Your guide to the best new shows and films to stream in Australia in December.
1 December
Power Book III: Raising Kanan – Season 3 (Stan)
With emotions high and the stakes even higher, season three returns to Southside Jamaica, Queens, to see the family in turmoil and reeling from the Mob’s coordinated attack. Kanan finds himself grappling with the very notions of right and wrong. Good and evil. Fidelity and disloyalty. And he’s not alone. Every member of the Thomas family must confront an existential crisis that challenges their very identity.
Gardening Australia – Indonesia Special (ABC iview)
Costa and Tammy explore the plants and gardens of Indonesia, one of Australia’s nearest neighbours.
Spirited (Apple TV+)
A singalong version of the holiday hit musical comedy, starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and Octavia Spencer, allows audiences to belt out fan favourite tunes composed by Academy Award-winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, including ‘Good Afternoon’ and ‘Bringin’ Back Christmas’.
The Snoopy Show: Happiness is Holiday Traditions (Apple TV+)
A new special of the animated series for kids and families that stars the internationally beloved beagle and his feathered best friend Woodstock as they tackle all-new adventures.
Frog and Toad: Christmas Eve (Apple TV+)
Frog is a frog. Toad is a toad. They have a lot in common… but they are also very different, as this Christmas special shows.
Shape Island: The Winter Blues (Apple TV+)
Three best friends seek adventure and connection while learning how to navigate each other’s differences. Based on the books by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen.
Heist 88 (Paramount+)
Inspired by true events, Heist 88 is a film centred on Jeremy Horne, the criminal mastermind with an innate ability to convince anyone to do just about anything and who decides to pull one last job before going to prison. The story takes place in a time before widespread computerisation and the cybersecurity of today.
Indiana Jones and The Dial Of Destiny (Disney+)
Indy (Harrison Ford) races to get his hands on a dial that has the power to change history, adventuring alongside his goddaughter (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), and finds himself coming up against the Nazis.
Read: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny review: a whip-smart success
Timeless Heroes (Disney+)
This documentary by Laurent Bouzereau examines Harrison Ford’s seemingly endless screen appeal and how he got started in (then thrived) in showbiz.
Candy Cane Lane (Prime Video)
A holiday comedy adventure film about a man on a mission to win the yearly Christmas decoration contest in his neighbourhood, starring Eddie Murphy.
The Couple Next Door (Binge)
A series in which a young couple trying for a family move to a well-to-do part of suburbia only to find themselves in a complex tangle of betrayal and desire with their new neighbours.
The Great British Bake Off: Festive Special (Binge)
Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith, Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas get their ovens on for Christmas.
2 December
Thriller 40 (Paramount+)
This new music documentary marks 40 years since the release of Michael Jackson’s Thriller – the best-selling album of all time worldwide. Director Nelson George takes fans back in time to experience the making of the record-breaking album and the release of the accompanying short films that forever redefined the music video format.
My Man is Cupid – Season 1 (Prime Video)
Cheon Sang Hyuk is a fairy who excels at making women fall for him; Baek Ryun is a vet at an animal clinic… what happens when the pair meet?
Finding Magic Mike – Season 1 (Binge)
Reality show in which two men have the chance to perform on stage in Las Vegas with the Magic Mike Live cast and win $100,000.
3 December
Paper Dolls (Paramount+)
In this new series, underdog Izzy James (Emalia) gets an offer she can’t refuse from Millennium International Music’s ruthless Head of Marketing. But it’s not the solo gig Izzy was chasing. Instead, she’s offered a spot in the label’s manufactured reality TV music group, HARLOW – the day before their first live performance.
Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Special – Wild Blue Yonder (Disney+)
The Doctor (David Tennant) and Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) join forces again as they land somewhere so threatening that their time-space machine the TARDIS activates its emergency hazard protocols and dematerialises. But where has it stranded them, and what are they up against?
Their Stories (Disney+)
A Star Original series in which Isabel discovers she was used as a front in her husband’s corruption scheme and finds herself under house arrest with her daughter.
4 December
Railway Murders (DocPlay)
This six-part true crime series considers the history of blood on the tracks of Britain, compiled from the files of Scotland Yard and the Railways Police.
Sister Boniface Mysteries: Christmas Special (BritBox)
When a precious jewel is stolen from a snowbound train, the crime-solving nun turns from passenger to detective – uncovering murder, ancient curses and dark family secrets.
5 December
Prisoner’s Daughter (Prime Video)
In this film, long-time prisoner Max (Brian Cox) is granted a compassionate release with the condition he reside with his daughter, Maxine (Kate Beckinsale), following a cancer diagnosis.
Time – Season 2 (Binge)
Sean Bean returns in this British show about a officer who tries to protect those under his supervision while facing an impossible choice.
6 December
Geddy Lee Asks: Are Bass Players Human Too? (Paramount+)
Rush bassist Geddy Lee travels to the homes of some of music’s most renowned bass players and digs into the stories that make these musicians stand out. The new four-part series features episodes with Krist Novoselic (Nirvana), Les Claypool (Primus), Melissa Auf der Maur (Hole, Smashing Pumpkins) and Rob Trujillo (Metallica).
Strife (Binge)
A new eight-part Australian comedy drama series in which a 40-something former magazine editor (Asher Keddie) starts blogging from home in order to represent women with a similar experience to hers… and becomes a huge success in the process.
Smothered – Season 1 (Binge)
Sammy and Tom’s chance encounter seems to signal romance, the downside being they have three weeks until they can never speak again.
7 December
My Life with the Walter Boys (Netflix)
A teen moves in with her guardian’s big family in a small town after a tragedy disrupts her life, and learns new lessons about love, hope and friendship.
Because We Have Each Other (DocPlay)
An intimate documentary, five years in the making, that chronicles the life of Janet, Buddha and their five adult children: a neurodiverse family on the working-class fringe.
Is There Anybody Out There (DocPlay)
A ‘deeply personal and disarmingly honest documentary’ in which filmmaker Ella Glendining searches for individuals with the same rare disability as herself.
The Doll Factory (SBS On Demand)
A new six-part series, based on the novel of the same name, starring Esme Creed-Miles, Mirren Mack and Éanna Hardwicke.
Everyone Else Burns (SBS On Demand)
A coming-of-age comedy centred on a British family and their conservative Christian sect. A mother, father, teenage daughter and tween son have to contend with personal ambition, morality, university, bullying and the (possible) end of the world.
Prisoner (SBS On Demand)
A down-at-heel Danish prison faces closure unless it can turn itself around and start gaining better publicity. Six episodes available.
The Envoys – Season 2 (Paramount+)
Priests Pedro Salinas and Simón Antequera delve into a web of mystery and murder in a Galician convent. With three blind nuns bearing witness to a supposed miracle, the battle between lies and faith escalates.
8 December
Leave the World Behind (Netflix)
A family’s getaway to a luxurious rental home takes an ominous turn when a cyberattack knocks out their devices and two strangers appear at their door. Starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha’la and Kevin Bacon.
The Calling (Stan)
An adaptation of Dror Mashiani’s novel The Missing File, this US crime procedural drama stars Jeff Wilbusch (Bad Banks, Oslo) as NYPD Detective Avraham Avraham. Guided by a deep sense of spirituality and religious principles, Avraham is left to question his own humanity when a routine investigation turns upside down. All episodes released at once.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever (Disney+)
While making a snowman with best friend Rowley Jefferson, Greg damages a snow plough and starts worrying he won’t get what he desperately wants for Christmas.
Your Christmas or Mine 2 (Prime Video)
In this film sequel, James’ father has invited the Taylors to spend the holidays at a fancy pants ski resort in the Austrian Alps, but can Hayley and James’ romance make it through another dodgy family Christmas?
Merry Little Batman (Prime Video)
In this animated family action comedy, young Damian Wayne finds himself alone in Wayne Manor on Christmas Eve and soon has to defend his home (and Gotham) from holiday-hating villains.
9 December
Baby Shark’s Big Movie (Paramount+)
In this animated feature, Baby Shark is forced to leave behind the world he loves after his family’s move to the big city and must adjust to his new life without his best friend William. When Baby Shark encounters an evil pop starfish named Stariana, who plans to steal his gift of song in order to dominate all underwater music, he must break her spell to restore harmony to the seas.
Reality (Binge)
A new crime drama film based on the real-life interrogation of Reality Winner by the FBI.
10 December
The Famous Five (Stan)
Inspired by Enid Blyton’s children’s novels, this new series reimagines the author’s iconic stories for a modern audience. The first feature-length episode of the brand new series follows five daring young explorers as they encounter treacherous and action-packed adventures.
Ben Roberts-Smith Truth on Trial (Stan)
This Stan original documentary traces the origins of the groundbreaking and controversial reports in 2018 and the subsequent stories on 60 Minutes, to Ben Roberts-Smith mounting Australia’s biggest defamation trial.
Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Special – The Giggle (Disney+)
The third 60th anniversary special sees the much anticipated return of The Toymaker (Neil Patrick Harris), a Doctor Who villain last seen on TV screens in April 1966, during the era of the First Doctor (William Hartnell). But what nefarious plans does he have in store for the 14th Doctor (David Tennant) and will they result in the Doctor regenerating into Ncuti Gatwa’s new incarnation of the popular Time Lord?
TikTok Awards (Binge)
The inaugural TikTok Awards, celebrating the most popular creators, trends and viral moments on the platform from 2023, hosted by Tony Armstrong, Abbie Chatfield and Kat Clark.
11 December
Olivia Attwood: Getting Filthy Rich (Stan)
This docuseries follows former glamour model and Love Island UK star Olivia Atwood as she explores the new and uncharted world of selling sex online. Throughout the series, Olivia embeds herself in the US sex industry, going above and beyond to get a taste of what performers contend with by getting on OnlyFans and asking viewers: is it as easy and as lucrative as it seems?
To Be and To Have (DocPlay)
Nicolas Philibert’s multi award-winning 2002 documentary.
On the Adamant (DocPlay)
Winner of the 2023 Berlinale’s prestigious Golden Bear Award, this film from French director Nicolas Philibert (To Be and To Have) invites viewers to spend time with the residents of a floating art-therapy centre in Paris.
Vigil – Season 2 (Binge)
The return of the series in which a Scottish trawler’s mysterious disappearance and a death on a nuclear sub leads to a clash between the British police and security services.
Found – Season 1 (Binge)
Shanola Hampton stars in this crime drama show about a crisis management firm and the dedicated team that sets its sights on finding (and not forgetting) missing people of colour.
12 December
Singles Inferno – Season 3 (Netflix)
A new set of singles embark on a journey of love on a remote island, navigating drama, passion and everything in between for a chance at Paradise.
Under Pressure: The US Women’s World Cup Team (Netflix)
In this docuseries, the US women’s national team pursues its third consecutive title amid trials and triumphs at the 2023 FIFA World Cup.
Los Farad – Season 1 (Prime Video)
Oskar’s life changes forever when he crosses paths with the wealthy Farad family, plunging him into international arms trafficking.
The Black Demon (Prime Video)
In this sci-fi film, an idyllic family holiday takes a turn for the worse when a the family makes the acquaintance of a megalodon shark intent on protecting its territory.
13 December
Detective #24 (Stan)
From the award-winning producers behind Midsommar, this character-led detective series explores the compelling, complex relationship between a unique and distinctive duo brought together through circumstances beyond their control.
Stonemouth (BritBox)
Stewart Gilmour (Peter Mullan) returns to his hometown for his best friend’s funeral after being run out of Stonemouth two years earlier by his girlfriend Ellie’s criminal family, and is forced to face up to his past while uncovering the sinister truth behind his friend’s apparent suicide.
Prosecuting Evil (ABC iview)
The fascinating story of one of the Holocaust’s most heroic figures, Ben Ferencz, the last surviving Nuremberg trial prosecutor.
The Lady and the Legend (Paramount+)
A film commemorating Tony Bennett’s illustrious career and his decade-long musical journey with Lady Gaga. The documentary is an intimate and unique portrayal of their extraordinary collaboration and a realistic view into Bennett’s last days.
Planners – Season 2 (Disney+)
With her marriage to Marcos now at an end, Malena confronts unemployment and uncertainty.
14 December
The Crown – Season 6 Part 2 (Netflix)
With the Commonwealth irrevocably changed, Queen Elizabeth II reflects on her life and legacy, and paves the way for her successors Charles and William.
A Compassionate Spy (DocPlay)
From director Steve James (Hoop Dreams), this documentary tells the story of Manhattan Project scientist Ted Hall, who shared classified nuclear secrets with Russia.
Alan Carr’s Adventures with Agatha Christie (BritBox)
Lifelong Agatha Christie fanboy Alan Carr embarks on a personal Great British adventure inspired by his literary heroine, heading off in search of the places that inspired her.
Monterossi (SBS On Demand)
An Italian series in which TV writer Carlo Monterossi has just decided to abandon his successful show when a hitman arrives at his door, sparking a whole new set of questions. Six episodes available.
Archie (BritBox)
Written by BAFTA-winning screenwriter Jeff Pope, this exclusive BritBox Original drama explores the life of Archibald Alexander Leach (AKA Cary Grant) through the lofty highs and troubling lows of his life and career, showcasing the actor’s life from humble beginnings, growing up in poverty in Bristol as Archibald Leach to his unlikely journey into show business, and his Hollywood life at the height of his fame: handsome, wealthy and one of the most sought after movie stars in the world.
Project Wild Series 1 (ABC iview)
‘Nature nerd’ Dr Ann Jones travels through the Indo-Pacific region to find the dedicated people bringing our planet’s amazing animals, plants and ecosystems back from the brink.
80 For Brady (Paramount+)
Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno and Sally Field star in this ‘hilarious and heartfelt comedy inspired by a true story of friendship and adventure’.
Shazam: Fury of the Gods (Binge)
An action film picking up on the continuing story of Billy Batson, a teenager who finds himself transformed into his adult Super Hero alter ego, Shazam.
15 December
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (Netflix)
From Academy Award-winning studio Aardman, the sequel to the beloved 2000 classic Chicken Run sees a fearless band of chickens flock together to save their own kind from an unsettling new threat: a nearby farm that’s cooking up something suspicious.
Read: Has Aardman, the studio behind Wallace and Gromit, run out of clay for future animations?
Gardening Australia Christmas (ABC iview)
Costa gives garden bed gifts, Jane explores a florist’s paradise, Millie sets up for summer success, Tammy creates beautiful living wreaths and Clarence learns about Christmas beetles.
Barry Humphries In His Own Words (ABC iview)
A look back at the life and work of the late Barry Humphries, told in his own words from archival interviews with the man himself.
The Family Plan (Apple TV+)
This film follows Dan Morgan (Mark Wahlberg), who loves his quiet suburban life as a devoted husband, father of three and successful car salesman. But that’s only half the story. Decades earlier, he was an elite government assassin tasked with eliminating the world’s deadliest threats.
Big Boys (Paramount+)
This British television sitcom, set in 2013, stars Dylan Llewellyn and Jon Pointing as first-year university students who live together. The story is told from the point of view of the character Jack as he recovers from his father’s death and explores his sexuality for the first time.
Reacher – Season 2 (Prime Video)
Reacher gets the band back together with three of his former teammates/chosen family.
A Savage Christmas (Binge)
In this film, after years of estrangement, a trans woman returns home for Christmas and thinks her transition will be the focus – but there are secrets and lies elsewhere to draw everyone’s focus.
16 December
Finestkind (Paramount+)
A film about two brothers (Ben Foster and Toby Wallace), raised in different worlds, who are reunited as adults over a fateful summer. Set against the backdrop of commercial fishing, the story takes on high stakes when desperate circumstances force the brothers to strike a deal with a violent Boston crime gang.
Death’s Game – Season 1 (Prime Video)
In this South Korean show, a man contemplating suicide meets Death and has to experience death on repeat.
17 December
Living With Devils (ABC iview)
In a wild and windswept corner of Australia, acclaimed filmmaker Simon Plowright spends a year living with the iconic but endangered marsupial, the Tasmanian devil.
18 December
A Storm Foretold (DocPlay)
A ‘jaw-dropping, no-holds-barred portrait of Donald Trump’s former adviser, Roger Stone’, filmed over three years in the lead-up to the 6 January storming of the US Capitol.
Take 5 With Zan Rowe Summer Special (ABC iview)
Iconic Australian celebrities explore their songs and stories of Australian summer.
Whitney (ABC iview)
An intimate, unflinching portrait of Whitney Houston and her family that probes beyond familiar tabloid headlines and sheds new light on the spellbinding trajectory of Houston’s life.
Burlesque (ABC iview)
A small town singer moves to the big city for her chance at stardom when she discovers Burlesque, a glamorous nightclub packed with dancers, sizzling musical numbers and an owner in need of a star.
Archer: Into the Cold – Season 14 (Binge)
This extended finale brings the story of Sterling Archer to its close.
19 December
The Donor Party (Prime Video)
In this film, a recently single woman desperately wants to become a mum and realises she doesn’t need a husband to make it happen.
Entitled – Season 1 (Binge)
In this comedy series, an American widower (and recent inheritor of his late partner’s gothic mansion) wants to get to know his estranged in-laws, unaware they’re very much in it for the money.
The Real Housewives of Sydney – Reunion Special (Binge)
A one-hour reunion hosted by Joel Creasey in which the housewives of the latest 10-episode series review and discuss the season’s most contentious moments.
20 December
Maestro (Netflix)
This love story film chronicles the lifelong relationship between Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. A love letter to life and art, Maestro is described as ‘an epic portrayal of family and love’. Starring Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan.
Press (BritBox)
Set in the fast-paced and challenging environment of the British newspaper industry, Press follows the personal lives and the constant professional dilemmas facing its characters. The series follows their lives as they attempt to balance work and play, ambition and integrity, amid the never-ending pressure of the 24-hour global news cycle and an industry in turmoil.
Hard Quiz: Battle of the Influencers (ABC iview)
Tom Gleeson takes on four of Australia’s most popular online influencers in a culture clash of epic proportions, where the only guarantee is mayhem.
The Yearly With Charlie Pickering (ABC iview)
Charlie wraps up 2023 with Margaret Pomeranz, Roy and HG, Rhys Nicholson, referendums and mushroom deaths. The Yearly remembers all the news so that you don’t have to.
Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan – Season 4 (Paramount+)
Dylan continues to explore his art and his adolescence as he leans on his cousins and learns from his aunt and uncle.
21 December
Munich 72 (DocPlay)
A new three-part series that tells the story of the 1972 Munich Olympics terror attack, as it’s never been told before.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians – two-episode premiere (Disney+)
The 12-year-old demigod Percy Jackson is accused by Zeus of stealing a lightning bolt and has to mount an adventure to restore order to Olympus.
BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star (Disney+)
An in-depth journey across the band’s decade-long career in a docuseries format.
Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life – Season 2, Special Christmas Episode (Disney+)
The chipmunk duo get involved in a whole new world of trouble.
Dragons of Wonderhatch – two-episode premiere (Disney+)
Nagi sees colours whenever she hears sounds; Tyme lives in an alternative reality where something strange is happening.
Snow (SBS On Demand)
In this German thriller, a doctor moves with her family to the mountain village of Rotten to help her asthmatic 10-year-old daughter’s health but, when a long-buried corpse appears in a melting glacier, the mysteries start multiplying. Six episodes available.
Celebrity Pottery Throw Down Festive Special (Binge)
Siobhán McSweeney takes to the festive potter’s wheel as four celebrities attempt to meet challenges set by judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller.
22 December
Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire (Netflix)
From Zack Snyder. When a peaceful settlement on the edge of a distant moon finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force, a mysterious stranger living among its villagers becomes their best hope for survival. Starring Sofia Boutella, Djimon Hounsou and Ed Skrein.
Dr Death – Season 2 (Stan)
Based on the medical true-crime podcast of the same name, this season tells the story of Paolo Macchiarini, a charming surgeon renowned for his innovative operations that earned him the nickname “Miracle Man”. When investigative journalist Benita Alexander approaches him for a story, the line between personal and professional begins to blur.
Sago Mini Friends: New Year’s Steve (Apple TV+)
A special from Sagoville, where Harvey loves to play and discover ways to have silly fun. He and his closest friends explore, imagine and express true thankfulness for all things, big and small, through creative adventures and unforgettable songs.
Rhys and Joel’s Family Christmas (Binge)
Rhys Nicholson and Joel Creasey join forces in Melbourne’s Thornbury Theatre, welcoming special guests.
23 December
Fast X (Binge)
Dom Toretto and his family find themselves in the sights of drug kingpin Hernan Reyes’ son.
24 December
The King’s Speech (ABC iview)
The story of King George VI, his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer.
25 December
Ricky Gervais: Armageddon (Netflix)
A new stand-up special looking at end of humanity, political correctness, weddings, funerals and AI.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (ABC iview)
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo makes its return to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in 2023 with a brand new show.
26 December
Bump – Season 4 (Stan)
The new season of Bump picks up two years after season three. Now finding their feet in the world as full-grown adults, Oly and Santi are trying to stabilise their small family unit with their challenging seven-year-old Jacinda.
Doctor Who – Holiday Special (Netflix)
The Church On Ruby Road is the first outing of the Doctor to star Ncuti Gatwa, with Millie Gibson playing Ruby, his new companion.
Hypnotic (Prime)
Detective Danny Rourke (Ben Affleck) goes on the hunt for his missing daughter. With the help of a psychic, he finds things get pretty weird pretty quickly.
27 December
Letterkenny – Season 12 (SBS On Demand)
In this Canadian comedy series, the Hicks, the Skids and the Hockey Players continue to fight in their attempts to better each other. Six episodes available.
28 December
Pagan Peak – Season 3 (SBS On Demand)
Investigators Ellie Stocker and Gedeon Winter are now become bitter enemies, and with a number of brutal murders taking place on the German-Austrian borderlands, things are getting even more complicated. Eight episodes available.
Something Undone (SBS On Demand)
Canadian true-crime podcasters Jo and Farid delve into the 1980s slaughter of a family of five, inadvertently uncovering a dark family secret that ruthlessly haunts Jo. Ten episodes available.
The Cinderella Murder (SBS On Demand)
In this Belgian series, 12 jurors have to reach a decision on a mysterious murder case, but their private lives start interfering with their views on the case. Eight episodes available.
The Last Year of Television 2023 (Binge)
Mitch McTaggart returns for a look back at the year that was on our TV screens.
29 December
Berlin (Netflix)
Back to his golden age before the events of Money Heist, Berlin and a masterful gang gather in Paris to plan one of his most ambitious robberies ever. Starring Aria Mia Loberti, Louis Hofmann and Mark Ruffalo.
Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (Binge)
The latest big-screen take on the popular table-top role playing game, starring Chris Pine.
31 December
New Year’s Eve (ABC iview)
The ABC’s NYE 2023 concert and fireworks celebration is back again and set to light up the night when it airs Saturday 31 December from 8.30pm.
