New year, new you, new queue — of content to inspire you. If you have a list of lofty 2026 intentions, you’re not alone. Many consider the new year the perfect time to start afresh. Unfortunately, statistically, most people will throw in the towel before they turn over a new leaf. Research finds that 80% of resolution-makers give up before the end of January, and some even dub the second Friday of January Quitter’s Day.
But that doesn’t have to be your fate. We’ve rounded up ten insightful docuseries that will encourage you to get after your goals, whether you want to refresh your wellness routine, workouts, mental health, home, or budget. Who says you can’t improve your life from your couch?
Stream for inspiration … for leveling up your health and longevity
Want to live longer, stronger, and healthier? Learn from your elders. The Blue Zones are five geographic regions around the world (in Japan, Costa Rica, Greece, Italy, and California) that have the highest concentration of centenarians (people who live to be 100 years or older). In this four-episode docuseries, bestselling author and founder of Blue Zones, Dan Buettner, travels to each area and sheds light on the local traditions, diets, and routines that help these communities thrive. No matter where you live, you’ll pick up healthy habits you can try at home.
Stream for inspiration … on getting better sleep
It affects every aspect of one’s health and mental acuity, yet it’s often taken for granted or disregarded: good sleep. If you’ve been saying “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” while pushing past drowsiness to do more work, to scroll more social media, or even to savor a little more alone time in the evening, you aren’t doing yourself any favors. Over seven episodes, all under 20 minutes, the sleep and meditation company Headspace has consulted with experts to address the various aspects of why we need restful sleep and what prevents us from getting it. Filled with soothing visuals and voices, this animated series also provides relaxation techniques that will have you ready to jump into bed and start reaping the benefits of consistent good sleep. Let this be the year you prioritize your rest and see just how many other areas of your life improve as well.
Stream for inspiration … on sticking to a budget
This series features New York Times bestselling author Ramit Sethi, who works with different couples on achieving their financial goals. Watching other people be honest about their situations — major credit card debt, shopping addictions, homeownership troubles, and thinking through retirement savings — makes it that much easier to take a good, hard look at one’s own standing. Sethi’s straightforward approach is equal parts tough love and encouragement as he gets into the nitty-gritty of money management. If taking control of your finances is your resolution this year, there is plenty to be learned from watching Sethi’s clients reap the benefits of taking his advice.
Stream for inspiration … to navigate modern issues affecting humanity
Each year brings with it a slew of confusing new technical advancements, environmental updates, economic changes, and, these days, a lot of misinformation. As hard as it is to stay on top of developments, having a solid foundational understanding goes a long way in understanding the headlines you’re reading. Here, resident billionaire slash philanthropist slash tech nerd Bill Gates is on hand to speak to those at the forefront of evolving issues in our world, specifically, artificial intelligence, the rise of conspiracy theories and misinformation, global warming, extreme wealth disparity, and efforts to eradicate disease. In these five episodes, you’ll get a crash course that will give you the footing you need to speak to the important aspects of our modern world and to better see where we’re headed, and what role you might play in that future.
Stream for inspiration … for jumpstarting a workout routine
Your 2025 fitness goal probably isn’t to push a 220-pound boulder uphill or hang from a suspended bar for 18 minutes, but watching others do it may spur you to hit the gym. This Korean reality series pits 100 fierce competitors against each other in grueling quests of strength, agility, and endurance. The last person standing earns a cash prize and all the glory. Each participant has a plaster cast of their torso, and when they’re eliminated, they destroy it with a sledgehammer. Watch it and get ready to smash your own goals.
Stream for inspiration … to up your cooking game
Kitchen newbies will be happy to know that there are just four basic keys to delicious cooking. You guessed it: salt, fat, acid, and heat. Based on the 2017 book of the same name, this docuseries follows renowned chef and food writer Samin Nosrat as she explores each element and how it’s used in various local cuisines. The show serves up helpful home cooking tips and sumptuous travel adventures. It’s the perfect recipe for a delectable new year.
Stream for inspiration … to enhance your mental wellbeing
Legendary gymnast Simone Biles exemplifies rising above adversity. In 2021, Biles shockingly withdrew herself from events during the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental health. Three years later, she made a triumphant return at the 2024 Paris Games and became the most decorated gymnast in history. Simone Biles Rising, from director Katie Walsh, chronicles Biles’ journey of challenges, healing, grit, and fortitude. It also shines a much-needed spotlight on mental health and how it impacts not only athletes, but all of us. This series raises the bar for sports documentaries, and it will inspire everyone to care for their emotional wellness.
Stream for inspiration … to live more sustainably
Earth to everyone vowing to go greener this year! Let Zac Efron be your guide and muse. The actor and wellness expert — along with his co-host, author and superfood guru Darin Olien — takes us on a journey around the world to showcase sustainable living practices, renewable energy sources, wildlife refuges, and more. In the first season, each of the eight episodes focuses on a different country. The second season goes Down Under and dives deep on topics like regenerative agriculture, waste reduction, and land preservation.
Stream for inspiration … to declutter your home
Is that heaping pile of cords or collection of decades-old holiday sweaters sparking joy? We didn’t think so. Simplify your space with the master of decluttering herself, Marie Kondo. In each of the docuseries’ eight episodes, Kondo helps a different client solve an organizational dilemma — all with a big helping of feel-good vibes and, yes, plenty of joy. If you want to start the year with a clean slate (and a clean house), this is the show for you.
Stream for inspiration … to make overall life upgrades
Make 2025 your most fabulous year yet with a little help from the Fab 5. Hosts Tan France, Jonathan van Ness, Karamo Brown, Antoni Porowski, and Jeremiah Brent dish out advice on their areas of expertise — style, grooming, culture, food and drink, and interior design, respectively — to transform a different person’s life each episode. Now in its ninth season, Queer Eye sets its sights on Las Vegas, where lucky heroes get heartfelt, magical makeovers. You’ll learn, laugh, and cry all at the same time!
Additional reporting by Ananda Dillon.
