3 new Netflix shows to watch (and 2 to skip) in December 2025

Even though we have officially arrived at the last month of the year, that doesn't mean that there will be nothing to watch on Netflix. December might be the biggest month when it comes to Netflix shows in 2025, and not only because we'll be getting four new episodes of Stranger Things — the last new episodes of the global phenomenon we will ever get.

On top of the final batch of Stranger Things 5 and the highly anticipated series finale, Netflix also drops a handful of exciting new series, including the long-awaited return of Emily in Paris with its own fifth season. Between these two popular hits, Netflix also drops a new season of a real estate reality show, a new Western drama, and season 2 of a viral Mexican drama.

What's worth adding to your watch list without question and what can probably be cut from the list and saved for a rainy day? We're sharing our Netflix show recommendations for December 2025!

Stranger Things 5 volume 2... and 3!

Watch! In no world, not even the Upside Down, would anyone ever recommend skipping Stranger Things, especially the final episodes. The pop culture phenomenon will return with new episodes on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, after debuting volume 1 on Nov. 26.

As with the first part of the season, all three episodes of volume 2 begin streaming at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. But that's not all! The super-sized series finale airs on New Year's Eve at the same time and will also be available to watch in theaters. Run, don't walk, to watch the final episodes, find out what happens, and avoid spoilers at all costs!

Owning Manhattan season 2

Skip! If you're a fan of Netflix's many real estate reality shows, like Selling Sunset and Selling the OC, then you will definitely be tuning into Owning Manhattan season 2 on Dec. 5. Ryan Serhant leads the series as the head of his New York City-based real estate firm.

He and his team take on the biggest listings the city has to offer as Serhant's empire grows both in size and reach. While the series offers a uniquely real take on drama, feel free to skip this one for now if your end-of-the-year watch list has gotten unmanageably long. You can always come back to binge another time.

Emily in Paris season 5

Watch! She's back, and she's still taking on a brand new city! Emily in Paris season 5 finds Emily still head over heels for Marcello in Rome as she continues to lead the Italy-based branch of Sylvie's marketing firm.

Even though Emily's life seems stable for the first time, there's still plenty of drama left to unfold as Gabriel intends to get her back and work woes are never far away. If you have been on the ride with Emily since day 1, you can't skip season 5. Make sure to set your reminders for season 5's drop on Dec. 18 and see who wins her heart this time around.

The Accident season 2

Skip! Last year, Netflix's original Mexican drama series The Accident became a viral sensation. The series centers on a group of four separate families who become linked by the unfortunate and unexpected traumatic event of the death of three children when a bouncy castle flies into the air.

The Accident season 2 premieres on Dec. 10, and if you enjoyed watching the first season, you'll probably have a similar experience with season 2. However, it's also a series that you can probably skip if a soapy thriller drama isn't quite what you're in the mood for in December.

The Abandons

Watch! Last but certainly not least, in the midst of the Stranger Things pandemonium, Netflix also launches the new Western action drama series The Abandons from Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter.

Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson star in the series as the leaders of dueling outlaw groups, and the seven-episode series tracks the battle between the both. We'll all need a brief reprieve between Stranger Things drops and the constant stream of Christmas movies, so check out The Abandons on Netflix beginning on Dec. 4