Five January TV Premieres We’re Excited About

This is Us, black-ish, lead high-profile January returns and premieres we can’t wait for

“Women of the Movement” stars Glynn Turman as Mose Wright, Tonya Pinkins as Alma Carthan, Cedric Joe as Emmett Till, Adrienne Warren as Mamie Till-Mobley, and Ray Fisher as Gene Mobley. Photo: ABC/Matthew Sayles

Following all the holiday specials and movies, January signals the re-start of the TV season, with long-awaited premieres and returns of fan favorites. Comedy, drama and even Shakespeare are all set to hit the not so small screen in January. The jam-packed line up features several series we’re definitely setting our calendars for. These are the January premieres we’re excited about.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Bakari Sellers Names the Most Effective Ways for Black Americans to Organize and Make a Change

Tuesday, Jan. 4

This is Us Season 6 premiere – 9 pm NBC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DXxRULFrDk

We’re ready for tears, because there’s no other way This is Us can end. Though we haven’t spent a long time with the Pearsons, the five seasons we’ve been with them have been so emotionally packed, it’s the equivalent of dog years. Not much is known about how the show will wrap up, but Rebecca’s Alzheimer’s is getting worse, Randall’s biological mother may be alive and we need to know what happens with Kate. If the trailer is any indication, we’ll need a Costco-sized supply of tissues.

Tuesday, Jan. 4

black-ish Season 8 premiere – 9:30 pm ABC

Photo: ABC

We’ve been with the Johnsons through graduations, weddings, separations and reunions. Now it’s the beginning of the end, with the premiere of the eighth and final season. We don’t know what to expect for its last bow, but at least one episode will feature a guest appearance from Forever First Lady Michelle Obama. We assume there will be one-liners from Ruby, hilariously devious plans from Diane and epic fails from Junior. However, we also know the show will give us a genuinely heartfelt goodbye. 

Thursday, Jan. 6

Women of the Movement – 8 pm ABC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tApE1-1vdQ

Just because a story is hard to hear, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be told. In its new limited series Women of the Movement, ABC showcases the heartbreak and courage of Mamie Till-Mobley as she fights to get justice for her son and uses her pain to inspire others. Women of the Movement stars Glynn Turman as Mose Wright, Tonya Pinkins as Alma Carthan, Cedric Joe as Emmett Till, Adrienne Warren as Mamie Till-Mobley, and Ray Fisher as Gene Mobley. ABC News will air the companion docuseries Let The World See each week, chronicling the real events of the Emmett Till murder trial. This may be a tough watch, but it’s important that we support projects like this, so they continue to get made.

Tuesday, Jan. 11

Naomi – 9 pm The CW

The CW’s latest superhero series is based on DC Comics’ Naomi. Executive produced by Ava DuVernay, it stars Kaci Walfall as the title hero, a “cool, confident, comic-book loving” teenage girl whose life changes after being involved in a supernatural event. The CW is pretty good at putting a fresh spin on DC characters, so we’re interested to see what they do with one not as well-known as The Flash or Superman. Plus, you know we’re onboard anytime we get a Black superhero. 

Friday, Jan. 14

The Tragedy of Macbeth – AppleTV+

If all we knew was that Denzel is doing Shakespeare, that would be enough. Honestly, we wouldn’t even need to know which play it was. However, Denzel as Macbeth is a recipe for a masterclass in acting. Add in Frances McDormand as Lady Macbeth and Corey Hawkins as Macduff, and we can’t possibly be more excited. Yes, we know all the hyperbole is setting us up for a possible letdown, but did we mention Denzel as Macbeth!

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Exclusive: Rev. Al Sharpton, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

Exclusive: Rev. Al Sharpton, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

The Root Exclusive Series: Black History Month was established 100 years ago, in February 1926. To commemorate this momentous occasion, 100 Black thought leaders and creators share their collective wisdom and insight for the culture in this ongoing series …
All of the Times US Presidents Were Openly Racist Against Black Folks

All of the Times US Presidents Were Openly Racist Against Black Folks

We’re looking at times that United States presidents have been racist towards Black people …
Nick Cannon Makes Shocking Claim About Bible’s ‘Tales’ and the Internet Has Some Thoughts

Nick Cannon Makes Shocking Claim About Bible’s ‘Tales’ and the Internet Has Some Thoughts

It’s never a dull day when you have Nick Cannon letting off his latest controversial take. This time it’s about the Bible. Let’s get into it! …
New Development in Influencer Ashlee Jenae's Mysterious Death on Vacation

New Development in Influencer Ashlee Jenae’s Mysterious Death on Vacation

New details have emerged about influencer Ashlee Jenae’s death in Tanzania …
The Untold Story Flau'jae Johnson, The WNBA Star Who Rose From Tragedy to Triumph

The Untold Story Flau’jae Johnson, The WNBA Star Who Rose From Tragedy to Triumph

You might recognize Flau’jae Johnson as a star player for LSU basketball or from “The Rap Game,” but how well do you really know the 8th overall WNBA draft pick? …
You'll Never Guess Who Joe Biden Reportedly Wanted as His Vice President Instead of Kamala Harris

You’ll Never Guess Who Joe Biden Reportedly Wanted as His Vice President Instead of Kamala Harris

Before naming Kamala Harris as his running mate back in 2020, Joe Biden reportedly had another woman in mind …
Why ‘Michael’ Star Jaafar Jackson’s Special Visit to the King of Pop’s Hometown Had Fans in Tears

Why ‘Michael’ Star Jaafar Jackson’s Special Visit to the King of Pop’s Hometown Had Fans in Tears

Jaafar Jackson, who’s set to portray his ‘King of Pop’ uncle in the new Michael Jackson movie, recently visited Gary, IN. And you’ve got to see what happened next! …
Everything You Need to Know About the U.S. Military's Plans to Automatically Enroll Young Men in the Draft This Year

Everything You Need to Know About the U.S. Military’s Plans to Automatically Enroll Young Men in the Draft This Year

Starting this year, the U.S. government is officially flipping the switch on Automatic Draft Registration. Here’s everything you need to know …
Jackie Robinson Broke the Color Line, Professional Baseball Rebuilt It

Jackie Robinson Broke the Color Line, Professional Baseball Rebuilt It

Today, Major League Baseball will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, but it ignores the system pushing Black players out of the game …
Photo: Getty Images Addis Wechsler Pictures

11 Reasons Love Jones Is a Romance for The Ages

The 1997 romantic comedy still gives fans the feels nearly three decades later, but star Nia Long says the film was a box office flop …
Exclusive: Raphael Warnock Breaks Down the Real Problem with Trump's Version of 'Christianity'

Exclusive: Raphael Warnock Breaks Down the Real Problem with Trump’s Version of ‘Christianity’

“In Donald Trump’s White House, Jesus is a victim of identity theft,” Sen. Raphael Warnock told The Root in an exclusive interview …
Hispanic Woman Now Suing After She Was Denied Benefits Meant for Black Moms in California

Hispanic Woman Now Suing After She Was Denied Benefits Meant for Black Moms in California

A non-Black woman is suing because she wasn’t allowed benefits from a program specifically designed to help Black mothers in California …
All About The Pope's Black, Creole Roots

All About The Pope’s Black, Creole Roots

While President Trump is in a one-sided war of words with the head of the Catholic church, we’re taking a closer look at the Chicago-born pope’s background …
Nia Long’s Brutally Honest Take on Dating After Divorce Has Fans Loving Her Even More

Nia Long’s Brutally Honest Take on Dating After Divorce Has Fans Loving Her Even More

Nia Long is making it clear she’s putting herself first and that she’s only dealing with a certain type of man when it comes to dating. And the internet is loving it! …
Former Michigan Football Coach Sherron Moore Sentenced After Scandal That Rocked the Sport

Former Michigan Football Coach Sherron Moore Sentenced After Scandal That Rocked the Sport

The 40-year-old was sentenced to 18 months’ probation and fined $1,000 on April 14 after being fired for having a relationship with his former staff member …
Black Clergy React to Trump's Photo Portraying Himself as Jesus

Black Clergy React to Trump’s Photo Portraying Himself as Jesus

Following a social media post by the president depicted himself as Jesus, prominent Black faith leaders voice their outrage …
This TikTok Star's Terrifying Health Scare is a Reminder to Take Care of Our Bodies

This TikTok Star’s Terrifying Health Scare is a Reminder to Take Care of Our Bodies

TikTok star PinkyDoll is sharing yet another unfortunate piece of news about her health. But her message is one that younger folks need to hear …
'TODAY Show' Host Sheinelle Jones Cries Tears Of Joy After Surprise Visit From Special Guests

‘TODAY Show’ Host Sheinelle Jones Cries Tears Of Joy After Surprise Visit From Special Guests

Mother’s Day came early for Sheinelle Jones when her book promotion turned into tears of joy …
The Ultimate Guide to Drummer Travis Barker’s Best Hip-Hop Collabs

The Ultimate Guide to Drummer Travis Barker’s Best Hip-Hop Collabs

After the rocker’s surprise performance with Clipse onstage at Coachella, we’re looking at some of his greatest hip-hop collabs of all time! …
Why Phaedra Parks' 'Men Don't Like Smart Women' Myth Is Nonsense

Why Phaedra Parks’ ‘Men Don’t Like Smart Women’ Myth Is Nonsense

The ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ alum is mistaking personal frustration for universal truth …