After thoroughly exploring Amazon Prime’s January lineup, a selection of new and returning films and series has come into focus. It appears that the era of groundbreaking content is momentarily on hold as Prime shifts its attention towards tried-and-true favorites. Expect to see titles like You’re Cordially Invited, a cannot-miss comedy starring Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon; Unstoppable, an uplifting sports drama featuring Jennifer Lopez; On Call, a police procedural masterminded by Dick Wolf; a new season of Harlem; and a playoff football game. These titles represent a safe bet—entertaining yet predictable.

You’re Cordially Invited

This comedy features renowned actors Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon, centering around a clash between two wedding parties. A disastrous mix-up has led to both Ferrell’s daughter’s wedding and Witherspoon’s sister’s nuptials being scheduled for the same venue at the same time. Instead of collaborating, the feuding families engage in a hysterical competition to undermine one another. Directed by Nick Stoller, known for his work on Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Neighbors, this film guarantees a humorous experience from skilled comedic professionals.

Available for streaming starting January 30.

On Call

Police dramas have enthralled audiences since the inception of television, with shows like Dragnet debuting in 1951. On Call reinvigorates this classic format by utilizing real-time footage via dashcams, bodycams, smartphones, and surveillance cameras, presenting a gripping partnership between a seasoned Long Beach police officer and an eager rookie. While traditionalists might find this raw style jarring, it definitely adds a fresh layer to the genre.

Available for streaming starting January 9.

Unstoppable

The stirring tale of one-legged wrestler Anthony Robles unfolds in this film starring Jennifer Lopez, who portrays Judy, Anthony’s fiercely supportive mother. Driven by her relentless dedication, Judy encourages her son to pursue his college wrestling aspirations, willing to make immense sacrifices along the way. Unstoppable beautifully illustrates the resilience of the human spirit.

Available for streaming starting January 16.

Harlem, Season 3

The third season of Harlem continues to follow four inseparable friends as they navigate the complexities of life in the bustling city. Returning cast members Meagan Good, Grace Byers, Jerrie Johnson, and Shoniqua Shandai will be joined by new character Seth, a charismatic MLB player played by Kofi Siriboe, who piques the interest of one of the friends.

Available for streaming starting January 23.

The Rig

Get ready for a gripping horror thriller as The Rig unfolds the eerie tale of an offshore oil platform engulfed in an ambiguous fog that disrupts all communications. As apprehension and confinement escalate among the crew, they soon discover that the obscuring mist conceals something supernatural, compelling them to unite for survival.

Available for streaming starting January 2.

NFL Wildcard Game

For the first time in history, an NFL playoff game will be exclusively streamed and not broadcast on traditional television. While the specific teams and matchup won’t be finalized until January 5, it’s notable that commentators Al Michaels and analyst Kirk Herbstreit will be calling the action. Additionally, Amazon will offer a unique “alternative stream” view of the game, showcasing gameplay from an overhead perspective—a must-see for dedicated football fans who want to appreciate every play.

Available for streaming starting January 11 or 12.

Last Month’s Picks

Beast Games

YouTube’s prominent figure, Mr. Beast, attempts to broaden his audience with Beast Games, a competitive reality show featuring 1,000 participants vying for a substantial $5 million prize. If a live interpretation of Squid Game intrigues you or if you simply enjoy engaging in entertaining entertainment, don’t miss this show available here.

Available for streaming starting December 19.

Pop Culture Jeopardy

Hosted by Colin Jost of Saturday Night Live fame, Pop Culture Jeopardy is a refreshingly modern take on the classic game show format, focusing entirely on pop culture. With Jost’s charming hosting style, this new spin on Jeopardy is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of entertainment. Check it out here.

Available for streaming starting December 4.

The Sticky

Prepare yourself for a unique crime-comedy experience with The Sticky, which fictionalizes the audacious heist of nearly 300 tons of maple syrup from Canada’s reserve, worth around $18 million. Fans of dark humor and intriguing characters will surely find this story entertaining and reminiscent of Fargo.

Available for streaming starting December 6.

A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)

This prequel to the acclaimed A Quiet Place series returns to the cataclysmic day when blind aliens invaded Earth, resulting in widespread devastation. Lupita Nyong’o stars as Sammy, a terminally ill woman whose quest for a simple meal in New York City becomes crucial amid the chaos. Melding elements of horror and character exploration, A Quiet Place: Day One presents a sophisticated horror experience, ideal for fans seeking substance beyond the usual slasher flicks.

Available for streaming starting December 31.

Secret Level

A new animated anthology series, Secret Level brings together various narratives from popular video game realms. Crafted by the brilliant minds behind Love, Death + Robots, this show is tailored for gamers, featuring segments that explore universes like Pac-Man, Warhammer 40,000, and Mega Man.

Available for streaming starting December 10.

Glitter & Greed: The Lisa Frank Story

Known for her whimsical designs splashed with unicorns and rainbows, Lisa Frank’s empire harbors a darker narrative. This documentary explores the tumultuous culture beneath the surface, unveiling a toxic workplace and personal conflicts experienced within the vibrant world of Lisa Frank. Discover the truth behind the fantasy here.

Available for streaming starting December 5.

ChiefsAholic: A Wolf in Chief’s Clothing

This documentary, ChiefsAholic: A Wolf in Chief’s Clothing, tells the story of Xaviar Babudar, an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs who became well-known for sporting a wolf costume at games. However, the reality behind his fandom led to shocking revelations—he was funding his football obsession by robbing banks. A gripping story that transcends sports.

Available for streaming starting December 24.

Beau Is Afraid (2023)

A profoundly unsettling portrayal of mental health, Beau is Afraid, directed by Ari Aster, offers an intense and surreal exploration into the protagonist’s troubled psyche, vividly brought to life by Joaquin Phoenix. What begins as a simple visit to see his mother spirals into a harrowing adventure blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Available for streaming starting December 13.

Jack in Time for Christmas

In this festive holiday adventure, British comedian Jack Whitehall finds himself in a race against time to return to the UK for Christmas, with only four days to spare. As fate would have it, every flight gets canceled, leading him to spend time with celebrities like Michael Bublé, Dave Bautista, and Rebel Wilson. Through a delightful blend of scripted moments and improvisation, Jack in Time for Christmas stands out based on the undeniable charm of its cast.

Available for streaming starting December 3.