23 Things Streaming On Apple TV+ In December That Are Worth The Watch
We hope you love the shows and movies we recommend! Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of revenue or other compensation from the links on this page. Oh, and FYI: Platform, prices, and other availability details are accurate as of time of posting.
1.Acapulco (2021–)
The perms. The neon swimsuits. The resort crooners performing a Spanish cover of "Walking on Sunshine." Acapulco is an '80s fever dream drenched in hot pink and bright green. In a How I Met Your Mother–styled frame narrative, an older, wealthy Máximo tells his nephew about his younger years as an entry-level worker at a glamorous Mexican hotel in (you guessed it) Acapulco. The delightful sitcom follows Máximo and crew as they maneuver the resort's wealthy American guests while trying to create better lives for themselves. In the classic, feel-good vein of Ted Lasso, this is a great show to check out if you bought an Apple TV+ subscription for the soccer juggernaut and are looking for similar things to watch.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
2.Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry (2021)
Billie Eilish is a once-in-a-generation talent. Her debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, did the unthinkable, winning the Grammys for Album, Record, and Song of the Year, while Eilish also snagged Best New Artist. This is a feat done only once before in history (by Christopher Cross and this song). And whether by chance or magic or extremely gifted foresight, Eilish's journey from relative obscurity to success was recorded in this documentary. Follow Eilish, her talented brother and collaborator Finneas, and their family as she takes the world by storm. And you get the bonus of listening to her music while you watch.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
3.Boys State (2020)
Ah, government camp! That joyous time in every teenager's life where they get to visit the state capital and pretend to make new laws. And while the unhinged government camp I was sent to was in the news for some questionable opinions, the Boys/Girls State at the heart of this charming documentary seems to actually be training the youth of America in the ways democracy works. Boys State follows a group of Texas high schoolers as they attend the camp and struggle to form parties, choose leaders, and make laws just as their adult counterparts would. On one hand, it is unnerving to see how strong political divides are implanted even at such a young age, but at the same time, the absorbing film also provides some hope in a new generation learning to maturely enter the political system rather than destroy it.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
4.CODA (2021)
“CODA” is an acronym meaning "child of deaf adults," and in this Oscar-buzzy film, Emilia Jones plays Ruby, the only hearing member in a deaf family. As Ruby nears the end of high school and begins to entertain dreams of going to college for music, she comes up against her parents, who rely heavily on her as a translator and don't understand her love of music. The family drama then follows the New England clan of fishermen as they butt heads searching for a way to move forward with their lives. Marlee Matlin gives an Oscarworthy performance as Ruby's mom, and if you aren't crying by the end, I'll buy you a whole tub of mackerel.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
5.Come From Away (2021)
In the immediate wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, hundreds of planes were grounded unexpectedly out of fear of another hijacking. And with New York airports closed, many of the flights destined for the Big Apple were rerouted to *checks notes* Gander, Newfoundland. This Tony-winning musical tells the story of the 38 planes that were grounded in Gander for several days, focusing on both the terrified visitors as well as the locals forced to feed and house the influx of travelers. As with Hamilton, this is a recording from the original Broadway run and not a movie version. So if you're still a bit squeamish about entering a packed auditorium or if you just live nowhere near New York City, now is your chance to witness some top-notch live theater from the comfort of your couch and without enduring the intermission bathroom lines.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
6.Defending Jacob (2020)
Yikes, yikes, yikes. If you are the assistant district attorney investigating the case of a murdered school boy, the number one thing you don't want surfacing in the evidence is that your own son might be the murderer. But such is the case in this Apple TV+ miniseries. Captain America himself, Chris Evans, plays the ADA/Jacob's father now set with the task of defending his possibly homicidal son (played by his Knives Out costar Jaeden Martell). My beloved Lady Mary, Michelle Dockery, plays Jacob's mom, and I'd like to say that all three of these top-notch actors deserved a lot more awards attention than they got. They are delivering standout performances in a gripping drama. Let's pass around some Emmy nominations, please and thank you.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
7.Dickinson (2019–)
It's Emily Dickinson like you've never seen her before (and to be honest, since she was a recluse, you probably haven't seen her much). This jaunty comedy may be set in the 1800s, with all its bonnets, corsets, and sideburns, but these characters are straight out of the 21st century. The anachronistic romp (heading into its third and final season) gives characters like Edgar Allan Poe and Louisa May Alcott modern sensibilities and has them discussing period topics (like the plot of Charles Dickens' Bleak House) using modern flair. Emily (played by Academy Award nominee Hailee Steinfeld) is far from reclusive now, harboring romantic feelings for her best friend, Sue, and navigating the New England social scene while her parents try to marry her off. Quite a different experience from reading "I Felt a Funeral, in My Brain," but equally enjoyable (in a very different way).
Watch it on Apple TV+.
8.Finch (2021)
Finch is primarily a movie about Tom Hanks being a really great dog dad. So if you love dogs and Hanks and feeling good in a Ted Lasso kind of way, then this movie is for you. After the world has been poisoned by radiation and the United States turned into a Dune-like desert wasteland, Hank's Finch, an inventor, and his dog must go it alone. With the threat of a massive sandstorm bearing down on St. Louis and a newly created AI robot named Jeff in tow, Finch decides to journey across country in his souped-up RV to find a safe haven in San Francisco. Yes, you've seen this premise before in the likes of I Am Legend and The Book of Eli, but I don't think I've ever felt so cheerful after watching a postapocalyptic film.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
9.Greyhound (2020)
Calling all dads! Have I got the movie for you. It's Tom Hanks. As a commander in the Navy. On a battleship. During World War II. Fighting against the Nazis. Who are on submarines. This Oscar-nominated film is a tight 91 minutes of action as Hanks does everything he can to keep his fleet intact as they cross the treacherous waters of the Atlantic. If you are sitting at home on a Sunday afternoon with your parents and need something to throw on to entertain the whole family, this just might be your best bet. I mean, come on. It's Tom Hanks! How can you not love a T. Hanks movie?
Watch it on Apple TV+.
10.Harriet the Spy (2021–)
There is hardly a fictional character nearer and dearer to my heart than one Harriet M. Welsch. I read the original novel countless times as a child. I watched the classic Nickelodeon movie starring Michelle Trachtenberg, Rosie O'Donnell, and Gerri herself, J. Smith-Cameron (as Harriet's mom), even more often (I've got the orange VHS in my bedroom at home). I even currently have a print of one of the book's illustrations hanging over my desk at this very moment. I live my life aspiring to be a nosy Upper West Side writer with a fashionable coat. All this to say, I was VERY excited to watch this new children's animated franchise, and it doesn't disappoint. As a series, it doesn't follow the plot of the book but, rather, expands the world of Marion Hawthorne, Jamie, Sport, and the Boy with the Purple Socks. Beautifully animated and a wonderful use of this noble franchise. Now, brb — I'm gonna go watch this scene and cry.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
11.*Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special (2020) & Mariah's Christmas: The Magic Continues (2021)
The Queen of Christmas Music, the one and only Mariah Carey has graced us with not one, but two televised holiday spectaculars. In the original, she tries to save Christmas (something that seems to always need saving) from the pandemic by performing many of her greatest Yuletide hits. Joining her in that special are Tiffany Haddish, Billy Eichner, Snoop Dogg, Misty Copeland, and of course Santa Clause. Fellow belters Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson also make an appearance to perform (what I consider to be her best Christmas song) "Oh Santa." This year she's delivered the star-studded follow up with guests like Khalid and Kirk Franklin making appearances as she sings her way through more of her iconic holiday repertoire.
12.The Morning Show (2019–)
The crown jewel of the Apple TV+ lineup is their big-budget, soapy drama focusing on the behind-the-scenes turmoil of a top-rated morning show when their beloved cohost Mitch Kessler (played by Steve Carell) is fired in the wake of sexual assault allegations. Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon headline the well-reviewed series, now in its second season. The Morning Show is a beautiful power struggle where every character thinks they are a once-in-a-generation master manipulator, when, in actuality, they are not particularly bright. The drama is mouthwatering, and with COVID thrown in the mix for Season 2, the stakes are only getting higher.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
13.Mythic Quest (2020–)
Two of my favorite comedies of recent memory (and given their continued cult following, I'd say perhaps two of yours) are It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Community. You will be excited to learn, then, that Alway's Sunny's Mac (Rob McElhenney) and Community's Abed (Danny Pudi) have teamed up for this Apple TV+ original about a video game company. The show (created by McElhenney and writers from both sitcoms) is a zany workplace sitcom that plays to the strength of the cast. Will there be a laser tag or flip cup game in an upcoming season? We can only hope.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
14.On the Rocks (2020)
No one does odd-couple drinking in hotels quite like Sofia Coppola, and her latest film is another welcome addition to her oeuvre. Bill Murray and Rashida Jones star as a semi-estranged father-daughter duo who have reconnected to investigate whether or not Jones' husband is cheating on her. Murray's character is an expert on the topic, as he has been a participant in multiple affairs. The pair traverse New York City in Murray's roadster, stopping at cozy bars along the way as they discuss Jones' life and their rocky relationship. Funny, melancholy, and sincere, the film provides all of the Coppola wonder with a side of French 75s.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
15.Peanuts Specials
In a boon for iPhone and Mac users everywhere, Apple has recently entered into a deal with Peanuts Worldwide, which means that Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Sally, Pig Pen, and the gang are all at home on Apple TV+. Watch all your favorite Peanuts specials like It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and A Charlie Brown Christmas on the streamer. You'll find the true meaning of the holidays and will also have that song Schroeder plays on the piano stuck in your head for DAYS.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
16.Schmigadoon! (2021–)
In the original stage musical and its film adaptation, Brigadoon follows two hunters on the Scottish Highlands who stumble upon a magical village in the mists that appears for only one day every century. In Apple TV+'s comedy series Schmigadoon, a pair of hikers, played by Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key, find a town in a similar fashion. Only, instead of just being stuck in the past, their magical village is trapped in the Golden Age of musicals. The villagers are singing, and they all seem to be inspired by characters from Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, and The Music Man. The show is a joyful hoot, especially for theater lovers, who will pick up on the countless musical references. Because who doesn't love a choreographed dance campaign?
Watch it on Apple TV+.
17.The Shrink Next Door (2021)
If you are anything like me, you are mildly obsessed with your therapist. They're nice. They listen. They help you unpack years' worth of emotional trauma. It makes sense. However, a therapist obsessed with you is just bad news. Based on a popular documentary podcast, this dark comedy follows Marty (Will Ferrell in a surprisingly subdued role) and his psychiatrist, Dr. Herschkopf (Paul Rudd), as their relationship quickly pushes beyond the usual boundaries of patient and client and into something much more sinister. Casey Wilson and Kathryn Hahn round out the cast, stealing scenes left, right, and center, as they always do. The miniseries, complete with its A-list cast, looks expensive, and anyone who is familiar with the podcast can tell you the story does not disappoint. This is primed to be Apple TV+'s next must-watch experience.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
18.*Swan Song (2021)
At the heart of this drama lies the question: Would you allow a clone to take your place in life in order to avoid causing your loved ones pain? Two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali's Cameron must answer this for himself in this futuristic philosophical drama. When he is diagnosed with a terminal illness he consults a doctor (played by Glenn Close) who offers to create him a perfect clone to slot into his life allowing him to die without his family grieving. The film is essentially a musing on this moral quandary as we retrace Cameron's life with his wife Poppy (Naomie Harris) and watch him interact with the two versions of Awkwafina's Kate. Less sci-fi and more quiet meditation on the human existence, the film is a somber affair showcasing the acting talent of its many stars.
Watch it on Apple TV+ staring on December 17.
19.Ted Lasso (2020–)
Fresh off its impressive performance at the Emmys and an incredibly popular second season, Ted Lasso's 22 episodes are waiting for you on Apple TV+. The sports comedy follows Jason Sudeikis in the titular role as an optimistic American football coach recruited to coach a British soccer team. If you are asking why he would be asked to do so, it is because the team's manager is determined to drive the establishment into the ground in an act of revenge against her ex-husband. The show is pure feel-good sunshine with a peppy cast of characters you can't help but fall in love with. There is a reason everyone loves this show, and it won't take you too many episodes to find out what it is.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
20.*Twas the Fight Before Christmas (2021)
If you enjoy a niche feud documentary ala Tiger King or The King of Kong then may I present your new favorite wacky showcase of real people trying to ruin each other's lives over bizarre disagreements. In this case, it's Christmas lights. The fascinating, let-me-eat-popcorn-and-watch-this-drama documentary examines the ongoing legal feud between Jeremy Morris and his homeowners association regarding his Christmas light display. What seems like it could have been a relatively easy problem to solve has grown into a near-decade long neighborhood feud that could potentially end up at the Supreme Court. The idiosyncractic cast of Idahoans who populate the story are sure to suck you in, and the escalating drama will keep you hooked.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
21.The Velvet Underground (2021)
I will freely admit that my taste in and knowledge of music is embarrassingly bad. It therefore came as no surprise to me that I had never even heard of a massively influential alternative rock band from the '60s called the Velvet Underground. But thanks to this ably constructed documentary from Todd Haynes (Carol), I am now much more knowledgeable on the subject. The band began as a multidisciplinary cohort working with Andy Warhol and slowly morphed into an improvisation-heavy rock group known the world over. If you are a music buff or are simply someone (like me) who is tired of sounding dumb at dinner parties when they ask questions like, "Who is Lou Reed?" then this is the doc for you.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
22.Visible: Out on Television (2020)
As any queer person can tell you, representation in film and television is extremely important. Being gay can be an excruciatingly isolating existence, especially if you (like me) grew up in a community where queer identities weren't supported and where LGBTQ role models were few and far between. For people growing up without those real-life influences, seeing queer people onscreen can be their only outlet for connection. That is the subject of Apple TV+'s docuseries Visible, which details the push for more LGBTQ representation onscreen. The series, which interviews the likes of Asia Kate Dillon and Lena Waithe, discusses the history of queer representation in the media and the goal of a more inclusive future where all voices can be shared onscreen.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
23.Wolfwalkers (2020)
Guess what? Apparently, there is a bit of old Irish folklore that says there is a race of people who have spirits that turn into wolves and roam around while they sleep. Pretty badass, if you ask me. These wolfwalkers are the focus of this exquisite Oscar-nominated animated film from Cartoon Saloon, the groundbreaking team behind The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea. Robyn is a young hunter whose community is trying to rid the world of wolves. She meets Mebh, who — spoiler alert — is a wolfwalker. DUN DUN DUN, we have drama as the two friends try to overcome their differences and bring their communities together. A heartwarming watch for the whole family (even if they are part wolf).
Watch it on Apple TV+.
* Denotes title that has been newly added to Apple TV+ for December
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