To ring in the new year, Apple has a great lineup of returning Apple TV shows and brand-new Apple Arcade games on the way, with everything kicking off later this week. Here are the highlights.
Apple Arcade Games (January 8)
On January 8th, Apple will release four new games:
- True Skate+: a skateboarding simulator with realistic physics that’s set in more than 20 real-world locations. The game has been available on the App Store for years, but now Arcade subscribers can play on their iPhone and iPad, or even stream a game via AirPlay to an Apple TV without the In-App Purchases.
-
Sago Mini Jinja’s Garden: a family game that lets preschool-aged kids explore gardens, cook, and harvest ingredients in three distinct 3D areas.
-
Cozy Caravan: another family-friendly game where kids can create and play as an animal character, make meals, and enjoy activities like fishing and games, all while preparing for the Whizz Bang Fair.
-
Potion Punch 2+: a restaurant management simulator where you manage a variety of shops like the Potion Café or Enchantment Shop. The app features a fantasy theme filled with magic and monsters with an amusing storyline.
Then starting this Friday, a host of new Apple TV shows will begin to appear:
Tehran, Season 3 (January 9)
The International Emmy Award-winning Israeli spy thriller returns for its third season with Hugh Laurie, who joins the cast as a South African nuclear inspector. Created by Moshe Zonder, Dana Eden, and Maor Kohn, the series follows Mossad agent Tamar Rabinyan (Niv Sultan) as she takes on dangerous missions deep inside Iran. After going rogue at the end of season two, Tamar fights to win back the Mossad’s support and survive, with the eight-episode season directed by Daniel Syrkin.
Add to your Calendar:
Hijack, Season 2 (January 14)
I loved season one of this series starring Idris Elba, who returns as corporate negotiator Sam Nelson in this real-time thriller. After saving a hijacked flight last season, Sam finds himself at the center of a new crisis on a Berlin underground train. The eight-episode season includes new cast members Toby Jones, Lisa Vicari, and Clare-Hope Ashitey, with returning stars Christine Adams, Max Beesley, and Archie Panjabi.
Add to your Calendar:
Drops of God, Season 2 (January 21)
This multilingual drama features Fleur Geffrier and Tomohisa Yamashita, who reprise their roles as Camille and Issei. Created by Quoc Dang Tran and directed by Oded Ruskin, the French-Japanese series follows the pair as they investigate the origin of the world’s greatest wine.
Add to your Calendar:
Shrinking, Season 3 (January 28)
Another personal favorite, Shrinking returns for a third season starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, who lead an ensemble cast. This season features appearances by Michael J. Fox and Jeff Daniels in an 11-episode season that also sees the return of Goldstein, Damon Wayans Jr., Wendie Malick, and Cobie Smulders as guest stars.
Add to your Calendar:
Yo Gabba GabbaLand!, Season 2 (January 30)
The colorful children’s series returns with the familiar characters Muno, Foofa, Plex, Brobee, and Toodee, plus new magician Kammy Kam, for more music-filled adventures. Created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz, the series mixes early childhood milestones with play and popular music in a diverse visual and musical landscape.
Add to your Calendar:
Alright folks, that’s it for January. We’ll be back with a February update with Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, The Last Thing He Told Me, and more before you know it.
