12 Netflix originals to ring in the new decade

With the start of a new year comes a chance for new beginnings and January at Netflix is no exception. The streaming service has a multitude of new originals premiering this month, including genre-bending comedy, first-timer Dutch contributions, and high-profile offerings. Happy New Year, everyone!

To kick off the new year, check out these Netflix original offerings for January!

Messiah: Season 1 – January 1

If you’re looking to start out your year with a little controversy, the provocative political thriller Messiah is the perfect place to get it. The series follows a cult-like Messianic leader whose work threatens to destroy whatever delicate balance of peace remains in the Middle East. As tensions run high, a CIA agent (Michelle Monaghan) works to understand his intentions and what kind of threat he poses to international security.

Understandably, some are concerned about the series perpetuating anti-Islamic sentiment. A handful of others have already initiated a change.org petition calling for the boycott of the series, calling this show that no one has even seen yet “evil and anti-Islamic propaganda.” Well, all I can say is that I usually wait to actually see something before I review it. Messiah creator Michael Petroni admits that the series is designed to be provocative, “But provocative isn’t offensive.”