New to streaming this week – quick links
Netflix: streaming this week
Culinary Class Wars Season 2 – 16 December
Series. A fresh wave of ‘Black Spoon’ cooks face the formidable ‘White Spoon’ chefs in this epic culinary showdown from South Korea. Who will withstand the heat – or flame out?
Emily in Paris Season 5 – 18 December
Series. Emily trades bonjour for buongiorno as she seeks to reinvent herself in Rome. But when love, career and loyalty collide, la dolce vita gets complicated.
Starring Lily Collins, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, William Abadie, Lucien Laviscount.
Jake Vs Joshua: Judgement Day – 20 December
Live sporting event – 12pm AEDT. A colossal global showdown between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua, live from Miami, Florida.
Starring Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua.
Prime Video: streaming this week
Fallout Season 2 – 17 December
Series. The new season will pick up in the aftermath of Season 1’s epic finale and take audiences along for a journey through the wasteland of the Mojave to the post-apocalyptic city of New Vegas.
Fallout is the story of haves and have-nots in a world in which there’s almost nothing left to have. Some 200 years after the apocalypse, the gentle denizens of luxury fallout shelters are forced to return to the irradiated hellscape their ancestors left behind – and are shocked to discover an incredibly complex, gleefully weird and highly violent universe waiting for them.
Starring Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Walton Goggins, Moisés Arias, Kyle MacLachlan, Justin Theroux, Kumail Nanjiani, Macaulay Culkin and Sarita Choudhury,
Apple TV: streaming this week
Born to be Wild – 19 December
Documentary series. An intimate and emotional look at the powerful relationships between these animals and the heroic humans dedicated to raising, rehabilitating and rewilding them to help save their species.
As each animal finds its place in the world after being orphaned or born through conservation programs – from an elephant calf and two young cheetahs, a ring-tailed lemur pup, a moon bear cub, Iberian lynx kittens and rescued African penguins – the series highlights the challenges, triumphs and resilience that define their survival, both for the animals and the extraordinary people working to raise and protect them.
Disney+: new this week
Abbott Elementary Season 5 – 17 December
Series. The award-winning workplace comedy is back with a brand new season of curveballs ready to be hurled at the dedicated, passionate teachers of Abbott Elementary (and their slightly tone-deaf principal).
Despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life, and though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do – even if they don’t love the Philadelphia school system’s less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children.
Binge: streaming this week
Celebrity Pottery Throw Down Festive Specials – 16 December
Series. Bringing holiday hilarity to the pottery wheel, four famous faces swap their usual talents for clay and creativity. Hosted by Siobhán McSweeney with judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller, this one-off festive showdown is packed with charm, irreverence and plenty of wobbly masterpieces.
Amadeus Season 1 – 21 December
Amadeus is a gripping new drama that dives deep into the brilliance and madness of musical genius. Starring Will Sharpe (Too Much, The White Lotus Season 2) as the electrifying Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Paul Bettany (WandaVision, Wimbledon) as his tormented rival Antonio Salieri, this five-part series reimagines Peter Shaffer’s iconic play with fresh intensity.
HBO Max: streaming this week
Common Side Effects – 16 December
Series. A new anime-influenced animated series from the US, Common Side Effects follows former high school lab partners Marshall and Frances who begin to unravel a conspiracy involving big pharma and the federal government to suppress knowledge of a rare mushroom that may hold the key to curing all the world’s diseases.
Haha, You Clowns – 16 December
Series. Created by Joe Cappa, Haha, You Clowns is an unexpected new series from Adult Swim that celebrates wholesome family programming. Join the Campbell boys, three doting teenagers, and their tenderhearted dad, as they live, laugh, love their way into your living rooms.
They’re big dudes with big feelings who are learning to navigate life in the wake of their mother’s death, sensing her presence in everyday adventures.
Paramount+: streaming this week
Dora Season 4 – 19 December
Series. Everyone’s favourite explorer returns for Season Four of Dora, and she’s bringing even more fun, adventure, and learning along for the journey. Join Dora and Boots as they explore the magical rainforest, solve puzzles, and overcome challenges with the help of her backpack and map.
Boston Blue Season 1 – 20 December
Series. When NYPD legend Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) arrives in Boston, he expects a fresh start, not a war. Partnered with Detective Lena Silver (Sonequa Martin-Green), the razor-sharp heir to one of the city’s most powerful policing dynasties, Danny is thrust straight into a city where every alley has secrets and every badge carries history.
Sheriff Country Season 1 – 20 December
Series. In the rural town of Edgewater, California, Sheriff Mickey Fox (Morena Baccarin) keeps law and order with uncompromising grit, while juggling single motherhood, small-town politics and a past she can’t outrun.
SBS On Demand: streaming this week
Miyazaki, Spirit Of Nature – 14 December
Documentary. An Australian premiere, this documentary focuses on legendary Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki’s deep connection to nature, and the environmental themes expressed through his beloved animated films. Through iconic characters such as Totoro and Princess Mononoke, Miyazaki’s films reflect his deep concerns about the world, often echoing the upheavals of the 20th century.
Enriched with exceptional film excerpts and insights from voices like his son and director Goro Miyazaki, producer Toshio Suzuki, and philosopher Timothy Morton – Miyazaki, Spirit of Nature reveals how Miyazaki’s profound ecological work questions our relationship with the natural world and living creatures.
Road To Change – 14 December
Documentary. This sobering new doco shows how the disproportionately high rate of road trauma in regional Australia has impacted the lives of six young Australians, their families, and their communities. It gives voice to their thoughts on road safety and allows their ideas to reduce the toll among their peers to be heard – including messaging that will connect with young people and help to change risk-taking behaviour – as well as insightful discussions on a critical road safety risk: mobile phone distraction.
Road To Change aims to amplify the voices of young regional Australians on a major issue they are seldom consulted on, and to provide a platform to outline the unique challenges they face in their daily lives.
Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas Special – 15 December
Special. Greg Davis, Noel Fielding, Daisy May Cooper and Jamali Maddix bring their own unique brand of festive cheer to your living room in an hour-long special of the music quiz that’s dripping in eggnog.
The usual suspects are joined by Leigh-Ann Pinnock, comedy icon Harry Hill and Kaiser Chiefs frontman and presenter Ricky Wilson. The festive questions being chewed over this year include what antics an inebriated Noddy Holder got up to one fateful Christmas Eve, and what strange gift John Lennon gave spoon-bending loon Uri Gellar.
Global Soul Kitchen – 17 December
Series. In this new cooking show, best-selling author and chef Deborah VanTrece introduces viewers to “global soul food” – a style of cooking that combines traditional Southern American soul food with different international influences to create something both familiar and new.
Abba And Elvis In The Outback – 18 December
Documentary. The country town of Parkes in central west NSW found unique fame as the home of ‘The Dish’ and now, as the home of the world’s biggest Elvis Tribute festival.
Drive 53 kilometres west along the Bogan Way, and you will find the tiny town of Trundle. After withstanding a mouse plague, a locust plague, drought, Covid, flooding, and a dwindling population – can a small group of locals follow in the footsteps of Parkes, and hold the world’s only ABBA tribute festival to bring some life back into their dying town?
The Untold Story Of The Vatican – 18 December
Documentary. The universal seat of Christendom, the Vatican boasts exceptional architecture, precious treasures of painting and sculpture, and priceless archives and manuscripts. It is this concentration of so many powers, so much knowledge and artistic wealth in the same place, that evokes questions, and invites examination.
How has this tiny city-state become a universal religious, political, and artistic centre? And what has been the role of art – be it painting, sculpture, or architecture – in building the power of the popes?
Indiana Jones: In Pursuit Of An Icon – 19 December
Documentary. A Stetson on his head, a whip in his hand, and an inimitable wry smile – all served up with a memorable anthem – you’ll recognise Indiana Jones anywhere. This new doco follows in the footsteps of the most famous adventurer in pop culture, from the corridors of Lyon’s Cinema Museum to the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, with Harrison Ford in the flesh among other stars.
Starring Dick Van Dyke – 19 December
Documentary. This brand new doco celebrates the life and career of legendary American performer Dick Van Dyke in honour of his 100th birthday on December 13, 2025. For eight decades, Dick has delighted audiences on screen and stage in such classic films as Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the hit Broadway musical Bye Bye Birdie, the TV series Diagnosis Murder, and his iconic sitcom, The Dick Van Dyke Show.
In addition to clips from his most memorable work, this documentary features rare and never-before-seen footage, photos, home movies, and performance clips – as well as new, exclusive interviews with Julie Andrews, Carol Burnett, Jim Carrey, Ted Danson, Steve Martin, Conan O’Brien, Martin Short and more.
Hotel Chocolat At Christmas – 19 December
Special. Luxury British chocolate manufacturer, Hotel Chocolat, opens its doors for a festive behind-the-scenes countdown to Christmas, as the company races to create nearly 50-million chocolates. New chocolatier Sammie battles to perfect a complex three-layer Cranberry treat before factory trials, while store manager Steph transforms her Chelmsford shop from Halloween to Christmas overnight amid stock shortages and delicate displays.
A Warwick Castle Christmas – 20 December
Entertainment. Narrated by Mel Giedroyc, this program follows the team at Warwick Castle, a famous medieval landmark in England’s West Midlands region, as they prepare for their busiest time of the year.
As opening night approaches, there is much to be done to have the castle looking Christmas-perfect, and the wardrobe department is working overtime with the costumes for Warwick’s first panto. Once ‘Christmas fairies’ Val and Charlie have overseen the transformation, the first banquet can take place in the Great Hall, with a dash of festive fighting from two knights in armour.
Meanwhile, everyone is filled with festive cheer when snow covers the castle and grounds, except Michael, who oversees creating the perfect ice rink. Warwick then opens its doors for the annual charity event, with the Royal Spa Brass band and St Mary’s Choir teaming up for the festive outdoor sing-along service in the castle courtyard.
Icons Unearthed: The Fast And The Furious – 20 December
Documentary. It all began with a magazine article that exposed the world of illegal drag racing in cities across America. Creatives at Universal would go on to make a modest action film featuring drag racing, car modification, and of course, family.
This six-part series explores how The Fast And The Furious became one of the largest film franchises of all time. Worth billions of dollars in ticket sales, it has spawned merchandise, spin-offs, and theme park attractions, and put a series of increasingly amazing stunts on the world’s movie screens. Despite the loss of a beloved lead actor, the franchise is a masterclass in world-building, raising the stakes, and growing a truly dedicated international fanbase.
ABC iview: streaming this week
Hard Quiz: Battle of the Networks – 17 December
Four Australian TV favourites line up to defend their network’s honour – and maybe take home the Big Brass Mug! Seven star Larry Emdur shows off his Aussie Game Show knowhow, ABC alum Leigh Sales knows ’80s TV Show Openers back to front, Channel Ten journo Angela Bishop is a not-so-secret Phil Collins fan, and Nine’s Today Show host Karl Stefanovic stays up late to talk about Australian Cricket.
The Yearly With Charlie Pickering – 17 December
Charlie Pickering will reminisce 2025 before we do it all over again in 2026. Margaret Pomeranz is back and badder than ever, Rhys Nicholson unleashes some festive cruelty, and Tom Gleeson caught up with Albo for the first time in a decade in a back-by-popular demand edition of HARD CHAT!
Would I Lie To You At Christmas – 18 December
Rob Brydon is back in the host’s chair for a festive edition of the award-winning comedy panel show. And as ever, David Mitchell and Lee Mack are the lightning-quick team captains.
Good Game: Spawn Squad – 19 December
Even more new episodes, especially for the school holidays. And as always, Gem and Harry are back behind the desk, getting schooled by the incredible Spawn Squad crew.
AMC+, Shudder & Acorn: streaming this week
The Madame Blanc Mysteries – 15 & 22 December (AMC+ & Acorn TV)
Two-part Christmas Special. Jean (Sally Lindsay), Dom (Steve Edge), Judith (Sue Holderness) and Jeremy (Robin Askwith) attend an exclusive Christmas Eve event at the Musée de Sainte Victoire.
Jean is invited to authenticate a newly acquired treasure – a rare Ormolu box once owned by Marie Antoinette. But the festive mood turns dark when Jean discovers a ticking bomb hidden inside. With just 90 minutes until detonation, the museum is sealed shut, the security guard is dead, and the race is on.
The Boulet Brothers’ Holiday of Horrors – 16 December (AMC+ & Shudder)
From The Boulet Brothers and David Dastmalchian comes The Boulet Brothers’ Holiday of Horrors, a chilling holiday-themed horror special produced by Boulet Brothers’ Productions and Good Fiend Productions.
The film features four original shorts, each written and directed by a different genre powerhouse: The Boulet Brothers, Dastmalchian, Akeela Cooper, and Kate Siegel.
G.R.I.T.S. Season Finale – 18 December (AMC+)
Series. G.R.I.T.S. (Girls Raised in the South) follows Keisha (Jasmine Sargent), Ty (Ashanti Harris) and Francis (Aja ‘Slimeroni’ Canyon), three young women coming of age in Memphis.
Determined to define the next chapter in their lives, they find solace in their favourite pastime: roller skating. As they navigate grief, love, hustle and the underbelly of the city threatening to pull them down, a skating competition with life-changing prize money offers a glimmer of hope.
BritBox: new this week
12 Days of Britmas – daily from 13 December
‘Tis the season to watch new titles in the countdown to Christmas.
A highly anticipated annual event, The 12 Days of Britmas will see a new title premiere daily in the lead up to Christmas, with a carefully curated mix of films, dramas, factual favourites and festive specials. So, whether you’re in the mood for heart-warming stories, gripping drama or holiday cheer, there will be something for every viewer to enjoy this festive season.
(Plus: BritBox has finally confirmed streaming dates for Christmas specials for Return to Paradise, Death in Paradise, and Call The Midwife – see here.)
Stan: recently added
Irish Blood – 11 December
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.
