Gladiators, demigods and grave-robbing archaeologists are among the popular characters returning to must-see TV shows this December, joined by an American in Paris, a mutated post-apocalyptic bounty hunter, and a cat and his walking goldfish brother. From the Mojave Wasteland and New Vegas to the halls of Ellmore Middle School, here are the six streaming series you should catch up on before moving on this month.
Spartacus (Starz)
What is this : This Starz series inspired by the titular Roman soldier-turned-slave-turned-gladiator has a somewhat tragic story, with original protagonist Andy Whitfield passing away after the first season. Liam McIntyre eventually reprized the role for two more seasons, but not before Starz produced a six-episode prequel series (Spartacus: Gods of the Arena). Now we have a sequel series, following the once-villainous character Ashur (a role taken over by Nick E. Tarabay) as he becomes the new owner of the Batiatus gladiator training camp. The series takes place in an alternate timeline where he was not killed on Mount Vesuvius at the end of the third season (a.k.a. Spartacus: Vengeance). The first two episodes of Spartacus: House of Assur premieres on Starz on Friday, December 5.
Why you should watch it: Fans of Spartacus The television universe has gone 12 years without any new content, which means that House of Assur a major television event for this exciting guilty pleasure franchise. The original series ran from 2010 to 2013 and served up a historical drama for the swords-and-sandals crowd with a large dose of sex and violence, and this sequel’s “what if” storyline makes for exciting expansion.
Where to watch: Starz and Netflix (subscription, Spartacus seasons 1 to 4); buy on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Google Play and Apple TV
Commitment: Approx. 36 hours (for seasons 1 to 4)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+)
What is this : Based on the bestselling YA novel series by Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson and the Olympians follows a 12-year-old boy who learns that he is the half-mortal son of the Greek god Poseidon. In the first season of the series, adapted from The lightning thiefhe is sent to a camp of demigods and embarks on a quest to find Zeus’ missing thunderbolt. The first two episodes of the second season will air on Disney+ on Wednesday, December 10.
Why you should watch it: After a disappointing effort to bring the Percy Jackson books on the big screen, this television adaptation corrects all the wrongs of the film version thanks to the involvement of author Rick Riordan and a more faithful, age-appropriate cast. And leading this cast is exceptional young actor Walker Scobell. The series also features some impressive guest stars in the roles of the gods, including Lin-Manuel Miranda and the late Lance Reddick.
Where to watch: Disney+ and Hulu (subscription, season 1)
Commitment: Approx. 5.5 hours (for season 1)
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (Netflix)
What is this : The latest film adaptation of tomb Raider video game franchise, this animated series follows the adventures of the titular archaeologist, voiced by Hayley Atwell. Specifically, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is a continuation of Shadow of the Tomb Raider games and a prequel to the original tomb Raider game released 30 years ago. The second and final season of the series will premiere in its entirety on Netflix on Thursday, December 11.
Why you should watch it: After the moderately entertaining film adaptations starring Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, an animated series proved the best way forward for elements that were both faithful and improved. While it’s particularly appealing to players familiar with the bookends of this otherwise original storyline, it’s also entertaining in its own right. And even more than the tomb Raider films, it could well serve as a gateway to the source material.
Where to watch: Netflix (subscription, season 1)
Commitment: Approx. 3.5 hours (for season 1)
Fallout (First video)
What is this : Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten and Walton Goggins star in this post-apocalyptic drama series based on the To fall video game franchise. Set 200 years after a nuclear holocaust, the series follows a young woman who leaves her underground community to search for her kidnapped father. Along the way, she teams up with a Brotherhood of Steel squire and a ghoul bounty hunter. To fall: Season 2 premieres on Prime Video on Wednesday, December 17.
Why you should watch it: Not just any wild sci-fi series set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, To fall is another example of a prestige video game adaptation, given the involvement of Western world co-creator and The Black Knight co-writer Jonathan Nolan. Plus, it stars Walton Goggins, who makes any TV series better and earned an Emmy nomination for his performance in this one. The first season was also nominated for Outstanding Drama Series.
Where to watch: Prime Video (subscription, season 1)
Commitment: Approx. 8 hours (for season 1)
Emilie in Paris (Netflix)
What is this : From the creator of such iconic television series as Beverly Hills 90210 And Sex in the cityThis romantic show stars Lily Collins as a Chicago woman fresh out of college who moves to France for a job in social media marketing. Over the course of four seasons, viewers follow Emily’s love life and professional endeavors, which lead her to Rome at the end of season 4. The fifth season of Emilie in Paris begins streaming in full on Netflix on Thursday, December 18.
Why you should watch it: Emilie in Paris remains one of the most popular original series on Netflix, with such success continuing for over five years despite fluctuations in its critical reception. The show has all the charms one would expect from a Parisian romantic comedy, from its actors to its costumes, and offers a feel of virtual tourism with its European locations – which would also have sparked a real tourism boost. So be ready to book that trip!
Where to watch: Netflix (subscription, seasons 1 to 4)
Commitment: Approx. 9 p.m. (for seasons 1 to 4)
The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball (Hulu)
What is this : The main character, Gumball Watterson, is a 12-year-old cat who gets into mischief alongside his adopted brother, Darwin, a goldfish with 10-year-old legs. Their latest animated series is a revival of The Amazing World of Gumball and continues to follow the duo’s misadventures around their town of Elmore, California. The Wonderfully Strange World of Gumball: Season 2 begins streaming in full on Hulu on Monday, December 22.
Why you should watch it: THE Gumball the shows are a surreal delight and offer a clever mix of animation styles, consistently ranking among the most imaginative programs on television. Once you immerse yourself in their world, you will be hooked by the plot and the beautifully crazy visuals. Fans of the original series (which you’ll quickly find yourself in) won’t be disappointed by the sequel, as it picks things up as if there hadn’t been a six-year hiatus.
Where to watch: Hulu (subscription, season 1, more The Amazing World of Gumball seasons 1-6 and spinoffs Darwin’s Directory And The Gumball Chronicles)
Commitment: Approx. 51 hours (for season 1, more The Amazing World of Gumball seasons 1-6 and spinoffs Darwin’s Directory And The Gumball Chronicles)
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