The best entertainment for January balances comfort (familiar genres, cozy mysteries) with growth (challenging ideas, new perspectives). Mix escapism with substance—lighthearted shows alongside thought-provoking books, true crime podcasts with uplifting memoirs.
What I’m Reading Right Now 📚
The Book I Can’t Put Down
This novel follows a young nurse who volunteers in Vietnam and the decades-long aftermath of that choice. It’s heartbreaking and beautifully written—the kind of book that makes you think about courage, sacrifice, and how women’s contributions to history are often overlooked or minimized.
Why I’m loving it:
Hannah writes women’s stories with depth and respect, never simplifying or sentimentalizing. This book examines trauma, homecoming, and the long work of healing with honesty. It’s not light reading, but it’s incredibly moving and relevant—especially the themes about how women’s experiences are dismissed or forgotten.
Who it’s for:
Readers who appreciate historical fiction with emotional weight. Anyone interested in Vietnam War history from a perspective rarely told. People who loved The Nightingale or All the Light We Cannot See.
Content note:
Contains depictions of war, trauma, PTSD, and sexual assault. Beautiful but heavy—read when you have emotional bandwidth.
The Memoir That’s Making Me Think
On Freedom: Four Songs of Care and Constraint by Maggie Nelson
This isn’t light January reading—it’s a philosophical exploration of freedom through the lenses of art, sex, drugs, and climate. Nelson examines how we understand freedom, who gets it, and what it costs. It’s intellectually challenging and beautifully written, the kind of book you read slowly with a pen in hand.
Why I’m loving it:
At this stage of life, I’m less interested in easy answers and more interested in complex questions. Nelson doesn’t tell you what to think; she invites you to think more deeply about concepts we take for granted. It’s the kind of book that changes how you see the world.
Who it’s for:
Readers who enjoy essay collections and philosophy. People who liked The Argonauts or Rebecca Solnit’s work. Anyone who wants to be challenged intellectually, not just entertained.
Reading tip:
This isn’t a beach read. Read it in small sections, give yourself time to think about each chapter, and don’t rush through it.
The Cozy Mystery Series I’m Re-Reading
Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache Series (starting with Still Life)
Sometimes you don’t want challenging—you want comfort. Louise Penny’s mysteries set in the fictional Quebec village of Three Pines are my January comfort reading. They’re intelligent mysteries with depth and heart, featuring characters who feel like old friends and a sense of place that’s incredibly vivid.
Why I’m loving it (again):
Penny writes mysteries that are about more than just solving crimes—they’re about community, morality, art, and what it means to live a good life. The village of Three Pines feels real and welcoming, like a place you’d want to visit. Perfect for cold January nights when you want to escape somewhere beautiful.
Who it’s for:
Mystery readers who want character depth alongside plot. Anyone who loved Maisie Dobbs or The Thursday Murder Club. People who appreciate intelligent, literary mysteries.
Series note:
Start with Still Life (book 1) and read in order—the character development is cumulative and rewarding.
What I’m Watching Right Now 🎬
The Show I’m Binge-Watching
The Gilded Age (HBO Max) – Season 2
This period drama set in 1880s New York follows old money vs. new money society wars, with gorgeous costumes, intricate social maneuvering, and fascinating historical detail. It’s from Julian Fellowes (creator of Downton Abbey), so if you loved that, you’ll love this.
Why I’m loving it:
The production design is stunning—every costume, every room, every detail is meticulously researched. But beyond the beauty, it’s about power, class, gender, and who gets to make the rules. The writing is sharp, the acting is excellent (Christine Baranski is perfection), and it’s just fun to watch wealthy people scheme.
Who it’s for:
Downton Abbey fans. Period drama lovers. Anyone who appreciates beautiful costumes and set design. People who enjoy social commentary wrapped in gorgeous production.
Where to watch:
HBO Max. Season 1 is available to catch up if you’re new to the series.
The Documentary I Keep Recommending
Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie (Apple TV+)
This intimate documentary follows Michael J. Fox’s life and career, his Parkinson’s diagnosis at 29, and his decades living with the disease. It’s honest, funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful—exactly what you’d expect from Fox himself.
Why I’m loving it:
Fox’s humor and resilience shine through without glossing over the real challenges of living with Parkinson’s. It’s not a “triumph over adversity” cliché—it’s a nuanced look at adapting to life-changing circumstances while maintaining dignity, humor, and purpose. Incredibly moving.
Who it’s for:
Anyone who grew up watching Michael J. Fox. People dealing with chronic illness or caregiving. Anyone who appreciates honest storytelling about aging and resilience.
Where to watch:
Apple TV+
The Comfort Rewatch
The Great British Baking Show (Netflix) – Any Season
Sometimes you just need something warm, wholesome, and completely stress-free. GBBO is my January comfort watch—talented bakers, gorgeous creations, no manufactured drama, just genuine people doing their best and supporting each other.
Why I’m loving it (again):
It’s the antidote to harsh January. No meanness, no yelling, no negativity—just people baking beautiful things and being kind to each other. The tent is cozy, the challenges are interesting, and even when someone’s cake collapses, everyone helps clean up. It’s television as a warm hug.
Who it’s for:
Anyone who needs something gentle and uplifting. Stress-free entertainment for when the news feels overwhelming. Perfect background watching while you’re doing something else.
Where to watch:
Netflix (multiple seasons available)
What I’m Listening To Right Now 🎧
The Podcast That’s Teaching Me
We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle
Glennon Doyle, her wife Abby Wambach, and her sister Amanda discuss everything from relationships and parenting to social issues and personal growth. The conversations are honest, funny, vulnerable, and consistently thought-provoking.
Why I’m loving it:
The three hosts have incredible chemistry, and they tackle complex topics with nuance and heart. Recent episodes on aging, changing bodies, and redefining success at different life stages have been particularly resonant. It feels like listening to wise friends have meaningful conversations.
Who it’s for:
People who appreciate honest conversations about life’s challenges. Fans of Glennon Doyle’s books. Anyone interested in personal growth, relationships, or social justice topics.
Episode recommendation:
Start with “How to Stop People-Pleasing” or any episode that addresses a challenge you’re currently facing.
The True Crime Podcast I’m Hooked On
Scamanda (ABC Audio)
This investigative podcast examines Amanda Riley, a woman who faked cancer for years, documenting her “journey” on a blog that gained thousands of followers and donations. It’s fascinating and disturbing in equal measure—a deep dive into deception, community, and why people believed her.
Why I’m loving it:
It’s more than sensational true crime—it examines why we believe what we believe, how communities form around shared experiences, and the psychology of deception. The investigation is thorough, and the ethical questions it raises are genuinely interesting.
Who it’s for:
True crime fans who want substance beyond shock value. People interested in psychology and why people lie. Listeners who enjoyed The Dropout or Bad Blood.
Content note:
Discussions of cancer, medical fraud, and deception. Not graphic but emotionally heavy at times.
The Uplifting Interview Podcast
Krista Tippett interviews poets, scientists, theologians, activists, and artists about the big questions—meaning, purpose, beauty, justice. The conversations are thoughtful, unhurried, and genuinely illuminating. This is slow media at its best.
Why I’m loving it:
Tippett asks questions that get to the heart of what matters. The pace is contemplative rather than rushed, and the guests are fascinating people with wisdom to share. It’s the opposite of doom-scrolling—listening makes you feel more human, not less.
Who it’s for:
People who crave depth and meaning in their media consumption. Fans of Terry Gross or Ezra Klein interviews. Anyone interested in spirituality, philosophy, poetry, or big questions.
Episode recommendation:
Start with any guest whose work you already admire, or try the Mary Oliver poetry episode for something beautiful.
Why This Mix Works
The balance:
Heavy reads (Hannah, Nelson) balanced with comfort (Penny mysteries). Serious documentaries (Michael J. Fox) alongside lighthearted escapes (GBBS). Thought-provoking podcasts (On Being, We Can Do Hard Things) mixed with entertaining true crime (Scamanda).
The pattern:
Entertainment that makes you think alongside entertainment that lets you rest. Growth and comfort in equal measure. January is dark and cold—we need both challenge and coziness to get through it.
Mini FAQ
How do you find time to read, watch, and listen to all this?
I don’t consume everything simultaneously. I’m reading one serious book (Nelson), one gripping novel (Hannah), and one comfort reread (Penny). Watching one new show (Gilded Age) and one comfort rewatch (GBBS). Podcasts happen during walks, cooking, or driving. It’s about building media consumption into daily life, not adding hours to your day.
Do you finish everything you start?
Absolutely not. Life’s too short for books or shows that aren’t working for you. I give books about 50-75 pages and shows 2-3 episodes. If they’re not engaging by then, I move on without guilt.
How do you decide what to read or watch next?
Recommendations from trusted sources (friends, reviewers whose taste aligns with mine), award winners and nominees, and sometimes just browsing until something intrigues me. I also balance—if I just finished something heavy, I choose something lighter next.
What if I don’t have access to all these streaming services?
Libraries! Most public libraries offer ebooks, audiobooks, and even streaming services through apps like Libby, Hoopla, or Kanopy. Many of these books are available at your library, and documentaries often eventually appear on free services.
✨ Beth’s Take: Why Entertainment Choices Matter
I used to think entertainment was just filler—something to do when you’re not doing “important” things. Then I realized that what we read, watch, and listen to shapes how we think, what we care about, and how we see the world. Consuming only escapism leaves you disconnected from reality. Consuming only heavy, serious content leaves you depleted.
The mix matters. Kristin Hannah’s novel makes me think about women’s untold stories and historical amnesia. Louise Penny’s mysteries remind me that community and kindness matter. We Can Do Hard Things challenges me to examine my assumptions. The Great British Baking Show reminds me that gentleness and encouragement are valuable. All of it contributes to how I move through the world.
At this stage of life, I’m intentional about what gets my attention. I have less tolerance for media that makes me feel worse about myself or the world, and more appreciation for content that challenges me to think differently or simply brings joy. Entertainment doesn’t have to be profound to be worthwhile—but it should either teach you something, make you feel something, or give you rest. Ideally all three.
More Entertainment Inspiration
For more reading recommendations, check out My January Reading List: The Books That’ll Actually Change Your Year! And for creating the cozy environment that makes reading and watching more enjoyable, browse 12 Cozy Amazon Finds That Are Getting Me Through January. For thoughts on staying engaged and curious as we age, read Stay Relevant After 50: It’s Not About Looking Younger.
Closing Thoughts
What Are You Reading, Watching, or Listening To?
The best part about sharing entertainment picks is discovering new recommendations from others. What’s on your current rotation? What book have you recommended to everyone lately? What show are you binge-watching? I’d love to hear what’s captivating your attention right now—leave your recommendations in the comments!
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