Streaming Platforms Drop Major Shows and Movies This Week
After a quiet beginning to 2026, streaming services are finally releasing must-watch content. From Ben Affleck's new thriller to Star Trek's academy series, here's what's worth your time.
Streaming services are finally hitting their stride after a sluggish January start. This week brings three compelling new series and three movies that'll keep you glued to your screen.
Netflix drops a gripping thriller featuring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon called The Rip. Paramount Plus launches its newest Star Trek series focused on academy life. Apple TV returns with another season of Idris Elba's intense action drama Hijack.
New Series Worth Watching
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy takes the franchise hundreds of years beyond Picard's era. The show follows the first class at a rebuilt academy after a galaxy-wide catastrophe. Students and veteran instructors mix in stories that bounce between space adventures and Earth-based drama.
The cast includes Holly Hunter, Tig Notaro, and Paul Giamatti. While juggling multiple characters sometimes creates problems, the show maintains Trek's hopeful future vision with high energy throughout.
The Rip comes from director Joe Carnahan, who made The Grey and Copshop. Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, and Teyana Taylor play Miami cops who discover millions in cash during what seemed like routine work. The temptation to take some money tests their loyalty and trust.
Returning Favorites
Hijack's second season moves from airplane drama to Berlin's subway system. Idris Elba returns as corporate negotiator Sam Nelson, but this time he's a broken man haunted by previous experiences. The character change prevents the show from simply repeating its first season formula.
Netflix secured all 25 James Bond movies starting January 15. The collection runs from Dr. No through No Time to Die, including the rarely seen Never Say Never Again. Standout picks include From Russia With Love, Casino Royale, and Live & Let Die.
The Night Manager's second season finally reaches Prime Video after launching on New Year's Day in the UK. Tom Hiddleston and Olivia Colman return for six episodes based on John le Carré's spy fiction. The show offers a sophisticated alternative to typical action thrillers.
Movie Spotlight
The Life of Chuck represents an unusual Stephen King adaptation. Director Mike Flanagan crafts a touching story about accountant Chuck Krantz, played by Tom Hiddleston. The movie starts with his death and works backward through his life.
This emotional approach recalls classics like The Shawshank Redemption rather than typical King horror. Critics split on whether the film succeeds as a tearjerker or falls into sentimental territory. Streaming might give it a second chance with audiences.