Warner Bros. Discovery isn’t easing into 2026. While other streamers often use January as a dumping ground for leftover content, HBO Max is deploying heavy artillery. The January lineup is aggressive, headlined by a risky Game of Thrones prequel, the return of the cutthroat traders in Industry, and a grounded medical drama meant to replace the void left by ER. Add to that a surprising A24 slate featuring Dwayne Johnson in a dramatic role, and the message is clear: HBO wants your retention, not just your attention.
The Heavy Hitters: Series
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (January 18)
This is the month’s biggest gamble. Premiering January 18 at 10:00 pm ET, this six-episode prequel is set a century before Game of Thrones. The hook? No dragons. The series relies entirely on the dynamic between Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell).
With George R.R. Martin and Ira Parker at the helm, the show strips away the apocalyptic stakes of the original series for a wandering knight adventure. The supporting cast includes heavyweights like Bertie Carvel (Baelor Targaryen) and Sam Spruell (Maekar Targaryen). If this works, it proves Westeros can survive without CGI reptiles. If it fails, it’s a stumbling block for the franchise.
Industry Season 4 (January 11)
If you aren’t watching Industry, you’re missing the sharpest writing on television. Harper (Myha’la) and Yasmin (Marisa Abela) return, but the chessboard has expanded. The new season introduces Kit Harington as Sir Henry Muck, a tech founder who drags Pierpoint into the fintech chaos, and Max Minghella as an enigmatic executive. The show remains a “cat-and-mouse game” of power and money, now with higher stakes in the London scene.
The Pitt Season 2 (January 8)
Noah Wyle returns to the scrubs. Premiering with a 15-episode season, The Pitt continues its realistic examination of Pittsburgh healthcare workers. Unlike the glossy melodrama of Grey’s Anatomy, showrunner R. Scott Gemmill and producer John Wells aim for the gritty authenticity of their previous collaboration, ER.
Films & Documentaries: A24 Takes Over
The partnership between Warner Bros. Discovery and A24 bears fruit this month with two massive streaming debuts.
The Smashing Machine (January 23)
Benny Safdie directs Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in a role that requires actual acting, not just eyebrow-raising. It’s the biopic of MMA legend Mark Kerr, co-starring Emily Blunt and Oleksandr Usyk. This is a rare pivot for Johnson into prestige indie cinema.
Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! (January 22)
Judd Apatow directs this two-part documentary celebration. It’s a comprehensive look at the man who gave us Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. For comedy nerds, this is essential viewing.
The January 1st Library Drop
The first of the month sees a massive influx of library titles. The refresh is heavy on classics and franchise staples:
- Action/Franchise: The complete John Wick trilogy (Chapters 1-3), the entire Twilight Saga, and Mad Max: Fury Road prequel Furiosa? No, just classics like Mad Max roots via Road Warrior vibes in the list like Taxi Driver.
- Comedy: A Mel Brooks takeover including Spaceballs, Blazing Saddles, and High Anxiety.
- A24 Favorites: Moonlight, Ex Machina, Bodies Bodies Bodies, and A Most Violent Year.
(See the full searchable schedule in the widget below)
Editor’s Take:
This is a “put up or shut up” month for HBO. By placing Industry and a Thrones prequel in the same window, they are catering to two very different audiences: the prestige drama snobs and the fantasy loyalists. The “wait-and-see” element is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Without the spectacle of dragons, the writing has to be perfect.
Summary
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms debuts Jan 18; a smaller-scale Westeros story.
- Industry Season 4 adds Kit Harington to the cast; premieres Jan 11.
- The Pitt returns Jan 8 with a long 15-episode season starring Noah Wyle.
- The Smashing Machine (A24) brings Dwayne Johnson’s dramatic turn on Jan 23.
- Library Refresh: Includes John Wick, Twilight, and Mel Brooks classics on Jan 1.
FAQ: HBO Max January 2026
When does the new Game of Thrones prequel start?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres Sunday, January 18 at 10:00 pm ET on HBO and HBO Max.
Is Industry Season 4 the final season?
HBO has not confirmed it as the final season. Season 4 premieres January 11 and features 8 episodes.
What sports are on HBO Max in January?
The lineup includes the NHL Winter Classic (Jan 2), USWNT Soccer matches (Jan 24 & 27), and AEW Wrestling events including All In: Texas (Jan 16).
