This week offers a diverse mix of new releases and important observances for Canadian audiences. From a family-friendly animated film featuring a beloved actor to a national day dedicated to mental health, here are the five key pop culture events to watch for from January 16 to 22.
Animated Adventure and Game Show Revivals
In cinemas, actor Owen Wilson lends his voice to a new animated hero. The film Charlie the Wonderdog premieres on January 16. Wilson, known for roles in Cars and Marley & Me, voices a family dog named Charlie. After an alien abduction grants him superpowers, Charlie must navigate his new life as a canine superhero. The movie explores classic themes of friendship, loyalty, and responsibility. Shea Wageman directs and co-writes the project, with supporting voices from Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez and Tabitha St. Germain.
On television, two classic board games return for their second seasons. Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit both launch new episodes on January 22 on The CW network. Scrabble will feature new host Craig Ferguson, while LeVar Burton returns to helm Trivial Pursuit. These shows arrive as a counterpoint to trends like "brain rot," offering engaging mental challenges. Fans can also find long-running favorites like Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune on traditional TV and streaming on Crave.
Ethereal Music and a Viral Movement
For music lovers seeking a reflective soundscape, ambient musician Julianna Barwick and harpist Mary Lattimore release their collaborative album, Tragic Magic, on January 16. The project was inspired by the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and recorded over nine days in Paris. Lattimore performed on harps dating from 1728 to 1873, and Barwick utilized vintage analogue synthesizers. The duo aims to create beauty from contrasting elements, offering an ethereal listening experience for the cold winter month.
In the literary world, a viral social media sensation becomes a tangible guide. The Official We Do Not Care Club Handbook by Melani Sanders hits shelves on January 16. The book expands on the author's popular Instagram movement, which began in May 2025 when she humorously declared her indifference to life's minor stresses while in perimenopause. The movement, resonating with millions, champions letting go of unnecessary pressures, especially for women navigating menopause and perimenopause.
A National Day for Mental Health
The week culminates with a significant national observance. Bell Let's Talk Day returns on January 21, 2026. This annual initiative, first launched in 2010, is dedicated to mental health awareness, acceptance, and action. The theme for 2026 is "taking a moment for mental health," encouraging Canadians to prioritize their own well-being and support others. The campaign is promoted using the hashtag #BellLetsTalk.
The day highlights crucial statistics: one in five Canadians experiences a mental illness in any given year, and by age 40, half of all Canadians have or have had a mental illness, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. This makes the ongoing conversation and destigmatization efforts more vital than ever.
