Honestly, keeping track of streaming schedules feels like a full-time job these days. You blink and three new shows have dropped while you were still trying to finish that one documentary everyone was talking about two weeks ago. But if you’ve been looking at what is new on Paramount Plus lately, you might have noticed the vibe is shifting. They aren't just dumping old library content anymore. This month is actually heavy on the "must-watch" originals and some pretty massive live sports pivots that are going to change how a lot of people use the app.
We’re talking about everything from the long-awaited expansion of the Star Trek universe to a true-crime docuseries that’s already causing a stir on social media. Plus, there's a weirdly specific influx of early 2000s nostalgia movies that just hit the platform. Let's break down what’s actually worth your limited free time.
The Big Heavy Hitters: Starfleet Academy and More
The headliner for anyone with a pulse and a love for sci-fi is obviously Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. It finally beams up on January 15. I’ll be real—people were skeptical when this was first announced. Did we really need a "teen drama" version of Trek? But with Holly Hunter and Tig Notaro leading the cast, it’s looking a lot more sophisticated than your average CW show.
The story follows a fresh batch of cadets under the "watchful and demanding eyes" of their instructors. It’s set in a new era for the Federation, focusing on hope and rebuilding. The first two episodes drop on the 15th, and then it’s a weekly release. If you’re a Trekker, this is basically your Super Bowl.
Then there is School Spirits. Season 3 hits on January 28. If you haven't seen this yet, it's basically a "ghost story meets high school mystery" that actually works. Maddie Nears is still stuck in the afterlife, and the "veil between worlds" is supposedly thinning this season. They’re dropping the first three episodes at once, which is a nice treat for the binge-watchers.
The Darker Side of Your Watchlist
If you're more into the "I want to be slightly unsettled before bed" vibe, you've got options.
- Girl Taken (January 8): This one is based on Hollie Overton’s novel Baby Doll. It’s a six-part miniseries about twin sisters torn apart by an abduction. It’s heavy. It’s gritty. It’s the kind of show you watch in one sitting and then need to look at pictures of puppies for an hour.
- Coldwater (January 9): This is a Showtime original starring Andrew Lincoln—yeah, Rick Grimes himself. He plays an ordinary guy who spirals into some seriously dangerous territory. It’s a psychological thriller that’s getting a lot of buzz for its "British crime" aesthetic.
- Handsome Devil: The Charming Killer (January 20): This is the true-crime entry of the month. It’s a docuseries about Wade Wilson (not the Deadpool one, obviously). It explores how a man arrested for brutal murders somehow became a bizarre social media obsession. It’s a weird, fascinating look at modern "fan" culture.
Why the Sports Section is Looking Different
Paramount Plus is making a huge play for the "no-more-pay-per-view" crowd. On January 23, they’re debuting Zuffa Boxing. It’s a live series starting in Las Vegas. But the real kicker? UFC is officially on the platform now.
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UFC 324 (Gaethje vs. Pimblett) streams live on January 24. A week later, on January 31, UFC 325 comes from Sydney, Australia. If you’re a combat sports fan, the value of the subscription just shot up significantly. No more hunting for sketchy streams or paying $80 for a single night of fights. It’s all just... there.
The Movie Library Refresh
Sometimes you just want to watch something you've already seen ten times. Paramount knows this. On January 1, they dumped a massive list of titles.
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You’ve got the Scream trilogy (1, 2, and 3) for the horror fans. The entire Jackass library is there too—from the original movie to Bad Grandpa .5. It's low-brow, it's chaotic, and it's perfect for a rainy Sunday. Other standouts include Baby Driver, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Zodiac, and 10 Cloverfield Lane. It’s a weirdly diverse mix, but hey, that’s streaming for you.
Awards Season is Here
Don't forget the live events. The 83rd Annual Golden Globes aired on January 11, but you can still catch the replay and the red carpet coverage. The Grammys are coming up too, with the Inside the 68th Annual Grammy Awards special dropping on January 30. If you care about who wins what, these are the big markers for the month.
Is it Worth the Subscription This Month?
Look, if you're a Star Trek fan or a UFC junkie, it's a no-brainer. The addition of live UFC events without the PPV price tag is a genuine game-changer. For the casual viewer, the combination of Coldwater and the massive movie drop provides enough "background noise" and "prestige drama" to justify the cost.
Actionable Next Steps
- Mark January 15: Set a reminder for the Starfleet Academy premiere if you're into sci-fi.
- Check Your Plan: Remember that Coldwater and some of the movie titles (like Baby Driver) are exclusive to the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME (Premium) tier.
- Download for Offline: If you're traveling, the Jackass movies or SpongeBob Season 15 (dropping Jan 21) are great for offline viewing.
- Watch the UFC Prelims: Check the schedule for the January 24 fight night early so you don't miss the debut of the new streaming format.
The streaming wars are tiring, but at least we're getting some decent variety out of it. Whether you're here for the Vulcans or the Octagon, there's enough new on Paramount Plus to keep you busy until the February thaw.