This week brings a bumper crop of new streaming content, headlined by the return of a music mogul and the grand finale of a pop superstar's epic tour. From nostalgic reality TV to eye-opening documentaries and family-friendly fantasy, here are the seven best shows to add to your watchlist.
Simon Cowell's Nostalgic Quest for a New Boyband
Simon Cowell: The Next Act arrives on Netflix from Wednesday 10 December, marking the famed talent judge's latest venture. The series sees Cowell, with his signature stubble and sunglasses, attempt to assemble a brand new boyband through a classic process of auditions, boot camps, and eliminations. The show acknowledges a shifting landscape, with assistants noting that some teenage hopefuls may not remember One Direction. Yet, the familiar, old-school format promises easy viewing for those who can root for Cowell himself as he stakes his reputation on finding the next big thing.
Taylor Swift's Grand Tour Finale
For Swifties, Taylor Swift: The End of an Era is a must-watch on Disney+ from Friday 12 December. This six-part documentary chronicles the final leg of her record-breaking Eras Tour, a production Swift describes as an effort to "over-serve the fans." The film goes behind the scenes of the travelling spectacle, speaking to dancers, set designers, and special guests like Ed Sheeran and Sabrina Carpenter. It coincides with the tour's final concert in Vancouver, offering an immersive look at the logistics and emotion of closing this monumental chapter.
Family Fun and Dark Exposés
The week also offers variety for all tastes. Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures returns for a third season on Disney+ from Monday 8 December, following younglings Kai, Lys, and Nubs on more galactic adventures. Channel 4's investigative series Untold: Undercover Working Holidays – Stranded in Paradise exposes the exploitation of young workers in Ayia Napa, revealing illegal practices from Monday 8 December.
Fantasy fans can rejoice as Percy Jackson and the Olympians season two hits Disney+ on Wednesday 10 December, with the demigod hero embarking on a new American odyssey. For comedy, Rowan Atkinson stars in Man vs Baby on Netflix from Thursday 11 December, bringing his signature physical humour to a chaotic scenario involving an abandoned infant.
Finally, The Revenge Club launches on Paramount+ from Friday 12 December. This dark comedy, featuring Meera Syal and Martin Compston, follows a group of divorcees who ditch therapy to creatively exact revenge on their ex-partners.
