Get ready to kick off 2026 with a bang! The BBC has just unveiled its January lineup, and it’s packed with thrilling new shows and beloved returns that promise to keep you glued to your screen. But here’s where it gets controversial—will these new series live up to the hype, or are they just another attempt to fill the schedule? Let’s dive in and find out.
January 2026: A Month of Must-Watch TV
The Traitors – Launches New Year’s Day, continues January 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 8th, and 9th
Claudia Winkleman returns to host this nail-biting reality game where trust is tested and betrayal lurks around every corner. This time, 22 contestants from across the UK gather in a Scottish castle, vying for a staggering £120,000 prize. With new twists and fresh faces, it’s a mind-bending battle you won’t want to miss. But is this just another reality show, or does it truly push the boundaries of human psychology?
The Night Manager – Launches New Year’s Day, continues January 4th
Tom Hiddleston reprises his role as Jonathan Pine, now living a quiet life as Alex Goodwin, an MI6 officer. But when a ghost from his past resurfaces, Pine is thrust into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Colombian businessman Teddy Dos Santos (Diego Calva). Is this a worthy follow-up to the critically acclaimed first season, or will it struggle to recapture the magic?
Would I Lie To You? – New series begins January 2nd at 7:30pm
Rob Brydon, Lee Mack, and David Mitchell are back for another round of hilarious deception. Celebrity guests share outrageous stories, but can you separate fact from fiction? In an age of misinformation, does this show celebrate clever lies or remind us to question everything?
Amanda & Alan's Greek Job – New series begins January 2nd at 9:35pm
Amanda Holden and Alan Carr are at it again, swapping glamor for overalls as they tackle a new renovation project on the sunny island of Corfu. This time, their property is smaller, but the challenges are bigger. Is this just another celebrity renovation show, or does it offer genuine heart and humor?
Lynley – New series begins January 5th at 8:30pm
Tommy Lynley, a brilliant but aristocratic detective, teams up with Barbara Havers, a working-class sergeant with a rebellious streak. Despite their differences, they form an unstoppable duo determined to deliver justice. Can this classic detective pairing appeal to modern audiences, or is it a relic of the past?
Inside The Factory – New series begins January 6th at 8pm
Paddy, Cherry Healey, and Ruth Goodman return to explore the science and innovation behind everyday products. This season, they uncover hidden stories that will leave you amazed. In a world dominated by technology, does this show remind us to appreciate the ingenuity behind the ordinary?
Waterloo Road – New series begins January 6th at 9pm
The beloved school drama is back, and this time, Miss Haydock steps in as a supply teacher during a staff shortage. Despite her unconventional methods, Steph knows how to keep the chaos in check. Is this a nostalgic return to form, or does it struggle to stay relevant in today’s TV landscape?
Black Ops – New series begins January 8th
Dom and Kay are back, now working for MI5. Their jobs are far from glamorous, but when a charismatic spy offers them a chance at excitement, they’re pulled into a high-stakes adventure. Does this series offer a fresh take on espionage, or is it just another spy thriller?
Father Brown – New series begins January 9th
The new Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan settle into married life, while Brenda embarks on a journey of self-discovery. With humor and heart, this series continues to charm. In a world of dark dramas, does Father Brown’s light-hearted approach still resonate?
Lucy Worsley’s Victorian Murder Club – New series begins January 5th on BBC Two
Lucy Worsley investigates the chilling case of the Thames Torso Murderer, a forgotten Victorian serial killer who operated in the shadow of Jack the Ripper. Is this a gripping historical mystery, or does it exploit the horrors of the past?
Banjo & Ro's Grand Island Hotel – New series begins January 5th on BBC iPlayer
Banjo Beale and her husband Ro take on their most ambitious project yet: transforming a derelict Scottish mansion into a boutique hotel. Can they revive the island community, or is this just another renovation fantasy?
Digging For Britain – New series begins January 7th on BBC Two
Professor Alice Roberts and her team unearth some of the most remarkable archaeological finds yet. In an era of digital discovery, does this show remind us of the value of hands-on exploration?
Now it’s your turn—which of these shows are you most excited for? And which ones do you think will fall flat? Let us know in the comments!
