Top 6 New Streaming Shows and Movies to Watch This Week (December 22–28)

Welcome back to our weekly roundup of the hottest new shows and movies. Here, we’ve curated a list of six must-watch titles that are currently streaming across various platforms.

With Christmas upon us, one show is set to steal the spotlight: Stranger Things 5, which drops its next set of episodes on Christmas Day. The excitement is palpable, but there’s plenty more to enjoy. Don’t miss the thrilling finale of Pluribus season one, a new series on Disney Plus, among other great options.

So, if you’re gearing up for a cozy night in front of the screen, let’s dive in.

**Available: US/UK | Where to watch: Netflix**

Stranger Things’ final season continues with three new episodes arriving on Christmas Day. The previous batch left our heroes in a moment of triumph, but don’t expect the good times to last. With Vecna and his Demogorgon army wreaking havoc, Hawkins is facing its darkest hour.

The looming question of who will survive this climactic season adds to the tension as the battle between light and dark approaches. It’s perfect holiday viewing, though the series will wrap up with its final episode on December 31.

**Available: US/UK | Where to watch: Apple TV**

One of the standout dramas of the year reaches its thrilling conclusion. Pluribus has followed Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn), a romance author determined to “save” humanity from a global hive mind. As the series unfolds, her loneliness leads her to connect with Zosia (Karolina Wydra), one of the Joined, while the presence of Manousos (Carlos-Manuel Vesga) complicates matters.

Episode 9 delivers a satisfying conclusion to the first season, but fans can rejoice knowing that Pluribus has already been renewed for a second season.

**Available: US/UK | Where to watch: Disney Plus**

This new crime comedy from showrunner Sterlin Harjo is a festive highlight. The Lowdown follows citizen journalist Lee Raybon (Ethan Hawke), a “truthstorian” in Tulsa, as he seeks to expose corruption. His latest investigation into the powerful Washberg family takes a dark turn when Dale Washberg dies under suspicious circumstances, revealing a much larger conspiracy.

As Lee digs deeper, he finds himself in increasing danger. This blend of noir mystery and unexpected humor showcases Ethan Hawke’s talents brilliantly.

**Available: US/UK | Where to watch: Netflix**

What could be more festive than a costume drama? With the third installment of the Downton Abbey movie trilogy hitting theaters earlier this year, now’s the perfect time to revisit the second film, A New Era. The Crawley family heads to the south of France after Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith) unexpectedly inherits a villa, while a silent film director wants to shoot at Downton, much to Robert Crawley’s (Hugh Bonneville) dismay.

It’s delightfully silly, and if you’re in the mood for something cozy and family-friendly, this film delivers charming fun.

**Available: US | Where to watch: Prime Video**

If you missed Wes Anderson’s latest film in theaters, now’s your chance to catch it on Prime Video. Benicio del Toro stars as arms dealer Anatole “Zsa-Zsa” Korda, who finds himself the target of multiple assassination attempts. Concerned for his life, he attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter, played by Mia Threapleton, now a nun named Sister Liesl. Their relationship begins to thaw during a wild adventure.

While The Phoenician Scheme may not be Anderson’s best work, it still offers solid performances, plenty of laughs, and a wonderfully bizarre turn from Michael Cera.

**Available: US/UK | Where to watch: Prime Video (UK), Netflix (UK)**

Yes, it’s cheesy, and the plot is a bit flimsy, but for many, Love Actually is the quintessential cozy Christmas movie. Richard Curtis crafts this festive tale of eight couples navigating their relationships during the holiday season, featuring a star-studded cast including Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, and many more.

Though it’s packed with storylines, Love Actually shines with its warm, witty script and lively performances. Grab some tissues, settle in, and prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions.