Trending TV: Your Ultimate Guide to What’s Hot This Week (Jan 4, 2026)

The new year has arrived, bringing a fantastic lineup of Trending TV. This week offers must-watch television, with exciting new shows and returning favorites awaiting viewers. Big events and compelling documentaries also feature prominently. Plan your week with these top TV and streaming picks, making sure to catch all the Trending TV.

The Week’s Biggest Events in Trending TV

Sunday, January 4, marks the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards, an event celebrating excellence in film and television. You can catch the live broadcast on E! and USA Network, starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Many anticipated movies and shows will vie for top honors, adding to the excitement of Trending TV. Following the awards, the College Football Playoff semifinals begin. The action heats up on Thursday, January 8, with No. 10 Miami facing No. 6 Ole Miss, airing on ESPN. Then, on Friday, January 9, No. 5 Oregon battles No. 1 Indiana, another exciting matchup also on ESPN. Football games always draw a crowd, and these crucial matches are part of the week’s Trending TV.

New Series and Returning Favorites for Trending TV

Food Network introduces a sweet new competition with Baking Championship: Next Gen, premiering Monday, January 5. Twelve sibling teams, aged 8-14, will compete for $25,000, hosted by Duff Goldman and Kardea Brown. Expect creative challenges and sibling rivalry in this fun series, with episodes streaming the next day on HBO Max and discovery+. ABC’s hit drama 9-1-1 makes its mid-season return, with new episodes starting Thursday, January 8. The show continues its focus on brave first responders, offering intense rescue missions that are prime examples of Trending TV. Another mid-season return comes Monday, January 5, with Brilliant Minds, a compelling medical drama back on NBC, promising more gripping patient stories. These returning shows significantly add to the week’s Trending TV options, showcasing what to watch next.

Documentary Spotlight: Los Angeles Wildfires on Trending TV

A significant documentary premieres this week, offering a deep dive into important topics. Weathered: After the LA Firestorm examines the aftermath of recent wildfires in Los Angeles. These fires devastated the region, and the film explores the profound psychological impact as survivors, first responders, and affected communities share their raw experiences. It highlights the challenges of recovery and is a must-watch for understanding current environmental news. This important news, a key documentary premiere, sheds light on climate events and advocates for better disaster response, making it a notable piece of Trending TV.

A Glimpse into the Future of Trending TV

Looking ahead, new streaming content continues to expand the landscape of Trending TV. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is set to premiere, beaming onto Paramount+ on January 15. This new series follows the first class of Starfleet cadets in a century, promising exploration and coming-of-age stories. Many streaming services are releasing new movies and series throughout January, offering viewers endless options for entertainment and contributing to the ever-growing list of Trending TV.

Your Weekly Viewing Plan for Trending TV

This week is packed with diverse programming, making it a prime week for viewing and exploring what’s hot in Trending TV. From the glamour of the Critics Choice Awards to high-stakes football games and engaging new baking challenges or dramatic rescues. You can also get engrossed in the insightful look at the Los Angeles firestorm with the documentary premiere. With so much quality tv available, this is a prime week for viewing. Explore these trending shows and movies, and get ready to update your weekly TV guide. Your streaming queue is ready for all the Trending TV.