What’s worth watching on New Year’s Day?

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Let’s start 2026 off right! Whether you’re recovering from New Year’s Eve or just prefer a quiet, relaxing start to the year at home, there’s something for everyone.

The new year kicks off with the return of popular shows like The Traitors and The Night Manager. Plus, there’s a stunning new nature documentary narrated by David Attenborough, this time focusing on London’s wildlife. For those who prefer drama and comedy, a new Harlan Coben thriller is now available on Netflix, and a fresh, one-off comedy special from Paddy Houlihan is also being released.

There’s so much to watch on regular TV and streaming services these days, it can be tough to choose! We’ve taken the guesswork out of it for you. Keep reading to discover our recommendations for what to watch on New Year’s Day.

What’s worth watching on New Year’s Day?

Minions: The Rise of Gru (BBC One, 10:40am)

Okay, so the new Despicable Me movie, the fifth one, is a really interesting prequel. It’s a sequel to the Minions movie, but it also tells us how young Gru became the supervillain we know. It’s set way back in 1976, and it’s hilarious seeing 12-year-old Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, trying to prove himself to this group of supervillains called the Vicious 6. Taraji P. Henson is fantastic as their leader, Belle Bottom, and the group also includes Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, and Lucy Lawless! Things get even crazier when Gru teams up with the Vicious 6’s old boss, Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin), and the Minions start learning kung fu from Master Chow, played by Michelle Yeoh. It’s a fun ride!

The voice cast is fantastic, especially with Julie Andrews returning as Gru’s mother. The film really embraces its 1970s setting, incorporating elements of blaxploitation films, the energetic style of the Ramones, and a fun cover of a Rolling Stones song performed by the Minions. Though the storyline isn’t groundbreaking, the movie successfully appeals to its audience and shows that there’s still potential in this series. – Emma Simmonds

The Sound of Music (BBC One, 3:15pm)

This beloved film continues to charm audiences of all ages, thanks to director Robert Wise’s skillful and straightforward approach (he took over from William Wyler) and a wonderful performance by Julie Andrews. She’s ideal in the role of Maria, a nun who unexpectedly finds her passion as a nanny to a large family – it’s no surprise, considering her famous role as Mary Poppins!

The film remains beautiful, especially the breathtaking opening shot of the mountains and the charming tour of Salzburg (expertly planned by Roger Edens, though he wasn’t credited). The Rodgers and Hammerstein music still sounds wonderful. If you haven’t seen it, you should! And if you’re already a fan, you know it’s as delightful and enchanting as Julie Andrews herself. – Tony Sloman

Wild London (BBC One, 6:30pm)

After a lifetime of filming wildlife around the world, David Attenborough turns his camera on the animals living in his hometown of London. Having lived in the city for 75 years, he reveals the surprising variety of creatures thriving beyond the buildings and streets, offering viewers a fascinating look at London’s hidden wildlife.

Sir David Attenborough’s new program showcases the surprising wildlife thriving in London. From deer in gardens and pigeons on the tube, to snakes by the canal and parakeets in parks, the show reveals the incredible ways animals are adapting and living alongside city dwellers, even finding new ways to thrive.

The Traitors season 4 (BBC One, 8pm)

Now that The Celebrity Traitors has just ended and been such a hit, it feels like we won’t have to wait long for another season of backstabbing and deception.

There’s just something special about watching regular people try to figure out who’s lying and who’s telling the truth in the atmospheric castle, and Claudia Winkleman always provides plenty of funny, shareable moments.

Red Eye season 2 (ITV1, 9pm)

The popular series Red Eye is back for a new season, with Jing Lusi reprising her role as DS Hana Li. Joining her is Martin Compston, known for Line of Duty, who will play Clay Brody, the Head of Embassy Security.

This popular drama, which ranked among ITV’s top 10 last year, returns with a new season. Detective Sergeant Hana Li and a guest character played by Martin Compston must put aside their history and work together to unravel a dangerous new conspiracy.

The Night Manager season 2 (BBC One, 9:05pm)

Nine years after the first season ended, The Night Manager is back with a second season. Tom Hiddleston reprises his role as Jonathan Pine, embarking on a new, thrilling mission. This time, he faces a dangerous challenge involving Teddy Dos Santos, a Colombian businessman portrayed by Diego Calva.

The series will also feature returning cast members like Olivia Colman (known for The Crown) as Angela Burr, Alistair Petrie (from Sex Education) as Sandy Langbourne, Douglas Hodge (who appeared in Joker) as Rex Mayhew, Michael Nardone (of Traces) as Frisky, and Noah Jupe (from A Quiet Place) as Daniel Roper. Joining them are new cast members Camila Morrone (Daisy Jones & The Six), Indira Varma (Doctor Who), Paul Chahidi (Wicked Little Letters), and Hayley Squires (Adult Material).

Shedites (BBC One, 10:05pm)

I’m so excited about Shedites! It’s the next show from the creators of Mrs Brown’s Boys, and it’s a half-hour comedy based around a men’s shed in a little Irish village. It sounds hilarious!

This is a welcoming space where men can find fulfillment by working with their hands – building and fixing things. They’ll also discover unexpected friendships, a renewed sense of purpose, and enjoy a good cup of tea along the way.

“For many, the men’s sheds offer a new lease of life, and the Rathbowen shed is no exception.”

Run Away (Netflix)

Each New Year’s Day, Netflix and Harlan Coben team up to deliver a thrilling new series, and this year is no exception. Their latest offering, Run Away, is based on Coben’s novel, but with a new UK setting. The story centers on Simon Greene (James Nesbitt) and his desperate search for his daughter, Paige (Ellie de Lange), after she disappears from what appears to be a happy family life.

Simon’s investigation unexpectedly connects with a missing person’s case Elena is already working on. The series is full of surprising twists that will keep you guessing until the very end, just like Simon’s other shows. You won’t see the conclusion coming, and that’s what makes it perfect for a New Year’s Day marathon.

Download the TopMob: What to Watch app today to get daily TV recommendations, discover new features, and easily keep track of the shows you want to see by adding them to your watchlist.

Authors

Morgan CormackDrama Writer

Morgan Cormack writes about TV and streaming drama for TopMob. Before that, she was an Entertainment Writer at Stylist. She also has experience in content marketing and freelancing, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature.

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2026-01-01 09:36