Ripple
When and where: Jan. 1, yes
What it’s about: If you’re an incurable romantic who hasn’t yet lost hope or adopted a cynical persona, this is the series for you. “Ripple” premiered overseas in early December and spent much of the month in Netflix’s global top 10. The drama links four strangers in New York through a chain of strange coincidences involving a blue stone.
Aria is a frustrated singer who gives up her career to start a family. Nate, played by Ian Harding — Ezra the teacher from “Pretty Little Liars” — is a pub owner coping with a cancer diagnosis and a crumbling relationship. Kris is a record-label talent scout who loses her job and searches for direction. Walter is a widower learning how to live without his wife.
Who’s in it: Alongside Harding, the cast includes Frankie Faison (“The Wire”), Julia Chan (“Saving Hope”) and Sydney Agudong (“Lilo & Stitch”).
Prisoner 951
When and where: Jan. 5, yes, Cellcom TV and HOT
What it’s about: In 2016, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian citizen, traveled to Iran with her infant daughter and was arrested on espionage charges, and later sent to prison. The series, based on her true story, focuses on the six years she was held in Iran without cause and on the struggle by her British husband, Richard, to secure her release.
Starring Joseph Fiennes and directed by Philippa Lowthorpe (“The Crown”), the series is steeped in frustration over the British government’s handling of the case. It also hints that Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s arrest was linked to an old British debt that happened to be paid on the day she was freed.
Who’s in it: Joseph Fiennes (Fred in “The Handmaid’s Tale”), Narges Rashidi (“Under the Shadow”) and others.
His and Hers
When and where: Jan. 8, Netflix
What it’s about: What’s worse than running into your ex? Becoming a murder suspect alongside them. Anna, played by Tessa Thompson, is a news anchor drawn to a murder case in the town where she grew up. Jack, played by Jon Bernthal of “The Walking Dead,” is the local detective — and her ex-husband. As Anna digs deeper, Jack begins to suspect she is involved, while she starts to think he may be connected to the crime.
Developed by William Oldroyd (“Lady Macbeth”), the series is based on Alice Feeney’s novel of the same name. If you can’t wait to find out who the killer is, the book is available in English.
Who’s in it: In addition to Thompson and Bernthal, the cast includes Pablo Schreiber (“Orange Is the New Black”), Crystal Fox (“Driving Miss Daisy”), Sunita Mani (“GLOW”), Rebecca Rittenhouse (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”), Chris Bauer (“The Wire”) and Marin Ireland (“Perfect Match”).
The Pitt, Season 2
When and where: Jan. 8, HBO Max
What it’s about: The wait is finally over: HBO content returns to Israeli screens with the launch of HBO Max, and the first must-binge title is “The Pitt.”
The Emmy-winning series, which largely flew under the radar locally, is set in a public hospital in Pittsburgh. Its first season chronicled a single 15-hour emergency room shift, with each episode running an hour — 15 episodes in total. Season 2 follows another shift, introducing new patients and exploring how relationships among the staff have evolved.
Expectations are high heading into the new season, and let’s hope Dr. Robinavitch, played by Noah Wyle, delivers once again. Doctor, save us.
Who’s in it: Noah Wyle (“ER”), Shawn Hatosy (“Alpha Dog”), Patrick Ball, Isa Briones (“Star Trek: Picard”) and others.
Wild Cherry
When and where: Jan. 11, yes, HOT and Cellcom TV
What it’s about: The BBC’s new thriller aims to deliver all the familiar ingredients of a teen drama: intimate images leaked online and questions of class, race and gender. Think “Gossip Girl,” but with British accents and Gen Z sensibilities.
At the center are two mother-daughter relationships. Grace and Allegra are wealthy teens who run a paid catalog of revealing photos of themselves and their friends. Their mothers, Lorna, played by Carmen Ejogo (“Fantastic Beasts”), and Juliet, played by Eve Best (“The King’s Speech”), try to understand what their daughters are up to while dealing with their own problems. Early comparisons to “Adolescence” have proven generous, according to early reviews.
Who’s in it: Imogen Faires, Amelia May, Carmen Ejogo and Eve Best.
Ponies
When and where: Jan. 18, HOT
What it’s about: Despite a title that recalls early-2000s TV, this espionage drama starring Emilia Clarke (“Game of Thrones”) and Haley Lu Richardson (“The White Lotus”) is shaping up to be one of the winter’s hottest series.
The two play secretaries at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow in 1977, women no one pays attention to — hence the intelligence acronym PONIES, for Persons of No Interest. Their quiet lives collapse when both of their husbands are killed under mysterious circumstances. The women are recruited by the CIA and set out to uncover what really happened, unraveling a Cold War conspiracy along the way.
As one line from the trailer puts it: “We’re women. People only look at us if they want to have sex with us or marry us. No one would ever suspect us of anything.”
Who’s in it: Alongside Clarke and Richardson are Adrian Lester (“The Sandman”) and Petro Ninovskyi.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
When and where: Jan. 18, HBO Max
What it’s about: What if Jon Snow had taken life a little less seriously, or Daenerys cracked jokes? This “Game of Thrones” prequel, set 100 years before the original series and 72 years after “House of the Dragon,” adds a lighter, more comedic tone to George R.R. Martin’s grim universe.
Based on Martin’s novellas, the series follows two unlikely heroes: Ser Duncan the Tall, played by Peter Claffey (“Bad Sisters,” “Vikings: Valhalla”), and his squire, Egg, played by Dexter Sol Ansell (“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”). While it may be more accessible to younger viewers, Martin has promised duel scenes “on another level.” The show has already been renewed for a second season.
Who’s in it: Finn Bennett (“True Detective”), Bertie Carvel (“The Crown”) and Daniel Ings (“Lovesick”) also star.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
When and where: Jan. 20, yes
What it’s about: Sci-fi fans, wake up from your winter slumber: “Star Trek” is back. The new series follows a group of young cadets studying at Starfleet Academy, newly reopened for the first time in more than a century.
Set in the 32nd century after the events of “Discovery,” the show is part of the franchise’s ongoing expansion under Alex Kurtzman for Paramount+. Oscar winner Holly Hunter leads the cast as Nahla Ake, captain of the USS Athena and head of the academy, tasked with training the next generation.
Beloved characters also return, including the Doctor from “Voyager,” played by Robert Picardo; Jett Reno, played by Tig Notaro; Sylvia Tilly, played by Mary Wiseman; and Israeli actor Oded Fehr, reprising his role as Admiral Charles Vance.
Who’s in it: In addition to Hunter, Picardo, Notaro, Wiseman and Fehr, the cast includes Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins and Bella Shepard.
15 View gallery
From 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy'
(Photo: Brooke Palmer/Paramount+ courtesy of yes)
The Beauty
When and where: Jan. 21, Disney+
What it’s about: Ryan Murphy, do you ever sleep? Barely moments after “All’s Fair,” widely panned as one of the worst series ever, Murphy returns with a new project and hopes for a better reception.
The series follows FBI agents investigating a string of shocking and mysterious deaths of supermodels. The investigation uncovers a sexually transmitted virus that turns ordinary people into extraordinarily beautiful ones. As the case deepens, the agents find themselves targeted by “the corporation,” led by a tech billionaire, played by Ashton Kutcher, who created a miracle drug known as “The Beauty.”
Fingers crossed it’s not a flop. If it is, Murphy can always return to his roots and give us another show about singing high schoolers.
Who’s in it: Alongside Kutcher are Evan Peters (“American Horror Story”), Bella Hadid, Rebecca Hall (“Vicky Cristina Barcelona”), Anthony Ramos (“Hamilton”) and Jeremy Pope (“Hollywood”).
Memory of a Killer
When and where: Jan. 28, HOT
What it’s about: It’s been a while since Israelis felt this proud to see one of their own alongside a Hollywood star. Israeli actress Odeya Rush plays the daughter of Patrick Dempsey — Dr. McDreamy, for those who remember — in this thriller.
Dempsey stars as Angelo, a hit man suffering from Alzheimer’s who has until now kept his personal and professional lives strictly separate. As his memory deteriorates, that balance collapses. Michael Imperioli (“The Sopranos”) plays Dutch, the crime boss Angelo works for, operating out of his restaurant. Rush plays Maria, Angelo’s pregnant daughter, who stays by his side as he begins to forget.
Memory of a Killer - Trailer
(Video: Courtesy of HOT)
As always in the genre, things spiral when Angelo discovers his wife’s death was not an accident and that his daughter is in danger.
Who’s in it: Alongside Dempsey, Imperioli and Rush are Richard Harmon (“The 100”), Peter Gadiot (“Yellowjackets”) and Gina Torres (“Suits”).
Bridgerton, Season 4
When and where: Jan. 29, Netflix
What it’s about: A simple question: Is “Bridgerton” on its way to becoming the next “Grey’s Anatomy,” with endless seasons piling up? There are plenty of siblings in the family, after all. Will each get their own season — and then the grandchildren, too? Where does it end?
This season focuses on Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, and Sophie Beck, played by Yerin Ha (“The Survivors”). They first meet at Lady Bridgerton’s masquerade ball and later reconnect under very different circumstances. According to the trailer, their romance draws inspiration from Cinderella. And rest assured: Shonda Rhimes will deliver plenty of steamy moments.
In Netflix tradition, the season will be released in two parts: the first four episodes on Jan. 29 and the remaining four on Feb. 20.
Who’s in it: Many original cast members return, including Jonathan Bailey, along with Simone Ashley, Nicola Coughlan and others.
Worth noting
After “Star Trek,” it’s time to look to the real stars who may be born before our eyes. The iconic “Star Search” returns in a new version after launching careers such as Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. The updated edition premieres Jan. 20 on Netflix, aiming to discover the next generational icon.
Vampire fans also have reason to celebrate: “Talamasca” arrives on Cellcom TV on Jan. 26, expanding Anne Rice’s universe with a secret order monitoring supernatural activity through the eyes of a young lawyer drawn into a dark and intriguing world. More supernatural powers arrive in “Wonder Man,” premiering Jan. 27 on Disney+, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as an actor whose faltering career takes a turn when he discovers he has the superpowers of Wonder Man — just as he auditions to play him in a Hollywood reboot.