#What to watch on New Year’s Day 2021: Netflix, TV and streaming

Good riddance.

The most difficult year in recent memory is finally over — and there’s no better way to ring in the New Year than to spend the first day of 2021 on a TV marathon. From old favorites to new specials, here are the essential programs to look out for. 

“Cobra Kai” (Netflix) 

Good news for fans of the clever “Karate Kid” sequel series following former bully Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) as adults: Season 3 was originally scheduled to come out Jan 8, but it was moved up a week and it’s now coming out Jan 1. 

“The Rose Parade New Year’s Celebration,” NBC

This year’s Tournament of Roses Parade will be different, with a two-hour pre-taped special instead of a parade with crowds of fans. Nevertheless, Al Roker and Hota Kotb will host the NBC broadcast of the event (also airing on ABC, Univision, and Hallmark) Taped segments will include performances from Sheryl Crow, Rascal Flatts and more. 

“Austin Powers” (Hulu)

Celebrate the arrival of 2021 with a marathon of “Austin Powers” movies starring Mike Myers. All the spoofs land on Hulu Jan. 1, including “Austin Powers In Goldmember,” “Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery” and “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.” 

“Back to the Future” TBS (2 p.m.)

Follow Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) on their adventures in the time-traveling DeLorean. The first movie is followed by “Back to the Future Part II” (4:30 p.m.) and “Back to the Future Part III” (7 p.m.)

“Rocky” (AMC)

If you’re in the mood for a classic sports underdog movie, AMC is having a marathon of “Rocky” and the film’s five sequels starring Sylvester Stallone. It starts at noon and continues for nearly twelve hours until 11:45 p.m. 

“The Truman Show” (Amazon Prime)

The classic 1998 philosophical movie starring Jim Carrey in a rare serious role. Truman (Carrey), who lives a seemingly idyllic life in a small town, eventually comes to realize that he resides on a set and is the star of a popular show.

“Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears A Who” (Disney+)

The 2008 animated children’s film based on the book of the same name is a heartwarming tale following the adventures of Horton the elephant (voiced by Jim Carrey) as he seeks to save the residents of the minuscule Whoville from destruction. Unlikely friendships ensue between creatures of different sizes. Co-starring the voices of Steve Carrell, Carol Burnett, Amy Poehler and Seth Rogen. 

“Eddie Murphy: Raw” (Netflix)

Murphy’s hit 1987 stand-up comedy special — his second after 1983’s “Delirious” — is newly available. Revisit the prolific comedian in his prime.  

“My Lottery Dream Home” HGTV (noon)

HGTV is playing the popular series all day long. Follow host David Bromstad as he leads recent millionaire lottery winners into making smart — or foolish — choices in homes. 

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” 8 p.m., VH1 

Kick off 2021 in style by watch the new queens make their debut and compete for the crown. Season 13 of the hit series premieres on VH1 at 8 p.m.