This week features a diverse lineup of television premieres, including a nature documentary hosted by Will Smith, a punk rock series, and an adaptation of an Agatha Christie classic. The programming spans from January 12 to 18, 2024, offering engaging content for a variety of audiences.
Will Smith Explores the Wild
On January 13 at 21:00, Nat Geo will debut “Pole to Pole with Will Smith.” In this documentary, the acclaimed actor and producer journeys to both the North and South Poles, as well as the Amazon rainforest, to explore the wonders of nature. The series will become available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+ the following day, allowing viewers a chance to join Smith on his environmental adventure.
Punk Rock and Mystery Thrills
The exploration of unique perspectives continues with “Riot Women,” premiering on BritBox on January 14. This series, created by Sally Wainwright, tells the story of a group of middle-aged women who form a punk rock band to compete in a talent show. Wainwright is known for her work on acclaimed series such as “Gentleman Jack” and “Happy Valley,” and this new show promises to blend humor and empowerment in a fresh narrative.
Another intriguing addition to the week is “Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials,” which will be available on Netflix starting January 15. This miniseries adapts Christie’s novel and stars Mia McKenna-Bruce as Lady Eileen “Bundle” Brent, who embarks on a murder investigation following a prank gone horribly wrong. The cast also includes notable actors Helena Bonham-Carter and Martin Freeman, adding to the series’ appeal for mystery enthusiasts.
On the same day, “Ponies,” premiering on Peacock, shifts focus from equines to espionage. The narrative revolves around two women, portrayed by Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson, whose husbands are killed while undercover in 1970s Russia. With their husbands gone, the duo takes it upon themselves to uncover the truth behind the incidents, blending elements of suspense and drama.
Finally, fans of the iconic “Star Trek” franchise can look forward to “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” which premieres on January 15 on Paramount+. This new series follows a group of aspiring cadets navigating their way through the prestigious academy under the guidance of Captain Nahla Ake, voiced by Holly Hunter. The show expands the “Star Trek” universe and aims to attract a younger audience.
The week culminates with the highly anticipated premiere of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” on HBO on January 18 at 22:00. Set a century before the events of the original “Game of Thrones,” this new series chronicles the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and his young squire, Egg. While the original series was known for its dramatic tone, early indications suggest a more comedic approach for this installment, complete with knights, mud, and perhaps a few flagons of ale.
As television continues to evolve, these varied offerings reflect a growing interest in both documentary storytelling and fictional narratives that resonate with different audiences. Whether viewers are seeking adventure, humor, or mystery, this week’s premieres provide a rich selection of options to explore.
