The New Year is finally here.
2021 was a TV year of dazzling highs, with crowd-pleasing zany shows such as “Loki,” surprise global hits such as “Squid Game,” and also dark lows – such as a “Tiger King” sequel that nobody cared about. If you’re ringing in the New Year with a relaxing day on your couch in front of the TV, here’s what to watch.
“2021 And Done With Snoop Dogg & Kevin Hart”
The rapper and the comedian deliver their takes on the events and news stories of the past year, joined by a slew of celeb guests, including Mark Cuban, DJ D-Nice, DL Hughley, Loni Love, Killer Mike, William Shatner, Stephen A. Smith and Michael Strahan.
Where to watch: Peacock
“Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts”
Get out your Marauder’s Map. The stars of the “Harry Potter” movies re-unite in this magical two-hour special to reminisce about their experiences and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first movie’s (“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”) premiere in 2001. Cast members appearing in the special include Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis, and more.
Where to watch: HBO Max
“The 133rd Rose Parade”
The pandemic cancelled last year’s festivities, but the Rose Parade is back, marching down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, Calif. LeVar Burton is the Grand Marshall of the parade, and floats from “The Bachelor” and “The Masked Singer” TV franchises will be present. Musical guests will include LeaAnn Rimes, Laine Hardy and the Hot 8 Brass Band performing mid-show, and country musician Jimmie Allen delivering the finale performance.
Where to watch: 11:00 am on NBC
“Back to the Future”
What better way to welcome in the new year than to spend it in the most famous franchise that jumps around in time? Follow Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and his adventures back to meet his teenage parents in the 1950s, before his travels to 2015 and the Wild West, all with the help of his eccentric pal Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) and his DeLorean. All three movies are playing back to back in a marathon, beginning at noon.
Where to watch: 12:00 p.m on TBS
“Ocean’s Eleven”
The casino heist in this modern classic takes place on New Year’s eve. Join Danny Ocean (George Clooney) as he robs a casino with a crew including Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), Basher Tarr (Don Cheadle), Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), and more.
Where to watch: Hulu
“Poseidon”
This 2006 disaster movie (and remake of the 1972 film) takes place during a New Year’s party on a luxury ocean liner that turns into a tense survival saga as the ship capsizes and starts sinking. The cast of characters includes former New York City Mayor and firefighter Robert Ramsey (Kurt Russell), his daughter Jennifer (Emmy Rossum), former Navy submariner turned gambler Dylan Johns (Josh Lucas), architect Richard Nelson (Richard Dreyfuss), among others.
Where to watch: Netflix
“Waiting to Exhale”
This 1995 movie follows Bernadine Harris (Angela Bassett), a mom and aspiring caterer whose husband leaves her on New Year’s, but she rebuilds her life with help from her friends, including TV producer Savannah Jackson (Whitney Houston), executive Robin (Lela Rochon), and single mom beauty salon owner Gloria (Loretta Devine).
Where to watch it: HBO Max