Following a steady release schedule over the past few months, things seem to be quieting down on the television front as we near year-end. While there’s always time for playing catch-up with some of 2025’s biggest titles, there’s no doubt that it’s the release of the “Stranger Things” finale that will dominate the conversation when it returns for its final set of episodes at the end of the month.
READ MORE: Fall & Winter 2025 TV Preview: 45 Series To Watch
Elsewhere, it’s time to dip into some more international titles, primarily through Netflix. There’s also the return of the “Percy Jackson” series, along with a Western led by the powerhouse duo Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson. While there might not be quite as many options to select from, there’s still enough worth picking through to find the next worthwhile binge.
“The Abandons”
Created by Kurt Sutter, best known for his work on “The Shield” and as the creator of “Sons of Anarchy,” “The Abandons” takes place in the Old West during the 1850s. The Western action drama follows the conflicts among several outlaw groups, led by powerful matriarchs from different economic classes, as they battle for supremacy of the frontier. Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson star.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres December 4 on Netflix.
“The Believers”
Following the success of its first season, the Netflix crime drama “The Believers” returns for its follow-up. The story follows the failure of three entrepreneurs who tried to launch their own start-up, who end up exploiting the loosely regulated system of donations to Buddhist temples. The Thai series Teerado Supapunpinyo, Pachara Chirathivat, and Achiraya Nitibhon.
Release Date: Season 2 premieres December 4 on Netflix.
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians”
Based on the popular book series of the same name by Rick Riordan, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” returns for its second season. Created by Riordan and Jonathan E. Steinberg, season two will adapt the work from the novel “The Sea of Monsters.” Season two sees Percy returning to Camp Half Blood, where he learns of the disappearance of his friend and that the camp is now under threat by the forces of Kronos.
Release Date: Season 2 premieres December 10 on Disney+.
“Little Disasters”
Diane Kruger stars in the drama series “Little Disasters,” which follows a group of new mothers whose friendship is torn apart when one is accused of injuring her baby. Based on the novel of the same name by Sarah Vaughan, the series is created by Ruth Fowler (“Rules of the Game”) and written by Fowler and Amanda Duke. Jo Joyner and Ben Bailey Smith also star in the series, which has already premiered internationally.
Release Date: The series premieres December 11 on Paramount+.
“Fallout”
Continuing the trend of quality video game adaptations, the post-apocalyptic “Fallout” created by Tim Cain and Leonard Boyarsky returns for a second season. The series takes place two centuries following the Great War of 2077, where society collapsed following a nuclear holocaust. Season 2 will introduce New Vegas, a primary setting in the games. Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Kyle MacLachlan, Moisés Arias, Xelia Mendes-Jones, and Walton Goggins all star.
Release Date: Season 2 premieres December 17 on Amazon Prime Video.
“Emily In Paris”
The ongoing popularity of “Emily in Paris” endures as it returns for its fifth season. The Netflix series starring Lily Collins follows Emily as she sets off to Rome and Venice, tasked with opening a new office while balancing her love life and work. Minnie Driver joins the cast, which includes Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, and many more.
Release Date: Season 5 premieres December 18 on Netflix.
“Stranger Things”
Split into three parts, Volume 2 and the finale of “Stranger Things” Season 5 premiere at the tail end of the month. Following the big reveal of one of the main characters in the climactic cliffhanger of Volume 1, Volume 2 will pick up to continue exploring the deteriorating world of Hawkins as our crew continues to try to stop Vecna. The cast, led by Millie Bobby Brown, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalie Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, and Maya Hawke, all return.
Release Date: Season 5, Volume 2 premieres on December 25, with the finale premiering on December 31.
“The Copenhagen Test”
Produced by James Wan and created by Thomas Brandon, “The Copenhagen Test” blends spy thriller with science fiction. Simu Liu and Melissa Barrera star in the series, which takes place in a near future. The story follows an intelligence agent who must prove his allegiance after he’s hacked.
Release Date: The series premieres December 27 on Peacock.
