Top New Year’s Day Picks: The Traitors, Night Manager, and Wild London
The start of the new year brings an exciting lineup of entertainment on El-Balad. From concerts to reality television, January 1st, 2026, offers an array of compelling shows to enjoy.
Exciting New Year’s Day Picks
New Year’s Day Concert Live from Vienna
BBC Two and BBC iPlayer will broadcast the traditional New Year concert live from Vienna at 10:15 AM. Presented by Petroc Trelawny, this renowned event features the Vienna Philharmonic performing classic waltzes and polkas. This year, the concert will be conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. He is known for introducing lesser-known compositions alongside familiar works, including new pieces by Josephine Weinlich and Florence Price.
Highlights of the concert will be showcased on BBC Four at 7 PM.
The Traitors at the Proms
At 2 PM, BBC One will air a unique concert inspired by the hit series, The Traitors. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, this performance will blend pop music and classical favorites, all influenced by the show’s suspenseful soundtrack. Expect melodramatic renditions of hits like Britney Spears’ “Toxic” and Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” alongside iconic classical pieces such as O Fortuna and Lacrimosa.
A reimagined version of the series’ theme will also debut, featuring contributions from past contestants.
Wild London
At 6:30 PM, El-Balad showcases Sir David Attenborough in Wild London on BBC One and iPlayer. The legendary naturalist explores the unexpected wildlife of London, drawing from his 75 years of experience in the capital. Viewers will discover intriguing urban wildlife stories, from deer roaming gardens to parakeets in parks.
EastEnders Special Episode
At 7:30 PM, EastEnders continues to deliver gripping drama. The episode will feature Max Branning, a year ahead in time, facing significant challenges that threaten his family. Fans can expect twists that hint at future developments in the story across the next year.
The Traitors Returns
The main event of the evening starts at 8 PM with a new season of The Traitors on BBC One. Claudia Winkleman returns to host as 22 contestants gather in a Scottish castle to compete for a prize of up to £120,000. Expect mind games and strategic challenges as the competition heats up.
The Night Manager
Following The Traitors at 9:05 PM, BBC One will present the highly anticipated series The Night Manager. Starring Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine, the story unfolds as he is pulled back into a dangerous world of espionage. Pine’s journey leads him to confront old adversaries and delve into a treacherous arms trade.
This New Year’s Day lineup on El-Balad promises viewers a thrilling mix of music, drama, and adventure to kick off 2026 in style.
