January’s Streaming Highlights: New Releases to Watch This Weekend
Despite its reputation as a ‘dump month’ for new releases, January is shaping up to be an exciting time for streaming services. With a slew of highly anticipated movies and shows debuting this weekend, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From the latest Game of Thrones spinoff to behind-the-scenes documentaries and action-packed thrillers, we’ve got the lowdown on the biggest releases.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: A Game of Thrones Spinoff
The expansion of HBO’s Game of Thrones universe continues with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a near-perfect adaptation of The Hedge Knight, the first entry in the ‘Dunk and Egg’ novella trilogy. Set around 100 years before the events of Thrones, the show introduces one of the franchise’s most beloved pairings – Ser Duncan ‘Dunk’ the Tall and ‘Egg’ – to a wider audience.
According to Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is “the triumphant underdog tale that HBO’s Thrones-Verse needs right now.” With its engaging storyline and well-developed characters, this show is a must-watch for fans of the franchise. For more information, check out our review of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and our episode 1 guide.
One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things Season 5
For fans of Stranger Things, the behind-the-scenes documentary One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things Season 5 is a dream come true. However, the documentary has sparked controversy among fans, with some taking issue with creative decisions and others speculating about a secret extra episode. 
As Amelia Schwanke, senior entertainment editor, notes, “One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things season 5 has only fueled more frustration” among fans. Despite this, the documentary provides a unique glimpse into the making of the hit show and is a must-watch for die-hard fans.
The RIP: A New Action Crime Thriller
Starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, The RIP is a new action crime thriller that follows a group of police officers who uncover a hidden stash worth millions of dollars during an everyday investigation. 
According to Tom Power, The RIP is “just another of the streamer’s original movies that’s simply tailor-made for the Netflix generation’s short-lived attention span.” Despite this, the movie’s engaging storyline and strong performances make it a worthwhile watch.
Hijack Season 2: Idris Elba Returns
Idris Elba returns as Sam Nelson in Hijack season 2, which premiered on Apple TV. The new season follows Sam as he deals with a commandeered subway train in Berlin. 
Jasmine Valentine, entertainment reporter, notes that this season is “going to be a grower, slowly world-building its way to unavoidable disaster.” With its engaging storyline and strong performances, Hijack season 2 is a must-watch for fans of the franchise.
Tell Me Lies Season 3: The Drama Continues
Tell Me Lies season 3 has premiered on Hulu and Disney+, with three episodes available to stream. The new season continues the story of Bree and Evan, who are dealing with the aftermath of a bombshell finale. 
According to Jasmine Valentine, “if you didn’t hate Stephen before, wait until you sit down to watch Tell Me Lies season 3.” With its engaging storyline and strong performances, this season is a must-watch for fans of the franchise.
Ponies: A New Thriller on Peacock
Ponies has debuted on Peacock with a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score. The show follows two “persons of no interest” who work anonymously as secretaries in the American Embassy in Moscow. 
Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writer, notes that the show has a “fantastic setup” and is “praying it sticks the landing.” With its engaging storyline and strong performances, Ponies is a must-watch for fans of the thriller genre.
The Running Man: A New Adaptation
Edgar Wright’s take on Stephen King’s novel The Running Man has been released on Paramount+. The movie follows a blacklisted laborer who signs up for a reality TV program where contestants must survive 30 days to win $1 billion. 
According to Lucy Buglass, Wright’s adaptation is “better than the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger-starring version.” With its engaging storyline and strong performances, The Running Man is a must-watch for fans of the sci-fi genre.
For more information on these and other new releases, check out our article for the latest updates and reviews.
Image Credit: www.techradar.com