As early December settles in with its mix of twinkly lights and creeping winter chill, it’s the perfect time to curl up with new movies and TV shows to watch this weekend on Netflix, Prime Video and other streaming services.
The first batch of true holiday vibes arrives with the Christmas comedy "Oh. What. Fun.," while Noah Baumbach’s "Jay Kelly," starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler, brings a sharper, more awards-season edge to the weekend slate. Action fans can gear up for Tom Cruise’s high-octane final bow in "Mission Impossible – Final Reckoning."
This weekend, I'm definitely binge-watching "The Abandons" and preparing a movie night for "Jay Kelly."
New TV shows
‘The Abandons’ (Netflix)
“The Abandons” doesn’t tiptoe into the Old West; it crashes through the saloon doors with two formidable women ready to claim the frontier on their terms. In 1854 Washington Territory, Fiona Nolan (Lena Headey) protects her ragtag family and their hard-fought homestead, while Constance Van Ness (Gillian Anderson) wields wealth, power, and influence like a weapon.
When these unstoppable forces meet, it produces a clash of revenge, long-buried secrets and an unlikely romance. Grab your boots and hold on tight — this frontier ain't for the faint of heart.
All 7 episodes are streaming now on Netflix
‘My Next Guest With David Letterman and Adam Sandler’ (Netflix)
David Letterman returns for a special edition of “My Next Guest,” this time in conversation with Adam Sandler. Dropping the same week as Sandler’s latest film, "Jay Kelly,” lands on Netflix, the timing couldn’t be better for streaming fans.
But the chat goes beyond plugs: Sandler digs into his early stand-up flops, his breakthrough on “Saturday Night Live” and the unpredictable path that led to global fame. It’s a must-watch for both fans and curious newcomers alike.
Special is streaming now on Netflix
‘Dancing With the Stars: Dancing With the Holidays’ (Disney Plus)
“Dancing With the Stars” isn’t letting the sequins fade just yet. Hot on the heels of Robert Irwin’s season 34 win, the show kicks off a new holiday tradition with a one-hour special that transforms the ballroom into a glittering, tinsel-covered playground.
Expect the pros to dazzle with festive routines, lively musical numbers and the over-the-top, cheesy vibes that fans love.
Special is streaming now on Disney Plus
‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ season 15 (Bravo)
Take another glamorous whirl through the 90210 as “RHOBH” returns with sparkle and capital-D Drama. Kyle Richards navigates a wedding and maybe a breakup, while Erika Jayne searches for love amid relentless headlines, and Dorit Kemsley leans on Rachel Zoe for post-divorce guidance.
Sutton Stracke reinvents herself, Bozoma St. John celebrates an engagement and newcomers Amanda Frances and Natalie Swanston Fuller stir up even more trouble. From Hamptons surf lodges to villas in Florence, secrets — and plenty of wine — spill.
Episode 1 is streaming now on Peacock
New movies
‘Jay Kelly’ (Netflix)
George Clooney leans all the way into his movie-star aura in Noah Baumbach’s warm, wry, wistful road trip through Europe that doubles as a midlife gut check. Clooney plays an A-list actor who suddenly ghosts a big production and goes on a detour with his ever-patient manager Ron (Adam Sandler) and publicist Liz (Laura Dern).
The trip turns into a wandering mix of old grudges, awkward reunions and unexpected honesty. Baumbach keeps it all breezy but quietly affecting, and what we get is an offbeat road movie about fame, friendship and what’s left when the spotlight cools.
Streaming now on Netflix
‘Oh. What. Fun.’ (Prime Video)
Oh. What. Fun. isn’t your usual mug-of-cocoa Christmas comfort watch — it’s got a little more bite. Michael Showalter (“Wet Hot American Summer” directs Michelle Pfeiffer as Claire Clauster, the quietly overworked engine behind her family’s picture-perfect holidays. After one too many thankless tasks, she does what every burnt-out parent has dreamed of: She disappears.
While Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz Denis Leary and the rest scramble to figure out how to function without her, Claire heads off on her own liberating holiday detour. This snarky, slightly twisted spin on holiday cheer serves as a reminder that even Santa deserves a break.
Streaming now on Prime Video
‘My Secret Santa’ (Netflix)
Netflix’s latest festive fling goes full “Mrs. Doubtfire.” Alexandra Breckenridge plays a single mom so desperate for work she dons full Santa costume — complete with prosthetics, padding and beard —to snag a job at a luxe ski resort.
Naturally, the very handsome manager (Ryan Eggold), who’s also the resort owner’s son, grows suspicious. Things get even more complicated when they start to fall for each other when she’s out of costume. It’s totally goofy and built on an Olympic-level suspension of disbelief, but nobody ever said holiday rom-coms should be realistic.
Streaming now on Netflix
‘Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning’ (Paramount Plus)
Tom Cruise is hanging up the IMF badge, but not before one last sprint across the globe. “The Final Reckoning” finds Ethan Hunt squaring off against the Entity, a rogue AI with world-ending ambitions.
Old allies (Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell) and fresh faces rally for a mission stuffed with underwater showdowns, snowy escapes and a jaw-dropping finale that once again proves Cruise is Hollywood’s greatest daredevil. The story may stumble at times, but the spectacle doesn’t. And if this really is Ethan Hunt’s last ride, it’s one hell of a curtain call.
Streaming now on Paramount Plus
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