As we prepare to say farewell to 2022 and ring in 2023, we have the US premieres of 37 new series, seasons, specials, and films from the UK and Canada in December.
For updates about shows from the UK, Canada, and Ireland added to US linear TV and streaming channels throughout the month, see the British TV Viewing Guide.
Programs and dates are subject to change without prior notice.
Videos below may contain content that is not suitable for everyone.
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NATIONAL PREMIERES
Beechgrove Garden in Winter: Seasons 1-2 (UK)
This popular gardening series celebrates Scottish horticulture, including ways to deal with Scotland’s challenging growing conditions. Beechgrove Garden in Winter: Seasons 1-2 premiere in North America on Thursday, December 1, on BritBox.
The Masked Scammer (UK)
This true-crime documentary explores how a master con man scammed French elites out of millions of euros. Featuring interviews with his accomplices and victims, The Masked Scammer, a Netflix Film, premieres globally on Thursday, December 1, exclusively on Netflix. (You can set a reminder for it now.)
Sort Of: Season 2 (CA)
In Season 2 of this coming-of-age comedy-drama series, Sabi (Bilal Baig) decides they’re ready for some uncomplicated romance, and wants everyone to love each other. Unfortunately, Sabi is faced with situations and relationships that are anything but simple. Sort Of: Season 2, a Max Original, premieres with two episodes on Thursday, December 1, exclusively on HBO Max. New episodes will debut weekly in pairs through December 22.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover (UK-US)
Based on D. H. Lawrence’s controversial novel, this period drama stars Emma Corrin (The Crown) as Connie, a young woman of wealth and privilege who escapes her loveless marriage and experiences a sexual awakening through secret trysts with Oliver (Jack O’Connell, Rogue Heroes), the estate’s gamekeeper. Lady Chatterley’s Lover, a Netflix Film premieres globally on Friday, December 2, exclusively on Netflix. (You can set a reminder for it now.)
Riches (UK)
This drama follows the stylish, privileged, successful members of Stephen Richards’s (Hugh Quarshie, Silent Witness) family, who vie for control of the patriarch’s business after he dies suddenly. Riches, an Amazon Original, premieres in the US and other territories on Friday, December 2, exclusively on Prime Video. (You can add it to your watchlist now.)
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (UK)
Based on Charles Dickens’s classic story, this animated musical film features the voice talents of Luke Evans (Beauty and the Beast) as Scrooge, Olivia Colman (The Crown) as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Johnny Flynn (Stardust) as Bob Cratchit, Jonathan Pryce (The Crown) as Jacob Marley, and more. Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, a Netflix Film, has its global streaming premiere on Friday, December 2, exclusively on Netflix. (You can set a reminder for it now.)
Slow Horses: Season 2 (UK)
Based on the award-winning novel Dead Lions, Book 2 in Mick Herron’s “Slough House” spy novel series, the new season of this espionage thriller series sees long-buried Cold War secrets emerge, which threaten to bring carnage to the streets of London. When a liaison with Russian villains takes a fatal turn, Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and his hapless team of washed-up MI5 operatives must overcome their individual failings and raise their spy game in a race to prevent a catastrophic incident. Slow Horses: Season 2, an Apple TV Original, premieres in the US with its first two episodes on Friday, December 2, exclusively on Apple TV+. New episodes in the six-episode season will debut weekly.
Three Pines (CA)
Adapted from Louise Penny’s best-selling series of “Chief Inspector Armand Gamache” crime novels, this mystery series follows Chief Inspector Armand Gamache (Alfred Molina, Feud) of the Sûreté du Québec as he investigates cases that happen beneath the idyllic surface of the Quebec village of Three Pines, finding long-buried secrets while facing a few of his own ghosts. (For further details, read this article.) Three Pines, an Amazon Original, premieres in the US and other territories with two episodes on Friday, December 2, exclusively on Prime Video. New episodes will debut in pairs. (You can add it to your watchlist now.)
The Earthshot Prize: 2022 (UK)
The second annual Earthshot Prize ceremony celebrates fifteen global finalists for the global environmental prize founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation. It will begin streaming on Monday, December 5, on The Earthshot Prize YouTube channel, PBS.org and the PBS App (both at 2 PM ET), and the PBS YouTube channel (at 8 PM ET). PBS will also broadcast the event on Wednesday, December 14, at 8 PM ET (check your local listings). (All times subject to change.)
His Dark Materials: Season 3 (UK-US)
Based on The Amber Spyglass, the last novel in Philip Pullman’s trilogy of “His Dark Materials” novels, the final season of this fantasy series finds Lyra (Dafne Keen) and Will (Amir Wilson) forced to journey to a dark place from which no one has ever returned. As her father’s war against the Authority edges closer, they will learn that saving the worlds comes at a terrible price. His Dark Materials: Season 3, an HBO Original, premieres with two episodes on Monday, December 5, at 9 PM ET/PT, on HBO, with streaming available on HBO Max. New episodes will debut in pairs.
Midsomer Murders: 25 Years of Mayhem (UK)
This documentary pays tribute to the talent in Midsomer Murders, who have played pivotal roles in keeping millions of viewers glued to their screens since 1997. It also takes viewers behind the scenes of the filming of the upcoming Season 23, recounts how the series came to life off the pages of Caroline Graham’s “Chief Inspector Barnaby” novels, and takes a look at early appearances from future A-list actors such as Orlando Bloom (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy), Olivia Colman (The Crown), and Henry Cavill (Man of Steel). Midsomer Murders: 25 Years of Mayhem premieres in the US on Monday, December 5, exclusively on Acorn TV. (Photo of Neil Dudgeon by Ben Turley/AcornTV)
Midsomer Murders: Season 23 (UK)
The latest season of this ever-popular mystery series sees DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and his trusty sidekick, DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix), investigate murders amongst a group of doomsday preppers, and at a police retirement village, an artisanal bakery, and a drag show. Midsomer Murders: Season 23 premieres in the US on Monday, December 12, exclusively on Acorn TV.
Don’t Pick Up The Phone (UK)
This docuseries follows the investigation into a hoax caller who talked managers into strip-searching employees at fast food businesses across the US. Don’t Pick Up The Phone premieres globally on Wednesday, December 14, exclusively on Netflix. (You can set a reminder for it now.)
Cook at All Costs (CA)
In this skill-meets-strategy cooking competition, three home cooks must put their money where their mouths are and bid on ingredients for the dishes they will create in a high-stakes, auction-packed cook-off. Whoever impresses the celebrity guest judges wins the cash left in their bank. Cook at All Costs premieres globally on Friday, December 16, exclusively on Netflix. (You can set a reminder for it now.)
If These Walls Could Sing (US-UK)
In this personal film, director Mary McCartney (daughter of Paul and Linda) explores the breadth, diversity, and ingenuity of Abbey Road Studios, and guides viewers through nine decades of the creative magic that makes it the most famous and longest-running studio in the world. Featuring archive footage and interviews with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Roger Waters, Liam Gallagher, John Williams, Celeste, and Sheku Kanneh-Mason, amongst others, If These Walls Could Sing, a Disney Original, premieres in the US on Friday, December 16, exclusively on Disney+.
Litvinenko (UK)
David Tennant (Doctor Who) stars in this historical drama as Alexander Litvinenko, a former Russian spy, Kremlin critic, and British-naturalized citizen who, while dying in a London hospital, tells detectives that he was poisoned and points the finger at Putin. When it’s confirmed that he died from polonium-210 poisoning, the police race to seal off sites potentially contaminated with the deadliest substance known to man, while detectives plunge into a high-stakes murder investigation, tracking their elusive suspects from London to Moscow. Costarring Margarita Levieva (The Deuce), Mark Bonnar (Guilt), and Daniel Ryan (The Bay), Litvinenko premieres in the US on Friday, December 16, exclusively on Sundance Now and the AMC+ streaming bundle.
Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas (UK)
In this special, doyenne of British cookery Mary Berry shares her ultimate Christmas feast using her definitive recipes, and shows how to create a sustainable and cost-conscious centerpiece from foraged greenery. She also checks in with friends who share recipes reflecting their own heritage, including restaurateurs Angela Hartnett and Monica Galetti. Mary Berry’s Ultimate Christmas premieres in the US on Monday, December 19, at 9 PM ET, on PBS (check your local listings), with streaming available on PBS.org, the PBS video app, and the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel. (Photo courtesy of Jack Bailey for Rumpus Media)
I Am a Killer: Season 4 (UK)
The new season of this true-crime docuseries features more death row inmates as they recount the harrowing crimes that landed them in prison. I Am a Killer: Season 4, a Netflix Series, premieres globally on Wednesday, December 21, exclusively on Netflix.
I Hate Suzie: Season 2 (UK)
In this comedy-drama’s new season, an anti-Christmas Christmas special, child star-turned-actress Suzie Pickles (Billie Piper, Doctor Who) has a new agent, new PR, and a new job — dancing for likes on “Dance Crazee,” a popular reality TV competition show. Having lost everyone that matters to her, Suzie fights to regain the love of the British public as her personal life spirals out of control. I Hate Suzie: Season 2, a Max original, premieres in the US on Thursday, December 22, exclusively on HBO Max. (Video is from Season 1)
Saving Christmas Spirit (UK-US)
In this holiday drama, archeology professor Lucy Stewart (Ashley Newrough, Privileged) decides to spend her Christmas break in the Scottish Highlands, where she goes on a quest to find the ruins of an ancient shrine. With the aid of the charming local distillery owner, Duncan (James Robinson, Washington), as her guide, Lucy explores the beauty of the highlands and discovers both history and love. Saving Christmas Spirit premieres in the US on Friday, December 23, exclusively on AMC+.
Carols From King’s 2022 (UK)
This annual tradition celebrates Christmas at the medieval chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, where the King’s College Chapel Choir performs a carol service that always opens with “Once in Royal David’s City” and is followed later by a new, specially-commissioned carol for that year. Carols From King’s 2022 premieres in North America on Saturday, December 24, on BritBox. (Video is from 2021)
Call the Midwife Holiday Special (UK)
In this hit period drama’s annual holiday special, Christmas is approaching, and as the midwives move to their maternity clinic, they are delighted when their first patient is a familiar face. Life in Poplar returns to normal after the tragic train crash, and everyone unites for a festive talent show. The Call the Midwife Holiday Special premieres in the US on Sunday, December 25, at 9 PM ET, on PBS (check your local listings). (Photo courtesy of Neal Street Productions and BBC Studios)
The King’s Christmas Address (UK)
King Charles III delivers the first Christmas address of his reign. In it the King will speak about the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and his hopes for the future. The King’s Christmas Address premieres in North America on Sunday, December 25, on BritBox.
Mrs. Brown’s Boys Christmas Special 2022 (UK)
The loudest, proudest, most meddlesome mother in Ireland, aka Mrs. Brown (Brendan O’Carroll), will be back with her boys to celebrate another Christmas in the show’s annual holiday special. Mrs. Brown’s Boys Christmas Special 2022 premieres in the US on Sunday, December 25, exclusively on BritBox. (Video is from 2014)
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (UK-US)
Adapted from the stage production Matilda the Musical, itself based on Roald Dahl’s beloved novel Matilda, this musical tells the story of a girl who, against all odds, dares to change her story and help others to change theirs. (For further details, read this article.) Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, a Netflix Film, has its global streaming debut on Sunday, December 25, exclusively on Netflix. (You can set a reminder for it now.)
Farewell Doc Martin (UK)
This one-hour documentary spotlights the longevity and impact of Doc Martin, the award-winning dramedy starring Martin Clunes (Manhunt) as blood-phobic GP Martin Ellingham. The special also offers behind-the-scenes goodies of the final season with the cast and crew, as well as tidbits about the show’s real-life Cornwall setting and the people who visit solely because Doc Martin is filmed here. Farewell Doc Martin premieres Monday, December 26, exclusively on Acorn TV.
Letterkenny: Season 11 (CA)
Returning for a new season is this award-winning comedy series created by Jared Keeso (19-2), which follows the residents of the titular rural community in Ontario. What will the farming hicks, the drug-addicted skids, the not-so-swift hockey players, etc get up to this season? Letterkenny: Season 11, a Hulu Original, premieres in the US on Monday, December 26, exclusively on Hulu.
The Madame Blanc Mysteries: Season 2 (UK)
Opening the new season of this mystery series is a Christmas-themed special in which renowned and respected antiques dealer Jean White (series creator Sally Lindsay, Cold Call, Mount Pleasant) comes to the aid of Chief of Police Caron (Alex Gaumond, The Syndicate), who finds himself on the other side of the police interview table, accused of a crime he didn’t commit. The Madame Blanc Mysteries: Season 2 premieres in the US on Monday, December 26, exclusively on Acorn TV. (The new season continues in early 2023, premiere dates tba.) (Video is from Season 1)
Treason (UK)
Charlie Cox (Kin) stars in this thriller as Adam Lawrence, an MI6 agent whose bright future takes a sharp turn when his past catches up with him. After a reunion with Kara (Olga Kurylenko, Quantum of Solace), a Russian spy with whom he shares a complicated past, Adam is forced to question everything and everyone in his life. Treason, a Netflix Series, premieres globally on Monday, December 26, exclusively on Netflix. (You can set a reminder for it now.) (Photo courtesy of Netflix)
The Control Room (UK/Scotland)
This three-part thriller follows Gabe (Iain De Caestecker, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), an emergency call handler for the Scottish Ambulance Service in Glasgow, whose world is turned upside down when he receives a desperate life-and-death call from a woman who appears to know him. Under pressure to work out who she is, Gabe makes a decision that threatens to have devastating consequences. The Control Room premieres in North America on Wednesday, December 28, exclusively on BritBox.
Deadline (UK)
James D’Arcy (Agent Carter) stars in this thriller as disgraced investigative journalist James Alden, who gets captivated by the case of Natalie Varga (Charlie Murphy, Happy Valley), who’s accused of murdering her husband. Natalie offers James the exclusive interview that everyone wants, but only if he finds out who really killed her husband. Deadline premieres in North America on Thursday, December 29, exclusively on BritBox.
Doc Martin: Season 10: Final Episode (UK)
In this last-ever episode of hit dramedy Doc Martin, Portwenn is full of festive Christmas cheer — until Doc Martin (Martin Clunes) cancels the Santa, prompting his portrayer to show “Doc the Grinch” the magic of Christmas… with unintended consequences. The series finale of Doc Martin premieres in the US on Thursday, December 29, exclusively on Acorn TV. (Photo credit: Neil Genower/Acorn TV)
Maxine (UK)
This true-crime drama examines the investigation of school assistant Maxine Carr (Jemma Carlton) and her caretaker-fiancé Ian Huntley (Scott Reid, Line of Duty), who was later imprisoned for the murder of two schoolgirls. The three-part drama also explores the couple’s tumultuous relationship from Maxine’s perspective, why she lied for him, and how she became public enemy No.1 in a case that shocked the nation. Maxine premieres in North America on Friday, December 30, on BritBox.
The Cleaner Christmas Special 2022 (UK)
In this comedy series’ first Christmas special, Greg Davies (Cuckoo, Man Down) returns as Paul “Wicky” Wickstead, a state-certified cleaning technician responsible for the removal of any signs of death from the scenes of ghastly crimes. The job brings Wicky into contact with, and sees him chatting with, those who knew the victims and even the killers themselves. The Cleaner Christmas Special 2022, a BritBox Original, premieres in North America exclusively on BritBox (date tba). (Video is from Season 1)
Death in Paradise Christmas 2022 (UK)
This special holiday episode of the hit Caribbean-set mystery series features Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls, The Fall) amongst the guest stars. Death in Paradise Christmas 2022 premieres in North America exclusively on BritBox (date tba). (Video is from Season 11)
Gardeners’ World Winter Specials 2022 (UK)
Monty Don and the team celebrate the joy that the gardening year brings with a selection of new stories of cultivation, inspiration, and discovery in the world of horticulture. Gardeners’ World Winter Specials 2022 premieres in North America exclusively on BritBox (date tba).
QI Christmas Special 2022 (UK)
Sandy Toksvig hosts this clever comedy quiz show’s “Season T” Christmas special, which features a holiday twist! From toys to tinsel to turkey, the contestants will be rewarded more if their answers are “quite interesting” rather than merely correct. The QI Christmas Special 2022 premieres in North America exclusively on BritBox (date tba). (Video is from 2021)
NON-PREMIERE PROGRAMS BEING ADDED TO STREAMING SERVICES
Titles in this section begin streaming on the dates shown below on Acorn TV and its digital channels, including Acorn TV on Amazon.
Grand Tours of Scotland: Season 2 (UK/Scotland)
In this travel series, historian Paul Murton travels the country and traces the changes that have taken place since the birth of Scottish tourism 200 years ago. To find out what made Scotland change from a place to avoid 200 years ago, to an internationally celebrated tourist destination, he recreates six journeys suggested in a well-worn copy of Black’s Picturesque Guide to Scotland and follows in the footsteps of the first tourists to come here. Grand Tours of Scotland: Season 2 begins streaming Monday, December 5.
Poison Pen (IE)
In this comedy film, Booker Prize-winning author PC Mollo (Lochlainn O’Mearain, Smother) is blackmailed into writing for tabloid gossip magazine Poison Pen. As he gets caught up in a world of stars and their secrets, Molloy becomes a bit of a celebrity himself and struggles to keep his own secrets off the front pages — all while falling for his new boss, April Devereaux (Aoibhinn McGinnity, The Spectacular). Poison Pen begins streaming Monday, December 12.
The Man Who Shot the Great War (UK)
This hour-long documentary tells the story of Lance Corporal George Hackney, the British soldier who took his camera to fight in the battlefields of the Western Front during World War I. The Man Who Shot the Great War begins streaming Monday, December 19.
Where Do We Go From Here? (UK/Scotland)
In this award-winning comedy film, 25-year-old James (Tyler Collins, Outlander) lives and works at the Easy Love Care Home with his best friends, a collection of dysfunctional, geriatric residents. They hatch a plan to go on one last adventure, but first have to figure out a way to make it past the care home manager. Where Do We Go From Here? begins streaming Monday, December 26.
Titles in this section begin streaming on the dates shown below on BritBox and its digital channels, including BritBox on Amazon.
As Time Goes By Reunion Special (UK)
This reunion special revisits the beloved classic Britcom As Time Goes By. Catch up with Jean Pargetter (Judi Dench, Shakespeare in Love) and Lionel Hardcastle (Geoffrey Palmer, Mrs. Brown) as they manage their families, jobs, and relationships. As Time Goes By Reunion Special begins streaming Tuesday, December 6.
Black Work (UK)
In this crime thriller, policewoman Jo Gillespie (Sheridan Smith, The Barking Murders) wants to know what happened her husband, as he was working undercover when he was killed in suspicious circumstances and the details surrounding his death are shrouded in mystery. Blocked at every turn by senior officers, Jo puts her safety and future in danger to discover the truth. Black Work begins streaming Tuesday, December 13.
Gordon’s Festive Home Cooking (UK)
In this seasonal special, Chef Gordon Ramsay invites viewers into his home and offers up easy-to-follow recipes that are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Gordon’s Festive Home Cooking begins streaming Friday, December 16.
Gordon Ramsay: Christmas Cookalong: Seasons 1-2 (UK)
Another Gordon Ramsay special is this Christmas one, in which he makes holiday dishes while special guests pop in to help prepare the meals. The series also highlights tips and tricks on how to prepare the tastiest Christmas menu. Gordon Ramsay: Christmas Cookalong: Seasons 1-2 begins streaming Friday, December 16.
Jamie’s One-Pan Wonders Christmas Special (UK)
In this special, Chef Jamie Oliver offers the ultimate guide to making brilliantly easy and delicious holiday meals, all cooked in just one pan, pot, or dish, using an array of tricks and hacks that create simple and tasty meals and cut down on the washing-up. Jamie’s One-Pan Wonders Christmas Special will stream on BritBox (date tba).
Titles in this section begin streaming on the dates shown below on the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel.
Tales from the Royal Wardrobe (UK)
In this documentary, historian, author, and program presenter Lucy Worsley explores the royal wardrobes of kings and queens over the last 400 years — from Elizabeth I to Queen Elizabeth II — explaining how the royal wardrobe is a carefully orchestrated piece of theater managed by the royals themselves to control the right image and project the right message to their subjects. Tales from the Royal Wardrobe begins streaming Friday, December 2.
Titles in this section begin streaming on the dates shown below on Shudder and its digital channels, including Shudder on Amazon and the AMC+ streaming bundle.
Burial (UK)
Set in the last days of WWII, this horror thriller sees a band of Allied soldiers, who are trafficking Hitler’s remains out of Germany, get ambushed by Nazi werewolf fighters. Starring Charlotte Vega (Warrior Nun), Tom Felton (“Harry Potter” films), Harriet Walter (Succession), Barry Ward (Bad Sisters), Dan Renton Skinner (Cold Call), and Bill Milner (Dunkirk), Burial begins streaming on SVOD on Thursday, December 15, exclusively on Shudder and the AMC+ streaming bundle.
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Did you miss any of the new shows from previous days, weeks, or months? Check out the British TV Viewing Guide and Archives to find out.
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For details about the December premieres of shows from Australia and New Zealand, visit The Down Under TV Place. For info about the debuts of original-language, English-subtitled programs from Europe, visit The Euro TV Place. And for that of a select list of titles from other countries, visit The Global TV Place.
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