If your New Year’s resolutions involve work-life balance, better relationship choices, or the search for a missing teen, there’s something for you to watch on your small screen this January. The first months of 2025 will also see the long-awaited return of the worlds of video game production, intelligence, and national security law. These are the five streaming series you need to catch up on before continuing.
Goosebumps (Disney+)
What it’s about: The show is based on the iconic book series by R.L. Stine and similarly takes a YA approach to the supernatural horror genre. Each season follows a different serial story that connects multiple Goosebumps monsters, with the first episode being about the mystery of teenagers who collectively died. Season 2 is titled Goosebumps: The Vanishing and will begin streaming in its entirety on Friday, January 10th.
Why you should watch it: No matter how many times R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps stories and their characters are retold and reimagined, they continue to thrill and entertain. And yes, fan favorite Slappy the Living Dummy also appears in this film adaptation. This latest series, like the ’90s TV show and recent film series, complements the timeless novel with humorous scares, giving young viewers a fun introduction to horror.
Where to watch: Disney+ (Subscription, Season 1)
Commitment: Approximately 6 hours (for season 1)
Harley Quinn (Max)
Summary: DC Comics’ famous characters lead this darkly comedic animated series for adults. At the start of the show, Harley Quinn breaks up with the Joker and is on a path to self-discovery while forming a crew of fellow supervillains. As the series continues, Harley and Poison Ivy’s romantic relationship becomes central to the plot, as does their turn to crime fighting. The first episode of Harley Quinn: Season 5 will premiere on Wednesday, January 16th.
Why you should watch it: Over the past decade, Harley Quinn has rightly become one of the most beloved characters in the DC Comics universe. And that’s not just thanks to Margot Robbie’s performance in the live-action film. This animated incarnation, voiced by Kaley Cuoco, is very charming, and the show around her is smart, funny, romantic, and action-packed. You don’t have to be a DC Comics fan to enjoy Harley Quinn, but given the number of major and minor characters introduced throughout the first four seasons, you’ll probably be one anyway.
Where to watch: Max (subscription, seasons 1-4); Buy on Fandango at Home, Apple TV
Commitment: Approximately 18 hours (seasons 1-4, including Valentine’s Day special)
Retirement benefits (Apple TV+
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What it’s about: Adam Scott of Parks and Recreation fame stars in this sci-fi thriller about an office where employees know nothing about their lives outside of work. And vice versa. Once they go to work, their consciousness switches to the presence of their “comrades” at Lumon Industries, and when they leave work at the end of the day, their “comrades” selves take over to go home. However, throughout the first season, Lemon’s employees begin to uncover the company’s secrets and restore their own halves. The first episode of Severance: Season 2 will premiere on Friday, January 17th.
Why you should watch it: One of the smartest and most consistently interesting TV series of the past decade, Severance is the addictive mystery box show that fans have been waiting for three years to see again. . This quirky workplace comedy features a diverse cast of memorable characters and an impressive ensemble cast, including Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Zach Cherry, and Britt Lower. .
Where to watch: Apple TV+ (Subscription, Season 1)
Commitment: Approximately 7 hours (for season 1)
Mythic Quest (Apple TV+)
(Photo courtesy of Apple TV+)
What it’s about: From the creators of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, this workplace comedy is helmed by Rob McElhenney, co-creator of both series. In the show, he plays the creative genius behind a popular online multiplayer video game. Throughout the first three seasons, he encounters conflicts with other members of the Mythic Quest team, the gaming industry at large, and even the COVID-19 pandemic as he strives to expand the game and its success. The first two episodes of season 4 will premiere on Wednesday, January 29th.
Why you should watch it: Mythic Quest is one of the funniest workplace shows going on right now, starring McElhenny, Community’s Danny Pudi, and the underrated comedic talent of Oscar-winning actor F. Murray Abraham. This is not surprising, given that With a new season and a spin-off anthology series coming soon after, now is the perfect time to log in and enjoy the first three seasons.
Where to watch: Apple TV+ (subscription, seasons 1-3)
Commitment: Approximately 13.5 hours (seasons 1-3, including 2 special episodes)
The Recruit (Netflix)
What it’s about: A series about the unique field of the U.S. intelligence community, The Recruit stars Noah Centineo (Black Adam) as a newly hired CIA lawyer. Of course, his life and career are quickly drawn into the action of a massive spy game when a wealthy Eastern European millionaire demands that she be released from prison. Season 2 will premiere in its entirety on Thursday, January 30th.
Why you should watch it: On paper it sounds like a fast-paced geopolitical thriller, but it’s far more approachable and even humorous at times, thanks in large part to Centineo’s engaging lead performance. Audiences have been more receptive to The Recruit’s light action and fast-paced adventure than critics, but it’s still a breezy watch that’s an enjoyable way to pass the time.
Where to watch: Netflix (Subscription, Season 1)
Commitment: Approximately 7 hours (for season 1)
On your Apple device? Follow Rotten Tomatoes on Apple News.
