Despite all the lists and hectic amounts of catch-up that we play to try and make sure we’ve all seen the very best of the best by year’s end, more often than not, we still end up missing something. This is especially true of television, where a film can be easier to catch up on rather than a season’s worth of episodes. That said, while December isn’t quite as busy on the television front as it is on the film side (which is frankly overwhelming), it still is providing fans many returns of their favorite series.
From “Pen15” to “The Witcher,” this month, we will see second seasons or endings to shows that have amassed passionate fan bases. On top of that, there’s exciting new science fiction on the way, another Star Wars series lined up, and a character study starring Olivia Colman, who is already generating buzz for her tremendous and powerful performance in “The Lost Daughter.” Even with everything listed below, we don’t know when something will catch us off guard or be the next cultural phenomenon such as “Squid Game.”
“Pen15”
Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle return for the second half of Season 2 of their critically acclaimed series “Pen15” for the last remaining episodes of the series. Erskine and Konkle continue to play teenage versions of themselves as they navigate the horrors and friendships of middle school. The wait has been long for the final episodes as Season 2 was interrupted by COVID. They released an animated special for the series to make up for the time lost. It will be sad to see the characters go, but we’re interested in seeing just what Erskine and Konkle can create next.
Release Date: Season 2: Part 2 premieres on December 3 on Hulu.
“Landscapers“
It’s a big month for Olivia Colman, who, along with her film “The Lost Daughter,” also has the miniseries “Landscapers” arriving on HBO, which offers up an entirely different look at the actress. Colman and David Thewlis (“I’m Thinking of Ending Things“) lead this true-crime drama about an unlikely couple who decide to kill one of their parents. Inspired by actual events, the series is directed by Will Sharpe, who too is having a solid year with this and the release of his film “The Electric Life of Louis Wain.”
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on December 7 on HBO.
“Anne Boleyn“
Jodie Turner-Smith has been on the rise for a while with starring turns in films such as “Queen and Slim” and “Without Remorse” and the upcoming AMC+ series “Anne Boleyn” looks to secure her star power. Created by Eve Hedderwick Turner and directed by Lynsey Miller, the series chronicles Anne Boleyn’s infamous downfall and execution, taking us through the reimagined final months of the Queen’s life. The series stars Mark Stanley as Henry VIII with Lola Petticrew, Barry Ward, Jamael Westman, Amanda Burton, and Thalassa Teixeira, rounding out the supporting cast.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on December 9 on AMC+.
“And Just Like That“
In an era of sequels and remakes, it was only a matter of time before the immensely popular “Sex and the City” got its reboot. The HBO series reunites Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker,) Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), and Charlotte (Kristin Davis) as they transition their friendship from what they had in their 30s to the ups and downs that come from the reality of life and friendship in their 50s. Notably absent is Samantha, played in “Sex and the City” by Kim Cattrall though Chris Noth as Mr.Big will be returning as well.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on December 9 on HBO Max.
“Station Eleven“
Adapted on the popular novel of the same name from author Emily St. John Mandel, “Station Eleven” may seem eerily close to real-life following the past two years. Set twenty years after a devastating flu pandemic, survivors attempt to rebuild and reimagine the world while holding onto the memories of what’s been lost. Created by Patrick Somerville (“Made For Love,”) the series stars Mackenzie Davis (“Halt and Catch Fire,”) Gael García Bernal (“Old,”) Himesh Patel (“Tenet,”) David Wilmot (“Black Sails,”) and Nabhaan Rizwan (“1917.”)
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on December 16 on HBO Max.
“The Witcher“
This month, Netflix’s “The Witcher” returns with its anticipated second season as one of many book adaptations. Following the first season’s events, we pick up as Henry Cavill’s Geralt continues to try and keep Ciri (Frey Allan) safe. Lauren Schmidt Hissrich created the action-packed fantasy drama. It’s been two years since the first season’s premiere, but the second season looks to be just as visually lavish as the first. Season 2 will introduce several new characters, including Yasen Atour as Coen, Agnes Bjorn as Vereena, and Paul Bullion as Lambert.
Release Date: Season 2 premieres on December 17 on Netflix.
“1883“
A spinoff prequel to the series “Yellowstone,” “1883” will follow the Dutton family as they embark on a journey west to the last bastion of untamed America. Sam Elliot leads the charge with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Isabel May, and Billy Bob Thorton. Also created by Taylor Sheridan (“Hell or High Water,”) the Western drama will premiere with a pilot directed by Sheridan. Being released on Paramount+, the series will be another example of the filmmaker’s ability to tell Westerns with modern twists with familial drama at the center.
Release: Season 1 premieres on December 19 on Paramount+.
“Emily in Paris“
Later this month, the much-talked-about show “Emily in Paris” returns for its second season on Netflix. Lily Collins (“Mank“) stars as a young woman Emily Cooper trying to forge her path. She is hired to provide an American perspective at a marketing firm in Paris. Created by Darren Starr (“Sex and the City,”) the show stars Lucas Bravo as Emily’s love interest along with Camille Razat, Ashley Park, and Philippine Leroy–Beaulieu. Lucien Laviscount joins Season 2 as a recurring cast member.
Release Date: Season 2 premieres on December 22 on Netflix.
“The Book of Boba Fett“
Disney just won’t let fans rest with yet another Star Wars series hitting Disney+ right at the end of the year. Following the success of “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett” will follow the titular character from the sands of Tatooine as the bounty hunter along with Fennec Shand travels the Galaxy to fight for Jabba the Hutt’s old territory. Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen star in the series, and the spinoff will take place alongside the other upcoming “Mandalorian” spinoff, “Ahsoka.” Robert Rodriguez, Jon Favreau, and Bryce Dallas Howard are three of the filmmakers directing installments of the seven-episode season.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on December 29 on Disney+.