‘Slow Horses,’ ‘Candy Cane Lane,’ ‘The Crown’ & More Must-Stream December Titles
Searching for a cozy binge this winter? December is filled with plenty of streaming options ranging from favorite shows to must-see films.
In order to help narrow down your search, we’ve selected 25 shows and films that should be on your list this final month of 2023. Among the selections are new seasons of Apple TV+‘s Slow Horses starring Gary Oldman, and Netflix‘s The Crown which drops its final episodes on December 14. And Eddie Murphy‘s Candy Cane Lane isn’t the only Prime Video selection you must watch as Season 2 of Reacher arrives on December 15.
Scroll down for a closer look at what’s to come in December, and let us know what you’re planning to stream this winter.
This is an excerpt from TV Insider’s December issue. For more in-depth, reported coverage devoted to streaming shows from the publishers of TV Guide Magazine, pick up the issue, currently on newsstands, or purchase it online here. You can also subscribe to TV Insider Magazine here now.
1. Slow Horses
Streaming now, Apple TV+
We spy a wonderful series. Gary Oldman clocks back in as a disgruntled MI5 boss overseeing the agency’s lamest operatives for the comedic espionage thriller’s third mission.
2. Maestro
Premieres Wednesday, December 20, Netflix
As star and director, Bradley Cooper conducts himself with brilliance in this captivating Leonard Bernstein biopic. Also featuring Carey Mulligan, Matt Bomer, and Sarah Silverman.
3. The Great American Baking Show: Celebrity Holiday
Recently available, The Roku Channel
Joel McHale, Phoebe Robinson, and other stars compete in this always festive food war hosted by Severance’s Zach Cherry and the deliciously funny Casey Wilson (with judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith).
4. The Crown
Recently available, Netflix
Give a royal wave to the long-awaited Part 1 of the farewell season, which serves up four episodes centered on the final days of Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki). Part 2 arrives on December 14.
5. If You Were the Last
Available now, Peacock
Can a pair of astronauts (Anthony Mackie and Zoë Chao) trapped in space find love in the cosmos? Or are they just too star-crossed?
6. Candy Cane Lane
Streaming now, Prime Video
Eddie Murphy makes merry as a Christmas-loving dad who gets on a crazed elf’s naughty list.
7. Leave the World Behind
Premieres Friday, December 8, Netflix
Mr. Robot creator Sam Esmail adapts the bestselling apocalyptic novel, which stars Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke.
8. Faraway Downs
Sunday, November 26, Hulu
Nicole Kidman romances Hugh Jackman in a six-episode “reimagining” of 2008’s Australia.
9. Elf
Recently available, Hulu
It’s been 20 years since we first met Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell), and we still love him as much as candy, candy corn, candy canes, and syrup!
10. How to Fall in Love by the Holidays
Recently available, The Roku Channel
Desperate no more, Teri Hatcher is a magazine CEO whose season is definitely brightened by an unexpected romance with a flirty photog (Dan Payne of Descendants).
11. Rebel Moon
Premieres Friday, December 22, Netflix
Get ready for an exciting ride to a different galaxy (but still far, far away). The spectacular first half of director Zack Snyder’s epic two-part space opera — about revolutionaries taking on an evil galactic empire — finally has liftoff, and it’s a trip.
12. Carol
Available now, Netflix
Cate Blanchett falls for Rooney Mara in ’50s style in Todd Haynes’ 2015 drama.
13. Reacher
Premieres Friday, Decmber 15, Prime Video
Season 2 is bringing out the big guns — and we don’t mean just Alan Ritchson’s arms! But they definitely help when his ex-Army hero has to take on someone targeting his old unit.
14. Berlin
Premieres Friday, December 29, Netflix
The Money Heist prequel series takes thief Berlin (Pedro Alonso) to Paris to steal hearts and more.
15. Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt
Available now, Prime video
While we all wait for new episodes of Blue Bloods to return, Tom Selleck fans can revisit his 2012 TV movie about a Massachusetts police chief chasing a nasty killer.
16. The Greatest Show Never Made
Available now, Prime Video
Think reality TV is wild now? Wait till you see this docuseries about one of the craziest schemes from the genre’s early days.
17. Colin From Accounts
Recently available, Paramount+
Real-life husband and wife Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer sparkle in this Aussie comedy.
18. Genie
Recently available, Peacock
Melissa McCarthy is magical in this joyful remake of a fantastical British holiday tale.
19. No Strings Attached
Available now, Netflix
Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman are friends with bennies.
20. All-Time High
Recently available, Netflix
A con man gets drawn into a crypto scheme in this sexy French rom-com caper.
21. Julia
Recently available, Max
The delightful dramedy about iconic TV chef Julia Child serves a second course.
22. The Artful Dodger
Streaming now, Hulu
Dickens’ famous tween pickpocket is all grown up…and David Thewlis is Fagin.
23. La Femme Nikita
Available now, The Roku Channel
Guilty pleasures are rarely as fun as this ’90s adaptation of the Luc Besson flick that stars Peta Wilson as the hottest assassin in the spy game.
24. Bye Bye Barry
Recently available, Prime Video
After retiring at the height of his NFL career, Barry Sanders revisits his decision.
25. Everybody Loves Diamonds
Available now, Prime Video
Italian bandits plot to snag a fortune in gems in this multifaceted dramedy inspired by a real-life heist.
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services