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With so many different streaming platforms and cable offerings to navigate, choosing what to watch has never been harder. To make things easier, here are our best tune-in tips for the week ahead.
MONDAY
America’s Got Talent: All-Stars
After the recent controversy about his appearance, it will be fascinating to see Simon Cowell return for a new season of “America’s Got Talent.” Despite the judge making global headlines for how different he looks in a spot promoting the new series, the real focus will be on this season’s cast. It features winners, finalists, and fan favourites from around the world as they all attempt to win the title of the ultimate All-Star. I remember when something like this was attempted in 2004 with “World Idol,” when Norway’s Kurt Nilsen destroyed the competition that included original “Canadian Idol” Ryan Malcolm and the first “American Idol,” Kelly Clarkson. Coincidentally, Simon Cowell was also involved in that project. That show didn’t really make a lasting impact so let’s see if A.G.T. will be different.
Jan. 2, CTV2 & CTV.ca, 8 p.m. EST
Surviving R. Kelly
The shocking and disturbing documentary series on the allegations against R. Kelly returns with its final instalment. The Lifetime series has been applauded for shedding light on the accusations against the singer and the final part concludes with the verdict against him.
Jan. 2, Lifetime & StackTV, 9 p.m. EST
TUESDAY
Will Trent
Based on Karin Slaughter’s bestselling book series, this new show follows Special Agent Will Trent (Ramon Rodriguez) in the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. As a child, Trent grew up in foster care system and is now determined to make a difference with the powerful position he now wields.
Jan. 3, CTV & CTV.ca, 10 p.m. EST
WEDNESDAY
MADOFF: The Monster of Wall Street
This four-part financial thriller promises to reveal the truth behind Bernie Madoff’s multibillion-dollar Ponzi scheme by using “an innovative visual approach.” It will also focus on how the American financial system allowed him to thrive for decades.
Netflix
THURSDAY
January 6th
Despite this series premiering on January 5th, it’s actually titled “January 6” and examines the mob of Donald Trump supporters who attacked the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6, 2021. This documentary tells the stories from the perspective of the first responders, survivors and heroes on the day in question and is apolitical in its perspective. It features Nancy Pelosi, Washington D.C. Police Chief Robert J. Contee III, Liz Cheney along with 50 Senators and representatives from both sides of the House.
Discovery Plus
The Parent Test
Twelve families are analyzed in this new series that highlights different parenting styles. Ali Wentworth and parenting expert Adolph Brown host “The Parent Test” as they determine if there is actually a perfect and universal way to look after your kids.
Jan. 5, 9 p.m. EST, CTV & CTV.ca
FRIDAY
If These Walls Could Sing
The top pick of the week is Mary McCartney’s new Disney original documentary that chronicles the history of Abbey Road Studios and its influence on her father, Sir Paul McCartney. Abbey Road Studios was the world’s first purpose-built recording studio and the film is the culmination of years of research and features stories from Jimmy Page, Noel Gallagher, Elton John and McCartney himself.
Disney Plus
RuPaul’s Drag Race
“Rupaul’s Drag Race” has solidified its position in the voyeuristic sphere as it is now the most-awarded reality competition series in the history of the Emmy awards. The 15th season premieres Friday with back-to-back episodes. The new season features 16 drag performers all vying for the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” and the $200,000 grand prize. In the premiere, RuPaul is joined by judges Michelle Visage and Ross Mathews as well as superstar singer Ariana Grande (fresh off her stint on “The Voice”).
Jan. 6, 9:30 p.m., Crave
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The Rig
This Amazon original follows the crew of an oil rig as they try to survive after losing all their communication with the mainland after a strange fog disrupts their work. The prospect of being able to survive with no rescue mission in sight leads to increasing paranoia amongst the crew members in this tense new thriller.
Prime Video
LOL: Qui Rira Le Dernier
Quebec’s version of “Last One Laughing” features 10 comedians who are locked in a mansion together as they attempt to make each other laugh premieres this Friday. The reality series is hosted by Patrick Huard.
Prime Video
SUNDAY
Alert
Scott Caan and Dania Ramirez star in this new FOX drama about the Philadelphia Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit. Each episode of this new procedural features a heart-pounding search for a missing person, as police officers Jason Grant (Caan) and ex-wife Nikki Batista (Ramirez) search for their own long-lost son. I am a big fan of these mystery procedurals and hopefully this one will remind us of “Criminal Minds.”
Jan. 8, 8 p.m. EST, CTV & CTV.ca
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