7 new Netflix shows and movies you need to watch this week (Dec. 15-21)

(L to R) Lily Collins as Emily, Eugenio Franceschini as Marcello in "Emily in Paris" season 5; Jake Paul speaks during a press conference for Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua.
(Image credit: Caroline Dubois/Netflix/Getty Images)

Netflix is adding just 16 new shows and movies to its streaming service this week. It's definitely a light week for Netflix, but there's still a big show returning to the streaming service. "Emily in Paris" season 5 arrives this Thursday, and whether you love the hit comedy drama or just love to hate it, chances are you'll be binging it in its entirety this week.

If French fashion and European romances aren't your thing, though, don't worry. "Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day" will have Jake Paul taking on former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. It's inarguably the toughest opponent of Paul's career, and you won't want to miss it when the fight happens live this Friday.

Photo of Malcolm McMillan
Malcolm McMillan

Malcolm has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. Every week, he hunts down the top shows and movies to watch on Netflix.

New on Netflix this week: Top picks

'Emily in Paris' season 5

Emily in Paris Season 5 FIRST LOOK! - YouTube Emily in Paris Season 5 FIRST LOOK! - YouTube
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In season 4 of "Emily in Paris," Emily Cooper (Lilly Collins) ditched her Parisian setting for Italy. Now in season 5, she's continuing her Roman holiday, albeit among the canals of Venice rather than the Latin hills. But despite the picturesque setting for this season, things are chaotic. Emily is bouncing back from heartbreak and career drama, and that's enough to ruin any getaway.

For those of you who haven't seen this romantic comedy-drama series, it's one of the most popular shows on Netflix. It's also one of the most hated. Critics and audiences are both consistently split amongst themselves on whether or not it's actually good. For some, it doesn't even matter if the show is good; for them, this comedy-drama about an American expat living her best life in Paris is the very definition of a guilty pleasure show.

Watch on Netflix starting Dec. 18

'Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day'

JAKE PAUL vs. ANTHONY JOSHUA | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube JAKE PAUL vs. ANTHONY JOSHUA | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube
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For those who've been following the drama around this fight, you know that it isn't even supposed to be happening. Jake Paul was supposed to fight Gervonta "Tank" Davis last month, but when the WBA lightweight champion was sued related to a domestic violence investigation and dropped from the fight, Paul was left looking for a new opponent.

Well, he's got one. But it might be more than Paul bargained for. Now, he's fighting Anthony Joshua, the former two-time unified heavyweight champion. Joshua isn't the same fighter he used to be, but he'll be Paul's toughest opponent yet, even in an exhibition. Don't miss "Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day" when it starts streaming live at 8 p.m. ET this Friday, though bear in mind the main event probably won't start until closer to 11 p.m. ET.

Watch it live on Netflix starting at 8 p.m. ET Dec. 19

'Breakdown: 1975'

Breakdown: 1975 | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube Breakdown: 1975 | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube
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No, this documentary isn't about Taylor Swift's ex-boyfriend's band. It's about the year 1975 in America — specifically, what it was like in American movies.

1975 was a tumultuous time in the country. President Richard Nixon resigned the year before, the Vietnam War ended and the Civil Rights movement was still a dominant force in the country. It also saw the release of some incredible films: "Taxi Driver," "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest," "Network," "Jaws," "Young Frankenstein" and "The Godfather Part II."

In "Breakdown: 1975," Academy Award-winning documentarian Morgan Neville examines both the art of American society in 1975 and the society itself. Narrated by "Taxi Driver" star and Hollywood legend Jodie Foster, the documentary features commentray from Albert Brooks, Bill Gates, Ellen Burstyn, Frank Rich, James Risen, James Wolcott, Jefferson Cowie, Joan Tewkesbury, Josh Brolin, Kurt Andersen, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Martin Scorsese, Naomi Fry, Oliver Stone, Patton Oswalt, Peter Bart, Peter Biskind, Rick Perlstein, Sam Wasson, Seth Rogen, Dr. Todd Boyd, and Wesley Morris.

Watch on Netflix starting Dec. 19

'What's In The Box?'

What's in the Box? | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube What's in the Box? | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube
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If you're a fan of quiz shows like "The Floor" or "The Quiz with Balls," then "What's in the Box?" is a must-watch this week. Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, this game features 13 giant boxes, each one featuring an incredible prize. The goal? Guess what's in the box, win the prize, and then hold onto and make sure nobody else can steal it. Make it to the end and you can win $250,000.

Now, this show does things a bit differently. Instead of new contestants each episode, "What's in the Box?" features eight pairs of contestants who will compete against each other throughout the entire season, though not every pair will make it through the entire season.

I'll admit, I'm disappointed this show has nothing to do with David Fincher's "Se7en," but at least it sounds fun.

Watch on Netflix starting Dec. 17

'Culinary Class Wars' season 2

Culinary Class Wars: Season 2 | Official Teaser | Netflix [ENG SUB] - YouTube Culinary Class Wars: Season 2 | Official Teaser | Netflix [ENG SUB] - YouTube
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If you prefer cooking competitions to game shows, then you should check out "Culinary Class Wars." This Korean cooking competition show is now in its second season, and it pits dozens of chefs against each other to see who can craft the best dishes.

On one side: the white spoon chefs. These are the culinary elite, and this season, their roster includes Lee Jun, a two-Michelin-star chef who's among the best in the world, not just Korea. They will have to defend their prestige against the black spoon chefs: unknowns, hidden masters and up-and-comers who might be just as good as their more famous competition. To decide who is best, judges will taste the dishes blindfolded, ensuring that talent, not status, wins the day.

Watch on Netflix starting Dec. 16

'Murder in Monaco'

Murder in Monaco | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube Murder in Monaco | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube
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On Dec. 3, 1999, the world was shocked to learn that billionaire banker Edmond Safra was killed in his penthouse apartment in Monaco. He died of asphyxiation caused by a fire in his swanky abode, and quickly, the fingers started to point at Safra's American nurse, Ted Maher, a former special forces soldier who was being paid handsomely to take care of the banker as he suffered from Parkinson's.

Maher turned himself in a few days later and was convicted in 2002. But then, after serving his 10-year sentence, Maher retracted his confession, claiming he was coerced and that the Russian mafia was to blame. Given that Safra had provided evidence to the FBI regarding illegal activity committed by the Russians, it wasn't impossible that they were behind it.

With so many questions still unanswered, "Murder in Monaco" looks to reexamine the evidence and talk to those involved, including socialite Lady Colin Campbell, a witness to the events of that fateful day. True crime fans won't want to miss this documentary.

Watch on Netflix starting Dec. 17

'10Dance'

10DANCE | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube 10DANCE | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube
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"10DANCE" adapts the acclaimed BL romance manga of the same name from the author Inouesatoh. It stars Ryoma Takeuchi as Shinya Suzuki and Keita Machida as Shinya Sugiki, two ballroom dancers who are fierce rivals. Suzuki specializes in Latin dance and sticks largely to local competitions to perfect his craft. Sugiki, meanwhile, specializes in Standard ballroom dancing and is not just Japan's best, but is ranked No. 2 in the world.

Their rivalry collides when Suzuki challenges Sugiki to the 10-Dance, a grueling dance competition that requires dancers to complete five Latin dances and five standard dances. This means the two rivals must learn each other's specialties to win. But as they train and compete, they start to realize their passion for dance might also be a passion for each other.

Watch on Netflix starting Dec. 18

Everything new on Netflix: Dec. 15-21

DECEMBER 15

"The Creature Cases" chapter 6 (Netflix family)

Director Scratch has exciting new creature cases to keep her agents busy as Sam and Kit return to solve more animal mysteries all over the world!

  • "A Cowboy Christmas Romance"
  • "Christmas at the Chalet"
  • "The Christmas Classic"
  • "Christmas on the Alpaca Farm"

DECEMBER 16

"Culinary Class Wars" season 2 (KR) (Netflix series)

A fresh wave of "Black Spoon" cooks face the formidable "White Spoon" chefs in this epic culinary showdown. Who will withstand the heat — or flame out?

  • "Castle Rock" seasons 1-2

DECEMBER 17

"The Manny" season 3 (MX) (Netflix series)

As Jimena struggles to save her company, her relationship with Gabriel faces a series of setbacks. Can their love win, or is this the end of the line?

"Murder in Monaco" (GB) (Netflix documentary)

Monaco, 1999. One of the world's richest men dies in his penthouse. This documentary unpacks the mysterious murder of billionaire banker, Edmond Safra.

"What's In The Box?" (Netflix series)

In this game show hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, players answer trivia questions to win spectacular hidden prizes — or steal them from the competition.

DECEMBER 18

"10DANCE" (JP) (Netflix film)

Two dancers, opposites in all but their art, agree to train together for a competition. At first, they clash, but soon become drawn to each other.

"Emily in Paris" season 5 (Netflix series)

Emily trades bonjour for buongiorno as she seeks to reinvent herself in Rome, but when love, career and loyalty collide, la dolce vita gets complicated.

DECEMBER 19

"A Time For Bravery" (MX) (Netflix film)

A psychoanalyst on community service aids an agent shattered by infidelity; together, they will confront danger and discover second chances.

"Breakdown: 1975" (Netflix documentary)

In 1975, as America faced social and political upheaval, filmmakers turned chaos into art. This documentary explores how a turbulent era gave rise to iconic movies like “Taxi Driver,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest” and “Network,” featuring insights from Martin Scorsese, Ellen Burstyn, Seth Rogen, and more.

"The Great Flood" (KR) (Netflix film)

When a raging flood traps a researcher and her young son, a call to a crucial mission puts their escape — and the future of humanity — on the line.

Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day (Netflix live event)

A colossal global showdown between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua, live from Miami, Florida.

Leaving Netflix This Week

Leaving 12/17/25

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2"

Leaving 12/18/25

"The 100" seasons 1-7
"Arrow" seasons 1-8
"Supernatural" seasons 1-15


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Malcolm McMillan
Streaming Editor

Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made.

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