As we head into a new year, many of us will be hoping for plenty more distractions from the goings on in the real world! With television a lifeline for many over the past 12 months, we’ve been taking a look at some of the best new and returning shows making their way to the small screen in the next few weeks.
Here are our seven best new and returning TV shows starting in January 2021 that you need to set a reminder for!
7. RuPaul’s Drag Race, Season 13 - Starts January 2nd 2021 on Netflix
The mother of drag returns with a landmark 13th(!) season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, this time filmed with coronavirus safety precautions in mind! Whilst we’ll likely not be seeing as much interaction between the judges, contestants and guests as we’re used to, it’s going to be great to see some new queens step into the Drag Race spotlight, battling it out for a whopping cash prize of $100,000 and priceless exposure.
6. The Stand, Limited Series - Starts January 3rd 2021 on StarzPlay
Based on Stephen King's post-apocalyptic best-selling novel of the same name, The Stand sees the fate of mankind rest on the shoulders of the 108-year-old Mother Abagail (Whoopi Goldberg) and a handful of survivors following a plague and the ongoing battle between the elements of good and evil.
The incredible cast also includes Alexander Skarsgård and James Marsden, with Odessa Young, Jovan Adep, Amber Heard, Owen Teague, Henry Zaga, Brad William Henke, Irene Bedard, Nat Wolff, Eion Bailey, Heather Graham, Katherine McNamara, Fiona Dourif, Natalie Martinez, Hamish Linklater, Daniel Sunjata and Greg Kinnear.
5. Cobra Kai, Season 3 - Starts January 8th 2021 on Netflix
Taking place over three decades after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, famous from the Karate Kid film series, comes Cobra Kai. Now exclusive to Netflix following a move from YouTube for its third season, the show will continue the story of Daniel Larusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) after the events of the violent high school brawl during Season 2’s conclusion. With the soul of the Valley at stake, the fate of every student and sensei hangs in the balance.
4. American Gods, Season 3 - Starts January 11th 2021 on Amazon Prime Video
Ricky Whittle returns as Shadow Moon in the third season of Amazon Prime Video's adaptation of Neil Gaiman's beloved novel, American Gods. Moving to Wisconsin with a fresh identity to hide from the New Gods, Shadow is hoping to enjoy a normal life; but would that really make for an entertaining TV series? With Ian McShane's Wednesday working to bring Shadow back into the fold, we’re sure it’s just a matter of time before he’s caught up in the chaos of the Old and New Gods’ battle once more.
3. RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Season 2 - Starts January 14th 2021 on BBC Three
Following the huge success of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, the show is making a return for its sophomore season, bringing another selection of queens from around the United Kingdom together, to fight it out for the crown of the UK’s next Drag Superstar! A cast reveal showcased some incomparable talents taking part in this year’s season, so we imagine it’s going to be a tough fight for the crown.
2. Riverdale, Season 5 - Starts January 21st 2021 on Netflix
After a long break due to filming restrictions, fans of Riverdale will finally see the show return in late January, with plenty of plot twists expected by those who have kept up with the series to-date! The new season kicks off with the students enjoying their final days at Riverdale High and creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa has confirmed that there will be a significant time jump of seven years will be happening early on. It’s going to be very interesting to see just how our favourite Archie Comics characters have evolved in that time!
1. Damien, Season 1 - Starts January 28th 2021 on FOX UK
Horror series have become such a success, with Bates Motel and American Horror Story providing us with scares and compelling stories that keep us on the edge of our seats. Another is arriving in January 2021 in the form of Damien, based on the classic horror movie character of the same name from The Omen. Bradley James stars as Damien Thorn, who struggles to maintain his usual routine and life after discovering that he is the Antichrist.
RELATED: 22 of the best major movies coming in the first half of 2021
Some incredible films - from No Time To Die to Black Widow - are making their way to cinemas and on demand over the next six months... READ MORE
Tagged in BBC Netflix RuPaul's Drag Race Riverdale