Photos: NETFLIX ; Illustration: Dillen Phelps
Netflix is gifting plenty of a sleigh-full of terrific titles in their list of new content available this December that will make you feel very merry all month long. While it’s always hard to say goodbye to the titles leaving Netflix, you won’t be feeling down for long once you get a good look at the impressive array of Netflix Original series coming to the platform to take their place. With everything from brand new titles to long-awaited continuations of fan favorites, Netflix’s diverse and delightful December 2022 premieres are sure to have something for everyone.
The streamer is set to help you celebrate the new month with premieres from highly-anticipated new episodes of hit shows across several different genres (so there’s truly something for everyone) like Emily in Paris, Alice in Borderland, and The Circle.
While the list of December’s top shows features these exciting continuations of more established titles, there’s also plenty of brand new shows to look forward to that are streaming exclusively on Netflix for the first time starting this month. Keep an eye out in particular for The Witcher: Blood Origin, The Recruit, and Treason, which are already looking to be some of the most promising new releases out of December’s entire streaming lineup.
So what makes the cut for our top 11, and which of them have what it takes to be in the Netflix Top 10? Keep reading to treat yourself to the greatness that is the list of streaming standouts for December 2022.
1
Released December 21
CAST: Lily Collins, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Camille Razat, Lucien Laviscount, Paul Forman, Melia Kreiling, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, William Abadie
RATING: TV-MA
DESCRIPTION: The Emmy-nominated romantic-comedy series is back and baguetter than ever as Emily (Collins) deals with the fallout of the previous season’s ill-fated love square that destroyed her relationship with French friend Camille (Camille Razat) and put her in a tough spot between French chef Gabriel (Bravo) and British banker Alfie (Laviscount). Emily in Paris: Season 3 also marks one year since Emily moved to the City of Lights, a milestone that makes her increasingly contemplative and conflicted over what her career and romantic futures hold and where she will be. See her take it all on with style in the highly-anticipated latest season of this Netflix Original series.
Stream Emily in Paris on Netflix
2
Released December 25
CAST: Sophia Brown, Michelle Yeoh, Laurence O’Fuarain, Lenny Henry, Mirren Mack, Nathaniel Curtis, Dylan Moran, Jacob Collins-Levy, Lizzie Annis, Francesca Mills, Huw Novelli, Sorcha Groundsell, Minnie Driver, Mark Rowley
RATING: TV-MA
DESCRIPTION: The Witcher: Blood Origin is a Netflix Original action adventure series that acts as a prequel to Netflix Original fantasy drama series The Witcher, taking place 1,200 years before the events of the latter series. This prequel title centers on the first ever Witcher in addition to following seven outcasts in the elven world who come together to embark on a perilous quest against a seemingly unstoppable power. What ensues is an epic and unforgettable adventure that leaves an indelible mark on the world’s history, so check out The Witcher: Blood Origin for some mystical, otherworldly excitement this month.
Stream The Witcher: Blood Origin on Netflix
3
Released December 22
CAST: Kento Yamazaki, Tao Tsuchiya, Keita Machida, Sho Aoyagi, Yuki Morinaga, Nijiro Murakami, Ayaka Miyoshi, Aya Asahina, Riisa Naka, Dori Sakurada, Yuri Tsunematsu, Tomohisa Yamashita, Hayato Isomura, Kai Inowaki, Katsuya Maiguma, Honami Satō
RATING: TV-MA
DESCRIPTION: Based on Haro Aso’s 2010-2016 manga series of the same name, this Japanese-language sci-fi thriller drama series is back after premiering on Netflix in 2020. The show follows 24 year-old gamer Ryōhei Arisu (Yamazaki) and young mountain climber Yuzuha Usagi (Tsuchiya), who, in their grief, decide to team up as they are forced to compete in dangerous games that end either in extending one’s gaming “visa” or in execution by laser (talk about high stakes).
In Alice in Borderland: Season 2, the games are even deadlier and the world in which they’re fighting to stay alive is crueler than ever. Will Arisu and his fellow competitors ever escape the abandoned version of Tokyo they’re trapped in, and is coming home even still worth it after everything that has already been lost?
Stream Alice in Borderland on Netflix
4
Released December 16
CAST: Noah Centineo, Aarti Mann, Daniel Quincy Annoh, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Kristian Bruun, Laura Haddock, Colton Dunn, Fivel Stewart
RATING: TV-MA
DESCRIPTION: The Recruit is a Netflix Original spy adventure series revolves around Owen Hendricks (Centineo), a fledgling lawyer who has recently started a new job at the CIA. Despite being a new hire, Owen swiftly becomes embroiled in complicated and dangerous international politics after a former asset threatens to reveal the true nature of her long-held relationship with the agency if they fail to exonerate her of a big-time crime.
In attempting to negotiate with the asset, Owen finds himself increasingly at risk as deadly individuals and organizations come out of the woodwork to prevent him from carrying out his newfound duties and living to tell the tale.
Stream The Recruit on Netflix
5
Released December 26
CAST: Charlie Cox, Olga Kurylenko, Oona Chaplin, Ciarán Hinds, Adam James, Beau Gadsdon, Tracy Ifeachor, Annabel Elizabeth Wood
RATING: TV-MA
DESCRIPTION: This Netflix Original action-thriller drama series follows Adam Lawrence (Cox), who was hand-picked and extensively trained by MI6 from a young age, setting him up as a promising up-and-comer in the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service. That guaranteed bright future as an agent suddenly seems to be out of reach after a reunion with a Russian spy named Kara (Kurylenko) forces him to question his entire life as he contemplates his complicated past and what it means for his ever-changing future.
Stream Treason on Netflix
6
Released December 30
CAST: Lauren Ash, Rory O’Malley, RuPaul Charles, Jill Talley, Ike Barinholtz, Jon Barinholtz, Bob Odenkirk, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Katie Rich, Chris Witaske
RATING: TV-MA
DESCRIPTION: The second half of this Netflix Original animated comedy’s first season is finally upon us! Chicago Party Aunt Diane (Ash) is back and continuing to raise the roof living as a hairdresser in Chicago, having fun and trying her best to avoid adulting at all cost. See her continue to go on Windy City adventures and get into hilarious hijinks with her nephew, Daniel (O’Malley), who continues to do some soul searching whilst staying with Diane in the gap year he’s taking before attending undergrad at Stanford University. So grab your hotdogs (no ketchup allowed), Cubbies gear, and deep dish slice as you settle in for another entertaining and heart-filled batch of episodes from Chicago Party Aunt!
Stream Chicago Party Aunt on Netflix
7
Released December 15
CAST: Deven Mack, Brian Drummond, Ashleigh Ball, Shannon Chan-Kent, Adam Nurada, Ian Hanlin, Kazumi Evans, Vincent Tong
DESCRIPTION: Streaming fans of all ages will have tons of fun checking out Sonic Prime on Netflix this December. Based on the famous Sonic the Hedgehog video game and media franchise, this animated children’s series follows speedy Sonic the Hedgehog (Mack) as he races through parallel dimensions in order to reconnect with his friends and prevent the nefarious Dr. Eggman (Drummond) from destroying the world. With fate of the multiverse resting in Sonic’s gloved hands, the stakes are high and the pressure is on in this fast and furious new Netflix Original series.
Stream Sonic Prime on Netflix
8
Released December 28
CAST: Michelle Buteau
RATING: TV-MA
DESCRIPTION: Even after Christmas has passed, the gifts just keep on coming, especially when it comes to all of the terrific titles to choose from on Netflix. The platform is offering up some more titillating content just a few days after Christmas in the form of The Circle‘s fifth season. Comedian Michelle Buteau continues to present this reality competition series based on the British TV series of the same name that similarly pits contestants against one another as they compete as either themselves or a fake persona all in the name of chasing a $150,000 cash prize.
This season will see eight new players enter the ring, coming together to form friendships and alliances, utilize every chance to the fullest, and locate and eliminate catfishes. Get in on all the juicy drama in The Circle: Season 5 at the end of December!
Stream The Circle on Netflix
9
Released December 2
CAST: Katherine Heigl, Sarah Chalke, Ali Skovbye, Roan Curtis, Ben Lawson, Beau Garrett, Yael Yurman, Ignacio Serricchio, Jolene Purdy, India de Beaufort, Greg Germann
RATING: TV-MA
DESCRIPTION: The end of Firefly Lane: Season 1 revealed that friends of 30 years Tully Hart (Heigl) and Kate Mularkey (Chalke) are no longer on speaking terms, and Season 2 is finally going to tell us why. The Netflix Original drama series continues to walk us through the past events that forced, cemented, and, eventually, destroyed the seemingly unbreakable bond between the two central women.
The show will also continue to delve into Tully and Kate’s respective challenges and pursuits outside of their friendship, which include the fallout of a loved one’s ill-fated death, the unraveling of a hard-earned career, and more. Immerse yourself in all the friendship, self-discovery, and heartbreak by catching Firefly Lane: Season 2, Part 1 this month and Part 2 when it premieres early in 2023.
Stream Firefly Lane on Netflix
10
Released December 16
CAST: Sarah Chalke, David Herman, Tom Kenny, Kyle Kinane, Cedric Yarbrough, Dana Snyder, Grey Griffin, Waco O’Guin, Roger Black
RATING: TV-MA
DESCRIPTION: This month, Netflix is reuniting us with the lovable fools of Paradise PD, an adult animated sitcom that follows the antics of a group of incompetent police officers and half-baked attempts at stopping their small town’s rampant crime. Chief Randall Crawford (Kenny) leads this ragtag crew consisting of violent and psychotic Gina Jabowski (Chalke), morbidly obese and emotionally childlike Dusty Marlow (Snyder), perverted senior citizen Stanley Hopson (Synder), and even more who round out a kooky cast of characters that guarantee no shortage of insanity and mirth with every episode.
The Netflix Original series’ newest season explores Paradise and its residents’ lives now that there is no longer a police force operating in the town, thus opening the door for schemes and threats from vindictive artists, conniving billionaires, and backstabbing AIs. Whether they’re functioning (or attempting to, at least) or not, the officers of Paradise PD sure do leave plenty of delightful chaos in their wake.
Stream Paradise PD on Netflix
11
Released December 2
CAST: Julia Haart, Shlomo Haart, Batsheva Haart, Miriam Haart, Aron Haart, Robert Brotherton, Silvio Scaglia
RATING: TV-MA
DESCRIPTION: The Netflix Original reality series returns early this December for its sophomore season as it continues to center on the professional and personal life of current fashion mogul and former ultra-Orthodox Jewish practitioner Julia Haart. Season 2 continues to take us on a riveting journey through Haart’s unorthodox life as she goes through the end of her marriage to Italian entrepreneur Silvio Scaglia and the subsequent fight for control of her business empire.
As if that wasn’t consuming enough, Haart will also try to reconnect with her daughter Batsheva, help guide her other daughter, Miriam, through her first big adult relationship, and convince her son Aron not to drop out of secular school in order to attend Orthodox yeshiva. Get in on all the family, religious, and working drama by catching My Unorthodox Life: Season 2 on Netflix this month.
Stream My Unorthodox Life on Netflix