For many, the festive season's television schedule has long been a highlight, with families gathering to watch classics like Doctor Who and Strictly Come Dancing. Yet, the Christmas Day 2025 offerings left many viewers feeling underwhelmed, with a few notable exceptions. The real televisual feast, it seems, has been saved for the start of the new year.
A Blockbuster Start to 2026
Forget the post-Christmas lethargy of Boxing Day. The first of January 2026 is the new date for a supreme sofa session, boasting a line-up that genuinely spoils audiences for choice. From the return of a reality TV phenomenon to the long-awaited comeback of a critically acclaimed spy thriller and the emotional conclusion of a global streaming hit, the schedule is packed.
The day kicks off with a bang as the BBC's The Traitors launches its fourth civilian series. Following the celebrity edition that concluded in November 2025, the show is back with 22 new contestants vying for a £120,000 prize. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the series promises its signature blend of paranoia and strategy, with three episodes airing consecutively from Thursday to Saturday in its first week. The premiere is on BBC One at 8pm on January 1.
Major Drama Returns and Epic Conclusions
Later in the evening, Tom Hiddleston reprises his role as Jonathan Pine in The Night Manager season two, nearly a decade after the first season captivated audiences and fuelled Bond speculation. The BBC drama returns at 9.05pm on BBC One, seeing Hiddleston's character drawn back into the world of espionage. He is joined once more by Olivia Colman as Angela Burr, alongside new cast members including Diego Calva, Camila Morrone, and Indira Varma.
Meanwhile, on Netflix, an era comes to a close. The fifth and final season of Stranger Things reaches its feature-length conclusion. After a run of almost ten years, the Duffer Brothers' sci-fi phenomenon will answer its remaining questions in a finale released at 1am on January 1. The season was released in three parts, with this grand finale promising an emotional end to the story of Hawkins, its heroes, and the battle against Vecna.
More Thrills for New Year's Day
The day's offerings don't stop there. Netflix also debuts Run Away, a new thriller from master storyteller Harlan Coben. Starring James Nesbitt, Ruth Jones, and Minnie Driver, the series follows a father's desperate search for his missing daughter, unravelling dark family secrets in the process. All episodes land on January 1.
Over on ITV, the suspenseful drama Red Eye returns for a second season at 9pm on ITV1. Jing Lusi reprises her role as Detective Hana Li, this time joined by Line of Duty star Martin Compston as Clay Brody, head of security at the US embassy. The new series continues the high-altitude conspiracy, with all episodes available on ITVX from launch.
This exceptional line-up marks a significant shift in how broadcasters are treating the New Year's Day slot, positioning it as a premier destination for major launches and finales. For viewers, it transforms the first day of 2026 from a recovery day into a major event in the cultural calendar.
