Best TV Shows to Stream this Weekend on Netflix, Including ‘Stranger Things’
Netflix continues to dominate the streaming landscape with a diverse array of fresh content and beloved returning hits for the final week of December. Subscribers have access to intense sports events and acclaimed international dramas alongside long awaited final seasons of flagship series. This selection highlights the most impactful releases currently trending on the platform for viewers seeking holiday entertainment. These titles represent various genres ranging from legal thrillers and animated adaptations to intense boxing matches and children’s educational programming.
‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)
The supernatural saga concludes with its highly anticipated fifth and final season which began streaming on December 22, 2025. Residents of Hawkins face their ultimate confrontation with the Upside Down as the core group of friends reunites for an intense battle. This season features eight episodes that resolve persistent mysteries regarding the origins of the alternate dimension and Eleven’s powers. The production provides a cinematic scale to the conclusion of this influential series.
‘Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua’ (2025)
Netflix hosted a massive live sports event on December 21, 2025, featuring a professional boxing match between social media star Jake Paul and former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. The broadcast followed months of promotion and intense training camps for both athletes who met in the ring for this prominent exhibition. This event marks a significant step in the streaming platform’s expansion into live sports coverage for a global audience. Fans watched several opening matches before the main event took center stage in a packed arena.
‘The Closer’ (2005–2012)
This acclaimed police procedural returned to the spotlight after joining the Netflix library on December 22, 2025. Kyra Sedgwick stars as Brenda Leigh Johnson who is an expertly trained interrogator leading the Priority Murder Squad in Los Angeles. The series focuses on her unique ability to obtain confessions and close difficult cases despite bureaucratic obstacles. Viewers can now marathon all seven seasons of the drama which originally earned multiple awards during its initial television run.
‘Idol I’ (2025)
This ongoing South Korean television series directed by Lee Kwang-young premiered on December 22, 2025. The story follows a renowned lawyer named Maeng Se-na who takes on an intense legal battle to protect her personal interests. She finds herself defending her favorite celebrity Do Ra-ik when he is suddenly accused of a murder charge. Kim Jae-young and Choi Soo-young star in this compelling drama written by Kim Da-rin that explores the intersection of fandom and justice.
‘Sicily Express’ (2025)
Netflix launched this vibrant new travel and competition series on December 22, 2025, to capture the beauty of the Italian landscape. Contestants navigate the historic streets and coastal regions of Sicily while participating in various cultural challenges. The show blends energetic racing elements with educational segments about local history and Mediterranean cuisine. Viewers follow several teams as they attempt to reach the final destination while managing limited resources and navigating language barriers.
‘One Piece’ (1999– )
The second season of the live action adaptation of the legendary manga arrived on the platform on December 22, 2025. Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat crew continue their journey toward the Grand Line in search of the ultimate treasure. New episodes introduce iconic characters such as Tony Tony Chopper and the villainous members of Baroque Works. This installment covers the Alabasta Saga which broadens the setting and increases the scale of the action sequences.
‘Emily in Paris’ (2020– )
The latest installment of this popular romantic comedy series landed on December 22, 2025, with Emily Cooper navigating new professional and personal dilemmas. After the dramatic events of the previous season the marketing executive explores potential opportunities beyond the borders of the French capital. The show continues to emphasize stylized aesthetics and complicated love triangles that keep fans engaged. This new chapter explores the consequences of Emily’s past decisions as she attempts to balance her career with her heart.
‘Man vs Baby’ (2025)
This new comedy series debuted on December 22, 2025, and follows the chaotic life of a father facing unexpected parenting hurdles. The narrative uses a humorous documentary style to track the daily struggles of maintaining a professional identity while caring for an unpredictable infant. Each episode highlights a specific challenge such as lack of sleep or social outings with a newborn in tow. The relatable humor and heartwarming moments aim to provide a cheerful look at modern domestic life.
‘The Beast in Me’ (2025)
Claire Danes stars in this intense limited mystery series that premiered on the streaming service on December 22, 2025. The plot centers on an acclaimed author who becomes obsessed with a neighbor after the mysterious death of her young son. As she investigates the life of the man next door she discovers dark secrets that threaten her own safety and sanity. This psychological thriller examines themes of grief and obsession through a lens of suspenseful storytelling and complex character development.
‘Ms. Rachel’ (2025)
The beloved educational creator expanded her reach to Netflix with a new preschool series launched on December 22, 2025. Designed for toddlers and young children the program focuses on speech development and fundamental learning through interactive songs and play. Each episode utilizes proven pedagogical techniques to engage young viewers in a safe and supportive digital environment. The addition of this show strengthens the platform’s library of excellent content specifically tailored for early childhood education.
Tell us which of these new Netflix releases you are most excited to watch this week in the comments.
