Simon Nesbitt stars alongside Minnie Driver in the Netflix series Run Away
(Image: Netflix)
After popping champagne and partying until the early hours of the morning, New Year’s Day is the perfect excuse to get comfortable in front of the television and have a lazy Thursday. But what to watch is always the biggest issue.
Express.co.uk has got you covered as we have selected our top picks to watch as some of the biggest and best shows are landing on Netflix, ITV and the BBC on January 1. So whether you want to indulge in a thriller or left on the edge of your seats by a nail-biting reality series, here our the best shows to watch on New Year’s Day.
6. The Traitors
Following the hugely successful Celebrity Traitors the reality show returns with Claudia Winkleman at the helm. Viewers will be treated to a new batch of civilian contestants where they can expect “even more twists, turns, secrets, epic missions, deception, banishments and, of course, murders aplenty”, as 22 contestants battle to win the £120,000 prize money.
Where to watch: Episode 1 airs 8pm Thursday 1 January 2026
Episode 2 airs 8pm on Friday 2 January 2026
Episode 3 airs 7.45pm on Saturday 3 January 2026
All three episodes are available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
(Image: BBC)
5. Run Away
Netflix’s next adaptation from US thriller author Harlen Coben is the gripping Run Away. It hits streaming platforms on New Year’s Day and stars James Nesbitt as Simon and Ruth Jones as Elena.
The synopsis reads: “Simon’s perfect life is shattered when daughter Paige runs away, later found strung out in a park. Simon’s search leads into a dangerous underworld where an act of violence rocks his life.”
Where to watch: Run Away is available to stream on Netflix on January 1.
(Image: Netflix)
4. Red Eye
The second series of fan favourite Red Eye returns on January 1, with Jing Lusi reprising her role as DS Hana Li alongside new guest star, Martin Compston.
Together, the pair must set aside their differences to solve a new conspiracy and the stakes are high.
Where to watch: Red Eye airs 9pm on Thursday January 1 on ITVX
(Image: ITV)
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3. Wild London
David Attenborough returns as the wildlife presenter takes us on a tour of his beloved hometown. Having lived in London for 75 years, the 99 year old takes viewers on an intimate tour as he explores the capital’s natural history.
Where to watch: Wild London airs Thursday January 1 at 6.30pm on BBC One.
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