comedies fit well.

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