Is it January yet?
It certainly seems that way, at least in the land of primetime television, with several shows (“Scandal,” “How to Get Away With Murder,” “The Blacklist”) already airing their midseason finales — and others, including “The Walking Dead,” prepping for their 2014 shutdowns.
With that in mind, here’s a look at what’s coming down the TV pike in January — both new and returning shows hoping to make their marks.
“Galavant”
Jan. 4 at 8 p.m. on ABC
While “Once Upon a Time” is on winter hiatus, ABC is subbing in this four-week fairy-tale comedy that features original music from Disney composer Alan Menken (“The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast”). The series follows a knight named Galavant who lost the love of his life to an evil king and is on a quest to seek revenge and restore his “happily ever after.”
“Downton Abbey”
Jan. 4 at 9 p.m. on PBS
Everyone’s favorite British drawing-room drama returns for its fifth season, which opens in 1924 with Britain electing its first Labor Party prime minister and radio broadcasts all the rage. Returning cast members include Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Tom Cullen and new cast members include Richard E. Grant (“Withnail & I”), Anna Chancellor (“The Hour”) and Rade Sherbedgia.
“Agent Carter”
Jan. 6 at 9 p.m. on ABC
The eight-episode series, set in 1946, revolves around Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), who works for the covert SS R (Strategic Scientific Reserve) while undertaking secret missions for Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper). She’s assisted by Stark’s butler, Edwin Jarvis (James D’Arcy). Chad Michael Murray, Enver Gjokaj and Shea Whigham co-star.
“Empire”
Jan. 7 at 9 p.m. on Fox
In this “King Lear”-style musical drama, the head of a hip-hop music empire (Terrence Howard) learns he has a crippling disease and must groom one of his three sons to be his heir — plans that are thrown into chaos when his ex-wife (Taraji P. Henson) is released from prison after 17 years. Created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, the team behind “The Butler.”
“Girls”
Jan. 11 at 9 p.m. on HBO
Entering its fourth season, Hannah (Lena Dunham) is a student at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Marnie (Allison Williams) continues to pursue a singing career (and her ill-advised crush) with Desi, Shoshanna (Zosia Mamet) looks for a job, and trouble keeps following Jessa (Jemima Kirke).
“Broad City”
Jan. 14 at 10:30 p.m. on Comedy Central
Everyone’s favorite broke, weed-smoking besties — Abby Jacobson and Ilana Glazer — are back for a second season of hilarious adventures and bad decisions in this scripted comedy.
“12 Monkeys”
Jan. 16 at 9 p.m. on Syfy
Inspired by the 1995 movie, the series revolves around Cole (Aaron Stanford), who travels back from a post-apocalyptic future to 2013 to stop a virus from wiping out civilization. Emily Hampshire co-stars along with Amanda Schull and Kirk Acevedo.