What to watch on Paramount+ in January 2026

The new year is here, and with it a slew of new Paramount+ originals to stream. As it stands, January is shaping up to be jam-packed with psychological thrillers, jaw-dropping true crime docuseries, and a Canadian edition of an MTV reality TV phenomenon. This month also sees the return of School Spirits and the highly anticipated premiere of Star Trek spin-off, Starfleet Academy.

Here are the seven new and returning shows you can’t miss on Paramount+ in January, in order of release date.

7

Barron’s Cove

Barron’s Cove is a dark and realistic crime thriller featuring a hell of a revenge story.

Garrett Hedlund (King of Tulsa) plays Caleb Faulkner, a working-class man with a violent past who struggles to rebuild his life. After his young son dies in a horrific accident, the grieving father suspects foul play. When the justice system fails to do its job, Caleb takes matters into his own hands and kidnaps the boy responsible, the son of a powerful politician, sparking a frenzied manhunt. The film is available only to Premium subscribers.

Barron’s Cove will be presented in its entirety on January 1st.

6

Girl taken

A new Paramount+ Original, Girl taken is a British psycho-thriller in six episodes about the kidnapping of a girl by one of her teachers. It is based on the novel by Hollie Overton Doll.

Our story follows twin sisters Lily and Abby as their lives implode when a local teacher kidnaps Lily from their quiet rural English town. After years of mistreatment in captivity, she finally escapes but struggles to rebuild her life with her family knowing that her captor is still out there. Game of Thrones erstwhile Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy) plays our villain, Rick Hanson, which is pretty interesting considering his character arc in the hit fantasy series.

Girl taken premieres January 8.

5

Cold water

If you missed seeing The Walking DeadStarring Andrew Lincoln in a leading role, you’re in luck. Showtime’s new original series Cold water sees him as a loving father who strives to protect those he loves from outside threats. Sound familiar?

In this dark psychological thriller, Lincoln plays John, a normal man who moves his normal family to a remote Scottish village after a violent incident in London, during which he freezes. Looking for a fresh start, he befriends his eccentric neighbor but soon finds himself under the influence of an incredibly dangerous person. This is a chilling story about masculinity, the secrets and disturbing truths hidden beneath idyllic facades. Expect lots of drama with violence and suspense. It is available only to Premium subscribers.

Cold water premieres January 9.

4

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

THE Star Trek the franchise has certainly lived long and prospered, and this is demonstrated by its plethora of spinoffs, the latest of which is Starfleet Academy.

Set in the 32nd century, the series follows a new class of cadets as they arrive, train, and form lasting friendships. However, as they begin to adjust to college, their lives collide violently with an unknown enemy threatening the Federation. They are soon sent on missions so high stakes that they are sure to shape the next generation of leaders.

Holly Hunter plays Starfleet Academy Chancellor and Captain Nahla Ake, alongside a new group of characters. Returning characters are The Doctor (Robert Picardo), Jett Reno (Tig Notaro), and Admiral Vance (Oded Fehr). Guest stars include Paul Giamatti as the villainous Nus Braka, Stephen Colbert as the Dean of Students, and Becky Lynch as Lt. Ya.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premieres January 15.

3

Handsome Devil: The Charming Killer

I love a good true-crime documentary, and Paramount+’s latest film seems to be a shocker. I never wondered if it was possible for a convicted murderer to become a social media obsession, but here we are with Handsome Devil: The Charming Killer to prove that this is the case.

In 2019, Wade Wilson, a Florida man nicknamed the Deadpool Killer because of his common superhero name, was convicted of the gruesome murders of two women. Upon its release, his photo made him an instant fixation on social media, as legions of women became enamored with him and even more fascinated by his facial tattoos and his list of disturbing crimes. His trial was televised and dismantled to the bone.

Using footage from police body cameras and interviews with people close to the case, the documentary series explores the intersection between true crime and internet culture and is complemented by disturbing and shocking accounts from those who not only declared their love for the killer, but also fought to see justice for him.

Handsome Devil: The Charming Killer premieres January 20.

2

Canadian coast

Get your hair gel, body oil, and spray tan ready, because we’re going from the Jersey Shore to the Canadian Coast for some reality TV entertainment. Canadian coast is the northern edition of MTV’s global program Shore phenomenon.

Filmed on the shores of Kelowna, British Columbia, the series brings together 10 daring Canadian singles for a whirlwind season of flirtation, friendship, romance and full-throttle fun. These roommates are ready to party and make memories while causing a little chaos, but this edition won’t be all hookups and hangovers. Expect your share of laughter, bickering, fierce fights, and ultimately, family bonding.

Canadian coast premieres January 22 with two episodes.

1

School Spirits, season three

Maddie Nears (Peyton List) and her friends are back for the third season of School Spiritswhich sees them all plunged into a deeper, darker mystery when the veil between worlds becomes dangerously thin.

After returning to life, Maddie battles terrifying visions and bears the brunt of protecting the living and the dead. Meanwhile, Simon (Kristian Ventura), still trapped in the afterlife, develops an obsession with the secrets hidden beneath the scars of Split River High. As the two search for answers to why so many people perished at Split River, as well as what Mr. Martin (Josh Zuckerman) was warning them about, new dangers arise that lead to big twists and turns, and many of those hidden dark secrets begin to surface.

School spirits, season 3, premiering January 28.

Paramount+ is kicking off the year with a pretty good slate of exciting new content. While you wait between premiere dates, be sure to browse the streamer’s full list of January additions for more great things to watch.

Subscription with advertisements

Yes, $8/month

Concurrent streams

3