From Classic Novel Adaptations to Global Phenomena
From the small-screen adaptation of a literary masterpiece to the return of the cultural phenomenon known as Squid Game, here are the TV shows to stream this December.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
Jude Law stars as a mysterious figure who might be a Jedi in this latest Star Wars spin-off. However, the heart of the adventure belongs to four children lost in another galaxy, trying to find their way home. When they stumble upon what they believe to be a lost Jedi temple, their journey takes an unexpected turn. They encounter creatures reminiscent of those from the original Star Wars cantina and meet Jod Na Nawood (Law), who offers to help them return to Earth. For fans of the franchise, the series is set in the same timeline as The Mandalorian, while for others, it echoes the spirit of films like The Goonies and ET. Law mentioned to TV Line that the show has an 80s feel, capturing the essence of a gang on a fantasy-fueled adventure. The directors for the show include notable names like Lee Isaac Chung, Davie Lowery, and the Daniels.
Premiere: 3 December in the US and 4 December in the UK on Disney+
Black Doves
Imagine a show like The Diplomat but with almost everyone as an assassin. This political spy thriller, starring Keira Knightley, is exactly that, and it’s high praise indeed. Knightley plays Helen Webb, a spy for a mercenary information-gathering organization known as Black Doves, while being married to the British Minister of Defence. When her lover is killed, she faces danger, and her handler, portrayed with chilling calm by Sarah Lancashire, calls in her old friend Sam (Ben Whishaw) to protect her. The series was created and written by Joe Barton, known for the sophisticated Giri/Haji, and bears his unique storytelling style.
Premiere: 5 December on Netflix internationally
The Sticky
The title becomes clear once you know the plot of this comedy, inspired by the real-life Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist of 2012. In this fictionalized version, Margo Martindale plays Ruth Landry, a maple syrup farmer on the brink of financial ruin, who teams up with a Boston criminal and a Canadian security guard to steal barrels of syrup. The heist is seen as a way for the underdogs to get even, but as expected, things don’t go smoothly. Jamie Lee Curtis, an executive producer, guest stars in this quirky tale.
Premiere: 6 December on Amazon Prime internationally
Dream Productions
Following the success of Inside Out and its sequel, a television spinoff was inevitable. This series is set between the two films, focusing on Riley and her emotions before she reaches adolescence. The premise is that her dreams are produced by a movie studio in her mind, with familiar voices like Amy Poehler returning as Joy, alongside Fear, Anger, and Disgust. New characters like Paula Persimmon, a stressed-out dream director, and Xeni, a pretentious daydream director, add humor to the mix. Though only four episodes, the colorful series promises to be a hit with fans.
Premiere: 11 December on Disney+
100 Years of Solitude
Gabriel Garcia Márquez’s classic novel, One Hundred Years of Solitude, has been adapted into a miniseries after the author’s death, with his sons’ consent. Set in the fictional Colombian village of Macondo, this 16-part series will allow viewers to judge if the story’s magical realism can be captured on screen. The cast is entirely Latin American, focusing on the narrative and characters without relying on big English-language stars.
Premiere: 11 December on Netflix internationally
No Good Deed
This series combines two sitcom veterans, Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano, with the ever-popular topic of real estate. They play a couple putting their coveted 1920s-era home on the market, attracting a frenzy of potential buyers. However, the house holds a dark secret, complicating the sale. Created by Liz Feldman, the show promises to be as offbeat and engaging as her previous work.
Premiere: 12 December on Netflix internationally
Dexter: Original Sin
Dexter, the serial killer who refuses to stay dead, returns in this prequel series. Set in 1991, it follows a young Dexter (Patrick Gibson) making his dual career choice between forensics and murder, guided by his father, Harry (Christian Slater). Sarah Michelle Gellar plays Tanya Martin, Dexter’s boss during his training. Michael C. Hall provides the inner voice of Dexter, with plans for him to return on screen in the upcoming Dexter: Resurrection.
Premiere: 13 December on Paramount+ with Showtime
Laid
Stephanie Hsu stars as Ruby, whose ex-boyfriends keep dying under mysterious circumstances. Feeling responsible, she sets out to warn her surviving exes, leading to a series of humorous and touching encounters. The show, created by Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford McKenna, brings in a host of guest stars as Ruby’s former flames, including Simu Liu and Finneas O’Connell.
Premiere: 19 December on Peacock in the US
Squid Game
The return of Squid Game, the show that took the world by storm in 2021, is set for this December. With its unique premise of a deadly children’s game where the winner gets rich, it not only broke viewing records but also opened doors for Korean television in the West. This season, Lee Jung-jae returns as Gi-hun, determined to end the game from within, introducing new twists and philosophical questions about the nature of the game itself.
Premiere: 26 December on Netflix internationally