It's about that time when everyone's New Year's resolutions have worn off, and we're back to binge-watching on the couch. Luckily, Netflix is here to make sure you have plenty to add to your watch list. And if you're more strong-willed, it can still provide you with new content to keep your attention while you're on that treadmill.
But before diving into the streamer's new original content, you can also catch up on older movies that are joining the service in February. If you're missing "The Rings of Power," all three of Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" films can scratch that Middle-Earth itch for now. And if you still feel a bit of that travel bug, you can "Eat Pray Love" with Julia Roberts in Italy, India and Bali.
Or perhaps you're feeling nostalgic for Will Smith before all The Slap controversy? Netflix is offering "Pursuit of Happyness," in which he plays a homeless man and single parent of a boy, who's played by real-life son Jaden Smith. But there's also the first two "Bad Boys" movies, which you can watch as research since reports are that Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are coming back for a fourth installment.
Or if you really want to lean into disregarding any resolutions, check out ""The Great British Baking Show: The Professional." Sure the appeal of the flagship show is that it's about amateurs, but at least you can drool over Victoria sponges and iced treats, maybe even while eating some baked goods from the comfort of your couch.
Here's what else is coming to Netflix this month that's noteworthy:
The concept of this four-part docuseries is already a draw — a wealthy pet, a German shepherd to be exact, with a higher net worth than you and probably everyone you know . What lies underneath, though, is who the dog was left in the care of and how many versions of "Gunther" have inherited this fortune. "Gunther's Millions" dives into the man behind the dog, Maurizio Mian, who's an Italian celebrity known for having tenuous ties to the mafia and the cult-like following surrounding him.
Netflix's "On My Block" was loved for its inclusive cast, talented young actors and the show's coming-of-age story set in a predominantly Black and Latine neighborhood in Los Angeles. When the show ended its four-season run in late 2021, a lot of people were disappointed to see it go. But now it's getting a spinoff: "Freeridge."
"On My Block" managed to balance real sociopolitical struggles with a lighthearted mystery, friendship and innocent romance, and "Freeridge" looks like it's set up to do the same. Following a new set of characters, sisters Gloria (Keyla Monterroso Mejia) and Ines (Bryana Salaz) and their friends Cam (Tenzing Norgay Trainor) and Demi (Ciara Riley Wilson), who accidentally curse themselves with a mysterious old box, "Freeridge" puts a fresh spin on the neighborhood and its residents that viewers had come to love.
A updated take on the house swap rom-com, "Your Place or Mine" stars Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher as close friends Debbie and Peter, who absolutely have no romantic feelings for each other at all (beyond that one-night hookup when they first met). Not only do they live on opposite coasts, but they have nearly opposite lifestyles — Debbie is a type-A single mom whereas Peter changes out life plans (and girlfriends) with ease. When the two swap homes for a week, they get a glimpse into each other's lives that may lead to love.
Written by "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend's" Aline Brosh McKenna, which is probably why the movie also co-stars alums Rachel Bloom and Vela Lovell, along with Jesse Williams, Tig Notaro, Shiri Appleby and Steve Zahn.
Previously known as one of South Carolina's most prominent families, the Murdaugh family has been swept up in scandal and allegations (and, subsequently, all over the news) for over a year. Soon after the Murdaugh's son, Paul, was accused of being responsible for teenager Mallory Beach's death after a drunken boating accident, he and his mother Maggie were found murdered. What followed was the uncovering of a century of corruption, power and cover-ups around the family. The three-part series will feature first-hand accounts from those on the boat that fateful night, many of whom have not spoken about the crash or double homicide of Maggie and Paul until now, including: Paul Murdaugh's longtime girlfriend, Mallory Beach's childhood friends, Mallory's boyfriend and others.
