7 new Netflix shows and movies you need to watch this week (Dec. 8-14)

Netflix is adding 20 new shows and movies to its streaming service this week. No, you’re not getting the entire HBO Max library added just yet, even though Netflix has now agreed to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. That said, you do get the entire seven-season run of “The West Wing,” which was previously just on HBO Max.

It’s a Netflix original, though, that leads the pack this week. “Wake Up Dead Man” is the third film in the Knives Out franchise, and so far, it’s getting plenty of positive reviews. If you love Daniel Craig’s Kentucky-fried Benoit Blanc as much as I do, you’ve been eagerly awaiting this Netflix movie, which debuts on the streaming service this Friday.

Malcolm McMillan

Malcolm has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. Every week, he hunts down the top shows and movies to watch on Netflix.

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Don’t worry. You don’t need to have watched the previous two Knives Out movies to enjoy this one. Unlike Marvel movies, which require years of homework to understand, there’s only one character that carries over to this story, and his backstory doesn’t matter to solve this case.

I’m, of course, referring to Benoit Blanc, the world-renowned private investigator played by Daniel Craig. In “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” he’s been called to a small church in upstate New York, where the Msgr. Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin) has just died in seemingly impossible circumstances.

The prime suspect? Rev. Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor), another priest at the church who was the last to be with the late priest. Blanc will need to work with local police chief Geraldine Scott to discover who is really behind this murder most foul, alongside an ensemble cast that includes Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner, Andrew Scott, Jeffrey Wright and more.

Stream on Netflix starting Dec. 12

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“Man Vs Baby” stars Rowan Atkinson as Trevor Bingley, a school caretaker who used to care for a high-tech mansion (see the 2022 series “Man vs. Bee”). He’s sworn to stop looking after the houses of the rich until he gets an offer to look after a luxury London penthouse during Christmas, and it’s too good to pass up.

Unfortunately for Trevor, on the last day of school, nobody arrives to pick up the real-life baby that’s in the school’s nativity scene. Now, Trevor has to take care of a baby and a house, which is sure to end in disaster. If you like the comedy of Rowan Atkinson, my guess is you’ll enjoy this four-episode series too.

Watch on Netflix starting Dec. 11

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Simon Cowell has had a long and successful career. First rising to fame as a record executive, he’s parlayed that talent and his blunt personality into being the host of numerous music competition shows, most famously “American Idol” and “The X Factor.”

Now, Cowell is back on the hunt for the next big thing. In “Simon Cowell: The Next Act,” sixteen boys will head to Miami to see if they have what it takes to be the next big boy band. Given Cowell’s past creations include the band One Direction, there’s a chance that whatever group he forms here will rocket to stardom.

Watch on Netflix starting Dec. 10

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If you’ve never seen “The West Wing,” now’s your chance. This political drama series centers around the administration of (fictional) U.S. President Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen). Key members of his staff include deputy communications director Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe), press secretary C.J. Cregg (Allison Janney) and deputy chief of staff Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford), among many others.

Honestly, once you start watching “The West Wing,” you’ll be recognizing the faces of actors you’ve seen in shows your entire life, including Dulé Hill, who plays Charlie Young, a personal aide to President Bartlet. He’d go on to be one of the leads in “Psych,” another great show. So if you want to see the show that made so many actors into household names — thanks in no small part to show creator Aaron Sorkin — then start binging “The West Wing” the second it arrives on Netflix.

Watch on Netflix starting Dec. 9

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Adapted from the 1955 novel of the same name, “The Talented Mr. Ripley” stars Matt Damon as Tom Ripley. Tom seems to simply be friends with the effortlessly charming Dickie (Jude Law), but he’s hiding something darker. Tom is also an expert forger and mimic and after he insinuates himself into Dickie’s glamorous life, he decides to adopt it as his own.

Throughout the entire film, the audience wonders if Ripley wants to be Dickie, be with Dickie or destroy him. There are more than a few dramatic scenes that will have you stunned, and once this story gets going, it doesn’t let go. Once you’re done watching “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” check out the limited series “Ripley,” which is also on Netflix. It might be an even better adaptation than this beloved ’90s movie.

Watch on Netflix starting Dec. 13

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This one is for the subtitle crowd. “City of Shadows” (“Ciudad de sombras” in its native Spanish) kicks off with the burnt body of Eduard Pintó found hanging from the facade of Gaudí’s iconic Barcelona building, La Pedrera – Casa Milà. Now, Inspector Milo Malart (Isak Férriz) has been called back to the Mossos d’Esquadra after his suspension for insubordination and is tasked with finding the perpetrator behind this violent act. He won’t be alone, though, as Deputy Inspector Rebeca Garrido (Verónica Echegui) will be with him every step of the investigation.

I’ll be honest, this movie wasn’t on my radar. But after watching the trailer, I have to say I’m compelled by the potential for a dark, tense thriller. If you give one movie a chance on a whim this week, “City of Shadows” should be at the top of your list.

Watch on Netflix starting Dec. 12

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My son has officially hit the stage in life where he enjoys “Sesame Street,” specifically Elmo. So I have a feeling that sometime this month, I’ll end up watching “Elmo and Mark Rober’s Merry Giftmas.”

In this Christmas special, Elmo and the Sesame Street gang head to CrunchLabs to spend “Giftmas” with former NASA engineer-turned-YouTuber Mark Rober. Expect fun, hijinks, and at least one gingerbread rocket taking Cookie Monster into space.

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YouTube star Mark Rober to make special presents for a Merry Giftmas exchange.

DECEMBER 9

“Badly in Love” (JP) (Netflix series)

In Japan’s first dating show for rebellious yankiis, 11 singles butt heads, forge bonds and live together for 14 days as they go all out to find the one.

“Blood Coast” season 2 (FR) (Netflix series)

With Lyès in prison and a violent new gang vying to take over Marseille’s drug trade, the squad faces more danger than ever — from both inside and out.

“Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within” (Netflix documentary)

In this joyful short documentary, children at a Ugandan orphanage find healing, spread hope and achieve global acclaim — one viral dance video at a time.

“The West Wing” seasons 1-7

DECEMBER 10

“The Accident” season 2 (MX) (Netflix series)

A year after tragedy struck four families, pain lingers while new secrets surface. Now, each one must decide: seek redemption or revenge.

“Record of Ragnarok” season 3 (JP) (Netflix series)

After a shocking sixth round, the gods double down to humble humanity. Ragnarok continues as kings clash, beliefs collide, and fate is forged in battle.

“Simon Cowell: The Next Act” (GB) (Netflix documentary)

Music mogul and record executive Simon Cowell has single-handedly created some of the biggest music superstars in the world. In this brand-new Netflix docu-series, cameras follow him everywhere as he sets out to do it again, to try and create the next global boyband sensation. This is unlike any show he has made before. From raw open casting calls to the release of their debut single, this is an all-access pass for viewers to catch every moment of Simon’s next chapter. Will he strike gold once again?

DECEMBER 11

“The Fakenapping” (SA) (Netflix film)

Failed entrepreneur and struggling dad Sattam finds himself tangled in a madcap scheme when he decides to repay his debts — by kidnapping his own father.

“Had I Not Seen the Sun” part 2 (TW) (Netflix series)

In the aftermath of Jen-yao’s violent acts, long-buried truths threaten to shatter all hope — including the love he can never reclaim again.

“Lost in the Spotlight” (ID) (Netflix film)

Just as he lands a prestigious role, a famous actor mysteriously loses his ability to act, sparking a journey of self-discovery amid public pressure.

“Man Vs Baby” (GB) (Netflix series)

Trevor’s back, baby! Heartfelt mishaps and Christmas capers abound as comedy legend Rowan Atkinson returns for another chaotic house-sitting experience.

“Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” season 2 (Netflix series)

Lara races across the globe to uncover ancient African relics before a techno-visionary bent on playing god uses them to unleash worldwide destruction.

“The Town” (TR) (Netflix series)

A group of cash-strapped friends find their morals and relationships tested when they stumble upon four bags of stolen money in their hometown.

DECEMBER 12

“City of Shadows” (ES) (Netflix film)

When Barcelona awakens to a body hanging in flames from one of Gaudí’s most iconic buildings, a disgraced detective must come back to catch the killer.

“Home for Christmas” season 3 (NO) (Netflix series)

Hoping to ease the lingering heartbreak of last Christmas, Johanne decides to enjoy this year’s festivities free from love troubles… or so she thinks.

“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” (Netflix film)

Detective Benoit Blanc teams up with an earnest young priest to investigate a perfectly impossible crime at a small-town church with a dark history.

“The Amazing Digital Circus” season 1 (episodes 5-7)

DECEMBER 13

“The Talented Mr. Ripley”

DECEMBER 14

“PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie”

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