What to watch in ultra HD this January

Ready for a month of great telly like you’ve never seen before? Then read on to discover some of the ultra HD highlights coming up on the Virgin TV Ultra HD channel (CH 175/999) throughout January. This month there are some spectacular documentaries showcasing regions all around the world, from the ice sheets of Patagonia to the national parks of east Africa and the rivers of Europe, all broadcast in super-sharp, eye-boggling ultra high definition. You can also watch amazing concert films from beloved musical acts in 4K, giving you an experience akin to being in the room for the performance, as well as some spine-chilling TV series.

Your eyes are in for a real treat this month on our dedicated ultra HD channel. Don’t worry about missing any of these when they’re first on: there are plenty of opportunities to see these films on the Virgin TV Ultra HD Channel, while many are available in On Demand, still in eye-popping ultra HD on compatible TVs.

Mondays from 5 January, 7.20pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

When the supercontinent known as Pangea broke up over 200 million years ago, the continents shifted and began a story that has shaped the history of humanity. Across six episodes, this series examines how nature influenced cultures: from the abundant resources that affected the development of societies in Australia and North America to the sometimes inhospitable climate in Asia and Africa that determined how people lived and thrived. Realistic 3D animations allow viewers to experience sinking land masses, explosive volcanoes and raging storms as well as seeing breathtaking landscapes, soaring mountains and arid deserts from above.

Mondays from 5 January, 8.10pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

We don’t know how Belgium got a reputation for being boring: it’s certainly not true of its cities or cuisine, and it also contains some fascinating wildlife. Over these three episodes you’ll visit the country’s rivers, where beavers construct dwellings and grass snakes hunt tadpoles; soar above the landscape with cranes, peregrine falcons and (gulp) flying spiders; and journey through the woodlands and fields, where foxes, hares and stags battle for supremacy as butterflies flit between them. It’s a glorious spectacle in crystal-clear ultra HD.

Thursday 8 + Thursday 15 January, 8.10pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

The Tsavo waterhole in Kenya exists for a few months each year and while it does, it’s home to an extraordinary community of creatures, from a family of elephants to a pair of hornbills (like The Lion King’s Zazu) alongside dung beetles, chameleons, bullfrogs, geese, killifish and more. The elephants may be the architects of the waterhole, but there’s an intriguing narrative playing out at the height of their toenails. Many of the interactions between these mammals, birds and insects have never been filmed before – and some are even new to science.

Thursdays from 8 January, 9.30pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

Between the original 1990s movies starring Buffy’s Sarah Michelle Gellar and the 2025 movie reboot came this TV version of the slasher classic. Madeline Iseman from the new Jumanji films plays twin sisters Lennon (the popular one)  and Alison (the “weird, boring” one), who along with their friends are stalked by a killer a year after covering up a fatal car accident. It’s an enjoyably over-the-top story told with relish and highly effective scares, and filmed on the extremely telegenic island of Oahu.

Season 2, from Friday 9 January, 11pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

This anthology series produced by Blumhouse Pictures – the powerhouse of modern horror with hits like the Paranormal Activity series, Get Out, Happy Death Day and M3GAN – will have you hiding behind a cushion. The second season brings a new set of 12 episodes each inspired by a seasonal holiday, from Thanksgiving and Christmas to Easter and Mother’s Day. Of course, these joyous occasions all take a terrifying and twisty turn before the story’s end. Don’t watch them alone… Familiar faces such as Dustin Milligan (Schitt’s Creek), Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Scott Evans (Barbie) and Judy Greer (Ant-Man) pop up throughout.

Sunday 18 January, 9pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

The iconic and spectacular London venue is the perfect place for one of the world’s most popular bands to perform their beloved hits. Brandon Flowers and co take to the stage to play “Somebody Told Me”, “Human”, “All These Things That I’ve Done” and of course, the song that’s arguably the biggest anthem of the 21st century, “Mr Brightside”. It’s the complete show, packed with brilliant moments, all brought to you in crystal-clear ultra HD.

Thursday 22 January, 8.10pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

The Morava River is an exceptional wilderness in the heart of Europe. Its 60km stretch along the border between Austria and Slovakia has a distinctive personality and international significance, forming vast wetlands containing meadows, forests and a network of wild branches and streams. Adjacent to these are ancient sand dunes, where animals and plants thrive in dry, hot surroundings, and the sun and clouds create picturesque landscapes that are reminiscent of the American West. Take a trip you’ll remember for a long time.

Friday 23 January, 9pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

Join Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and co on their epic tour around Latin America in this superb travelogue and concert film. The film captures life on the road for one of music’s biggest bands and the lifelong local fans who are devoted to them, while shining a light on Argentina’s “rolinga” subculture that was born out of a ban of English music by the country’s military dictatorship in the 1970s and 80s.

Saturday 24 January, 9pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

The historic, atmospheric surroundings of London’s venerable Royal Albert Hall form the backdrop for this exhilarating concert by a hugely successful rock band who’ve sold more than 50 million records. Even if you don’t think you’re a Heart fan, you probably know more songs than you think: “Crazy On You”, “Barracuda”, “These Dreams”, and of course the mighty “Alone”. Sisters Anne and Nancy Wilson, who founded the band in 1973, are still exuberant and entertaining performers, and accompaniment from the world-famous Royal Philharmonic makes it a truly special event.

Thursday 29 January, 8.10pm, Virgin TV Ultra HD (CH 175/999)

At the southern tip of South America lies Patagonia, with huge ice sheets, constant wind and extremes of weather. Its conditions have enabled gauchos to establish and raise livestock over many years, but climate change means the region no longer supports these traditions. Now, pioneers are having to reconquer the land with a focus on nature conservation. Can this rare wilderness be saved? An insightful glimpse into a fascinating way of life, with incredible photography of the dramatic landscape.

Go to CH 175 or CH 999 to access Virgin TV Ultra HD. Don’t have a 4K TV? Never fear, because you can also watch the Virgin TV Ultra HD channel through your HD TV.

Please note, if you watch TV on our TiVo^® box, you will not be able to access the Virgin TV Ultra HD channel. But it’s super-simple to upgrade to our latest Virgin TV box by contacting us on 0345 454 1111 (or call 150 from a Virgin Media phone).