By Stacy Lee Kong

Happy (almost) December! Between the holidays and those (very stubborn) last few deadlines, you may find yourself needing a quiet night of hibernation. If that’s the case, may I present all the things you should be watching this month? A few highlights: new seasons of Gossip Girl, His Dark Materials and Emily in Paris, as well as Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Lady Chatterley’s Lover and JLo’s Marry Me. Read on for the full list of what we’re recommending on Apple TV+, CBC Gem, Crave, Disney+, Netflix Canada and Prime Video in December 2022.

Apple TV+

Slow Horses, Season 2 (Premieres December 2) 

This darkly funny espionage drama follows a team of British intelligence agents who serve in a dumping ground department of MI5 due to their career-ending mistakes. Led by their brilliant but irascible leader, the notorious Jackson Lamb, they navigate the espionage world’s smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces.

Emancipation (Premieres December 9) 

Emancipation tells the triumphant story of Peter (Will Smith), a man who escapes from slavery, relying on his wits, unwavering faith and deep love for his family to evade cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on his quest for freedom. The film is inspired by the 1863 photos of “Whipped Peter,” taken during a Union Army medical examination, that first appeared in Harper’s Weekly. One image, known as “The Scourged Back,” which shows Peter’s bare back mutilated by a whipping delivered by his enslavers, ultimately contributed to growing public opposition to slavery.

Little America, Season 2 (Premieres December 9) 

Inspired by the true stories featured in Epic Magazine, Little America will go beyond the headlines to look at the funny, romantic, heartfelt, inspiring and surprising stories of immigrants in America, when they’re more relevant now than ever.

CBC Gem

Ralph & Katie (Premieres December 1)

In this new comedy-drama—an uplifting story from the makers of The A Word—we return to the beauty and splendour of the Lake District to journey with Ralph (Leon Harrop, Brassic) and Katie (Sarah Gordy, The Long Call) as they embark on their first year of married life. Navigating their way through love and independence, Ralph and Katie face many of the challenges faced by all newlyweds… but with the added fact that they both have Down’s syndrome. Supported by some new faces and the odd familiar overbearing parent, join Ralph and Katie on an emotional rollercoaster in this groundbreaking, heartwarming and perception-challenging series.

Sisi (Premieres December 2)

She is an icon, empress, legendary beauty: Sisi (Dominique Devenport, Night Train to Lisbon), Europe’s first super star. Her love of freedom and the promise to give the Habsburg monarchy a gentler face have captivated Europe. Now, she will enter into a new era. It is a true story full of intrigue and desires. A carefree teenager, Sisi falls head over heels in love with a powerful and desirable man (Jannik Schümann, Call Me Helen). But he has an unspoken dark and dangerous side: love that was not meant to be. Sisi has to choose and accepts the challenge. A coming-of-age story, the tomboy becomes a self-confident, modern woman. She will be able to make difficult decisions, to deal with loss and ultimately to fill an independent role as Empress. 

My Old School (Premieres December 2)

In 1993, 16-year-old Brandon Lee enrolled at Bearsden Academy, a secondary school in a well-to-do suburb of Glasgow, Scotland. What followed over the next two years would become the stuff of legend. Brandon had been privately tutored in Canada while he accompanied his mother, an opera diva, on tour before her tragic death. The preternaturally bright student surprised teachers by blazing toward his goal of entering medical school, displaying a wealth of knowledge beyond his years. Brandon found friends despite his initial awkwardness, taking bullied students under his wing, introducing classmates to seminal retro bands, and even starring in the school's production of South Pacific. But then his unbelievable secret was revealed. Filmmaker Jono McLeod returns to his old school for a nostalgic look at the strange but true story of his former classmate, Brandon Lee. Utilizing playful, period-specific animation, a pitch-perfect soundtrack, the memories of students and teachers, and the talents of Alan Cumming to bring the tale to life, My Old School offers more than one surprise along the way.

The History of Comedy, Season 2 (Premieres December 8)

From stand-up and sitcoms, to late-night hosts and improv troupesThe History of Comedy explores what makes the comedic mind tick. Featuring hilarious archival footage alongside current interviews with both comedy legends and modern stars, the series examines what makes us laugh and how comedy has affected the social and political landscape throughout history.

The Fall Of The American Empire (Premieres December 16)

Pierre-Paul Daoust, 36, an intellectual with a PhD in philosophy is forced to work as a deliveryman to afford a decent living. One day, while delivering a parcel, he gets caught in a hold up gone terribly wrong: two dead and millions in money bags laying on the ground. Pierre-Paul is confronted with a dilemma: leave empty handed, or take the money and run? This Denys Arcand film takes a witty yet touching look at, as only Arcand knows how, the predominance of money in a society where all other values seem to have crumbled.

My Salinger Year (Premieres December 18)

In New York City in the late ‘90s, Joanna (Margaret Qualley) is a young aspiring writer who lands a day job at J.D. Salinger’s literary agency. While her eccentric, old-fashioned boss Margaret (Sigourney Weaver) assigns her to answer Salinger’s voluminous fan mail, Joanna struggles to find her own voice.

Call The Midwife, Season 11 (Premieres December 22)

Season 11 starts off set on Easter 1967. Celebrations are underway for a colourful Easter Bonnet parade outside Nonnatus House. Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parftt, Up the Women) and Reggie (Daniel Laurie, Stella) are excited about the Eurovision song contest and Nancy (Megan Cusack, The Cherry Orchard), having just passed her midwifery examinations, is about to don her red cardigan for the first time.

Crave Canada

Gossip Girl, Season 2 (Premieres December 1)

It’s the second semester of Junior year, and Gossip Girl is leaving no stone unturned in her effort to control the scandalous lives of Manhattan’s elite. She’s learned a thing or two from her first go-round, namely, what her audience wants, they shall get. It’s time for her to turn the heat up on what’s been simmering. Old enemies, new allies, constantly shifting sands…this semester, there can only be one queen, and by the end of the school year, everyone will know where the bodies are buried, and just who was holding the shovel.

George & Tammy (Premieres December 4)

George & Tammy, starring Oscar®-winner Jessica Chastain and Oscar-nominee Michael Shannon, chronicles the country music power couple, Tammy Wynette and George Jones, whose complicated-but-enduring relationship inspired some of the most iconic music of all time. Remembered as the “First Lady of Country Music,” Wynette’s most successful song “Stand by Your Man” remains one of the most iconic and best-selling country singles by a female artist. George Jones’ song “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” is still widely called the greatest country song of all time. With more than 30, number-one country songs between them, including duets “We’re Gonna Hold On,” “Golden Ring” and “Near You,” George and Tammy’s legacy, both musically and romantically, remains one of the greatest love stories ever told.

His Dark Materials, Season 3 (Premieres December 5)

His Dark Materials follows young orphan Lyra (Dafne Keen) on an incredible adventure into a parallel world where a human’s soul exists outside one’s body, in the form of a talking animal. In the eight-episode, third and final season, Lyra, the prophesied child, and Will (Amir Wilson), the bearer of The Subtle Knife, must journey to a dark place from which no one has ever returned. As her father’s great war against the Authority edges closer, they will learn that saving the worlds comes at a terrible price. Based on The Amber Spyglass, the final novel in Philip Pullman’s award-winning trilogy.

Random Acts of Flyness, Season 2 (Premieres December 9)

Artist, musician and filmmaker Terence Nance returns with a long-awaited second season of the acclaimed series Random Acts of Flyness, which explores the metaphysics of Black life through avant-garde storytelling. Season two follows Terence and Najja (Alicia Pilgrim), a couple working towards healing generational wounds and reintroducing themselves to the ways of their ancestors. Each of the season’s six episodes explores a different dimension, while presenting a rich tapestry of audio-visuals to illustrate the spiritual practice of Black liberation.

Doom Patrol, Season 4 (Premieres December 8)

The HBO Max Original series Doom Patrol reimagines one of DC’s most beloved groups of superheroes: “Robotman” aka Cliff Steele (Brendan Fraser), “Negative Man” aka Larry Trainor (Matt Bomer), “Elasti-Woman” aka Rita Farr (April Bowlby), “Crazy Jane” (Diane Guerrero), “Cyborg” aka Victor Stone (Joivan Wade), joined by former super villain “Madame Rouge” aka Laura de Mille (Michelle Gomez). Each member of the Doom Patrol suffered a horrible accident that gave them superhuman abilities, but also left them scarred and disfigured. Part support group, part Super Hero team, the Doom Patrol is a band of superpowered freaks who fight for a world that wants nothing to do with them.

Marry Me (Premieres December 9)

Music superstar Kat Valdez (Jennifer Lopez) is half of the sexiest celebrity power couple on earth with hot new music supernova Bastian (Maluma, making his feature-film debut). As Kat and Bastian’s inescapable hit single, “Marry Me,” climbs the charts, they are about to be wed before an audience of their fans in a ceremony that’s set to be streamed across multiple platforms. Divorced high-school math teacher Charlie Gilbert (Owen Wilson) has been dragged to the concert by his daughter Lou (Chloe Coleman) and his best friend (Sarah Silverman). When Kat learns, seconds before the ceremony, that Bastian has been unfaithful, her life turns left as she has a meltdown on stage. As her world falls away, she locks eyes with a stranger, a face in the crowd, in a moment of inspired insanity, Kat decides to marry Charlie.

The Rising (Premieres December 11)

An adaptation of the Belgian thriller Hotel Beau Séjour Starring Cara Ruggard as Neve Kelly. The story follows a recently deceased young woman who exists in a kind of purgatory, who finds out her cause of death was murder and must find out who killed her.

Letterkenny, Season 11 (Premieres December 25)

The residents of Letterkenny belong to one of three groups: the Hicks, the Skids, and the Hockey Players, who are constantly feuding over seemingly trivial matters that often end with someone getting their ass kicked. In Season 11 of Crave original comedy series Letterkenny, the small town contends with the best chip flavours, lost dogs, an influencer invasion, Skid business, a mystery at the Church Bake Sale, unwanted guests at beer league, and the Degens stirring up trouble. And that’s just for starters.

Lizzo: Live in Concert (Premieres December 31)

Celebrate the new year with Emmy® and three-time GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter, rapper, floutist, and superstar Lizzo, along with her band The Lizzbians and The Little Bigs, The Big Grrrls and special guests Cardi B, SZA and Missy Elliott for a spectacular show filled with lots of love, positivity and incredible music. Lizzo: Live in Concert was filmed during Lizzo’s The Special Tour earlier this month at the iconic Kia Forum in Inglewood, CA.

Disney+ Canada

Amsterdam (Premieres December 9) 

A fascinating and richly intricate tale that brilliantly weaves historical fact with fiction for a timely, cinematic experience, 20th Century Studios’ and New Regency’s original crime epic about three close friends who find themselves at the centre of one of the most shocking secret plots in American history.

Atlanta, Season 4 (Premieres December 14) 

Season 4 finds Earn (Donald Glover), Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles (Brian Tyree Henry), Darius (LaKeith Stanfield) and Van (Zazie Beetz) back in their hometown. But the question is, has Atlanta changed, or have they?

The Banshees of Inisherin (Premieres December 14) 

On a remote island off the coast of Ireland, Pádraic is devastated when his buddy Colm suddenly puts an end to their lifelong friendship. With help from his sister and a troubled young islander, Pádraic sets out to repair the damaged relationship by any means necessary. However, as Colm's resolve only strengthens, he soon delivers an ultimatum that leads to shocking consequences.

Big Bet (Premieres December 21) 

Formerly known as King of Savvy, Big Bet is a new K-drama that tells the tale of a man who struggles to achieve his goal of becoming a casino mogul, but experiences major setbacks after a chain of unfortunate events. The man begins to risk everything he has, including his own life, to get himself back on track.

Netflix Canada

My Next Guest with David Letterman and Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Coming Soon)

David Letterman travels to Kyiv, Ukraine, for an in-depth conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Masked Scammer (Premieres December 1)

Featuring interviews with his accomplices and victims alike, this deep dive explores how a master con man scammed French elites out of millions of euros.

Lady Chatterly’s Lover (Premieres December 2)

Unhappily married aristocrat Lady Chatterley begins a torrid affair — and falls deeply in love — with the gamekeeper on her husband's country estate.

My Unorthodox Life, Season 2 (Premieres November 5)

My Unorthodox Life takes you on a journey through Julia Haart’s untamed, unpredictable and unorthodox life. After fleeing her ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, Haart inspired millions around the world with her story of liberation, instantly becoming a spearhead for the modern women’s movement. In this season, Julia is forced to navigate yet another avalanche of personal and professional challenges. When she and her husband surprise the world with a blindsiding removal as CEO—followed by filing for a divorce—Julia is left to battle for control of her business empire, which quickly turns contentious. Will she lose everything or gain more than she could ever imagine? Within her family, Julia must find a way to reconnect with her daughter Batsheva, guide her daughter Miriam in her first committed relationship with a woman, and dissuade her son Aron who is determined to drop out of secular school to attend Orthodox yeshiva full-time.

Too Hot To Handle, Season 4 (Premieres December 7)

Another set of singles arrives for a retreat at an irresistible new villa, where they'll have to say no to their natural urges in order to win big.

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (Premieres December 9)

Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro reinvents the classic story of a wooden puppet brought to life in this stunning stop-motion musical tale.

The Recruit (Premieres December 16)

A fledgling lawyer (Noah Centineo) at the CIA becomes enmeshed in dangerous international power politics when a former asset threatens to expose the nature of her long-term relationship with the agency unless they exonerate her of a serious crime.

Emily in Paris, Season 3 (Premieres December 21)

A year after moving to Paris for her dream job, Emily arrives at a career and romantic crossroads that will force her to decide where her future lies.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (Premieres December 23)

In the follow up to Rian Johnson's Knives Out, Detective Benoit Blanc travels to Greece to peel back the layers of a mystery involving a new cast of colorful suspects.

Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical (Premieres December 25)

An extraordinary girl with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination takes a daring stand to change her story—with miraculous results. Meet Matilda.

The Witcher: Blood Origin (Premieres December 25)

More than a thousand years before the world of The Witcher, seven outcasts in the elven world unite in a blood quest against an unstoppable power.

The Circle, Season 5 (Premieres December 28)

Eight new players set up single profiles to sniff out catfish, form friendships and make the most of second chances in this fifth trip around The Circle.

Best of Stand Up 2022 (Premieres December 31)

Join us as we take a look back at some of the jokes that got us through the year in this compilation of stand-up highlights.

Prime Video

Three Pines (Premieres December 2) 

Adapted from Louise Penny’s New York Times best-selling Chief Inspector Gamache series, Three Pines follows Chief Inspector Armand Gamache (Alfred Molina) as he investigates cases that happen beneath the idyllic surface of the Quebec village of Three Pines, finding long-buried secrets, and facing a few of his own ghosts.

Riches, Season 1 (Premieres December 2) 

Riches follows the exploits of the stylish, privileged, super-successful Richards family. When Stephen Richards (Hugh Quarshie) passes suddenly, the family’s world comes crashing down. As his business hangs in the balance, his different sets of children are about to collide as they vie for control.

Something From Tiffany’s (Premieres December 9) 

This film follows a woman as her life gets upended when an engagement ring that was for someone else leads her to the person she's meant to be with.

About Fate (Premieres December 16) 

The romantic comedy is a tale of two people who believe in love but seem to never be able to find its true meaning. In a wild twist of events, fate puts each in the other's path on a stormy New Year's Eve and comedy and chaos ensue.

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Season 3 (Premieres December 21) 

In the third season of the action-thriller series, Jack Ryan is working as a CIA case officer in Rome, when he is tipped off that the Sokol Project, a secret plan to restore the Soviet Empire, is being resurrected more than 50 years after it was thought to have been shut down. Jack embarks on a mission to confirm the intelligence, but things quickly go awry, and he is wrongly implicated in a larger conspiracy. Accused of treason, with a Red Notice out for his arrest, Jack is forced to run from his own government, if he has any hope of uncovering the rogue faction before it’s too late. Crisscrossing Europe as he is hunted by former allies and new enemies alike, Jack races against the clock to stop the cascade of destabilizing conflicts from leading to global catastrophe.