Also, MUBI debuts a new drama, Gillian Anderson features in a gritty Western, and more.
The year 2025 concludes with a strong focus on sci-fi and fantasy, highlighted by the final episodes of Stranger Things and new seasons of Fallout and Percy Jackson And The Olympians. December also brings an 1850s Western and a Spartacus sequel on Starz. Additionally, Netflix offers more Emily In Paris (though she’s still in Rome), a Taylor Swift documentary series launches on Disney+, and Simu Liu and Melissa Barrera star in Peacock’s newest spy series. Below is The A.V. Club‘s roundup of TV shows to watch next month.
The New Years (MUBI, December 3)
Just weeks after the debut of Cooper Raiff’s Hal & Harper, MUBI introduces The New Years, a Spanish series that follows a couple (played by Élite‘s Iria del Río and Francesco Carril) through 10 years of New Year’s Eve celebrations. The series was created by Rodrigo Sorogoyen alongside Sara Cano and Paula Fabra. [Tim Lowery]
The Abandons (Netflix, December 4)
Kurt Sutter (Sons Of Anarchy, Mayans M.C.) transitions from biker gangs to Western bandits in this thrilling drama, where a devout Irish woman in 1850s Oregon (played by Game Of Thrones’ Lena Headey) confronts Gillian Anderson’s ruthless, land-seeking antagonist. Lucas Till, The Nightingale‘s Aisling Franciosi, and Nick Robinson also star. [Tim Lowery]
Spartacus: House Of Ashur (Starz, December 5)
A decade and a half after introducing his Spartacus series on Starz, creator Steven D. Knight returns with this sequel set in an alternate reality where gladiator Ashur (Nick E. Tremblay) survived Mount Vesuvius. Now, he controls the school that once enslaved him and encounters his old adversary, Lucretia (Lucy Lawless), in the underworld. Liam McIntyre briefly returns as Spartacus, with support from Graham McTavish and Claudia Black. [Saloni Gajjar]
Percy Jackson And The Olympians season two (Disney+, December 10)
The saga by Rick Riordan and Jonathan E. Steinberg continues as Percy (Walker Scobell) embarks on a mission to save his friend Grover (Aryan Simhadri), whose sea quest for the god Poseidon (Toby Stephens) has turned perilous. This season introduces Courtney B. Vance as Zeus, taking over after the passing of Lance Reddick, with new cast members including Kristen Schaal, Margaret Cho, and Sandra Bernhard. [Saloni Gajjar]
Little Disasters (Paramount+, December 11)
Adapted from Sarah Vaughan’s 2020 novel by writer Ruth Fowler (BBC One’s Rules Of The Game), this limited series revolves around a mysterious injury to a child that triggers an investigation by social services. The thriller features performances by Diane Kruger, Jo Joyner, Ben Bailey Smith, and Bridgerton‘s Shelley Conn. [Tim Lowery]
Man Vs. Baby (Netflix, December 11)
Following their 2022 British comedy Man Vs. Bee, Rowan Atkinson and William Davies return with this four-part series. Trevor Bingley (Atkinson), now a school caretaker, accepts a seemingly simple housesitting job over Christmas, only to find himself caring for an unexpected guest. [Saloni Gajjar]
Taylor Swift: The End Of An Era (Disney+, December 12)
In celebration of her monumental Eras tour, Taylor Swift presents a six-episode docuseries offering an intimate look at the planning and execution of her 42-song concert series. The series also provides insights into her personal life, including her engagement to Travis Kelce and collaborations with artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Gracie Abrams. [Saloni Gajjar]
Fallout season two (Prime Video, December 17)
Ella Purnell’s Lucy and Walton Goggins’ the Ghoul return in the second season of Fallout, navigating dangers in New Vegas as they search for remaining Vault-Tec members. This season, the series expands its dystopian universe to include the New California Republic and Caesar’s Legion, featuring new cast members Macaulay Culkin and Kumail Nanjiani, alongside returning stars Kyle MacLachlan, Moises Arias, and Zach Cherry. [Saloni Gajjar]
Stranger Things season five (Netflix, December 25 and December 31)
Launching over Thanksgiving, the fifth and final season of Stranger Things continues with four episodes on Christmas and concludes with a two-hour finale on New Year’s Eve, available both online and in theaters. In these episodes, the Hawkins group unites to finally defeat Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) and prevent his demonic forces from overtaking the real world. [Saloni Gajjar]
The Copenhagen Test (Peacock, December 27)
In this thrilling series, Simu Liu plays a Chinese-American intelligence analyst whose mind is compromised. As he struggles to identify the spy infiltrating his visions, he must also pretend everything is normal to trap the enemy. Produced by James Wan, the series also features Brian d’Arcy James and Mark O’Brien. [Saloni Gajjar]
Other December premieres
December 11
Tomb Raider: The Legend Of Lara Croft season two (Netflix)
December 18
Emily In Paris season five (Netflix)
Tim Lowery is the TV editor for The A.V. Club. Saloni Gajjar is the TV critic for The A.V. Club.
Similar Posts
- Must-See TV This Week: “The Abandons” and “Spartacus: House Of Ashur” Unveiled!
- This Week on TV: “Little Disasters” and “Wake Up Dead Man” Unveiled
- Must-Watch TV This Week: Stranger Things’ Epic Final Season & Blossoms Shanghai Premiere
- Stranger Things Season 5’s Secret Weapon: Why the Finale is Netflix’s Most Unprecedented Spectacle
- Stranger Things Reveals Final Episode Length: Not the Longest, But Close!
Avery Sandridge has an unmatched love for storytelling and the screen. From detailed analyses of your favorite shows to behind-the-scenes scoops, Avery offers a fresh and engaging take on everything TV series.