Apple TV+ is kicking off 2026 with a slate that leans heavily on proven crowd-pleasers. January is all about high-profile returns, with the critically acclaimed Drops of God coming back for season 2, the feel-good dramedy Shrinking returning for season 3, and the real-time thriller Hijack lining up a tense second season. For U.S. viewers looking to refresh their streaming queue for the new year, Apple’s strategy is clear: fewer shows, but bigger swings.
January 2026 on Apple TV+: Key Dates at a Glance
Before diving into each series, here are the essential premiere dates Apple TV+ subscribers will want to note for January 2026:
- Hijack season 2: premieres January 14, 2026
- Drops of God season 2: premieres January 21, 2026
- Shrinking season 3: premieres January 28, 2026
All three shows will follow Apple TV+’s usual release pattern: a debut episode (or extended premiere) followed by weekly drops.
“Drops of God” Season 2: High-Stakes Wine Drama Returns January 21, 2026
Among Apple TV+ January releases, Drops of God may be the most distinctive title, especially for U.S. audiences who gravitate toward prestige, internationally flavored dramas. The series, adapted from the manga Kami no Shizuku, blends family drama, cultural clash, and the art of wine tasting into something that feels unlike anything else in the streaming landscape.
Season 2 arrives on January 21, 2026 and picks up after the emotionally charged and competitive trials that defined the first run. Once again, the story centers on Camille and Issei, two heirs bound together—and set against each other—by the legacy of the late wine critic Alexandre Léger.
Visually and thematically, the new episodes continue to move between Paris, Tokyo, and Burgundy, using these locations not just as backdrops but as reflections of the characters’ inner journeys. Season 2 puts more emphasis on what it actually means to inherit knowledge, not just wealth or reputation. Camille’s path is now less about proving she can pass tests and more about understanding whether she truly wants to carry this legacy forward—and on her own terms.
Issei, meanwhile, is still fighting against the weight of expectation: family duty, cultural pressure, and the image others have built for him. His arc in season 2 leans further into the question every second-generation heir faces at some point: How much of my life is really mine?
For viewers in the U.S., part of the appeal of Drops of God is how it uses wine as a sensory language. Tasting scenes aren’t just about identifying notes of oak or berries; they’re tied to memories, relationships, and identity. That bicultural, sensorial angle is a big reason the series has earned such strong critical praise and built a dedicated word-of-mouth audience since season 1.
“Shrinking” Season 3: Jason Segel & Harrison Ford Are Back January 28, 2026
On the lighter side of Apple TV+’s lineup—but still grounded in real emotional stakes—Shrinking returns for season 3 on January 28, 2026. The streamer is giving the show an extra spotlight with a supersized one-hour premiere episode, followed by weekly installments running into April.
The series follows a grieving therapist who decides to throw out the conventional rulebook for his practice and his life, with often funny, sometimes chaotic consequences for his patients and the people around him. If you’re a U.S. viewer who likes the balance of humor and pathos found in shows like Ted Lasso or After Life, Shrinking lands in a similar emotional zone.
Season 3 once again brings together Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, alongside the ensemble that’s already been praised for bringing nuance and warmth to the series. Apple TV+ is also upping the star power this year: the new season will feature the return of several fan-favorite guest stars and introduces Jeff Daniels and Michael J. Fox in fresh roles, a major draw for viewers who follow prestige TV casting closely.
Thematically, the third season continues to explore what happens when a therapist’s personal life and professional role bleed into each other. The central character’s unconventional methods still upend the lives of his patients—but the show is increasingly interested in whether this boundary-breaking approach is sustainable, ethical, or even healthy for him in the long run.
“Hijack” Season 2: Idris Elba Returns to Real-Time Tension on January 14, 2026
Apple TV+ doesn’t just open the year with drama and comedy; it also leans into high-intensity suspense. Hijack, the real-time thriller anchored by Idris Elba, comes back for a second season on January 14, 2026.
Like its first outing, season 2 sticks to the show’s distinctive “seven-hour” real-time format. The narrative once again follows a major in-flight crisis that forces authorities, negotiators, and passengers into a race against the clock—all unfolding as we watch.
The first season stood out by refusing to rely solely on big, flashy set pieces. Instead, it focused on tight pacing, credible decision-making, and the psychological toll of being trapped in a high-stakes situation thousands of feet in the air. Season 2 keeps that grounded approach but widens the geopolitical lens: the incident isn’t just about one plane anymore; it’s tied to larger international tensions and political calculations.
For fans of series like 24 who now prefer something more restrained and realistic, Hijack offers that same ticking-clock energy without veering into pure spectacle. With Idris Elba once again at the center, the show remains one of Apple TV+’s most compelling options for thriller fans.
What Apple TV+’s January 2026 Strategy Says About Its Future
Stacking January 2026 with Drops of God, Shrinking, and Hijack highlights a clear direction for Apple TV+: focus on internationally minded, character-driven series that can sustain multiple seasons rather than chasing an endless wave of new titles.
Each of these shows targets a slightly different segment of the U.S. streaming audience:
- Drops of God appeals to viewers who love elevated, cross-cultural storytelling and prestige drama.
- Shrinking caters to those looking for an emotionally grounded, funny, and ultimately hopeful series.
- Hijack speaks to fans of tight, real-time thrillers with a strong lead and minimal filler.
Instead of flooding the platform, Apple TV+ is concentrating on building long-term franchises that can anchor its catalog and keep subscribers engaged week after week. For U.S. viewers planning their early 2026 watchlist, January on Apple TV+ isn’t about having the most options—it’s about having a small set of shows that feel worth following from premiere to finale.
If you’re trying to decide what to prioritize, consider this simple approach:
- Start with “Hijack” if you want immediate, high-tension viewing as soon as mid-January hits.
- Add “Drops of God” if you’re in the mood for something slower, more atmospheric, and character-driven.
- Save “Shrinking” for late January when you’re ready for a blend of laughs and emotional catharsis.
Either way, January 2026 looks like one of Apple TV+’s most strategically curated months to date.
FAQ
When does “Drops of God” season 2 premiere on Apple TV+?
Drops of God season 2 debuts on January 21, 2026 on Apple TV+. New episodes are expected to follow a weekly release pattern after the premiere.
What other major Apple TV+ shows are returning in January 2026?
Two other big titles are back in January 2026: Hijack season 2 arrives on January 14, and Shrinking season 3 launches on January 28 with an extended first episode.
Does Apple TV+ release full seasons at once or weekly episodes?
Apple TV+ typically uses a hybrid release model. Most series start with one (or occasionally more) episodes at launch, followed by weekly episode drops. The January 2026 slate follows that same pattern.
Is January 2026 a good time to start or restart an Apple TV+ subscription?
For U.S. viewers interested in prestige drama (Drops of God), character-driven comedy (Shrinking), and high-tension thrillers (Hijack), January 2026 is a strong entry point. With three returning series staggered across the month and weekly releases, a subscription during this window can deliver a steady flow of new episodes without content overload.
