It’s no surprise there’s something festive coming from every major streaming service this week, from baking and candy-filled reality shows to a raunchy adult animated Christmas series from Seth Rogen. Plus, this week sees the return of high-profile shows, like Money Heist and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia along with old classic Norman Lear shows streaming for your nostalgic viewing pleasure, like The Jeffersons and Sanford and Son. There’s lots to watch this week as you start baking those holiday cookies or just relax by the fire with a loved one, the family, or some solo TV time. Here’s a rundown of the best shows you can watch this week on all of the major streaming services.
Streaming services are such a moving target, which is why keep a close eye on them so we can update this list weekly, so be sure to check back often for the latest and best shows to watch.
When you’re done here, check out the best new movies to stream this week, as well as the best shows on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
New TV shows to watch at a glance
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Money Heist2017 -
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Santa Inc.2021
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Sanford and Son1972
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Harriet the Spy2021
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Hawkeye2021
Netflix
Money Heist (2017) new
One of the most popular foreign-language series on Netflix, Money Heist is finally coming to an end with the second half of its fifth season. Set in Spain, it’s told from the perspective of an unreliable narrator, Tokyo, one of the robbers involved in two huge heist attempts. The Professor leads the plan to hit the Royal Mint of Spain and Bank of Spain for the perfect robbery, and the story is told through a mix of flashbacks and time jumps, with new character motivations revealed throughout. It’s an edge-of-your-seat type of crime drama that has fans both excited and sad about an end to the story.
Lost in Space (2018)
A reboot of the original show from the ’60s, the story is a modern retelling of The Swiss Family Robinson, a family of space colonists in the year 2046 who end up becoming, well, lost in space, when their spaceship accidentally goes off course. Returning for its third season, which is set to be its last, the Emmy-nominated series promises plenty more stunning visual effects as it goes out with a bang, with more aliens, robots, and strange environments to explore.
Knight Rider (1982)
Relive the wonder of this, at the time it originally aired, futuristic series about high-tech crime fighter Michael Knight and his AI-fueled smart car KITT that went along with him, aiding in every mission. David Hasselhoff in his prime, the action crime drama was far ahead of its time. And while the technology might be laughable by today’s standards, in the ’80s, this was exciting, unbelievable stuff. All four seasons are now streaming.
Coming Out Colton (2021)
Genre
Reality
Cast
Colton Underwood
Seasons:
1
Colton Underwood shocked the world when the former professional football player and head of a season of The Bachelor came out publicly as gay. This six-part reality docuseries tells his story, including his journey coming out to the people closest to him, dealing with his personal demons, and embracing his new life. He addresses the pain he caused to Cassie Randolph, the woman he chose to marry at the end of his season of The Bachelor, and the difficultly he had accepting his true self given his Christian upbringing. It’s a heartfelt, honest exploration of a man coming to terms with who he is, along with the people who support him.
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous (2020)
If the kids are too young to watch the Jurassic World movies, this animated science fiction action-adventure series is a perfect entry into the franchise. Based on the Michael Crichton novel and executive produced in part by Steven Spielberg, the show follows a group of teenagers stranded on an island following the escape of multiple dinosaurs from their habitats. Each episode and season sees the kids navigating dangerous territory and embarking on adventures in hopes of surviving and hopefully one day getting back home. Season 4 is now streaming.
The Great British Baking Show: Holidays (2010)
Genre
Reality
Cast
Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, Mel Giedroyc
Seasons:
4
Back for a fourth season just in time for the holiday season, follow along with excited home cooks who try their hand at making delectable desserts and savory pastries, all while being judged by experts Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. Of course, for the holiday special, the focus will be on festive dishes as contestants vie for the win while handling everything from technical bakes to showstoppers in each episode.
True Story (2021)
Kevin Hart takes a break from his comedic talents to show a more dramatic side in this small screen crime-thriller in which he stars as Kid, a famous comedian who returns to visit his hometown and his older brother Carlton, played by Wesley Snipes. But following a dangerous night out, Kid is shaken to the core when faced with a life-or-death situation that could upend his entire life, and his reputation. The miniseries hails from Eric Newman, the creator of Narcos and Narcos: Mexico, and is delivered in seven parts.
Hulu
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005) new
Back for a 15th season, which makes It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia the longest-running live-action comedy series ever, the story won’t end there as the show has been renewed through to its 18th season, with potential to go even longer. Fans love following the dysfunctional group of friends known as The Gang who together run an Irish bar called Paddy’s Pub in South Philadelphia. Due to the variety of issues with each owner, from excessive drinking to dishonesty and inflated egos, along with their constant schemes against one another, the bar struggles to survive. As a sitcom, however, it’s all delivered with hilarious fun.
Candified: Home For The Holidays (2021)
Genre
Reality
Cast
Jackie Sorkin
Seasons:
1
A sweet treat for the holiday season and a Hulu original, go on a journey with Jackie “Candy Queen” Sorkin and her team as they glue, melt, and shape thousands of candies to build a life-sized house made entirely of sugary treats. There are just four episodes but it’s perfect to watch with the entire family to get everyone in the festive mood and inspired to get baking. Or maybe just to spur you on to build your own smaller-scale holiday creation.
All Rise (2019)
After getting canceled by CBS, OWN network picked up this show for a third season, which will stream on Hulu and HBO Max some time in 2022. For now, you can watch the first two seasons to catch up on the legal drama that focuses on a unique perspective: the lives and jobs of the judges who oversee each case, along with the prosecutors, public defenders, bailiffs, clerks, and the police. While intentions might often be good, situations aren’t always cut and dry in achieving justice.
Godfather of Harlem (2019)
Forest Whitaker stars as Bumpy Johnson, the infamous gangster in 1960s New York City who returned to his old neighborhood after doing time in prison to find that the Italian mob had taken over the streets. So, Bumpy decides to take on the Genovese crime family, forming an alliance with Malcolm X as his attempt to regain control take dangerous, and politically troubling, turns. Stream the first season of this crime drama, which originally aired on Epix in 2019, with a second season that premiered in April 2021.
HBO
Santa Inc. (2021) new
Genre
Comedy, Animation
Created by
Alexandra Rushfield
Cast
Sarah Silverman, Seth Rogen
Seasons:
1
Taking “bad Santa” to an entirely new and crude level, it’s a modern spin on the traditional Christmas comedy that is totally NSFW. Sarah Silverman voices Candy, an ambitious, high-ranking elf from the North Pole who is determined to replace the big man (voiced by Seth Rogen) when he steps down. It’s a big deal because she wants to become not only the first female Santa, but also the first Santa who wasn’t a white male. Set in her goal, Candy isn’t afraid to do what it takes to show that she can do the job, even if it means acting like “one of the boys.” Delivered in eight episodes, this stop motion series is designed for adults, so while this isn’t one to watch with the kids (beware of F-bombs and raunchy humor), it’ll be a hilarious change from the usual to get you in the festive, and feminist, mood.
All Rise (2019)
HBO Max, along with Hulu, will serve as the new streaming home for this legal drama, which was canceled by CBS after two seasons but picked up by OWN for a third. While season 3 won’t be out until 2022, the first two seasons are now streaming. It focuses on the personal and professional lives of the core figures within the legal justice system, including judges, prosecutors, public defenders, bailiffs, clerks, and the police. A flawed legal system doesn’t always make justice easy to achieve, and this show presents things from the perspective of the lawmakers looking to do right by those involved in their cases.
Craig of the Creek (2018)
Season 3 of this animated series for kids is now streaming, following Craig, Kelsey, and John Paul “J.P.” and their adventures in the fictional town of Herkleton, Maryland. What’s so special about their hometown is that kids can head out to the creek, where they rule the roost. They live in tribes and tree forts where they are free to ride dirt bikes and get up to whatever shenanigans they want. It’s a kids’ paradise. Season 4 is currently airing on Cartoon Network.
The Last O.G. (2018)
Jordan Peele created this comedy about Tray, the original gangster (a.k.a. The “O.G.”) who, after being released from prison following a 15-year incarceration, finds his neighborhood has completely changed, thanks to gentrification. Meanwhile, h ex has moved on and is raising their kids with someone else. All of this change inspires Tray to try and become a better man, but it is easier said than done. With the fourth season now airing on TBS, you can stream seasons 1-3 now on HBO Max.
Looney Tunes Cartoons (2020)
Kids of the ’80s and ’90s can rejoice, as the third season of this HBO Max original based on the characters from Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies returns for its third season. Catch up with your favorites, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety, Sylvester, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, and others as they continue with their various adventures, bringing tons of giggles to kids and exciting nostalgia for their parents.
How To with John Wilson (2020)
Filmmaker John Wilson provides advice and tutorials on a variety of topics, ranging from the art of small talk to scaffolding. Attracting a diverse audience, the show’s first season earned a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. As Wilson meets with different people and strikes up conversations, the direction of each episode can go just about anywhere. Season 2, streaming now, tackles topics like investing in real estate, appreciating good wine, disposing of used batteries, and being spontaneous through its six episodes, released weekly.
Amazon Prime
Sanford and Son (1972) new
Watch all six seasons of this 1970s Norman Lear sitcom about father and son Fred and Lamont who constantly get up to trouble with their schemes to earn cash and pay off debts. Considered one of the groundbreaking, Black-led sitcoms that opened the door for many others that came after it, Sanford and Son was hilarious and edgy, particularly for its time, with plenty of racially charged jokes. The concept was based on the British ’60s sitcom Steptoe and Son.
Sanford (1980)
A sequel series to Sanford and Son, this show originally debuted in 1980. While it didn’t achieve the same level of success as the original, in part due to Red Foxx not initially tied to the project (he later joined), Lamont was replaced by Cal, Fred’s new business partner in his junkyard. It’s a worthwhile watch to keep the laughs coming thanks to Foxx’s tremendous talents and comedic timing. Watch both seasons, which are streaming now.
The Jeffersons (1975)
Another ground-breaking sitcom starring Black lead characters, not to mention one of the longest-running sitcoms ever, all 11 seasons of this iconic show are now streaming. The character of George was a scene-stealer in All in the Family, so it’s no surprise this show launched as a spin-off, starring George, his wife Louise, and their affluent lives as they were “moving on up” to that “deluxe apartment in the sky” as owners of a chain of successful dry cleaners. Another within Norman Lear’s selection of iconic shows from the ’70s and ’80s, The Jeffersons was hilarious, but also touched on very serious topics like alcoholism, racism, suicide, gun control, and others that remain pertinent issues to this day.
Harlem (2021)
Genre
Comedy
Cast
Tyler Lepley, Meagan Good, Grace Byers, Shoniqua Shandai, Jerrie Johnson
Seasons:
1
An Amazon original, it’s like Girlfriends, Friends, Sex and the City, and Living Single reimagined as the story follows a group of girlfriends navigating life in their 30s while living in New York City. The idea is to showcase women, specifically women of color, who are at a time in their lives when everything should be figured out. But oftentimes, life isn’t so cut and dry. Raw, unfiltered, and relatable, it’s reassuring to see that even after reaching adulthood, not everyone hits a stride in their 30s.
The Wheel of Time (2021)
When a strange woman arrives in a small village, telling one young woman that she is the child of an ancient prophecy who possesses the power to tip the balance of Light and Dark, the young girl and her four friends must make a difficult decision: Believe this powerful and mysterious woman or ignore her warnings? They must hurry, however, as the woman says the Dark One is on its way to initiate the Last Battle. Rosamund Pike stars in this epic fantasy based on the Robert Jordan novel series of the same name, which is now streaming its first season.
Apple TV+
Harriet the Spy (2021) new
Genre
Animation, Kids
Created by
Will McRobb
Cast
Beanie Feldstein, Jane Lynch, Lacey Chabert
Seasons:
1
Based on the character from the classic 1964 Louise Fitzhugh novel, Harriet is a curious 11-year-old girl who loves to soak up knowledge on anything and everything she can. Her goal is to one day become a writer, which means she needs to gather enough information to be able to write compelling content. Sometimes, this involves spying on everyone around her. It’s the only way to learn, after all. Beanie Feldstein voices the title character and Ole Golly is voiced by Jane Lynch.
The Shrink Next Door (2021)
Paul Rudd plays psychiatrist Dr. Isaac “Ike” Herschkopf opposite Will Ferrell as Martin “Marty” Markowitz, his long-time patient, as a pair who go beyond the appropriate bounds of the doctor-patient relationship. Over a period of years, the charming Ike begins to insert himself into Marty’s life, even going so far as to move in with him and urge his friend/patient to give him a head position in the family business. Initially there to help, Ike uses his position to exploit and manipulate his patient, crossing lines that should never be crossed by any person, much less someone hired to help. Keep an eye out for supporting roles by Kathyrn Hahn as Marty’s younger sister and Casey Wilson as Ike’s wife. With the two comedy icons reuniting in a big way for the first time since Anchorman 2, it’s sure to delight fans.
Disney+
Hawkeye (2021) new
Genre
Action & Adventure, Drama
Created by
Jonathan Igla
Directed by
Rhys Thomas, Bertie, Bert
Cast
Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld, Vera Farmiga
Seasons:
1
It’s the latest and fifth in Disney’s series of shows based on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This one is based on the Avenger Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, and Kate Bishop and follows in continuity with the films, as with the others released to date, which include WandaVision, Loki, and Falcon and Winter Soldier. Jeremy Renner reprises his role as Barton and Hailee Steinfeld as the young archer Bishop, the two of whom must work together to defeat enemies. The first two episodes are now available to stream with additional episodes released weekly for a total of six.
The Beatles: Get Back (2021)
Genre
Documentary
Created by
Peter Jackson
Cast
John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison
Seasons:
1
Calling all Beatles fans: This much-anticipated Peter Jackson docuseries project is delivered in three parts and provides a deep and intimate look into the recording sessions of the band’s iconic album Let It Be and subsequent preparation for their infamous performance of the album from the rooftop of London’s Savile Row, their first live show in more than two years. See not only the friendship and pivotal moments in the relationships among the four band members, but also the genius creative process that helped justify them as one of the greatest bands in music history. The docuseries was created using more than 60 hours of unseen footage from January 1969 along with more than 150 hours of never-before-heard audio. With Jackson being the only person to gain access to this amazing wealth of content in 50 years, it’s sure to be an engaging watch for any Beatles fan. Fans won’t be disappointed with the fly-on-the-wall footage, especially the rooftop performance, which would be their last, offered up for the first time in its entirety.
Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa (2020)
Genre
Documentary
Cast
Jason Reiter, Devon Kopp, Katherine Allen, Michael Burns
Seasons:
2
Enjoy a second season of this National Geographic show that provides a peek inside the world of the exotic animals, including both those within the zoo family and rescues and rehabs, as the dutiful staff at the Lowry Park Zoo tend to their needs. From the anticipation of the arrival of new baby penguins to a monkey in crisis, it’s a show that will appeal to any animal lover. Season 2 includes episodes following the relocation of two panther cubs, dealing with unexpected temperature drops in Florida, and more.
Magic Bake-Off (2021)
From delectable cakes to eye-catching pastries, Dara Renee and Issac Ryan Brown host this competition series alongside Disneyland Resort pastry chef Graciela Gomez as a judge. Three teams of baking pairs, all kids, must work quickly as they create delicious desserts inspired by, of course, Disney characters and franchises. While they might find their groove, a twist is thrown into the challenge to see how they can adapt. It’s fun, entertaining, and will be the perfect viewing for young kids with a talent or interest in baking and culinary arts.
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