Sherlockians will no doubt be thrilled to begin 2016 with Stan’s exclusive premiere of Sherlock: The Abominable Bride. Devotees of the series starring Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game) and Martin Freeman (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey) have had to endure a two-year hiatus since Season 3 aired. The wait was not strategic, say the producers, but rather a difficulty in scheduling a shoot around Cumberbatch and Freeman who have both become in-demand stars since the series began. Fast-tracked from the UK, series regulars including Rupert Graves and Una Stubbs will return for this one-off episode set in 1895 London.
The Golden Globe nominated Mozart in the Jungle returns for Season 2. Starring Gael Garcia Bernal (The Motorcycle Diaries) and Lola Kirke (Gone Girl), the half-hour comedic drama takes viewers into the world of classical music in New York City where love, money, ambition and music intertwine.
Seasons 3-5 of the British comedy, Trollied, set in a fictional supermarket, Valco, with its hapless employees and a constant parade of hilarious customers, will be streaming from January 8.
Fans of Aussie TV will be pleased to know House Husbands Season 4 streams from January 10. The much loved drama stars a host of great Australian talent including Gary Sweet (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader) and Firass Dirani (Underbelly). Also, check out Problems, a sketch-comedy starring comedian and Triple J regular, Sam Simmons.
Movie buffs are well catered for as the New Year begins. For award-winning drama, check out Amy Adam’s performance in Big Eyes which earned her a Golden Globe, and Fruitvale Station, a film based on the true story of African-American man, Oscar Grant. Described as both moving and tough, the film won an astounding 38 awards including at the prestigious Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals.
Titles including I Am Here (Germany/Denmark), Potiche (France) and Why Don’t You Play in Hell? (Japan) are on offer for world cinema buffs.
Towelhead, based on the novel by Alicia Erian, will satisfy those viewers who like topical dramas. Directed by Alan Ball (True Blood, Six Feet Under), this coming-of-age story takes a confronting look at politics, race and sexual awakening. Toni Collette’s small role offers some respite in what is otherwise a dark and disturbing film.
Equally confronting is Lovelace, a biopic on the life of famed porn star, Linda Lovelace, starring Amanda Seyfried (Big Love) and James Franco (Pineapple Express).
Want something lighter? The Ex starring Jason Bateman (Horrible Bosses) and Zach Braff (Scrubs) aims to deliver laughs as a slacker is forced to work for his father-in-law after his previously high-earning wife gets pregnant. And Parks and Recreation fans missing the hilarious Aubrey Plaza can check out her starring turn in The To Do List, about a high school graduate who wants to get more experienced before college.
Fanboys is a comedy adventure about a group of diehard ‘Star Wars’ fans who take a cross-country road trip to visit George Lucas’ famous Skywalker Ranch. As Star Wars fever sweeps the globe, this January 20 addition to Stan is timely.
And those looking for a dose of action nostalgia can revisit the very first Mad Max, the epic movie that made Mel Gibson a megastar. Streaming on January 26, it’s the perfect way to cap off Australia Day celebrations.
Here’s a complete list of what’s new for January 2016:
Exclusive Premieres
Sherlock: The Abominable Bride - January 2
Mozart in the Jungle – December 31
Trollied – Season 3-5 – January 8
New TV Shows
House Husbands Season 4 – January 10
The LA Complex – January 29
Problems – January 31
New Movies
White Bird in a Blizzard – January 4
Prisoners – January 5
American Heist – January 15
Fanboys – January 20
Big Eyes – January 22
Swing Vote – January 23
The To Do List – January 24
Lovelace – January 25
Mad Max – January 26
The Ex – January 27
Apollo 18 – January 28
Towelhead – January 29
Zhong Kui: Snow Girl and the Dark Crystal – January 29
Fruitvale Station – January 30
50/50 – January 31
World Movies
I Am Here – January 6
Why Don’t You Play in Hell? – January 6
Sex, Love and Therapy – January 6
Potiche – January 6
The Dead Lands – January 6
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Angie Maddison is a contributor for Streambly. You can follow Angie on Twitter.
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