The TV Cave’s Daily TV Guide: What to Watch on January 1

New year, same question: What should I watch today? Don’t worry, The TV Cave has you covered from middle-of-the-night streaming drops to primetime events worth staying awake for. Whether you’re hungover, horizontal, or pretending you’re “just resting your eyes,” here’s everything lighting up your screen today.

🌙 Streaming Drops That Hit While You’re Still Asleep (3:00 AM ET)

If you wake up to spoilers, that’s on you.

Barron's Cove (Paramount+)

A grief-fueled thriller kicks off the year with Garrett Hedlund as a father who decides the justice system isn’t moving fast enough. After a tragic accident claims his son’s life, he kidnaps the boy responsible and disappears into the wilderness. Dark, emotional, and not exactly a feel-good New Year’s hug — but compelling nonetheless.

Red Eye – Season 2 (Hulu)

The six-episode return wastes zero time. More than a year after an international aviation disaster, DS Hana Li is pulled into a new investigation involving a murdered U.S. diplomatic courier at Heathrow. Political tension, global stakes, and plenty of twists make this a strong overnight binge.

Run Away (Netflix)

Harlan Coben fans, assemble. James Nesbitt stars as a desperate father searching for his runaway daughter, only to uncover a criminal underworld and long-buried secrets that threaten to wreck his family for good. It’s suspenseful, glossy, and designed to keep autoplay doing the heavy lifting.

Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale (AMC+)

A mysterious sigil at a crime scene sends Sarah and Maggie deeper into the identity of a killer who may not be entirely human. If your New Year’s resolution includes more supernatural drama, this one understands the assignment.

Second Chance at Love (Hallmark+)

Real-life couple Matthew Lawrence and Chilli play Cupid for five couples hoping to rekindle their spark. Expect heartfelt conversations, emotional breakthroughs, and enough sincerity to counterbalance all the murder mysteries above.

Shetland – Season 10 (BritBox)

The long-running crime drama returns with Calder and Tosh heading to the remote village of Lunniswick to investigate the brutal killing of an elderly woman. Moody landscapes, quiet tension, and classic British storytelling are very much back on the menu.

🌹 A Very Festive Morning (11:00 AM ET)

137th Rose Parade

Airing on ABC, Great American Family, NBC, and streaming on Peacock

Nothing says “new year” like floats, marching bands, and flowers doing the absolute most. Magic Johnson serves as Grand Marshal for the annual celebration that somehow feels both timeless and slightly unreal — in the best way.

🏈 Your Afternoon Is Booked (12:00 PM ET)

College Football Quarterfinals (ESPN)

Settle in — this is a marathon, not a sprint.

• Oregon vs. Texas Tech – Orange Bowl (12:00 PM)

• Alabama vs. Indiana – Rose Bowl (4:00 PM)

• Ole Miss vs. Georgia – Sugar Bowl (8:00 PM)

Whether you’re a diehard fan or just here for the chaos, today delivers wall-to-wall postseason drama.

🌟 Primetime Picks You’ll Actually Want to Watch (8:00 PM ET)

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

ABC presentation of the Disney+ original

This edited broadcast honors a stacked lineup including Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, The White Stripes, and more. Between emotional speeches and legendary performances, it’s a reminder that music history still knows how to put on a show.

The Cult of the Real Housewife (TLC)

This three-hour deep dive examines The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby, focusing on the controversies surrounding her Faith Temple Pentecostal Church. It’s part docuseries, part cultural autopsy — and yes, it’s as intense as it sounds.

From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration (PBS)

If you want elegance instead of explosions, the Vienna Philharmonic welcomes 2026 with its annual concert. Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads for the first time, the Vienna State Ballet joins the festivities, and Hugh Bonneville hosts. Classy, calming, and beautifully shot.

Hell’s Kitchen (FOX)

The final seven chefs are challenged by three WWE champions to cook dishes inspired by their home states. It’s loud, competitive, and Gordon Ramsay remains allergic to nonsense.

I’m Chevy Chase And You’re Not (CNN)

This documentary tracks Chevy Chase’s rise from Saturday Night Live breakout to box-office powerhouse, while thoughtfully examining the complications that followed. Featuring interviews with Dan Aykroyd, Goldie Hawn, Lorne Michaels, and more, it’s an honest look at a complicated legacy.

🎬 Final Verdict from The TV Cave

January 1 isn’t easing you into the year — it’s sprinting. Between binge-ready thrillers, sports overload, music legends, and reality TV deep dives, your remote won’t get a break. Choose wisely… or don’t. We won’t judge.

Check back tomorrow for another daily TV guide, because your watchlist isn’t going to manage itself.