January 2026

The “Game of Thrones” world once again expands with a second prequel debuting tonight at 10 pm ET on HBO Max.This one’s based on George R.R. Martin’s novella series, “Tales of Dunk and Egg,” which takes place a century before “GoT” begins. The six-episode season follows a knight and his squire as they navigate Westeros under Targaryen rule. Fewer dragons — but a lot of on-the-ground action to come.

It’s Grand Slam season. The Australian Open starts today at Melbourne Park, running through February 1. Two things to watch: Jannik Sinner, who’s chasing a third tournament win, and Venus Williams, who, at 45, is making history as the oldest woman to play in the Aussie Open. Breaking records, always.

The Queen of Country is entering her eighth decade and is marking the occasion with — what else? — new music: A fresh take on “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” a song she originally wrote 50 years ago. This time, it also features Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire, with net proceeds going to the pediatric cancer research program at Vanderbilt’s children’s hospital.

No. 10 Miami Hurricanes face No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers at the Hard Rock Stadium to see who’ll take home the national title. For Miami, it’s a shot at a championship they haven’t won since 2001. Expect drama, great plays — and history to be made.

After a 10-year singing hiatus, Hilary Duff is kicking off her 2026 “Small Rooms, Big Nerves Tour” tonight in London. Expect a mix of classics — “Come Clean”, anyone? — and new songs, like the recently released “Mature”. She heads to the States on January 27, with shows in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. 2026 is the new 2016, for real.

Today commemorates the civil rights legend Martin Luther King Jr. This federal holiday is also a national day of service.