The new year opens with the national premieres of 21 new British series, seasons, and films. That’s TV blackjack!
For updates about shows from the UK, Canada, and Ireland added to US linear TV and streaming channels throughout the month, see the British TV Viewing Guide.
Programs and dates are subject to change without prior notice.
Videos below may contain content that is not suitable for everyone.
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NATIONAL PREMIERES
Doctor Who: Eve of the Daleks (UK)
This New Year’s Day special, the first of three Doctor Who specials in 2022, stars Jodie Whittaker, Mandip Gil, and John Bishop, and features guest stars Aisling Bea (This Way Up), Adjani Salmon (Dreaming Whilst Black), and Pauline McLynn (Father Ted). Sarah (Bea) owns and runs ELF storage, and ELF customer Nick (Salmon) visits his unit every year on New Year’s Eve. But this year their night turns out to be different than planned. Doctor Who: Eve of the Daleks premieres in the US on Saturday, January 1, on BBC America and AMC+.
Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts (UK-US)
In this retrospective special, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and other cast members and filmmakers across all eight “Harry Potter” films travel back to Hogwarts for the first time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the franchise’s first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts premieres in the US on Saturday, January 1, exclusively on HBO Max.
Mrs. Brown’s Boys New Year Special 2022 (UK)
This New Year is all about reconciliation and fresh starts in the Brown household, but not everyone got the message. Grandad’s brother, Mickey, is fresh out of prison and stops by for a visit, asking for 5,000 euros to invest in a South African gold mine. Inspired by Cathy’s book, Winnie is on a mission to change the trajectory of her life, while Mrs Brown’s boys are forced to have a heart to heart. Mrs. Brown’s Boys New Year Special 2022 premieres in the US on Saturday, January 1, exclusively on BritBox. (Video is from 2021)
Around the World in 80 Days (UK)
Based on the classic Jules Verne novel, this adventure series stars David Tennant (Good Omens) as Phileas Fogg, a gentleman in 1872 London who wagers he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days. Accompanying him on this incredible journey are his French valet Passepartout (Ibrahim Koma, Mother Is Wrong) and inveterate journalist Abigail “Fix” Fortescue (Leonie Benesch, Babylon Berlin). Around the World in 80 Days premieres in the US on Sunday, January 2, at 8 PM ET, on PBS (check your local listings) and the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel.
Doctors 2022 (UK)
This long-running hit serial on BBC One follows the lives and loves of the staff and patients at a busy medical practice. Serious explorations of medical conditions, passionate personal stories, and some outrageous humor combine for a unique and uplifting drama. Doctors 2022 premieres in North America on Monday, January 3, exclusively on BritBox.. (Video is of 20th anniversary special)
Antiques Road Trip: Seasons 8, 9, 13 & 20 (UK)
In this series, antiques experts hit the road in classic cars to take a tour through Great Britain and to search local stores for treasures, competing to see who can turn a limited budget into a small fortune at auction. Along the way, they learn about little-known stories in British history. Antiques Road Trip: Seasons 8, 9, 13 & 20 premiere in the US on Tuesday, January 4, on PBS Living (Photo courtesy of PBS Distribution)
Gordon Ramsay’s Road Trip: Greek Vacation (UK)
This reality show follows restaurateur Gordon Ramsay and his mates, celeb chef Gino D’Acampo and restaurant industry veteran Fred Sirieix, as they eat, drink, and make lots of merry on their trip to Greece. Gordon Ramsay’s Road Trip: Greek Vacation premieres in the US on Tuesday, January 4, at 8 PM ET, on Fox.
A Discovery of Witches: Season 3 (UK)
Based on Book 3 in Deborah Harkness’s “All Souls Trilogy,” Season 3 of this acclaimed drama sees Matthew (Matthew Goode, Downton Abbey) and Diana (Teresa Palmer, Hacksaw Ridge) return from 1590 to the present day and combat what they left behind. For further details, read this article. A Discovery of Witches premieres in the US on Friday, January 8, exclusively on Sundance Now, Shudder, and AMC+.
All Creatures Great and Small: Season 2 (UK)
Based on the best-selling novels by James Herriot, this lovely 1930s-set drama returns us to the Yorkshire Dales and the lives of veterinarians James (Nicholas Ralph), Siegfried (Samuel West, Mr. Selfridge), and Tristan (Callum Woodhouse, The Durrells in Corfu), along with Skeldale House housekeeper Mrs. Hall (Anna Madeley, The Crown) and James’s love interest Helen (Rachel Shenton, White Gold). All Creatures Great and Small: Season 2 premieres in the US on Sunday, January 9, at 9 PM ET, on PBS (check your local listings) and the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel.
Vera: Season 11, Part 2 (UK)
In the highly-anticipated second installment of Season 11, DCI Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn, Kate & Koji) and her diligent team of detectives investigate a daring port robbery, the death of a school teacher, a body discovered in a burned out car, and the web of intrigue surrounding the untimely demise of a young manager at a local green energy company. Vera: Season 11, Part 2 premieres in North America on Sunday, January 9, exclusively on BritBox. New episodes will debut weekly.
Vienna Blood: Season 2 (UK-Austria)
Based on Frank Tallis’s best-selling “Max Liebermann Mysteries” novels, the new season of this mystery thriller sees Detective Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt (Jürgen Maurer, Anatomy of Evil) and psychoanalyst Max Liebermann (Matthew Beard, The Imitation Game) investigate a series of murders in early 1900s Vienna in three new two-part mysteries. For further details, read this article. Vienna Blood: Season 2 premieres in the US on Sunday, January 9, at 10 PM ET, on PBS (check your local listings), the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel, and PBS Passport.
Queens of Mystery: Season 2 (UK)
In the new season of this mystery series, the crime-writing sisterly trio of Beth (Sarah Woodward, Professor T), Cat (Julie Graham, Shetland), and Jane Stone (Siobhan Redmond, Unforgotten) help their niece, DS Mattie Stone (Florence Hall, The Princess Switch 3), to solve murders in three new two-part stories. For further details, read this article. Queens of Mystery: Season 2 premieres in the US and Canada on Monday, January 10, exclusively on Acorn TV.
24 Hours in Police Custody: Season 9 (UK)
Using fixed rig and handheld cameras, and with unique access to detectives and suspects, this series combines real-world drama with humanity and humor as it follows police working against the clock to put criminals behind bars. 24 Hours in Police Custody: Season 9 premieres in North America on Friday, January 14, exclusively on BritBox.
After Life: Season 3 (UK)
In the long-awaited and highly-anticipated return of this awesome comedy-drama, Tony (series creator, writer, and director Ricky Gervais, The Office) isn’t as aggressively grouchy about life anymore, but he still struggles to fill the void left by his late wife (Kerry Godliman, Derek). After Life: Season 3, a Netflix Original series, premieres globally on Friday, January 14, exclusively on Netflix.
The House (US-UK)
This stop motion dark comedy about a house features three surreal tales of the individuals who made it their home. Voicing the characters are a top-notch cast, including Helena Bonham Carter (The Crown), Matthew Goode (A Discovery of Witches), Paul Kaye (Vera), and Miranda Richardson (Good Omens). For further details, read this article. The House, a Netflix Original series, premieres globally on Friday, January 14, exclusively on Netflix. (You can set a reminder for it now.)
Britannia: Season 3 (UK)
In the new season of this epic drama about the Roman invasion of Britain, the true mission of ruthless General Aulus Plautius (David Morrissey, The Walking Dead) — to capture and kill The Chosen One — remains out of reach. Meanwhile, forces are gathering against Cait (Eleanor Worthington-Cox, The Enfield Haunting), who struggles with her path as The Chosen One. Britannia: Season 3, an Epix Original series, premieres in the US on Sunday, January 16, exclusively on Epix.
Father Brown: Season 9 (UK)
Crime-solving and soul-saving priest Father Brown (Mark Williams, Harry Potter) has more mysteries to unravel in the new season of this fan-favorite series. It’s 1953, and dastardly deeds abound in Kembleford, including murders at the local holiday camp and at Lady Felicia’s illustrious New Year Masked Ball. Father Brown: Season 9 premieres in North America on Tuesday, January 18, exclusively on BritBox. Two new episodes will debut weekly. (Video is from Season 8)
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown: Season 19 (UK)
Hosted by comedian Jimmy Carr, this hilarious panel program, a mashup of the topical 8 Out of 10 Cats show with the cerebral words-and-numbers game Countdown, pits teams captained by Jon Richardson and late, great comedy legend Sean Lock, against each other in a battle of wits (and wit). With Rachel Riley and Susie Dent on math and dictionary duty, respectively, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown: Season 19 premieres in North America on Friday, January 21, exclusively on BritBox. (Video is from Season 18)
Munich: The Edge of War (UK)
Based on Robert Harris’s best-selling novel Munich, this historical thriller tells the story of the grave emergency meeting which should have prevented World War II, as seen from the perspective of two young, idealistic diplomats, frantically trying to change the course of history. For further details, read this article. Munich: The Edge of War has its global, post-cinema streaming debut on Friday, January 21, exclusively on Netflix. (You can set a reminder for it now.)
Help (UK)
Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) stars in this award-winning film as Sarah, a care worker whose talent, skills, and mental and physical health are put to the test under horrific circumstances after the coronavirus pandemic hits in March 2020. For further details, read this article. Costarring Stephen Graham (Line of Duty), Help premieres in the US and Canada on Monday, January 31, 2022, exclusively on Acorn TV.
Hope Street (UK/NI)
Set in the fictional town of Port Devine on the Northern Ireland coast, this crime drama revolves around the police department and the mysterious arrival of English Detective Constable Leila Hussain (Amara Karan, Bancroft), the first Muslim police officer in the town’s history. The series combines a serial narrative with self-contained crime stories in each episode, and costars Brid Brennan (Brooklyn), Des McAleer (The Crown), and Ciaran McMenamin (Primeval). Hope Street, a BritBox Original series, premieres in North America on Monday, January 31, exclusively on BritBox. New episodes will debut daily. (Photo: Amara Karan as DC Leila Hussain — courtesy of BritBox)
LOCAL/REGIONAL PREMIERES & NON-PREMIERE ADDITIONS
Select public TV stations and regional networks will begin airing the programs below on or after January 1. Check you local listings or contact the station that serves your area for air dates and times. To request the shows, contact your public TV station or American Public Television.
Escape to the Chateau: DIY: Season 1, Part 2 (UK)
This spinoff series follows the stories of British families that are renovating châteaux in France or looking at ones to purchase. Escape to the Chateau stars Dick Strawbridge and Angel Adoree, who’ve done it themselves, use their experience to provide help and advice to these families. Escape to the Chateau: DIY: Season 1, Part 2 is confirmed for airing on Georgia Public Broadcasting, Idaho Public Television, KCPT, KWSU, Louisiana Public Broadcasting,, Maryland Public Television, NHPBS (New Hampshire), WGBH, WPTD, and WXXI.
London’s New Year’s Day Parade 2022 (UK)
London’s spectacular annual tradition returns to the streets of the UK capitol to usher some much-needed joy into the lives of participants and audiences. Join the fun and finery – broadcast LIVE – as performers from around the world, including US high school marching bands and cheerleader squads in specially-recorded live performances, celebrate with a 2.5 hour arena show, direct from Waterloo Place. Most public TV stations will be airing London’s New Year’s Day Parade 2022; check your local listings or contact the station that serves your area for air dates and times.
NON-PREMIERE PROGRAMS BEING ADDED TO STREAMING SERVICES
Titles in this section begin streaming on the dates shown below on Acorn TV and its digital channels, including Acorn TV on Amazon.
Cuffs (UK)
This terrific eight-part contemporary crime drama follows the front-line officers of the (fictional) South Sussex police service, as they put their lives on the line to protect the public, as well as get involved in absurd altercations, in the seaside city of Brighton. Starring Ashley Walters (Top Boy), Peter Sullivan (The Borgias), Amanda Abbington (Sherlock), Jacob Ifan (Bang), and Shaun Dooley (Exile), Cuffs begins streaming Monday, January 3.
Republic of Doyle: Season 6 (Canada)
Set against the backdrop of Newfoundland, this comedic crime drama revolves around the dysfunctional Doyle family as they try to make it all work running a father-and-son private investigative agency. Starring Allan Hawco (Departure) and Sean McGinley (Single-Handed), Republic of Doyle: Season 6 begins streaming Monday, January 17.
The Murder Maps: Season 1 (UK)
This four-episode docudrama series takes viewers back in time to the most shocking and surprising murder cases in history. Host Nicholas Day guides us into the world of the killer as we see how police ingenuity and early forensics helped bring them to justice. The Murder Maps: Season 1 begins streaming Monday, January 24.
A Tale of Two Sisters (UK)
This three-part docuseries explores some of history’s most iconic female figures and their sisters, as well as their legacy. A Tale of Two Sisters begins streaming Monday, January 31.
Titles in this section begin streaming on the dates shown below on AMC+.
Copper: Seasons 1-2 (UK-Canada)
Set in the 1860s, this drama sees Irish-American detective Kevin Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones, Warrior) return from the Civil War to find his wife missing and his daughter dead. Working the notorious Five Points neighborhood in New York, he tries to find out what happened to his family, with two wartime friends assisting him in his search for the truth. Copper: Season 1 begins streaming Thursday, January 13, followed by Season 2 on Thursday, January 20.
Killing Eve: Season 3 (UK-UK)
In the penultimate season of this mega-hit drama, assassin-without-a-job Villanelle (Jodie Comer, Help) believes ex-MI6 operative Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh, Grey’s Anatomy) is dead, while Eve, hiding in plain sight, believes Villanelle will never find her. All seems fine until a shocking death sets them on a collision course yet again, and their journey back to each other will cost them friends, family, and allegiances — and perhaps a piece of their souls. Killing Eve: Season 3 begins streaming Saturday, January 29.
Titles in this section begin streaming on the dates shown below on BritBox and its digital channels, including BritBox on Amazon.
Vera: Seasons 1, 2 & 6 (UK)
Joining Seasons 3-5 and 8-11 on BritBox are these seasons of mystery-crime drama Vera. Binge all three starting Saturday, January 1, exclusively on BritBox.
Titles in this section begin streaming on the dates shown below on the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel.
Prime Suspect: Tennison (UK)
Introduced in Lynda La Plante‘s novel Prime Suspect, the character of Jane Tennison returns to the small screen with Stefanie Martini (Doctor Thorne) in the role (made famous by Helen Mirren) in this prequel to Prime Suspect. Set in 1973, the series follows Tennison, here a WPC, as she deals with workplace sexism and family disapproval while assisting in a murder investigation. Prime Suspect: Tennison begins streaming Sunday, January 9.
My Mother and Other Strangers (UK)
Set in 1943 Northern Ireland, this drama follows the Coyne family — Rose (Hattie Morahan, The Bletchley Circle) and Michael (Owen McDonnell, Killing Eve) and their three children — and their neighbors as they struggle to maintain a normal life after a US Army Air Force base with 4,000 service personnel is set up in the middle of their rural parish. My Mother and Other Strangers begins streaming Sunday, January 16.
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Did you miss any of the new shows from previous days, weeks, or months? Check out the British TV Viewing Guide and Archives to find out.
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For details about the January premieres of shows from Australia and New Zealand, visit The Down Under TV Place. For those about the debuts of original-language, English-subtitled programs from Europe, visit The Euro TV Place.
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