I It’s a new year, and there’s plenty to watch—but not everything is worth your time. Every Friday on Foolishness Friday, I break down what’s worth watching and what you should skip. Some of these picks will have you hooked, others might leave you screaming at the screen (for the right or wrong reasons), and a few are so bad they deserve a public service announcement.
January’s list has everything—thrillers, dramas, documentaries, and even a little foolishness. Whether you’re into big performances, wild stories, or just want to know what everyone will be talking about, there’s something here for you. Check out the full list below!
1. Luther: Never Too Much
“Luther: Never Too Much,” the documentary film from award-winning director Dawn Porter, chronicles the story of a vocal virtuoso. Using a wealth of rarely seen archives, Luther tells his own story with assistance from his closest friends and musical collaborators including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson and Roberta Flack. The film relives the many stunning moments of Luther’s musical career, while exploring his personal life, health struggles, and a lifelong battle to earn the respect his music deserved. Streaming on Max >
2. Squid Game: Season 2
Three years after winning Squid Game, Player 456 gave up going to the states and comes back with a new resolution in his mind. Gi-hun once again dives into the mysterious survival game, starting another life-or-death game with new participants gathered to win the prize of 45.6 billion won. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who made history at the 74th Primetime Emmys® becoming the first Asian to win Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, once again helms the series as director, writer, and producer. Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, and Gong Yoo reprise their roles from Season 1 with an impeccable list of new cast members including Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, Jo Yu-ri, and Won Ji-an rounding out the ensemble of colorful characters in the new season. Streaming on Netflix >
3. Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall
Herstory will be made y’all: Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall premieres globally December 31, only on Netflix. As the first female comic to record a special at the iconic Radio City Music Hall, Buteau returns to Netflix for her second comedy special. Celebrate the New Year right as Buteau reflects on motherhood, marriage, and more. Streaming on Netflix >
4. Earth Abides
Ish, a brilliant but solitary young geologist living a semi-isolated life, awakens from a coma only to find that a global plague has all but wiped out humanity. In the aftermath, Ish is forced to look for what he was so certain he could live without, other people. These last few shattered survivors will be humanity’s second chance, the last hope against the slide into extinction. Streaming on MGM+ >
5. Bookie
This darkly funny comedy follows veteran Los Angeles bookie Danny (Sebastian Maniscalco) as the potential legalization of sports gambling threatens to upend his business. Full of relatable mishaps, Bookie chronicles one man’s journey to adapt to an ever-changing world as he attempts to charm and con his way to the top. Streaming on Max >
BONUS WATCH: Beyoncé Bowl
The iconic Beyoncé takes the field for a special hometown halftime show on NFL Christmas Gameday from Houston, Texas. Streaming on Netflix >