Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+: 10 of the Best New Shows to Stream in December

Key Highlights

  • Netflix releases “Sean Combs: The Reckoning,” a four-part documentary series about Puff Daddy’s rise and fall.
  • Netflix premieres “With Love, Meghan,” a holiday celebration featuring tips on maintaining an Instagram-perfect home from the Duchess of Sussex.
  • The Abandons, starring Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson in a showdown over land and family in 19th-century Washington Territory, debuts on Netflix.
  • Apple TV+ offers “Fallout,” a post-apocalyptic thriller based on video games, with new episodes starting December 17th.
  • The final season of Emily in Paris moves to Rome and Venice, expanding the series’ international footprint.

New Documentaries and Specials from Netflix

Netflix continues its trend of releasing compelling documentaries and special programs in December. One such offering is “Sean Combs: The Reckoning,” a four-part documentary series executive-produced by 50 Cent, that delves into the life of music mogul Sean Combs (Puff Daddy), known for his influential role in bringing hip-hop to mainstream audiences. Directed by Alex Stapleton, this series aims to provide a wake-up call about how we idolize celebrities and emphasizes that everyone is human.

The documentary covers Combs’s ascent to superstardom and his subsequent fall from grace, following the convictions related to transportation for the purposes of prostitution.

Another notable release is “With Love, Meghan,” an inevitable Christmas special where Meghan Markle shares tips on creating a festive and Instagram-perfect home. This six-part series highlights the Duchess’s insight into maintaining a luxurious lifestyle while staying true to her personal values. The documentary gives viewers a glimpse into the private life of the duchess as she invites friends over for holiday celebrations, providing practical advice and sharing her experiences.

Apple TV+ Expands with “The Abandons”

In a new frontier setting, Apple TV+ introduces “The Abandons,” starring Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson. This series transports viewers back to 1854 Washington Territory, where two powerful matriarchs, Constance Van Ness (played by Anderson) and Fiona Nolan (Headey), engage in a deadly battle for land, family, and the American dream. As Constance’s empire expands, she sets her sights on Jasper Hollow, the cattle ranch owned by Fiona, leading to a fierce struggle for control.

This series is expected to be a gripping saga of survival and ambition, offering audiences a thrilling narrative set against the backdrop of America’s western expansion. The intense conflict between these two formidable women promises to captivate viewers with its blend of historical intrigue and dramatic tension.

Disney+ Unveils “Man vs Baby” and “Taylor Swift: The End of an Era”

Disney+ adds a new series, “Man vs Bee,” starring Rowan Atkinson as Trevor Bingley. This show follows Trevor’s battle with an annoying bee that disrupts his house-sitting job at a mansion owned by wealthy individuals. Despite the seemingly mundane premise, the series delivers unexpected twists and turns, leaving the mansion in ruins and showcasing Atkinson’s comedic talents.

Taylor Swift fans will be thrilled with “Taylor Swift: The End of an Era,” a six-episode docuseries exploring the success and impact of her Eras tour.

This comprehensive look inside Swift’s global journey highlights how she became a cultural icon, selling out 51 cities and grossing over $2 billion in ticket sales. The series also features interviews with guest stars like Ed Sheeran, Sabrina Carpenter, Gracie Abrams, Florence Welch, and even her boyfriend, NFL player Travis Kelce.

Other Notable Releases

Finding joy in the holiday season, “Emily in Paris” ventures to Rome for its fifth season. This popular series follows the adventures of American marketing executive Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) as she navigates the fashion and entertainment scenes in Italy’s capital city. Additionally, “Born to Be Wild,” a new six-part wildlife series on Apple TV+, offers viewers an intimate look at the nurturing process of endangered animals, from Iberian lynx kittens to elephant calves.

These diverse offerings across various streaming platforms ensure that viewers have plenty of entertainment options during the holiday season, catering to different interests and preferences. From documentaries and reality shows to thrilling dramas and music specials, these new releases promise to keep audiences engaged until the New Year.