This week brings a thrilling line-up of new television shows to streaming platforms across the UK, offering everything from gritty period dramas to provocative documentaries and festive specials. Mark your calendars for a week of compelling entertainment.
Top Picks for Drama and Western Action
The Abandons arrives on Netflix from Thursday, 4th December. From Kurt Sutter, the creator of Sons of Anarchy, this new western is set in the brutal landscape of 1850s Oregon. The story centres on the violent Van Ness family, led by the menacing Constance Van Ness, played by Gillian Anderson, as they threaten local smallholders to expand their territory.
Lena Headey stars as Fiona Nolan, an Irish emigre who forms a family with a band of orphans. The series promises cattle rustlers, blood vendettas, and a classic fight for homesteads, all delivered with zippy entertainment value.
Documentaries and Reality TV Highlights
Netflix also delivers a significant documentary with Sean Combs: The Reckoning, available from Tuesday, 2nd December. Executive produced by 50 Cent, this four-part series chronicles the rise and dramatic fall of the hip-hop mogul. It explores his success with Bad Boy Entertainment and delves into the serious criminal charges that led to his recent conviction.
For reality TV fans, Owning Manhattan returns for a second season on Netflix from Friday, 5th December. The show follows real estate broker Ryan Serhant and his team as they screech and squabble over luxury properties in New York, aiming to build the world's top brokerage.
Festive Cheer and Nostalgic Escapism
In a departure from the gritty drama, With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration lands on Netflix from Wednesday, 3rd December. The special features Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and a guest appearance from Prince Harry, offering a glimpse into their festive traditions. Viewers can expect wreath-making, crafting, and a generous serving of holiday kitsch.
For those seeking gentle nostalgia, the final two seasons of the beloved Danish series Seaside Hotel are now on Channel 4. Picking up in 1945 after the war, the show continues its rose-tinted look at life in a coastal hotel, dealing with renovation and the impact of a crime involving Jewish grandparents.
Channel 4 also presents a hard-hitting investigation in Controlled: Can I Trust My Partner? UNTOLD, available from Monday, 1st December. Presenter Daisy Maskell explores the rise of partner abuse among under-30s, including a disturbing hands-on test of 'stalkerware' apps used to monitor partners.
Finally, The New Yorker at 100 debuts on Netflix from Friday, 5th December. This documentary profiles the iconic magazine, celebrating its century-long commitment to truth-telling and high-quality journalism, featuring insights from its editor, David Remnick.
