By Ruth Young

This week, Toronto got its first real taste of winter and while I was not ready for snow, I do feel prepared to sit on my couch with a very cozy blanket and stream away. So, here’s Friday Things top streaming picks, if you also need something to do while avoiding the cold and snow. On the list: the Apple TV+ premiere of The Family Plan, the complete series of The O.C., the premiere of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny as well as Prime Video’s holiday romance sequel, Your Christmas or Mine 2, and CBC Gem’s newest original series, Something Undone. Read on for the full list of what we’re recommending on Apple TV+, CBC Gem, Crave, Disney+, Hayu, Netflix Canada and Prime Video in December 2023.

Apple TV+

Slow Horses, Season 3 (Premieres December 1)

Slow Horses returns to Apple TV+ with its third season, based on the Slough House novels by Mick Herron. The Slough House is where MI5 agents who made major mistakes in their assignments end up being reassigned to where they just take on menial jobs. However, while their boss Jackson (Gary Oldman) berates them constantly, he ends up working with them on major incidents threatening Britain. The third season is based on the third book in the novel series, Real Tigers. When one member of the team goes missing, they all have to head into the field to find out what happened and uncover a rogue agent.

The Snoopy Show (Premieres December 1)

The Snoopy Show is coming back with a new episode on December 1, 2023, titled "Happiness is Holiday Traditions." This was originally a series that debuted its third season in June 2023, but this is a one-shot brand-new holiday special focusing mostly on Snoopy and his friends and family. Snoopy heads out looking for a perfect topper for his Christmas tree, Woodstock ends up stuck in a window display, and the two head out to visit Spike for Christmas.

John Lennon: Murder Without A Trial (Premieres December 6)

This features interviews never before heard from friends, doctors, and investigators who reveal their personal memories about what really happened on the night of Lennon's murder. Keifer Sutherland narrates the three-part docuseries, which also goes into the aftermath of Lennon's murder and what it meant for the world. New interviews include a taxi cab driver who witnessed the killing, a concierge who tried to save Lennon, and the first psychiatrist who assessed the assassin, Mark David Chapman.

The Family Plan (Premieres December 15)

The movie sees Dan (Wahlberg) living a quiet suburban life as a husband and father of three who sells cars for a living. However, decades earlier, he was a government assassin and now someone is out for revenge. Dan takes his family on a "road trip" to Las Vegas, as he uses his former skills to keep them alive while keeping his past a secret. The movie also stars Michelle Monaghan as his wife and Ciaran Hinds as the bad guy who wants Dan dead.

CBC Gem

Das Boot, Season 4 (Premieres December 1)

The internationally renowned drama series Das Boot returns with a fourth and final season. In this season the focus shifts, taking the audience to the Mediterranean where Germany’s U-Boats face impossible odds abroad while at home, secrecy and intrigue lurk within its own ranks at German Navy Command in Berlin where a dangerous conspiracy unfolds.

Call the Midwife, Season 12 (Premieres December 1)

A moving, intimate, funny, and true-to-life look at the colourful stories of midwifery and families in East London in the 1950s, based on the best-selling memoirs of the late Jennifer Worth.

The Great British Baking Show, Season 13, Christmas Special (Premieres December 3)

The Great British Baking Show celebrates both Christmas and Channel 4’s 40th Birthday, with five famous faces from Channel 4’s history. Joining Paul, Prue, Noel and Matt are The Big Breakfast’s Gaby Roslin, Time Team’s Sir Tony Robison, Pop World’s Miquita Oliver, The Word’s Terry Christian and Brookside’s Claire Sweeney, each hoping to win Christmas Star Baker. After the excitement of the tent, Bakers, family and friends are treated to a beautiful performance of Swan Lake by the English National Ballet.

Dog Academy (Premieres December 4)

A new dog training series for some of the most uncontrollable canines and their overwhelmed owners. With a crack team of top specialist trainers on hand with guidance on dog management skills and dog psychology, the series offers help to the most difficult dogs and their desperate owners.

Christmas Ever After (Premieres December 6)

With just days before Christmas and a looming manuscript deadline, romance novelist Izzi retreats to the cozy Antler Inn in wintry Silver Springs to finish the draft of her newest romance novel and overcome her writer's block while still enjoying her favourite annual vacation. Editor and BFF Mila urges Izzi to find ways to make her romantic hero, Desmond, more grounded and real, as she thinks he’s become too idealized, rendering the stories predictable and no fun to write. Izzi struggles to implement the note... until she arrives at Silver Springs Inn to find the new owner, Matt, bears a striking resemblance to Desmond.

The Christmas Setup (Premieres December 13)

A lawyer heads home for the holidays and runs into his secret crush from high school. Sparks fly as the two men work together to save the local train station before Christmas, helping them remember the importance of family, community and love. Nominated for Best TV Movie and Best Lead Actor, TV Movie (Ben Lewis) at the 2022 Canadian Screen Awards.

Something Undone (Premieres December 14)

A true crime podcast duo, Jo (Madison Walsh, Mrs. America, The Expanse) and Farid (Michael Musi, All My Puny Sorrows, Kim’s Convenience), reopen the haunting mystery of a 1980s cold case but struggle with the repercussions as they’re thrust into danger. Later, as they escape to an isolated island in an attempt to recover, they ultimately move closer to the trauma they so desperately tried to escape.

Best in Minature, Season 3 (Premieres December 26)

Best in Minature Season 3 is hosted by writer and stand-up comedian, Aba Amuquandoh (This Hour Has 22 Minutes), and welcomes 10 highly skilled artists from across the world to compete in the ultimate challenge: building their dream home in miniature form. The competitors will create their houses, in painstaking detail, room by room by shrinking life-size objects to 1:12 scale. While the objects may be small in stature, the stakes could not be higher.

Crave Canada

The O.C, The Complete Series (Premieres December 1)

Welcome to The O.C., where the lives of a group of friends and families have forever been changed by the arrival of an outsider to their affluent oceanside community of Newport Beach in Orange County, California. To coincide with the show’s 20th anniversary, stream all seasons and episodes of The O.C., exclusively in Canada on Crave, beginning Friday, Dec. 1.

Joy Ride (Premieres December 1)

The hilarious and unapologetically explicit story of identity and self-discovery centres on four unlikely friends who embark on a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure. When Audrey’s (Ashley Park) business trip to Asia goes sideways, she enlists the aid of: Lolo (Sherry Cola), her irreverent, childhood best friend who also happens to be a hot mess; Kat (Stephanie Hsu), her college friend turned Chinese soap star; and Deadeye (Sabrina Wu), Lolo’s eccentric cousin. Their no-holds-barred, epic experience becomes a journey of bonding, friendship, belonging, and wild debauchery that reveals the universal truth of what it means to know and love who you are.

Power Book III: Raising Kanan, Season 3 (Premieres December 1)

With emotions high and the stakes even higher, Season 3 returns to Southside Jamaica, Queens with the Thomas family in turmoil and reeling from the mob’s coordinated attack. Kanan finds himself grappling with the very notions of right and wrong. Good and evil. Fidelity and disloyalty. And he’s not alone. Every member of the Thomas family must confront an existential crisis that challenges their very identity. Whether it’s Marvin, who’s still trying to redeem himself; Raq, who’s finally coming clean; Lou, who’s wrestling with his own evil; or Jukebox, who’s simply trying to break free from her family’s pathology, they are all attempting to redefine and reinvent themselves.

Murder in Boston: Roots, Rampage and Reckoning (Premieres December 4)

On October 23, 1989, Charles Stuart places a frantic 911 call reporting that he and his pregnant wife, a white couple, have been shot by a Black man; exploring the toll the case has on the families involved and on Boston race relations.

Börje: The Journey of a Legend (Premieres December 20)

Börje: The Journey of a Legend follows the true story of Börje Salming’s incredible journey from an outcast struggling to find his place in a society that doesn’t believe in him, to becoming a beloved and world-famous professional hockey player, one of the first European players in the National Hockey League. The six-part limited drama series traces Salming’s journey as a young boy destined to work in the mines of Kiruna, a small town located in Northern Sweden, to his legendary presence as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1970s.

Nesting (Premieres December 22)

Anna and Rosa – loosely inspired by the series stars and creators Anna Hardwick and Rosa Laborde – are unlikely best friends for whom the romantic comedy dream hasn’t panned out. They have no house, no partner, and no baby. On the bright side, they have each other! Episode by episode, they clumsily, and comically, set out on a hunt for a baby daddy to fertilize their drying-up eggs, all while searching for affordable housing to nest in, so they can co-parent in their version of family. Slowly, and surprisingly, their platonic friendship begins to feel romantic in this provocative, funny, and unflinching web series about fertility, friendship, the housing crisis, and a mysterious little thing called love.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Premieres December 22)

Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence.

Letterkenny, Season 12 (Premieres December 25)

In the twelfth and final season of Crave Original series, Letterkenny, the small town contends with a comedy night at Modean’s, a country music hit, the Degens’ bad influence, a new nightclub, and an encore at the Ag Hall. And that’s just for starters

Gran Turismo (Premieres December 29)

Gran Turismo is based on the unbelievable true story of a team of unlikely underdogs – a struggling working-class gamer (Archie Madekwe), a failed former racecar driver (David Harbour), and an idealistic motorsport executive (Orlando Bloom). Together, they risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world.

Disney+ Canada

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (Premieres December 1)

Harrison Ford returns to the role of the legendary hero archaeologist for this highly anticipated final installment of the iconic franchise – a big, globe-trotting, rip-roaring cinematic adventure. Thrust again into a challenge that tests his strength, as well as his patience, Indiana Jones (Ford) risks everything to keep an ancient dial that could change the course of history from those who want the device for their own personal gain.

The Mill (Premieres December 1)

A businessman wakes up beside an ancient grist mill situated in the center of an open-air prison cell with no idea how he got there. Forced to work as a beast of burden to stay alive, he must find a way to escape before the birth of his child.

Explorer: Lake of Fire (Premieres December 1)

An elite team of adventurers and scientists attempt a daring first ascent up an unexplored volcano on a remote Antarctic island to investigate a mysterious boiling lake of lava that is unexplained by science.

Doctor Who: Wild Blue Yonder (Premieres December 2)

The Tardis takes the Doctor and Donna to the furthest edge of adventure. To escape, they must face the most desperate fight of their lives, with the fate of the universe at stake.

Isabel Preysler: My Christmas (Premieres December 5)

In the two episode special, Spanish celebrity Isabel Preysler welcomes us in the privacy of her home to show us how she celebrates one of the most memorable dates of the year: Christmas.

JFK: One Day in America (Premieres December 13)

The assassination of John F. Kennedy, the president of the United States, told in real time by those who were there.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Premieres December 20)

Percy Jackson is on a dangerous quest. Outrunning monsters and outwitting gods, he must journey across America to return Zeus’ master bolt and stop an all-out war. After losing his mother, Percy is sheltered at Camp Half-Blood, a sanctuary for demigod children. He must prove himself and confront his origins once he discovers he too is a demigod, and will take off into the perils of pursuing enemies in search of the Underworld. With the help of his quest mates Annabeth and Grover, Percy’s journey will lead him closer to the answers he seeks: how to fit into a world where he feels out of place, if he'll ever see his mother again, and if he can ever find out who he’s destined to be. 

What If…?, Season 2 (Premieres December 22)

Season two of What If…? continues the journey as The Watcher guides viewers through the vast multiverse, introducing brand new and familiar faces throughout the MCU. The series questions, revisits and twists classic Marvel Cinematic moments with an incredible voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their iconic roles.

Hayu Canada

Paris in Love, Season 2 (Premieres December 1)

Pop-culture icon Paris Hilton is keeping a life-changing surprise, even from her own family. She and her husband welcome their first child in secret as a way to protect him from a media frenzy, which throws her close-knit family for a loop. As she learns to navigate motherhood and career demands, Paris also drops a bombshell memoir revealing decades of untold traumas, rocking her world and her family once more.

Southern Hospitality, Season 2 (Premieres December 7)

Glamorous restaurateur Leva Bonaparte and her dynamic staff of Mia Alario, Joe Bradley, Bradley Carter, TJ Dinch, Will Kulp, Grace Lilly, Maddi Reese, Emmy Sharrett, Mikel Simmons and Lucía Peña return for a brand-new season of Southern Hospitality. The team at Republic is joined by new VIP Server Oisin O’Neill, whose larger-than-life personality is shaking things up.

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, Season 4 (Premieres December 15)

Over a decade after first appearing on The Real Housewives of New York, The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: RHONY Legacy reunites cultural icons Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Luann de Lesseps, Dorinda Medley, Sonja Morgan, Ramona Singer and Kristen Taekman as they jet off to beautiful Saint Barthélemy for an epic adventure of a lifetime.

Love Island Australia, Season 5 (Premieres December 15)

The sexiest show on television is returning for a brand-new season, and the beautiful Spanish villa is ready to rip open the spiciest twist ever.

Netflix Canada

May December (Premieres December 1)

Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under the pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past.

Stavros Halkais: Fat Rascal (Premieres December 5)

Acerbic comic Stavros Halkias skewers tech culture, air travel, sex — and himself — in this raunchy, rollicking and irreverent stand-up set.

I Hate Christmas, Season 2 (Premieres December 7)

It's that time of year again, but now Gianna is in love and ready to embrace the Christmas spirit — even if new issues arise and threaten it.

Kevin Hart & Chris Rock: Headliners Only (Premieres December 12)

From back in the day to the top of their game, Kevin Hart and Chris Rock offer an unparalleled, behind-the-scenes look at their friendship and careers.

Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team (Premieres December 12)

In this docuseries, the U.S. women’s national soccer team pursues their third consecutive title amid trials and triumphs at the 2023 FIFA World Cup.

1670 (Premieres December 13)

A quirky nobleman navigates family feuds and clashes with peasants in his misguided quest to become Poland's most famous figure In this satirical comedy.

Se Eu Fosse: Luisa Sonza (Premieres December 13)

Brazil's most polarizing pop singer opens up in this docuseries about her love life, career, controversies and the creation of a new album.

The Crown, Season 6, Part 2 (Premieres December 14)

With the Commonwealth irrevocably changed, Queen Elizabeth II reflects on her life and legacy, and paves the way for her successors Charles and William.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (Premieres December 15)

A fearless band of chickens flock together to save their own kind from an unsettling new threat: a nearby farm that's cooking up something suspicious.

Trevor Noah: Where Was I (Premieres December 19)

Returning to Netflix for his fourth original comedy special, Trevor Noah shares his hilarious experiences from his recent travels around the world, ranging from foreign national anthems to varying cultural norms.

Rebel Moon, Part 1: A Child of Fire (Premieres December 22)

When a peaceful settlement on the edge of a distant moon finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force, a mysterious stranger living among its villagers becomes their best hope for survival.

Ricky Gervais: Armageddon (Premieres December 25)

The BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning mind behind The Office, Extras and Afterlife takes the stage for a provocative new stand-up special, riffing on the end of humanity, political correctness, family weddings, funerals and Artificial Intelligence.

Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare (Premieres December 27)

The brutal conditions of an infamous wilderness therapy camp — and the alleged abuse of the troubled teens who attended — are exposed in this gripping tell-all documentary.

Berlin (Premieres December 29)

Back to his golden age before the events of "Money Heist," Berlin and a masterful gang gather in Paris to plan one of his most ambitious robberies ever.

Prime Video

Candy Cane Lane (Premieres December 1)

A man is determined to win the neighborhood's annual Christmas decorating contest. He makes a pact with an elf to help him win--and the elf casts a spell that brings the 12 days of Christmas to life, which brings unexpected chaos to town.

Merry Little Batman (Premieres December 8)

Little Damian Wayne confronts enemies in his city after finding himself alone at Wayne Manor.

Your Christmas or Mine 2 (Premieres December 8)

"They've swapped Christmas - again. Can Hayley and James' relationship survive another turbulent family Christmas or has their future together gone off-piste?!"

Silver and the Book of Dreams (Premieres December 8)

When Liv moves to London, she meets a mysterious group of boys who pull her into the world of dream-travel. She and her band of dream-wanderers conduct a ritual to make their biggest dream come true, but it demands the gravest sacrifice.

Dating Santa (Premieres December 8)

Lucia (Ana Serradilla) is a single mother of Leo (Olivia Duflos) a little girl who’s only illusion relies on Christmas mainly because it’s magic, but also because she believes she’s a miracle from a wish her mother desire long time ago and Santa granted.

Lor Farad (Premieres December 12)

It follows Oskar, who dreams of setting up a gym. He ends up entering the world of the Costa del Sol, all due to the Farads, a family that offers him a future, but with the most unexpected of trades: arms trafficking.

Reacher, Season 2 (Premieres December 15)

Jack Reacher was arrested for murder and now the police need his help. Based on the books by Lee Child. The second season will be based on the eleventh novel in Child's Jack Reacher series, Bad Luck and Trouble.