Winter is here, presents are being bought, and new nerdy stuff has arrived.
We’ve got some great stuff coming this holiday season, too. There’s a Spy x Family movie, more Doctor Who than you could shake a sonic screwdriver at, a return to Tolkien’s dwarven city, and a new book by Star Wars veteran Timothy Zahn.
Let’s dive right in, shall we?
Movies/TV
December 1st
Sweet Home, season 2
Netflix
The line between human and monster becomes even more blurred in the second season of this Korean apocalyptic drama. The fates of humans and monsterkind rest with Hyun. Which will he choose to save?
The UnBelievable with Dan Ackroyd, season 1
History Channel
A new docuseries that explores history’s most mysterious and bizarre true stories with iconic comedian Dan Ackroyd (Ghostbusters) as host.
The Shift
In Theaters
Angel Studios (Sound of Freedom and Wingfeather Saga) brings us the story of a normal man, Kevin, banished to a parallel Earth by a mysterious stranger with otherworldly powers. As Kevin fights to be reunited with his wife, he will face infinite realities and impossible choices.
Godzilla Minus One
In Theaters
The most classic of kaiju is returned in this newest film to his origins in post-war Japan. By the vast majority of accounts, writer-director Takashi Yamazaki has turned in an excellently made and well-balanced monster movie mixed with human drama.
December 2nd
Doctor Who: Wild Blue Yonder
Disney +, special
The second episode of the Tennant/Tate Reunion Trilogy is shrouded in mystery. The Doctor (David Tennant) and Donna (Catherine Tate) are back together, but the vibes are skewing scary. The pair have been through some pretty scary stuff already (remember “Midnight?” “Silence in the Library?”), but there’s always room for more.
December 6th
The Abyss, special edition
In Theaters
James Cameron’s sci-fi classic (and the thing he was known for long before Avatar and Titanic) has now been remastered for 4k. For One Night Only, experience the masterpiece about a crew of oil workers who the US government enlists to rescue a downed nuclear submarine. What they discover is something truly wonderful.
December 7th
Hilda, season 3
Netflix
The third and final season of this hit show based on graphic novels follows Hilda, a young girl living in the city of Trolberg with her friends, who often goes on supernatural adventures with her friends. Not much has been released about the plot for season three, but the developers have promised a more focused story with a slightly older Hilda.
December 8th
Leave the World Behind
Netflix
Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot) brings out the big guns (i.e. Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, and Mahershala Ali) for this tense thriller about a family vacation cut short when the owners of the vacation house unexpectedly arrive, fleeing an unprecedented cyberattack.
The Boy and the Heron
In Theaters
Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away) keeps claiming he’s about to retire. If I could have my way, the man would keep making movies forever. This newest entry in the hallowed vaults of Studio Ghibli is about a boy who misses his mother and the friends who help him to live on anyway.
Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie
Peacock
The brilliant detective with OCD is back for one last case. When his stepdaughter Molly asks for help in solving a murder, Monk must move past his fear of heights (and birds, and needles, and germs) to catch a killer and save Molly’s wedding and her life. But solving a case is just like riding a bike… it’s absolutely terrifying.
Merry Little Batman
Prime
This all-new animated movie sees young Damian Wayne, the son of Batman, left alone in Wayne Manor as the Joker breaks free from prison and sets about with his greatest heist ever: stealing Christmas. With dad nowhere in sight, it’s up to the tiniest Batman ever to save the day.
December 9th
Doctor Who: The Giggle
Disney +, special
Puppets driving people insane? That sounds about right for this show. The final entry in the Tennant/Tate Reunion Trilogy sees the Doctor (David Tennant) and Donna (Catherine Tate) face off against The Toymaker (Neil Patrick Harris) in a fight to end this Doctor and usher in the new one.
December 14th
Dragons: The Nine Realms, season 8
Hulu
The Dreamworks show set in the world of the wildly popular How to Train Your Dragon film franchise is back for another season of friendship, magic, and teamwork. Especially now that the World Serpent, Jormungandr, is on the loose. To stop this dangerous dragon, Tom, and the Dragon Riders will have to get creative.
December 15th
Wonka
In Theaters
This highly anticipated, star-studded, candy-coated adventure is finally ready to be released. Can Timothee Chalemet (Dune) pull off a young Willy Wonka? Can director Paul King (Paddington) pull off a blockbuster kids movie? Oh, who am I kidding? Of course, they can!
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget
Netflix
Ginger and her family of chickens have finally found a peaceful island of their own. But when she and Rocky hatch a little hen named Molly, Molly decides that she wants to explore the world outside of the island… where many chickens are now in a new kind of danger. Ginger once broke out of a chicken farm, but now she’ll have to break into one.
December 20th
Percy Jackson and the Olympians, season 1
Disney +
The iconic book series is coming to the silver screen at last! When Percy learns that his absentee father is actually the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon, his whole world turns upside-down. And not only that but there are several other kids just like him at Camp Half-Blood. And not only that, but the world is now in danger as someone has stolen the thunderbolt of Zeus. With the help of new friends and new enemies, Percy sets out for the first of many adventures of a lifetime.
Dragons of Wonderhatch, season 1
Disney +
A Japanese Disney original, this story of two misfits from different worlds showcases a wonderful blend of live-action (when in our world) and anime (when in the otherworld of Upananta). Can a lonely girl from our world and a lonely boy from another come together before both worlds are destroyed?
December 22nd
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
In Theaters
The King is back! Settling into his new life as both a father and the king of Atlantis, Arthur Curry has it all. But when David Kane (aka Black Manta) obtains the cursed Black Trident, he sets his sights on destroying the underwater kingdom. To stop him, Aquaman will have to team up with his half-brother… who was exiled for crimes against Atlantis.
Gyeongseong Creature
Netflix
During the darkest days of the Japanese occupation of Korea, two young adults find themselves battling against a terrible monster for survival. This series will be released in two parts, with part two appearing on January 5th.
What If…, season 2
Disney+
The Watcher is back with more tales from the multiverse. Join back up with your favorite Marvel heroes in this animated series that puts your favorite characters into unlikely scenarios. Including a Mario Kart-worthy death race, a swordfight with Iron Man, and a Christmas adventure in the Avengers’ Tower. Watch one episode every day for nine days as a special holiday treat from Disney and Marvel studios.
Rebel Moon: Part One–A Child of Fire
Netflix
Part one of this epic space opera story of rebellion and revenge directed by Zack Snyder (Wonder Woman) lands just before Christmas. A peaceful settlement on a far-flung moon is thrown into chaos with the arrival of a tyrannical army. Their best hope lies with the mysterious stranger who’s been living in their midst for years.
Migration
In Theaters
This animated comedy follows the antics of a family of ducks as they convince their overly protective father to take a vacation. Flying from the wilds of Canada, through the lights and bustle of New York City, and into the tropics of the Bahamas, this family will stick together like birds of a… you get the idea.
Spy x Family Code: White
In Theaters
The Forger family is going on a vacation. But when the father is a spy, the mother is an assassin, the daughter is a telepath, and the dog is a clairvoyant, there is simply no chance of this being a normal family vacation. In fact, this vacation will see not only the Forger family but world peace itself, in terrible jeopardy.
December 25th
Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road
Disney +, special
The only thing we know about this first adventure of the fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) is that it will also mark the premiere of his newest companion, Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson). Oh, and it’s sure to be awesome!
Video Games
December 1st
SteamWorld Build
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
A robotic Wild West is yours to explore and build in this new title from The Station. Mine deep for ore and ancient technologies while growing your above-ground town and taking care of your varied robotic townsfolk.
December 5th
Disney Dreamlight Valley
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Mac
Part life-sim, part adventure game, all Disney fun! It’s up to you to bring the magic back to Dreamlight Valley and restore it to its former glory. With a customizable avatar and Dreamlight Valley home, you can participate in the ever-changing in-game events as your true Disney self.
A Highland Song
Switch, PC
After receiving a letter from her Uncle Hamish, Moira McKinnon decides to run away from home and cross the beautiful yet unforgiving Scottish Highlands to reach her uncle and his lighthouse by the sea. But these hills and crags are steeped in history, mythology, and family secrets. What adventures will Moira uncover in these hills shaped by music?
The Anacrusis
Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
The alien horde has arrived! Play with up to three of your friends in co-op to defeat the extraterrestrial beasts or play as the aliens and destroy your human friends. This first-person shooter guarantees a new fight every time thanks to an AI Driver that controls every aspect of the game.
The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria
PlayStation 5
The survival crafting game finally comes to the PS5. Originally released in October for PC, the devs also promise a version for the Xbox Series in the near future. Aid the dwarves in this newest Middle Earth adventure as you lead the dwarves back into the vast Mines of Moria and the dwarven realm of Khazad Dum. But while the balrog might have been destroyed, there are still “older and fouler things than orcs in the deep dark.”
December 7th
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
An open-world action-adventure game based on the best-selling movies, this adventure sees you exploring an as-yet-unseen area of the planet: the Western Frontier. You play as a Na’vi recently freed from fifteen years of forced service to the humans. Rediscover your world and protect your people!
December 8th
Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties: Definitive Edition
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
The original 1993 release of this visual novel/dating sim was incredibly limited and universally panned. Often considered one of the worst video games of all time, this mind-bogglingly low-quality, soft-porn adventure is finally available everywhere. Hooray?
December 12th
Hammerwatch II
PlayStation 5, Switch
A high fantasy pixel-art adventure that pays homage to the classic ARPG’s of old. Explore Hammer Island, the Fallowfields, and the Blackbarrow as you fight the undead, wild beasts, and the forces of evil.
December 14th
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
Another entry in the classic fighting game series comes with newly simplified controls. You no longer have to be a master of the genre to get in on the fun! But, this game isn’t just for newbies: you can personalize your character, weapons, cheer squads, and more. Now you can get your friends in on all of the classic Granblue fun.
House Flipper 2
PC
This casual house renovating simulator lets you become your own Property Brother (or Sister) to build, redesign, demolish, paint, and revamp a rundown house into someone’s dream home. Now with a new Sandbox mode, why renovate a house when you can build a new one?
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero—The Indigo Disk
Switch
This new DLC takes you on a new adventure far beyond the Paldea region. Part 2: The Indigo Disk lets you study abroad at the famous Blueberry Academy, whose curriculum focuses on Pokémon battles. Take on the school’s top students and discover all-new legendary Pokémon.
Gnosia
Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Switch
This Roguelite, psychological horror sees you playing a single-player visual novel and social deduction RPG about an imposter posing as a human. Aboard a spaceship, you and the other crewmembers must piece together clues to figure out who among you is a Gnosia—a shapeshifting alien pretending to be human.
Books
December 5th
- All The Hidden Paths by Foz Meadows–LGBTQ, Fantasy, Romance
- The Bitter Crown by Justin Lee Anderson–book 2 of Eidyn Saga, Dark Fantasy, Horror
- Protected Species by Charles E. Gannon–book 7 of Caine Riordan Series, SciFi, Action
- A River of Golden Bones by A.K. Mulford–book 1 of Golden Court Trilogy, LGBTQ, Fantasy
- Saevus Corax Gets Away With Murder by K.J. Parker–book 3 of Saevus Corax Series, Fantasy, Comedy
- This Cursed Light by Emily Thiede–book 2 of The Last Finestra Duology, YA, Fantasy, Romance
- The World’s End by Rin Chupeco–book 3 of A Hundred Names for Magic Series, YA, Fantasy
- The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson–Paranormal Romance, Comedy
- The Ruined by Renee Ahdieh–book 4 of The Beautiful Series, YA, Paranormal Romance, Horror
- After World by Debbie Urbanski–SciFi, Literary
- Light of the Veil by Richard Fox–book 1 of The Shattered Star Legacy Series, SciFi, Space Opera
- The Icarus Twin by Timothy Zahn–book 2 of Icarus Series, SciFi, Space Opera
- Sunset, Water City by Chris McKinney–book 3 of The Water City Trilogy, SciFi, Mystery
- Threading the Needle by Monalisa Foster–SciFi, Action Adventure
- Yours for the Taking by Gabrielle Korn–LGBTQ, SciFi, Dystopian
December 12th
- Ultraman: The Official Novelization by Pat Cadigan—Sci-Fi, Space Opera, Superheroes
- That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Vol. 17 by Fuse—YA Fantasy, Light Novel, Comedy
- A Call To Cthulhu by Norm Konyu—Kids, Fantasy, Horror, Comedy, Graphic Novel
December 19th
- The Doom of Odin by Scott Oden–book 3 of Grimnir Series, Fantasy, Historical
December 26th
- Lucero by Maya Motayne–book 3 of Nocturna Trilogy, YA, Epic Fantasy
- Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross–book 2 of Letters of Enchantment Series, YA, Fantasy, Romance
That’s December
That’s December, folks!
We’ve got a lot of stuff to look forward to this month and even more stuff to look forward to next month. Sign up for Geek Alerts to be the first one to hear all about it.
Keep it Geeky!
