Emma’s Must-Sees for January 2026

January is a big month for us – it’s when many of our most popular shows return! This year is no different, with fan favorite programs like All Creatures Great and Small, Miss Scarlet and Finding Your Roots all premiering new seasons this month. Or if you’re in the mood for trying something new, consider the King Celebration Concert for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the new Independent Lens documentary on Bay Area film editor Vivien Hillgrove, or the American Masters program about Nobel prize-winning author Elie Wiesel premiering on Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27).

Become a member to sustain public media and the television programming you love. As a benefit, you’ll get access to Passport so you can stream KQED programming on demand and access our online library of public television programming.

For everyone who watched the American Masters documentary “Starring Dick Van Dyke” and were craving more of the iconic actor, you’re in luck! One of his most memorable films, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) will be coming to our Saturday Night Movie series this January. Van Dyke is delightful in his role as an eccentric inventor who goes on an adventure in a refurbished racecar. Just hearing the first few notes of the title song instantly brought me back to my childhood. And if you need another excuse to stay in on these long winter nights, we’re now airing double features every Saturday. So stick around after Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for the Judy Garland biopic Judy (2019) starring Renee Zellweger.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) airs on KQED 9 on Saturday January 3 at 8pm, followed by Judy (2019) at 10:30pm.

One of my favorite museums is the Tenement Museum in New York City, where their tours follow one real immigrant family and highlight their daily lives. So it’s no surprise that I also love Finding Your Roots. It’s such a great opportunity for me to get to know some of my favorite stars in a whole new way, while also getting a unique slice of history through their family’s story. This new season has a fantastic lineup of celebrities and cultural figures. Personally I’m most excited for Darren Criss, Spike Lee, and America Ferrera, but there are so many more fascinating stories in these new episodes. Plus stay to the end for my favorite segment where they learn if they are (distantly) related to any past guests.

Airs on KQED 9 on Tuesday January 6 at 8pm. Stream for free on the PBS App the night of the broadcast premiere.

Some people think of January as the start of the new year, but for me January means All Creatures Great and Small is returning. I love the chance to catch up with my favorite characters – both human and animal – each year. Since its premiere back in 2021, All Creatures has been the ultimate comfort watch, helping me (and I’m sure other people!) through long winters and difficult times. This season is no different. It takes place in 1945 as the war in Europe winds down and the Skeldale family steps into a new chapter. Even as things change, there are always the constants of the show: compassion, community, and a love for animals. I can’t wait to dive back in.

Premiere airs on KQED 9 on Sunday January 11 at 9pm. Binge the whole season with Passport on the PBS App the night of its broadcast premiere.

I grew up watching Midsomer Murders with my grandfather in Australia. Back then I was young enough to misunderstand the title, thinking it was just covering crimes that happened in the mid-summer. These happy memories are why I’m thrilled to still have new episodes to look forward to, and that the show has found such a popular home on Wednesday nights on PLUS. It’s like a little connection back to that time and my extended family across the globe. This new season returns with DCI Barnaby and DS Winter once again solving crimes in the inexplicably deadly county of Midsomer. The season premiere even features some familiar faces as guest stars: Sarah Winters (Professor T and Queens of Mystery) and Alex MacQueen (Peaky Blinders).

Premieres on PLUS on Wednesday January 14 at 8pm.

Based on the Inspector Gently novels written by Alan Hunter, Inspector George Gently is a classic British crime drama. The gritty series starts with the Inspector on the brink of retirement following the murder of his wife. But of course when a notorious gangster associated with her death becomes connected to another murder victim, he gets sucked back in. The first episode features an incredibly compelling performance from Richard Armitage (the Hobbit Trilogy), as well as a young Shaun Evans (Endeavour) as members of the deadly bike gang. Inspector George Gently has all the elements of a great crime show: a surly detective haunted by his past, various unsavory supporting characters getting in his way, and of course a tightly constructed mystery at the center of it all.

Premieres on PLUS on Tuesday January 20 at 9:45pm. Available to stream now with Passport on the PBS App.

In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, American Masters is premiering a new documentary “Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire,” a poignant and intimate portrait of the Holocaust survivor and Nobel prize-winning author of Night. The film combines Wiesel’s personal archives, original interviews as well as beautiful hand painted animation to give a full picture of his life. It’s difficult to put into words how affecting it is to hear Wiesel speak about his experiences alongside rare archival footage and hauntingly unique artwork. Watching the film, I was reminded of the importance of preserving history, telling stories, and speaking out for human rights. To further commemorate this day, we also will be airing Simon Schama: The Holocaust, 80 Years On later in the evening on KQED 9.

Premieres on KQED 9 on Tuesday January 27 at 8pm. Available to stream for free the night of its broadcast premiere.

Antiques Roadshow returns, starting with a stop in Salt Lake City. Discoveries include German candy containers, a Donegal Arts & Craft carpet and a first UK edition of “The Hobbit.”

Premieres on KQED 9 on January 5 at 8pm. Or stream for free on the PBS App the night of its broadcast premiere.

Miss Scarlet continues solving crimes in Victorian London as the city’s first female private investigator. In the season premiere Miss Scarlet investigates a case tied to a violent psychiatric patient.

Premieres on KQED 9 on Sunday January 11 at 8pm. Binge the whole season on the PBS App with KQED Passport now.

Post-WWII London is a dangerous place. Especially for men like Gabriel Book. But every good bookseller needs a hobby, and Book’s is solving murders.

Premieres on KQED 9 on Sunday January 11 at 10pm. Binge the whole season on the PBS App with KQED Passport the night of its broadcast premiere.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in partnership with Ebenezer Baptist Church present the return of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration concert in honor of Martin Luther King day.

Premieres on KQED 9 on Monday January 19 at 10pm. Stream for free January 1 on the PBS App.

Meteorite impacts have often been linked to mass extinctions. But is it possible that giant asteroid impacts were actually essential for the creation of life on Earth?

Premieres on KQED 9 on Wednesday January 21 at 9pm. Or stream for free on the PBS App the night of its broadcast premiere.

When legendary Bay Area film editor Vivien Hillgrove begins losing her sight, she confronts memories of loss and resilience while reinventing herself as an artist with a disability.

Premieres on KQED 9 on January 26 at 10pm. Or stream for free on the PBS App the night of its broadcast premiere.

Looking for more programs to watch? Find our past recommendations:

December 2025
November 2025
October 2025
September 2025
August 2025
July 2025
June 2025
May 2025
April 2025
March 2025