New Shows December 2025: The Holiday Binge You Need Right Now
December 2025 brings a dense holiday lineup of new TV premieres across Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Peacock, Starz, Hulu, and broadcast television, with the biggest conversation drivers including Stranger Things season 5, Fallout season 2, Emily in Paris season 5, Percy Jackson season 2, and Peacock's The Copenhagen Test.
What December delivers
December 2025 is unusually crowded because streamers stacked high-profile returns, limited series, and holiday specials into the same four-week window, with one December guide listing more than 250 premieres and finales across TV platforms. For viewers, the practical takeaway is simple: the month is strongest in the second and third weeks, when several marquee releases land close together.
- Netflix leads with major titles including The Abandons, Man vs. Baby, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft season 2, Emily in Paris season 5, and the final Stranger Things episodes.
- Disney+ anchors the family and franchise audience with Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 2 and Taylor Swift's behind-the-scenes concert documentary project.
- Prime Video highlights include Fallout season 2 and other premium genre programming.
- Peacock brings the techno-thriller The Copenhagen Test.
- Starz revives its sword-and-sandals lane with Spartacus: House of Ashur.
Best new shows
The strongest new-show picks for December 2025 are the titles that combine recognizable brands, clear premiere dates, and broad audience appeal. Based on the available schedules, the most watchable blend of prestige, fandom, and holiday timing comes from the first three weeks of the month.
| Show | Platform | Premiere date | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Abandons | Netflix | December 4, 2025 | Frontier drama with a strong cast and western appeal. |
| Spartacus: House of Ashur | Starz | December 5, 2025 | Return of a known action brand with franchise recognition. |
| Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 2 | Disney+ | December 10, 2025 | Major family franchise with built-in youth and parent audiences. |
| Fallout season 2 | Prime Video | December 17, 2025 | One of the month's biggest genre returns. |
| Emily in Paris season 5 | Netflix | December 18, 2025 | High-visibility lifestyle drama with strong global reach. |
| The Copenhagen Test | Peacock | December 27, 2025 | Late-month thriller for viewers who want a sharper tone. |
Release calendar
The most useful way to plan December viewing is by date, because the month clusters key releases into narrow windows. The dates below reflect the major new-show premieres most often highlighted in December coverage.
- December 3: The Hunt on Apple TV.
- December 4: The Abandons on Netflix.
- December 5: Spartacus: House of Ashur on Starz.
- December 10: Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 2 on Disney+.
- December 17: Fallout season 2 on Prime Video.
- December 18: Emily in Paris season 5 on Netflix.
- December 27: The Copenhagen Test on Peacock.
Why these shows matter
December's programming mix is notable because it pairs franchise loyalty with low-risk discovery, a pattern that helps platforms capture both holiday binge-watchers and casual viewers. A December guide from one outlet described the month as a final burst of premieres, winter finales, and specials before the 2026 TV schedule takes over. In practical terms, the month is less about volume alone and more about platform-defining tentpoles.
"December always delivers tons of family-friendly parades and specials," one premiere calendar noted, while also pointing to major debuts from streaming and cable creators.
Who should watch what
Families should start with Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 2 and holiday-friendly specials, while genre fans get the most value from Fallout season 2, The Copenhagen Test, and Spartacus: House of Ashur. Viewers who prefer lighter, conversation-driven fare will likely gravitate toward Emily in Paris season 5, while those who want event television should reserve time for the final Stranger Things rollout.
Frequently asked questions
Key concerns and solutions for New Shows December 2025 The Holiday Binge You Need Right Now
What are the biggest new shows in December 2025?
The biggest titles are Fallout season 2, Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 2, Emily in Paris season 5, The Abandons, Spartacus: House of Ashur, and The Copenhagen Test.
What is the most anticipated December 2025 release?
Across major premiere calendars, Stranger Things season 5 and its late-December finale episodes are the most event-level releases, with Fallout season 2 also ranked among the month's top draws.
Which platforms have the strongest December lineup?
Netflix has the deepest slate overall, while Disney+, Prime Video, and Peacock each have at least one major anchor title that should drive substantial attention.
When should I start watching December 2025 shows?
Start in the first week if you want the early premieres, but keep the week of December 10 through December 18 open, because that is when several of the month's most important releases arrive.
