As we leave the holiday hustle behind and shamelessly settle into hibernation mode (or not), January 2026 is kicking off with a mix of high-stakes streaming, Broadway blockbusters, and a return to the classics on Toronto’s stages. From the long-awaited return of Bridgerton (finally), to comedy classic Mrs. Doubtfire on stage at the Princess of Wales theatre, there are ample opportunities for popcorn-filled fun to kick off the year. So, kiss those January blahs goodbye before they even start. Here is your definitive entertainment guide to the best of the month in Toronto.
This is your monthly entertainment guide of what’s available to stream, binge, or watch live near you.
ON-SCREEN
Run Away
The New Year kicks off on a thrilling note with Run Away, an eight-episode limited series premiering on Netflix on January 1. You can expect a gritty Harlan Coben nail-biter starring James Nesbitt as a father whose search for his daughter leads him into a dark underworld.
People We Meet on Vacation
Starring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, rom-com People We Meet on Vacation follows two polar-opposite best friends who attempt to repair their relationship during a final summer trip to Palm Springs. It hits Netflix on January 9.
The Pitt: Season Two
Returning January 8, 2026 on HBO Max, The Pitt Season 2 skips ahead 10 months to a high-stakes Fourth of July shift. In its signature real-time format, Dr. Michael Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) prepares for a sabbatical while mentoring a newly sober colleague through a chaotic hospital-wide blackout.
The Traitors: Season 4
Premiering January 8, 2026, The Traitors Season 4 brings 23 celebrities, including Donna Kelce, Lisa Rinna, and Kristen Kish, to the Scottish Highlands. Hosted by Alan Cumming, this season raises the stakes with a $250,000 prize and a new “Secret Traitor” twist that keeps both the players and the audience guessing.
The Night Manager: Season Two
Picking up a decade after the original finale, Season 2 follows Jonathan Pine as he is pulled out of a quiet life in London to infiltrate a lethal Colombian arms cartel. The series premiered on January 1, 2026, on the BBC and arrives on Prime Video internationally on January 11.
Hijack: Season 2
Idris Elba is back for the thrilling Hijack: Season 2, premiering on January 14 on Apple TV+. This time, the crisis isn’t in the air, but the real-time tension remains just as suffocating (and binge-worthy).
The Rip
Timeless dream team Ben Affleck and Matt Damon reunite as Miami cops who stumble upon a massive cash haul during a drug bust in feature film The Rip. It hits Netflix January 18.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Set a century before Game of Thrones, this HBO prequel follows Dunk, a massive but humble knight, and his spunky young squire, Egg. Travelling a dragon-less Westeros, they hide a royal secret: Egg is actually Prince Aegon Targaryen in disguise.
The Smashing Machine
A24’s The Smashing Machine, hitting HBO Max on January 23, stars Dwayne Johnson in a career-defining turn as MMA legend Mark Kerr. The gritty biopic film explores Kerr’s rise in the UFC and Pride alongside his intense personal battles with addiction and his volatile relationship with Dawn Staples (Emily Blunt).
Shrinking: Season 3
Shrinking Season 3 premieres January 28, 2026, on Apple TV+. The final chapter of Jimmy’s journey focuses on “moving forward” as he faces an empty nest, new romance, and guest stars Michael J. Fox and Jeff Daniels.
Bridgerton: Season 4 (Part 1)
It’s the masquerade ball we’ve all been waiting for. Benedict Bridgerton finally takes centre stage, when the fourth season of beloved series Bridgerton returns to Netfix on January 29.
ON STAGE
& Juliet
The pop-fuelled revisionist history of Juliet Capulet remains one of the hardest tickets to get in the city. This massive hit pop musical & Juliet at the Royal Alexandra Theatre (ongoing) is an empowering, fast-paced jukebox musical that reimagines Juliet’s story after Romeo dies.
Mrs. Doubtfire
Everyone’s favourite larger-than-life Scottish nanny hits the stage this winter (January 6-18) at the Princess of Wales Theatre. This musical comedy masterpiece is high-energy, hilarious, and perfect for a night out with the family.
Candlelight Concerts: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Experience the iconic sounds of Fleetwood Mac among thousands of candles, and a curated selection of songs played in a way you’ve never heard before at the next Candlelight Concerts event on January 8 at the Royal Theatre. This is classical music, reimagined.
Halsey: Back to Badlands
Halsey treats her fans to a more intimate affair when she takes the stage at History on January 11 as part of her celebrated Back to Badlands 10th anniversary tour.
Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical
Kimberly Akimbo, winner of five Tony Awards (including Best Musical), finally lands in Toronto. It’s a quirky, heart-wrenching story about a girl who ages four times faster than normal. Catch it on stage at the CAA Theatre starting January 15.
James Acaster
Brilliantly awkward and famed UK stand-up mind, James Acaster, brings his new show to Massey Hall on January 20-21, where he’ll deliver some depth-of-winter LOLs to bring your soul back to life.
Blue Rodeo
Canadian institution Blue Rodeo graces the stage at Massey Hall January 23-24, offering a nostalgic fix for those who can’t wait for the band’s annual summertime show.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – In Concert
Experience The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring on a giant screen while the TO Live Orchestra performs the entire Howard Shore score live on January 23-24. This massive, immersive production sells out every time it visits.
Canadian Opera Company: Verdi’s Rigoletto
Experience a dark tale of jealousy and revenge when the Canadian Opera Company’s Verdi Rigoletto at the Four Seasons Centre on January 24. If you only see one opera this year, let it be this powerhouse production.
Hilary Duff: Small Rooms, Big Nerves
In what is being called the most anticipated (and nostalgic) pop comeback of the year, early 2000s star Hilary Duff returns to the stage for her first Toronto show in nearly 20 years on January 24.
Jessie J: No Secrets Tour
Catch a rare chance to see powerhouse vocalist Jessie J in a smaller venue when she takes the stage at The Danforth Music Hall on January 25.
UpDating
Experience a raw, live-dating social experiment (without even downloading a dating app) that is equal parts hilarious and cringe-inducing when UpDating takes the stage at the Danforth Music Hall on January 30.
Ghost: Skeletour
Close out the month with a massive, theatrical occult-rock spectacle when Ghost takes the stage at Scotiabank Arena on January 31 as part of the Skeletour World Tour.
NEW MUsic
The Kid LAROI: Before I Forget
The Kid LAROI releases his anticipated album, Before I Forget, on January 9. The album marks the entering of a more reflective, vulnerable era for the artist.
Zach Bryan: With Heaven on Top
Prolific country star Zach Bryan kicks off the year with another soulful, rugged project with the release of With Heaven on Top on January 9.
Madison Beer: Locket
Madison Beer’s third studio album, Locket, set for release on January 16, promises to be her most intimate and intentional work yet.
A$AP Rocky: Don’t Be Dumb
After nearly eight years, the Harlem icon A$AP Rocky finally returns with his long-awaited fourth album, Don’t Be Dumb, on January 16.
Lucinda Williams: World’s Gone Wrong
Lucinda Williams will release her 16th studio album, World’s Gone Wrong, on January 23, 2026. Recorded in Nashville, the record serves as a socio-political “wake-up call” and features high-profile collaborations with Mavis Staples, Norah Jones, and Brittney Spencer.
Louis Tomlinson : How Did I Get Here?
How Did I Get Here? is the highly anticipated third studio album by English singer-songwriter Louis Tomlinson (formerly of One Direction), scheduled for release on January 23, 2026.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source viewthevibe.com ’
