A diverse lineup of television premieres is set for the week of January 12-18, 2024, featuring familiar faces and intriguing new stories. Among the highlights is a nature documentary featuring actor and producer Will Smith, alongside adaptations of classic literature and fresh takes on beloved genres.
Will Smith Takes Viewers on a Nature Journey
Will Smith adds another dimension to his career with the premiere of “Pole to Pole with Will Smith” on January 13 at 21:00 (UTC). The documentary, airing on the Nat Geo channel and available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+ the following day, showcases Smith as he explores both the North and South Poles. His journey also includes a stop in the Amazon rainforest, allowing him to experience diverse ecosystems firsthand.
New Series Explore Different Genres and Themes
The exploration of music and identity continues with “Riot Women,” premiering on January 14 on BritBox. This series, created by Sally Wainwright, follows a group of middle-aged women who form a punk rock band to compete in a local talent show. Wainwright, known for her work on “Gentleman Jack” and “Happy Valley,” brings her distinctive storytelling style to this unique premise.
Adapted from a work by the renowned mystery author Agatha Christie, “Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials” debuts on January 15 on Netflix. The miniseries stars Mia McKenna-Bruce as Lady Eileen “Bundle” Brent, who investigates a prank gone wrong at a country estate, leading to unexpected consequences. The cast also features well-known actors Helena Bonham-Carter and Martin Freeman.
On the same day, “Ponies” premieres on Peacock. Contrary to its title, the show does not focus on horses but rather on two women, played by Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson, whose husbands die while working undercover in Russia during the late 1970s. Determined to uncover the truth, the duo embarks on their own investigation.
The world of Star Trek expands with the launch of “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” on January 15 via Paramount+. This new series follows a group of young cadets navigating the challenges of the academy under the guidance of Holly Hunter, who plays Captain Nahla Ake. Notably, Stephen Colbert lends his voice to a digital dean, adding a layer of humor to the storyline.
Finally, fans of “Game of Thrones” can look forward to “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” premiering January 18 at 22:00 (UTC) on HBO. Set a century before the original series, this new show centers on Ser Duncan the Tall, a knight aspiring to make his mark, accompanied by a young squire named Egg. Unlike “Ponies,” this series returns to the medieval themes of swords, mud, and adventure that defined its predecessor.
As these exciting new series and documentaries make their debuts, viewers around the world can engage with a variety of narratives that explore nature, music, mystery, and fantasy. Each show promises to deliver unique perspectives and captivating stories that appeal to a broad audience.
