Best new shows this week – quick links
The Game – 8 December (Binge)
Series. This brand new four-part British thriller has audiences hooked, and you could easily demolish it in one sitting. When a retired detective becomes fixated on an unsolved serial killer case, his quiet life unravels. Packed with suspense, twists, and character-driven intrigue, this series will keep viewers guessing until the final frame.
Starring Jason Watkins, Sunetra Sarker and Robson Green. Watch the trailer.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 – 10 December (Disney+)
Series. If a young adult in your life is in need of a distraction to take their mind off the whole getting booted off social media thing, the new season of this fantasy adventure series based on Rick Riordan’s novels should do the trick.
When Camp Half-Blood’s protective border is breached, Percy Jackson embarks on an epic odyssey into the Sea of Monsters in search of his best friend Grover and the one thing that may save the camp – the legendary Golden Fleece.
With help from Annabeth, Clarisse and his newfound cyclops half-brother Tyson, Percy’s survival becomes essential to stopping Luke, the Titan Kronos, and their impending plan to bring down Camp Half-Blood – and ultimately, Olympus. Watch the trailer.
The Count of Monte Cristo – 11 December (SBS On Demand)
Series. Finally landing on an Aussie streaming service after gaining audience and critical acclaim overseas, this new eight-episode series from Danish director Billie August reimagines Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel with an international cast – including Jeremy Irons and Sam Claflin (Peaky Blinders).
Unjustly accused of treason, young French sailor Edmond Dantès is imprisoned without trial in the forbidding island prison Château d’If off the coast of Marseille. During his years of imprisonment, Edmond befriends a fellow prisoner, a scholarly abbot, who educates him in multiple subjects – and reveals the whereabouts of a vast treasure. After escaping and adopting the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo, he plans revenge against those who wrongly accused him. Watch the trailer.
Man Vs Baby – 11 December (Netflix)
Series. Comedy legend Rowan Atkinson (Mr Bean) is back on our screens and up to more wacky hijinks in this new made-for-Netflix British miniseries, which follows on from 2022’s Man vs. Bee.
Heartfelt mishaps and Christmas capers abound as Trevor Bingley (Atkinson) gets wrapped up in another chaotic house-sitting experience – and this time, he has precious cargo in tow. If you’re in the mood for some light festive entertainment, this should go down like a warm cup of tea.
Starring Rowan Atkinson, Alanah Bloor and Joseph Balderrama. Watch the trailer.
Irish Blood – 11 December (Stan)
Series. If you’ve been wondering what Alicia Silverstone is up to nowadays (aside from spreading antivax views and peculiar parenting advice) then you might be intrigued to know that her lead performance in this gritty new drama is actually gaining a lot of praise across the board.
Irish Blood stars Silverstone as Fiona Sharpe, a hot-shot LA divorce lawyer who travels to Ireland after receiving a mysterious package from her estranged father – only to find herself entangled in a web of family secrets, lies, and danger. Scoring an 86% ranking on Rotten Tomatoes, the six-part series has already been renewed for a second season. Watch the trailer.
