Best New TV Shows Streaming in December 2025 — What to Watch Now

As 2025 draws to a close, streaming platforms are rolling out a stacked lineup of new and returning series — a perfect reason to cozy up this December. From gritty westerns to sci-fi finales and festive comedies, there’s something for nearly every mood. Here’s a curated guide to the top picks worth streaming right now. MarketWatch+3Forbes+3ScreenHub Australia+3

🎯 Highlights — Standout New & Returning Shows

• The Abandons — Premieres December 4 on Netflix. Created by Kurt Sutter, this Western-drama brings big names (including Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey) into a dark, frontier-era tale of power, survival, and moral conflict. What’s on Netflix+1
• Fallout (Season 2) — Returns December 17 on Prime Video. The post-nuclear series heads to new territory with fresh storylines, promising more dystopian drama and high stakes. Boh+1
• Emily in Paris (Season 5) — Debuts December 18 on Netflix. Expect more glamour, romance, and escapism as the beloved series heads into its latest season. Boh+2The Economic Times+2
• Stranger Things (Season 5 Finale) — The concluding chapters drop this December — a must-see for fans of sci-fi, horror, and 1980s nostalgia. What’s on Netflix+2Tom’s Guide+2

📺 Other Worthwhile Picks

• City of Shadows — Hitting Netflix December 12. A darker crime-mystery series set in Barcelona; a solid choice for thriller fans. What’s on Netflix
• Season returns and new entries broadly across platforms — December’s slate isn’t limited to just a few titles. Across Netflix, Prime Video, and others, there’s a mix of genres: drama, adventure, mystery, and more, giving something for varied tastes. Forbes+2Stuff+2

✅ Why This December’s Lineup Matters

December 2025 is shaping up to be one of the richest months of the year for streaming content. With high-caliber casts, returning fan-favorites, and bold new entries, viewers don’t just get quantity — many of these showdowns aim for quality storytelling, cinematic scope, and major payoffs.

Whether you’re in the mood for gritty westerns, dark sci-fi, lighthearted rom-coms, or epic finales, this month gives you plenty of chances to hit “play.”