Thought 2021 came to an end and it was bittersweet to say goodbye, there was some great entertainment, courtesy of television.
There’s even more to look forward to in the new year. Some of our favorite shows are returning and some new comedies and dramas to get us through.
Though many returning and new series that are coming in January, here are 10 to watch out for:
'Euphoria' (HBO, Jan. 9)
The acclaimed drama series which won Zendaya a history-making Oscar will return for its eight-episode Season 2 on HBO. Amidst the intertwining lives in the town of East Highland, 17-year-old Rue must find hope while balancing the pressures of love, loss, and addiction. Joining Zendaya as series regulars this season are returning cast members Hunter Schafer, Nika King, Eric Dane, Angus Cloud, Jacob Elordi, Algee Smith, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, Barbie Ferreira, Maude Apatow and Storm Reid. Javon Walton and Austin Abrams have been upped to series regular for a season 2, and newcomer Dominic Fike is also a series regular.
'Naomi' (The CW, Jan. 11)
This DC comics show follows the journey of a cool, confident, comic book–loving teenager as she pursues her hidden destiny along with navigating her life with her BFF. Developed by Ava DuVernay, the show will air on The CW. It stars Kaci Walfall, Mary-Charles Jones, Cranston Johnson, Alexander Wraith, Daniel Puig, Aidan Gemme, Will Meyers, Camila Moreno, Mouzam Makkar, Barry Watson and Stephanie March.
'Secrets of Sulphur Springs' (Disney Channel, Jan. 14)
Returning for its second season on the Disney Channel, Griffin and Harper unravel new mysteries about The Tremont and Harper follows the real ghost back to the 1930’s to learn more about her family’s deep-seeded connection to the hotel. Returning as series regulars are Preston Oliver, Kyliegh Curran, Daisy Tremont; Elle Graham, Josh Braaten, Kelly Frye, Landon Gordon, Madeleine McGraw, and Diandra Lyle. There are also several newcomers, including Queen Sugar‘s Ethan Hutchison.
'Grand Crew' (NBC, Jan. 4 premiere for regular timeslot)
Created by Insecure writer and producer Phil Augusta Jackson with Brooklyn Nine-Nine creator Dan Goor, the show follows the lives of six friends navigating the ups and downs of life and love in LA. The NBC comedy’s cast includes Nicole Byer, Justin Cunningham, Aaron Jennings, Echo Kellum, Grasie Mercedes and Carl Tart. The group has their favorite hangout spot, a local bar where they “wine down” and unpack it all. It premieres this month in its time slot debut after a December preview.
'American Auto' (NBC, Jan. 4 premiere for regular timeslot)
With a backdrop of Detroit, the show follows corporate executives of Payne Motors at a crossroads as they adapt to the changing times or be sent to the junkyard. A new CEO shakes things up with her off leadership strategy and complete lack of knowledge about cars. From the creators of Superstore, it stars Ana Gasteyer, Harriet Dyer, Jon Barinholtz, Humphrey Ker, Michael B. Washington, Tye White and X Mayo. It premieres this month in its time slot debut after a December preview.
'This Is Us' (NBC, Jan. 4)
Tears will be sure to fall in the sixth and final season of This Is Us. Lauded as a grounded, life-affirming drama that reveals how the tiniest events in our lives impact who we become, and how the connections we share with each other can transcend time, distance and even death.
'Abbott Elementary' (ABC, Jan. 4 premiere for regular timeslot)
Another workplace comedy the features a group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal with the focal point being a Philadelphia public school. Despite the odds stacked against them, the crew are determined to help their students succeed in life. Stars include Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James, Tyler James Williams and more. The mockumentary-style series premieres Jan. 4 on ABC in its time slot debut after a December preview.
'Women of the Movement' (ABC, Jan. 6)
The highly-anticipated story follows the real life of Mamie Till-Mobley, who in 1955 risks her life to find justice after her son, Emmett, is brutally murdered in the Jim Crow South for allegedly whistling at a white woman. The six-episode series will air in three parts for three consecutive weeks. It stars Adrienne Warren as Mamie Till-Mobley, Tonya Pinkins as Alma, Cedric Joe as Emmett Till, Ray Fisher as Gene Mobley, Glynn Turman as Mose Wright, Chris Coy as J.W. Milam, Carter Jenkins as Roy Bryant and Julia McDermott as Carolyn Bryant.
'Ladies Who List: Atlanta' (OWN, Jan. 7)
The eight-episode series will premiere on OWN and follows six professional Black female real estate professionals dedicated to creating generational wealth. The show’s cast includes top-producing brokers, high-profile attorneys, and luxury agents, as they manage their ever-changing work and personal relationships while serving clients in the Atlanta real estate market as they navigate career, friendships, love, and life.
'The Kings of Napa' (OWN, Jan. 11)
Centered on a gorgeous and picturesque Napa Valley, California vineyard owned by the Kings, an aspirational African American family. But when the family patriarch dies unexpectedly, secrets and danger are exposed in this soap opera. Maintaining family and business in a competitive market proves to be tough.
Trey Mangum also contributed to this report.