The first week of December is set to deliver a fresh wave of entertainment to your screens, with major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and others rolling out exciting new series, specials, and seasons. From intense period dramas and steamy sports rivalries to reality show reunions and celebrity holiday specials, there's something for every viewer's taste.
Drama Series & Web Shows to Binge
Leading the pack is the highly anticipated Netflix period drama, The Abandons. Starring Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey as formidable matriarchs, the story unfolds in the Washington Territory of 1854. Their families' fates become dangerously intertwined over secrets, land disputes, and love. All episodes will be available for streaming on Netflix this Thursday, 4 December.
For fans of romantic tension set against a competitive backdrop, HBO Max offers Heated Rivalry. Based on Rachel Reid's novel, this new episode dives into the world of professional hockey. It follows two players from fictional rival teams, Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). Their fierce on-ice competition masks a simmering sexual tension, and a casual fling begins to profoundly alter their lives both on and off the rink.
Paramount+ invites viewers into a mystery with the Australian series Playing Gracie Darling, starting Monday, 1 December. The plot centres on the disappearance of Gracie after a séance. Twenty-seven years later, her friend Joni gets a call revealing another Darling sibling has vanished. Joni then embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the family's tragic pattern of disappearances.
Reality TV & Special Events
Hulu is bringing back the drama off-screen with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 3 reunion. The original cast returns to dissect the conflicts and tensions that erupted during the latest season. The special episode, airing on Thursday, will be hosted by Vanderpump Villa's Stassi Schroeder and will also feature the return of the show's popular DadTok influencers.
Bravo's long-running reality series Vanderpump Rules kicks off its 12th season on Tuesday, 2 December, with a completely new cast. This revamp comes after the infamous split of original cast members Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval due to his affair with a co-star, which ultimately fractured the original group. The new season will now focus on a fresh set of staff at Lisa Vanderpump's West Hollywood restaurant, Sur, all eager to create their own drama.
Peacock blends sports with reality TV star commentary in Reality Hot Seat on Sunday, 7 December. During the game between the Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs, celebrities like Survivor legend "Boston" Rob Mariano, Heather Gay from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, and Below Deck's Kate Chastain will take the spotlight to showcase their sports commentary skills.
Celebrity Specials & Final Highlights
Netflix will also host a festive special titled With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex, returns for this episode, expected to feature appearances by Prince Harry, tennis star Naomi Osaka, and Lindsay Roth. Mark your calendars for this special airing on 3 December.
This week's streaming lineup proves that platforms are ending the year on a high note, offering a diverse mix of genres. Whether you're in the mood for historical sagas, addictive mysteries, real-life theatrics, or heartwarming holiday content, your watchlist is about to get much longer.
