5 TV and streaming shows you should definitely watch in December

The high-stakes worlds of sports gambling, deadly competitions and alternate realities are back on the small screen this December, along with the origin story of a serial killer and a television spin-off of a popular animated film series. Most of these thrills may seem out of place for the holiday season, but new episodes of our favorite shows make a great gift regardless of their tone. These are the streaming series and movies you should catch up on before moving on.

From the inside out and from the inside out 2

What it is: One of the biggest ongoing Disney franchises, Pixar’s From the inside out follows Riley Andersen’s coming-of-age story while offering a glimpse into the world inside her head and the emotions that live and operate there. In two feature films and an animated short, Riley deals with a cross-country move, the start of high school, and her parents’ reaction to her first boyfriend, all while embodying joy, sadness, anger, disgust, fear, and anxiety other emotions react accordingly – or not – and sometimes lead them on wild adventures. Every four episodes a new one From the inside out spin-off of the streaming series titled Dream productions Start streaming on Wednesday, December 11th.

Why you should watch it: The first From the inside out is one of Pixar’s most creative animated films and was deservedly one of the studio’s biggest hits. This film also won the Oscar for Best Animated Film and received a nomination for its screenplay. With such brilliant world building and introductions to its many instantly iconic characters out of the way, Inside Out 2 continues the franchise with a successful sequel that currently enjoys the distinction of being the most successful animated release of all time. The short film is five minutes long Riley’s first date? is also an efficiently charming addition.

Where to see: Disney+ (subscription; From the inside out, Riley’s first date?, Inside Out 2)

Engagement: Approx. 3 hours (for From the inside out, Riley’s first date?And Inside Out 2)

What it is: A comedy series inspired by a current turn of events. Bookmaker follows a career criminal – specifically a sports gambling bookmaker – as he grapples with a new world in which his illegal industry becomes legal in most states. The first episode of the second season starts on Thursday, December 12th.

Why you should watch it: Not enough comedies these days deal with current situations, so that’s one thing Bookmaker has it all. The exact premise may not be immediately relatable to most audiences, but the fear that the workplace could change drastically given the many recent technological and political changes is a universal concern. Of course, it also helps that the show is hilarious and there is brilliant chemistry between the cast.

Where to see: Max (subscription, season 1)

Engagement: Approx. 3 hours (for season 1)

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What it is: Originally based on Jeff Lindsays Dexter novels, the main premise of this series is that the protagonist is a serial killer who hunts other serial killers. He also works for the police, so that’s another twist. Canceled after eight seasons Dexter was revived many years later for the sequel limited series Dexter: New Blood. Now for the prequel Dexter: Original Sin follows the title character in her youth. The first episode of the series premieres on Friday, December 13th.

Why you should watch it: Dexter is one of the most iconic drama series of the last 20 years, thanks in part to Michael C. Hall’s five-time Emmy-nominated portrayal of the titular killer with morals. The show was created by one of the original writers of The sopranos And similarly, it follows a consistently intense and compelling story over many seasons, with high stakes throughout. The sequel is more controversial, but Hall makes it a worthy sequel.

Where to see: Paramount+ with Showtime (subscription; Dexter Seasons 1-8 and Dexter: New Blood)

Engagement: Approximately 93.5 hours (for Dexter Seasons 1-8 and Dexter: New Blood)

What it is: Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and based on the comic of the same name, this animated anthology series presents alternative scenarios for its characters that differ from those in the films. The first two seasons of What if…? Offer hypotheses about zombies, drastically different timelines and stories, and the deaths of different Avengers. The first episode of the third season starts on Sunday, December 22nd.

Why you should watch it: Even if What if…? is only loosely connected to the rest of the franchise, it’s fun to see what could have been or what was in other threads of the MCU multiverse. These strange and intriguing twists, coupled with the fact that the characters are voiced primarily by their live-action counterparts (including the late Chadwick Boseman in his final portrayal of Black Panther), make it a must-see for Marvel fans.

Where to see: Disney+ (subscription, seasons 1-2)

Engagement: Approx. 10 hours (for seasons 1-2)

What it is: Squid game is about a hapless gambling addict who desperately joins hundreds of others in similar financial straits as they compete in secret, deadly, large-scale versions of children’s games for the chance to win a massive jackpot. The entire second season premieres on Thursday, December 26th.

Why you should watch it: One of the biggest and most exciting cultural events of 2021 (and this decade), Squid game became an instant phenomenon when it launched worldwide this fall. Even in the age of binge-watching, what makes this show particularly captivating is that its exciting, continuously told story absolutely demands to be consumed in quick succession.

Where to see: Netflix (subscription, season 1)

Engagement: Approx. 8.5 hours (for season 1)

Thumbnail image by ©Paramount

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