Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
December is a month of celebration, reflection, and entertainment. As the year comes to an end, we look back at the highs and lows, the joys and sorrows, and the lessons and challenges that shaped our lives. We also look forward to the new year, with hope, optimism, and curiosity. And what better way to do both than by watching some of the best TV shows that December has to offer?
Whether you are in the mood for comedy or drama, sci-fi or fantasy, documentary or musical, there is something for everyone on the small screen this month. From the return of beloved characters and franchises, to the introduction of new stories and perspectives, to the adaptation of acclaimed books and podcasts, these 10 TV shows will keep you entertained, enlightened, and engaged throughout the holiday season.
The Witcher (Season 2)
If you are a fan of fantasy, action, and Henry Cavill, then you will not want to miss the second season of The Witcher, the Netflix series based on the books by Andrzej Sapkowski and the video games of the same name. The show follows the adventures of Geralt of Rivia (Cavill), a mutant monster hunter who roams the Continent, a medieval land full of magic, beasts, and politics. In the first season, Geralt crossed paths with Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra), a powerful sorceress, and Ciri (Freya Allan), a princess with a mysterious destiny. In the second season, which premieres on 17 December, the trio will reunite and face new threats and challenges, as well as explore their pasts and their bonds. The show promises more epic battles, stunning visuals, and witty banter, as well as a deeper dive into the lore and the characters of the Witcher world.
And Just Like That…
If you grew up watching Sex and the City, the iconic comedy-drama series that ran from 1998 to 2004 and spawned two movies, then you will be thrilled to know that the show is getting a sequel, titled And Just Like That…, which premieres on HBO Max on 9 December. The show follows the lives of Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon), and Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) as they navigate their 50s in New York City, dealing with love, friendship, family, and career. The show will also feature some familiar faces, such as Mr. Big (Chris Noth), Steve (David Eigenberg), Harry (Evan Handler), and Stanford (Willie Garson), as well as new characters, played by Sara Ramírez, Nicole Ari Parker, Karen Pittman, and Sarita Choudhury. However, the show will not include Kim Cattrall’s Samantha Jones, who was a fan favorite in the original series, due to her feud with Parker and her decision to quit the franchise. The show will address her absence and how it affects the other characters and their friendship.
The Book of Boba Fett
If you are a Star Wars fan, then you will be excited to watch The Book of Boba Fett, the spin-off series from The Mandalorian, which focuses on the bounty hunter Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison), who was last seen taking over Jabba the Hutt’s palace in the post-credits scene of the second season finale of The Mandalorian. The show, which debuts on Disney+ on 29 December, will explore the origins and adventures of the iconic Star Wars character, who first appeared in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and who was presumed dead after falling into the Sarlacc pit in the latter film. The show will also feature his partner Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen), a sharpshooter and assassin, who was introduced in The Mandalorian. The show will be executive produced by Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, the creators of The Mandalorian, and Robert Rodriguez, who directed the episode that brought back Boba Fett.
If you are looking for a post-apocalyptic drama that is not too bleak or depressing, then you might want to check out Station Eleven, the miniseries based on the acclaimed novel by Emily St John Mandel, which depicts a world where a deadly pandemic has wiped out most of humanity and civilization. The show, which airs on HBO Max on 16 December, follows the survivors as they try to rebuild their lives and find meaning in the aftermath of the catastrophe. The show features two timelines: one that shows the events before, during, and after the outbreak, and another that shows the present, 20 years later, where a group of actors and musicians, called the Traveling Symphony, perform Shakespeare plays and classical music for the scattered communities they encounter.
