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
Tramell Tillman Talks Sparring with Tom Cruise and Bringing That Severance Heat to Mission: Impossible

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

The Great Black Real Estate Shuffle: How Our Moguls Bossed Up

The Great Black Real Estate Shuffle: How Our Moguls Bossed Up

Black moguls are changing the face of luxury ownership, and we are here for it …
The Story of the Murder of Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay

The Story of the Murder of Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay

We’re looking at the facts that led up to the tragic murder of Run-DMC’s legendary DJ, Jam Master Jay …
How White Christian Nationalism Co-Opted Nicki Minaj

How White Christian Nationalism Co-Opted Nicki Minaj

OPINION: Christ was a significant topic during Nicki Minaj’s appearance with Erika Kirk at a Turning Point USA event, but both He — and Nicki — were tools for TPUSA …
The Tragic Hollywood Deaths of Rob Reiner and Jubilant Sykes Bear Eerie Similarities

The Tragic Hollywood Deaths of Rob Reiner and Jubilant Sykes Bear Eerie Similarities

The sons of Rob Reiner and Jubilant Sykes both remain in custody after allegedly killing their fathers within days of each other …
Everything to Know About Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat on His 65th Birthday

Everything to Know About Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat on His 65th Birthday

In honor of what would have been his 65 birthday, we’re looking at some of the most fascinating facts about artist Jean-Michel Basquiat …
Huge New Development in Case of Chicago Mom, Son Attacked by Students in Viral Video

Huge New Development in Case of Chicago Mom, Son Attacked by Students in Viral Video

After clips of a Chicago mother being attacked by students sparked outrage, police announced a new development that many have been waiting for …
You Won't Believe Which Black Culture Icons Had Photos in the Epstein Files

You Won’t Believe Which Black Culture Icons Had Photos in the Epstein Files

After the DOJ releases new documents associated with Epstein, folks are noticing these Black stars in many photos with the deceased sexual predator …
Navy SEALs Who Harassed Black Teammate With Racist ‘Slave’ and ‘Monkey’ Memes Finally 'Disciplined'

Navy SEALs Who Harassed Black Teammate With Racist ‘Slave’ and ‘Monkey’ Memes Finally ‘Disciplined’

A Black SEAL says he was harassed by teammates from 2021 to 2024 through racist texts and memes, leading the Navy to quietly hand out demotions, docked pay, and formal counseling …
Black Parkland School Shooting Survivor Dies 7 Years After Tragedy

Black Parkland School Shooting Survivor Dies 7 Years After Tragedy

On Dec. 15, Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer died by suicide, 7 years after surviving a deadly school shooting at his Parkland, FL high school …
Black America Reacts To Nicki Minaj's Surprise Appearance With Erika Kirk

Black America Reacts To Nicki Minaj’s Surprise Appearance With Erika Kirk

After weeks of being suspected of “turning MAGA,” Nicki Minaj joining hands with Charlie Kirk’s widow and praising Trump has Black folks outraged …
TikToker Breaks Down the One Way Black Immigrants Mess Up When Moving to U.S.

TikToker Breaks Down the One Way Black Immigrants Mess Up When Moving to U.S.

It is tough for immigrants in America right now, but one Black woman just shared advice on how to survive …
Trump Just Ramped Up His Immigrant Deportation Plans to a Scary Degree

Trump Just Ramped Up His Immigrant Deportation Plans to a Scary Degree

According to reports, Trump plans to target naturalized citizens in his ongoing mass deportation scheme …
Support Rolls in For Supermodel Anok Yai Following Her Heartbreaking Health Reveal

Support Rolls in For Supermodel Anok Yai Following Her Heartbreaking Health Reveal

Just days after being crowned 2025 Model of the Year, Anok Yai shared a heartbreaking message about a silent health battle that nearly cost her life …
Michelle Obama On How That Famous 2008 New Yorker 'Fist Bump' Magazine Cover Changed Everything

Michelle Obama On How That Famous 2008 New Yorker ‘Fist Bump’ Magazine Cover Changed Everything

In a new interview with Jonathan Capehart, Michelle Obama talks about the moment she decided she needed to tell her story before anyone else could …
Why Donny Hathaway's  'This Christmas' Trumps Chris Brown's Version

Why Donny Hathaway’s ‘This Christmas’ Trumps Chris Brown’s Version

There’s only one answer when it comes to who has the superior version of “This Christmas.” …
Atlanta Nightlife Insiders Respond to 21 Savage's Claim That the City's Club Scene 'Grooms' Children

Atlanta Nightlife Insiders Respond to 21 Savage’s Claim That the City’s Club Scene ‘Grooms’ Children

The Root spoke to Atlanta insiders about whether the city’s club scene is really “grooming” the youth like 21 Savage claimed …
Why Claressa Shields Is Getting Dragged Again for Her Relationship With Papoose

Why Claressa Shields Is Getting Dragged Again for Her Relationship With Papoose

Claressa Shields and Papoose’s relationship is the talk of the timelines once again and as you might expect–it’s not positive! …
Uncle Nearest Whiskey CEO Finally Responds After Being Dragged for Viral Video with Former Classmate

Uncle Nearest Whiskey CEO Finally Responds After Being Dragged for Viral Video with Former Classmate

Fawn Weaver took to Instagram to share her side of the viral interaction with a man claiming to know her from middle school …
The Root's Ultimate Guide to Holiday Dos and Don'ts

The Root’s Ultimate Guide to Holiday Dos and Don’ts

Don’t make a holiday party mistake you’ll live to regret. Check out our list of dos and don’ts before you leave home, instead …
The Lasting Impact of Trump’s Attack on Black America in 2025

The Lasting Impact of Trump’s Attack on Black America in 2025

Trump-era attacks didn’t just make news — they reshaped life for Black Americans and left lasting impacts on our communities, from opportunities lost to systemic setbacks …