‘tis the season.
It’s kind-of strange. For years December television was an absolute dumping ground for repeats, failed shows, and the occasional holiday film/special. With streaming, it’s as though the entire pop cultural world has followed the example set by the UK (where Christmas viewing is one of the most watched nights of the year). The number of huge titles coming over the coming weeks is just incredible.
A few thoughts to get you started:
- The Flight Attendant is the big new buzzy HBO series starring Kaley Cuocco in her first role since The Big Bang Theory wrapped. And it’s a lot of fun. It’s a breezy thriller.
- Don’t expect too much from the Saved By The Bell reboot. Positive reviews from the US been mostly uniform, but it’s worth knowing that the show is good… but not THAT good. It’s basically a modern, much-better version of kids show Saved By The Bell.
You won’t be entirely sure why you watched all ten episodes, but you won’t regret it entirely either. - I haven’t seen it, but reviews are quite high on the Matthew Carnahan Netflix movie Mosul. If you’re looking for a wild action film this weekend, this might be your best bet.
returning:
Tyler Perry’s The Haves and The Have Nots (s8), Moonshiners (s10), Virgin River (s2), Sugar Rush Christmas (s2)
new:
The Flight Attendant - HBO Max | Binge
Stars: Kaley Cuoco, Merle Dandridge, Nolan Gerard Funk
A flight attendant wakes up in the wrong hotel, in the wrong bed, with a dead man - and no idea what happened. When questioned by FBI agents and still unable to piece the night together, she begins to wonder if she could be the killer.
Saved By The Bell - Peacock | Stan
Stars: Haskiri Velazquez, Mitchell Hoog, Josie Totah
A follow-up series to the 1990s sitcom. A group of California low-income high school students are transferred to Pacific Palisades' wealthy Bayside High, following a program by California Governor Zack Morris.
Mosul - Netflix
Stars: Waleed Elgadi, Hayat Kamille, Thaer Al-Shayei
A police unit from Mosul fight to liberate the Iraqi city from thousands of ISIS militants.
Happiest Season - Hulu - US | Now TV -UK (from Dec 19 | Cinemas - Australia
Stars: Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Mary Steenburgen
A holiday romantic comedy that captures the range of emotions tied to wanting your family's acceptance, being true to yourself, and trying not to ruin Christmas.
Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square - Netflix
Stars: Dolly Parton, Christine Baranski, Jenifer Lewis, Josh Segarra
An embittered "Scrooge" of a woman plans to sell her small town, regardless of the consequences to the people who live there.
Alien Xmas - Netflix
Stars: Keythe Farley, Dee Bradley Baker, Kaliayh Rhambo
When extraterrestrials attempt to steal Earth's gravity, only the gift-giving spirit of Christmas - and a small Alien named X - can save the world.
Hillbilly Elegy - Netflix
Stars: Amy Adams, Glenn Close, Gabriel Basso
A Yale law student drawn back to his hometown grapples with family history, Appalachian values and the American dream.
The Christmas Chronicles Part 2 - Netflix
Stars: Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Darby Camp
Kate Pierce, now a cynical teen, is unexpectedly reunited with Santa Claus when a mysterious troublemaker threatens to cancel Christmas - forever.
Black Beauty - Disney+
Stars: Mackenzie Foy, Kate Winslet, Claire Forlani
A wild horse and a teenage girl forge an unbreakable bond which keeps them connected for a lifetime.
Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions - Disney+
Stars: Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift performs each song in order of her album, "folklore," and reveals the stories and secrets behind all 17 songs.
Marvel 616 - Disney+
An anthology documentary series that explores the historical, cultural and societal impacts of the Marvel Comics Universe and its intersection with the world.
Black Narcissus - FX
Stars: Gemma Arterton, Jim Broadbent, Rosie Cavaliero
When the young nuns of St. Faith attempt to establish a mission at a remote clifftop palace once known as the "House of Women," its haunting mysteries awaken forbidden desires that seem destined to repeat a terrible tragedy.
Professionals - Viaplay
Stars: Elena Anaya, Tom Welling, Brendan Fraser
After their advanced medical satellite explodes on deployment, billionaire futurist Peter Swann, and his fiancée, medical visionary Dr. Graciela "Grace" Davila, turn to a hardened former counterintelligence officer.
Onyx Equinox - Crunchyroll
Stars: Sofia Alexander, Olivia Brown, Castulo Guerra
A young Aztec boy is saved from death by the gods and chosen to act as 'humanity's champion,' forced to discard his apathy toward his fellow man and prove humanity's potential in a fight that spans across fantastical-yet-authentic Mesoamerican cultures.
Let’s be careful out there!
