With Thanksgiving behind us and December’s lineup rolling out fast, this week brings key premieres, sharp episodes, and plenty of reasons to tune in. Here’s what to watch.
In this week’s edition of TV Corner Notes, we’re moving from Thanksgiving leftovers to the first wave of holiday premieres, breaking down the standout episodes and must-watch releases of the week.
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St. Denis Medical "A Strong Cup of Coffee"
When Alex brings her former boss back to St. Denis Medical, she quickly realizes Pam isn’t the mentor she remembered. Pam insults Bruce, mocks Keith, and even takes shots at Matt—forcing Alex, with Ron’s help, to finally stand up to her.
Meanwhile, Matt and Serena tackle a fainting mystery that turns out to be caused by love, sparking some chemistry of their own. And Joyce’s attempt to guilt-trip Ron over celebrity deaths leads to some hilarious tension—especially when Paul Reiser enters the mix.
“A Strong Cup of Coffee” delivers laughs across the board, with strong character moments and fun relationship teases. I give it an 8.5/10.
FBI: "Parental"
A routine clinic robbery call turns into a high-stakes child trafficking case after suspects kidnap a doctor who sold their baby years ago.
The team (OA, Maggie, Scola, Ramos) finds the missing child, leading them to the suspect holding the adoptive family hostage. Isobel successfully negotiates the suspect's surrender by appealing to his fatherly love, securing the child's safety.
Throughout the crisis, Isobel handles a personal dilemma: convincing her stepdaughter, Rowan, to adopt her younger sisters. Isobel’s empathy and commitment shine through in both the negotiation and her family life.
"Parental" was a compelling episode with an intense plot pivot. It powerfully highlighted Isobel's strength and caring nature, both as an agent and as a devoted stepmother. Grade: 8.5/10
The Assassin "Episode 2"
Julie, Edward, and Luka escape the island via Kayla’s yacht, but the danger follows. Julie’s assassin ex, Sean, boards the boat and reveals he’s been hired to kill her. A brutal fight ends with Sean dead, forcing Julie to finally admit she was initially sent to kill Kayla. The group heads to the last known location of their contact, Damien, in Albania, for answers.
Kayla reveals a major secret to Edward: Jasper, her family’s former IT manager, imprisoned in Libya, warned her about something called “Chantaines,” a threat to the Cross empire. Julie suspects Kayla’s shady brother Ezra, though his motives seem more corporate than murderous. Meanwhile, Jasper escapes prison in a bloody scramble, and a mysterious woman named Marie appears—oddly fixated on Edward’s family history.
Episode 2 is fast, fun, and full of sharp little twists, with Keeley Hawes once again grounding the chaos. The yacht fight is a standout, and the growing tangle of secrets keeps the momentum strong even if the “Chantaines” plotline feels a bit thin. Rating: 8/10.
What do you think “Chantaines” is, and how will Marie’s curiosity affect the case? Catch The Assassin Thursdays on AMC+.
Red Eye (Hulu): A Sharp, High-Altitude Thriller
Hulu’s new six-episode import Red Eye delivers a tense, stylish blend of murder mystery and political intrigue. The series follows Dr. Matthew Nolan (Richard Armitage), abruptly extradited to China on an overnight flight for a manslaughter charge he may—or may not—be guilty of. Detective Hana Li (a standout Jing Lusi) escorts him, only for the flight to spiral into chaos as Nolan’s colleagues begin turning up dead.
What starts as a confined whodunit expands into a slick geopolitical thriller involving the US, UK, and China. While the pacing drags in places, it’s still a tight, satisfying six-hour binge for anyone craving suspense at cruising altitude.
If you’re in the mood for a fast, thrilling weekend watch, Red Eye is worth boarding.
Top Anticipated Shows of the Month
With December in full swing, here are the five shows I’m most excited to dive into:
• The Abandons (Netflix)
Netflix is taking another swing at the Western, and based on the trailer—and the powerhouse pairing of Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson—it looks far more promising than American Primavera, which lost me after three episodes.
• Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft – Season 2 (Netflix)
The final season arrives after a breezy, surprisingly solid first outing. The writing was sharp, and once you get past Hayley Atwell’s voice making you briefly expect Agent Carter to show up, it’s a fun ride.
• Stranger Things – Season 5, Vol. 2 (Netflix)
This one is basically a given. Not including it on a December watchlist would feel wrong. I’m already planning a distraction-free viewing setup for Vol. 2.
• Fallout (Prime Video)
Last year’s breakout hit grew on me slowly—I wasn’t sold until episodes 3 and 4—but once it clicked, it really clicked. Now I’m counting down the days until season two.
What to Watch This Week
Monday, Dec. 1
CoComelon Lane Season 6 (Netflix)
My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman and Adam Sandler (Netflix)
Playing Grace Darling (Netflix, six-episode binge): Decades after her childhood best friend vanished at a seance gone wrong, a psychologist must face her haunted past when another young girl goes missing.
9/8c The Pitt basic cable premiere (TNT, three episodes per week)
10/9c Brilliant Minds fall finale (NBC, next day on Peacock)
Guns Up (Paramount+)
The Merchants of Joy (Prime Video documentary): In the city that never sleeps, five families hustle each winter to turn sidewalks into holiday outposts, as they source, sell, and safeguard a tradition at risk.
Tuesday, Dec. 2
5-Star (Paramount+, four-episode premiere): The docuseries follows four freshman recruits, quarterback Bryce Underwood (University of Michigan), cornerback Devin Sanchez (Ohio State University), wide receiver Dakorien Moore (University of Oregon), and offensive tackle Malachi Goodman (Penn State University) as they begin Big Ten Conference football. (Four additional episodes drop on Tuesday, Dec. 16).
Sean Combs: The Reckoning (Netflix, four-episode binge): The docuseries offers a staggering examination of the media mogul, music legend, and convicted offender.
8/7c Dancing with the Holidays (ABC, next day on Hulu): The ballroom comes alive with holiday magic as Dancing with the Stars celebrates the season with festive-themed routines, dazzling musical performances, and special holiday greetings.
8/7c Fixer to Fabulous, Season 7 (HGTV)
8/7c Murder in a Small Town Season 2 finale (Fox, next day on Hulu)
9/8c CMA Country Christmas (ABC, next day on Hulu): Riley Green, Lady A, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, BeBe Winans, and host Lauren Gaigle and Jordan Davis perform.
9/8c Hard Knocks: In Season Season 5 (HBO)
9/8c Vanderpump Rules Season 12 (Bravo)
Wednesday, Dec. 3
With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration (Netflix): Together, friends and family deck the halls, create holiday feasts, craft heartfelt gifts, and share lots of laughs; guests include Naomi Osaka, Tom Colicchio, Will Guidara, Kelly Zajfen, and Lindsay Roth.
8/7c Christmas in Rockefeller Center (NBC, next day on Peacock): Marc Anthony, Halle Bailey, Michael Buble, Kristen Chenoweth, Laufey, New Edition, Brad Paisley, Carey Pearce, the Radio City Rockettes, Gwen Stefani, and host Reba McEntire perform.
9/8c Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, Season 1 finale (The CW)
10/9c Chrismtas in Nashville (NBC, next day on Peacock): Bill Murray & his Blood Brothers, Lauren Alanian, NE-YO, The War and Treaty, and Trace Adkins perform, Trisha Yearwood hosts.
Oh. What. Fun (Prime Video movie): When her family accidentally leaves her behind during the holidays, a devoted mom (Michelle Pfeiffer) embarks on an impromptu adventure; Felicity Jones, Chloe Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Dominic Sessa, Danielle Brook,s Devery Jacobs, Maude Apatow, Jason Schewartzman, and Eva Longoria co-star.
Thursday, Dec. 4
The Abandons (Netflix, eight-episode binge): A group of diverse, outlier families pursue their Manifest Destiny in 1950s Oregon; Lena Headey, Gillian Anderson, and Lucas Till star.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 15 (Bravo)
9/8c The Great Christmas Light Fight (ABC, two-episode premiere, next day on Hulu)
9/8c Next Level BAker (Fox, three-week event): Chefs Gordon Ramsye and Carla Hall, and Sprinkles Cupcakes founders Candace Nelson, take a hand-selected group of talented bakers under their wings with hopes of heading into Winner Wonderland.
Mission Impossible- The Final Recokoning (Paramount+)
Friday, Dec. 5
The First Snow of Fraggle Rock (Apple TV): In this holiday special, the Fraggles eagerly await the first snow of the season and all the traditions it brings, but when only a single snowflake arrives, and Gobo can't write the yearly holiday song everyone is expecting, the season is thrown off course.
The Last Frontier Season 1 finale (Apple TV)
Twelve Dates Til Christmas (Hallmark Channel, two-episode premiere): A textile designer (Mae Whitman) joins a holiday matchmaking program with help from her best friend (Julian Morris and Lucy Eaton), while her divorced father (Natheaniel Parker) and mother (Mary McDonnell) navigate Dad's new romance with a local widow (Jane Seymour).
9/8c Spartacus: House of Ashur (Starz, two-episode premiere): What if Ashur had lived, and the Romans rewarded his teachery with the gladiator school where he once bled? Nick E. Tarabay reprises his role as Ashur.
10/9c Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman, Season 1 finale (USA Network)
The Family McMullen (HBO Max)
Jay Lelly (Netflix movie): A movie star (George Clooney) confronts his past and present on a journey through Europe with his devoted manager (Adam Sandler). (A documentary, The Making of Jay Kelly, is also streaming Friday).
8/7c Jingle All the Way to Love (Lifetime movie): A lawyer (Erin Agositno) wins a radio contest to track down the stranger (Romanie Waite) who once gave her a lucky sleigh bell.
10/9c A Christmas Cookbook (Lifetime movie) A newly single woman (Ashley Newbrough) joins a festive cooking club and sparks fly with its warm-hearted founder (Franco Lo Presti).
Saturday, Dec. 6
11am/10am c The Kitchen (Food Network) "Feast of the Seven Fishes" The menu of seafood dishes for Christmas Eve includes easy smokin' Haute white fish dip, mussels arribiata, and shrimp and lobster risotto; salt-baked whole fish is a showstopper for a holiday feast.
10/9c The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday Christmas Special (Hallmark Channel): Spotlighting a grand tree-lighting celebration only Hallmark could deliver, the special will premiere with exclusive first-look teases and programming announcements, featuring Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes, Kimberley Sustad, B.J. Britt, and Lacey Chabert; Brad Paisley and Mickey Guyton perform; Benjamin Ayres hosts.
8/7c Deck the Hallways (Lifetime movie): A Woman (Naika Toussaint) returns home to Chicago and teams with her grandmother (Loretta Devine) and a childhood friend (Jaime M. Callica) to revive a beloved holiday tradition.
8/7c She's Making the List (Hallmark Channel Movie) A consultant (Lacey Chabert) who decides a child's fate on the Naughty or Nice lists falls for a widowed father (Andrew Walker).
That’s it for this week’s TV Corner Notes. As the holiday season ramps up, expect even more year-end finales, special events, and new releases to fill your watchlist. Until next time, stay warm, stay cozy, and stream something great.
Adam
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