The new year kicks off with a major wave of high-profile premieres across the streaming platforms. From blockbuster finales and returning series to fresh documentaries and reality experiments, the first week of January sets the tone for what’s to come in 2026. Whether you’re easing into the year or diving straight into a binge, here’s everything new to stream between 1 and 7 January 2026.

Highlights of the Week (Top Picks)

A curated selection of the biggest releases to start the year:

• Stranger Things 5: The Finale (Netflix) — The global phenomenon reaches its long-awaited conclusion.
• Beast Games: Season 2 (Prime Video) — The viral competition series returns with bigger challenges.
• Unlocked: A Jail Experiment – Season 2 (Netflix) — The controversial social experiment continues.
• Red Eye: Season 2 (Stan) — The tense thriller returns with higher stakes.
• Cheetahs Up Close with Bertie Gregory (Disney+) — A breathtaking nature documentary to start the year.

BY PLATFORM

NETFLIX

1 January

Stranger Things 5: The Finale
The epic saga of Hawkins comes to an end as the final chapter delivers its ultimate showdown.

7 January

Unlocked: A Jail Experiment – Season 2
A bold social experiment returns, examining power, trust and survival inside a real correctional facility.

STAN

1 January

Dear Life
A reflective drama exploring love, loss and the moments that shape a lifetime.

2 January

Red Eye: Season 2
The high-tension thriller continues as new conspiracies emerge and danger escalates.

3 January

Changing Ends: Season 2
The comedy-drama returns, blending humour and heart as its characters navigate identity and family.

6 January

The Witches
A dark fantasy reimagining centred on secrets, power and the supernatural.

MAX

1 January

The Prince
A dramatic series examining privilege, ambition and power behind palace walls.

2 January

The Cult of the Real Housewife
A documentary-style deep dive into fandom, fame and the culture surrounding reality television.

BINGE

1 January

RUN
A high-energy thriller launching the year with momentum and mystery.

4 January

Freaky Tales
A genre-blending anthology packed with strange stories and unexpected twists.

7 January

The Postcard Bandit
A true-crime series exploring one of Australia’s most infamous criminal cases.

DISNEY+

2 January

Cheetahs Up Close with Bertie Gregory
An immersive wildlife documentary following the fastest animals on Earth in their natural habitat.

PRIME VIDEO

6 January

Spring Fever
A romantic drama capturing renewal, connection and emotional awakening.

7 January

Beast Games: Season 2
The high-stakes competition series returns with tougher challenges and bigger prizes.

January opens with a strong mix of finales, franchise returns and bold new concepts across every major streamer. Whether you’re saying goodbye to Stranger Things, diving into reality experiments or starting the year with documentaries and thrillers, the first week of 2026 delivers plenty to keep you entertained as the year begins.