Looking for something to watch this Friday, January 9, 2026? You're in luck—tonight's lineup is packed with premieres, binge-worthy series, and even a controversial romance adaptation that might just spark some heated debates. But here's where it gets exciting: from a heartwarming (yet divisive) love story to a gripping thriller starring Andrew Lincoln, there’s something for every mood. And this is the part most people miss—hidden gems like a historical weapons show that’ll leave you questioning humanity’s ingenuity. Let’s dive in!
Every day, TVLine’s What to Watch column curates the best of new and returning English-language shows and movies across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. Organized by release time and alphabetized within each slot, it’s your go-to guide for staying entertained. But here’s the kicker: What if your next favorite show is hiding in plain sight?
Controversy Alert: People We Meet on Vacation, based on Emily Henry’s novel, hits Netflix tonight. While some praise its charming take on friendship-turned-romance, others argue it’s too predictable. Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth) have spent years vacationing together—but could their bond be something more? Is this a refreshing love story or just another trope? You decide.
Meanwhile, Andrew Lincoln stars in Coldwater (Paramount+), a six-episode binge about a family’s move to rural Scotland after a traumatic event. But here’s the twist: What if the real danger isn’t the violent incident, but the secrets they’re running from?
For action fans, Tehran returns to Apple TV+ with Season 3. Tamar’s gone rogue, and with Hugh Laurie joining the cast, the stakes in Iran’s nuclear crisis have never been higher. But is Tamar a hero or a liability? The lines blur as she fights for survival.
If you’re craving variety, here’s the full schedule:
3:00 AM ET
- A Thousand Blows (Hulu): Season 2 kicks off with Mary Carr’s crew taking risks that could cost them everything.
- Coldwater (Paramount+): Lincoln’s gripping drama premieres, blending family drama with psychological tension.
- People We Meet on Vacation (Netflix): The feel-good (or is it?) romance movie everyone’s talking about.
- Tehran (Apple TV+): Tamar’s dangerous mission continues, with Hugh Laurie adding a layer of intrigue.
7:30 PM ET
- College Football (ESPN): Oregon vs. Indiana in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl—who will dominate?
8:00 PM ET
- Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (ABC): Max Greenfield, D’Arcy Carden, and Timothy Simons spin for charity.
- Friday Night Vibes (TBS): Nina and Kevin revisit Rampage (2018) and The Flash (2023).
- RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV): The queens form rival girl groups, with Dove Cameron as guest judge. Will their performances slay or flop?
9:00 PM ET
- Spartacus: House of Ashur (Starz): Korris demands blood, while Ashur tries to turn an enemy into an ally.
- The UnBelievable With Dan Aykroyd (History Channel): Season 3 finale explores history’s wildest weapons, from pigeon-guided missiles to corpse-launching trebuchets. Ever wondered how bizarre human ingenuity can get? This is it.
Want this delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for TVLine’s free What to Watch newsletter here.
Now, here’s the question: Which show or movie are you most excited for tonight? And do you think People We Meet on Vacation deserves the hype? Let us know in the comments—we love a good debate!
