It’s been a truly stellar year for television, with each new month providing ample opportunities to immerse ourselves in superb storytelling as the “to watch” list grows longer by the day. Most of the tentpole series have come and gone, with the major IP of Marvel, “Star Wars,” “The Lord of the Rings,” and “Game of Thrones” and their spinoffs all dominating a large part of the conversation.
That said, for all that they hogged the mainstream spotlight, there were plenty more to consume if those weren’t your usual go-to’s, and December continues the trend with, yes, sequels and prequels as we’ve come to expect at this point when it comes to the Hollywood machine, but also the second season of a critically acclaimed drama, two major movie stars reuniting for a new project, dark fantasy endings, and an Octavia Butler adaptation. It may be the end of the year, and things are winding down, but there’s still plenty to queue up.
“Gossip Girl”
A remake/reboot of the original series, the updated “Gossip Girl,” with a whole new cast, arrives for its second season. The season picks up with the characters as they navigate a debutante ball, new relationships, and other complications that arrive in already fragile bonds. Jordan Alexander, Emily Alyn Lind, Whitney Peak, Eli Brown, Thomas Doherty, and Evan Mock all return.
Release Date: Season 2 premieres December 2 on HBO.
“Slow Horses”
After its strong debut earlier this year, the second season of “Slow Horses” returns equally as strong. Led by Gary Oldman with a cast that includes Jack Lowden, Olivia Cooke, and Kristin Scott Thomas, the series follows a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents dealing with the smoke and mirrors of the world of espionage. Our critic praised Season 2, writing, “The second season maintains the spirit of the first while upping the intensity, which allows star Gary Oldman even more of a chance to shine in a role that feels like it’s going to be one of the most definitive of his career.”
Release Date: Season 2 premieres December 2 on Apple TV+.
“George and Tammy”
Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain reunite for the upcoming “George and Tammy” series for Showtime. The two stars are country music power couple Tammy Wynette and George Jones, as the series tracks their relationship’s ups and downs while creating some of the most iconic music of all time. Created by Abe Sylvia and directed by John Hillcoat, the series also stars Steve Zahn, Kelly McCormack, Walton Goggins, and more. Our critic spotlighted the lead’s chemistry, writing, “Sharing a microphone is when this couple is happiest; watching this journey from the first track to the last is electrifying (a total of 31 songs are used throughout).”
Release Date: The show premieres December 4 on Showtime.
“His Dark Materials”
For its final season, the HBO series “His Dark Materials” is going out with a bang. Based on the book series of the same name by author Philip Pullman, it’s been two years since the second season’s finale, giving ample time for fans to anticipate just how the show, created by Jack Thorne, is planning on wrapping up the sprawling story. Season 3 will tackle the content of “The Amber Spyglass,” the final novel in Pullman’s trilogy. Dafne Keen, Ruth Wilson, Amir Wilson, and James McAvoy all return.
Release Date: Season 3 premieres December 5 on HBO Max.