Temperatures are plunging. The omicron variant is still spreading. Given what’s going on outside, staying away from the cold and COVID-19 — and curling up inside in front of the TV — seems like a safe bet for yet another winter.
Hibernating is easier when there is top-quality escapist viewing like HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” which arrived Monday. One of winter’s most eagerly awaited dramas, it boasts an all-star cast, lavish simulations of Manhattan in the 1880s and simmering battles between robber barons and old-money families for control of New York’s high society. Who needs a real vacation when such luxurious time travel is available?
While “The Gilded Age” is perfect for a break from current realities, other TV series and specials coming soon are just as suitable for cocooning. There are mesmerizing stories, stiff competitions and welcome reunions on the way, plus compelling documentaries.
Here are 10 programs that should help you endure the next few weeks while staving off cabin fever.
“Ozark” (first seven episodes of Season 4 available on Netflix). Can Marty and Wendy Byrde find happiness after three seasons of descending deeper into criminal pursuits? Jason Bateman and Laura Linney are back for to wrap up their run as America’s least fun couple, so expect more tense situations and lurking dangers than, well, real life at the moment.
“Janet Jackson” (premiered at 8 p.m. ET Friday on A&E and Lifetime). The music superstar maintained fairly strict privacy amid the allegations against her late brother Michael and the wardrobe malfunction at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show. This two-part documentary promises to tell Jackson’s story in her own words and, if its trailer is an accurate reflection of what’s to come, she is finally letting her own words speak as strongly as her songs always have.
“We Need to Talk About Cosby” (premieres at 10 p.m. tonight on Showtime). Comedian, author and CNN host W. Kamau Bell (“United Shades of America”) directed and executive-produced this four-part documentary about someone he admits was one of his heroes. But how do you talk about a topic as complex and painful as Cosby’s legacy as a cultural figure and as the man accused of sexual misconduct by more than 60 women who was serving time in prison on a 2018 sexual assault conviction when it was overturned in 2021? “You know what scares me?” says Bell in the trailer “I feel like I have to have this discussion.”
“Celebrity Big Brother” (premieres at 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS). Rumors are flying fast and furiously over which personalities will be competing here. One rumor — that Trump White House adviser Hope Hicks had been chosen — became so viral that misinformation-fighting website snopes.com had to remind everyone that CBS hasn’t made any announcements on the cast.
“Murderville” (arrives Thursday on Netflix). It’s sort of like a game of Clue, only some of the players are in the dark. Will Arnett is homicide cop Terry Seattle in this scripted murder mystery. Only guest stars on each episode won’t be in on the script and will be forced to improvise as they attempt to solve the crime. Things sure were easier with the candlesticks and Professor Plum.
2022 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies (live at 6:30 a.m. and repeated at 8 p.m. Friday on NBC). The 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, delayed from 2020, stirred heated debate over whether they even should have taken place during a pandemic. This year, COVID-19 is again the elephant in the room. NBC Sports announced last week that it won’t be sending announcers to Beijing and instead will have them work from the network’s Connecticut studios. Still, the games are bound to provide two weeks of hypnotic entertainment, especially the official kickoff with its parade of athletes.
“Jeopardy! National College Championship” (premieres at 8 p.m. Feb. 8 on ABC). Mayim Bialik hosts this tournament for 36 undergraduates who’ll represent their institutions of higher learning on nine hourlong episodes set to air during February. It’s part of the game show’s return to normalcy after last year’s fiasco of a host search.
Puppy Bowl (2 p.m., Feb 13 on Animal Planet). If you’re baffled that hordes of people want to attend the Super Bowl game and surrounding hoopla, focus your viewing energy instead on the 18th year of this canine contest held far from the madding crowd, which will feature more than 100 rescue dogs playing for Team Ruff and Team Fluff.
“Severance” (first two episodes arrive Feb. 18 on Apple TV+). The Great Resignation is reshaping the American workforce as employees decide to leave unsatisfying, underpaying jobs and explore other opportunities. But what if you could have no memories of work when you’re home and vice versa? That’s the premise of this intriguing, creepy-corporation thriller starring Adam Scott and Patricia Arquette and directed by Ben Stiller.
“Law & Order” (premieres at 8 p.m. Feb. 21 on NBC). Remember life before the pandemic? Back in 2010, NBC dropped Dick Wolf’s crime procedural that spawned a franchise. Now the network is reviving it for a 21st season and bringing back Sam Waterston as legal eagle Jack McCoy and Anthony Anderson as police detective Kevin Bernard. You can go home again, at least in prime time.
