SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) -- As the weather turns colder and the extended families visit more often, you might find you and yours gathered around the television in search of entertainment. Fortunately, there's a new cache of Netflix titles to choose from.
Here are five that caught my eye.
Marriage Story
With 2019 coming to a close we turn our eyes to award season and last month Netflix gave us Martin Scorsese's fantastic new film "The Irishman" featuring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. This month we get Noah Baumbach's emotionally devastating "Marriage Story" starring Scarlet Johansson and Adam Driver. The story follows Nicole and Charlie as their marriage disintegrates into a protracted custody fight. Baumach's script is fantastic and the cast is equally good. (Available 12/6/19)
It Comes at Night
Joel Edgerton stars in "It Comes at Night," a psychological thriller with horror elements from writer/director Trey Edward Shults ("Krisha," "Waves"). An outbreak has pushed society to the point of madness. Paul, his wife and their teenage son live together in an isolated home in the woods. They are not alone. (12/9/19)
The Two Popes
With "The Two Popes," director Fernando Meirelles (“City of God”) teams with screenwriter Anthony McCarten ("Darkest Hour," "Bohemian Rhapsody") for the story the story of Cardinal Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce) and Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins). Looking to retire, Cardinal Bergoglio is called to Rome by where he is presented with unprecedented offer. Pryce and Hopkins are particularly good. (Available 12/20/19)
The Witcher
Based on Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski's tales of Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher or monster slayer for hire who has spent years training in combat and magic. "The Witcher" promises to take viewers deep into a dark fantasy world filled with political strife as humans, elves, witches, gnomes and monsters fight for control of an unnamed land. As someone who has played his way through the video game "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" numerous times, I'm excited to see the stories play out in a live-action series. Hopefully the adaptation is as strong as the source material. (Available 12/20/19)
The Secret Life of Pets 2
I'm still a bit surprised by how much I enjoyed "The Secret Life of Pets 2." I wasn't a fan of the first film; the second is far better. There are three storylines that eventually come together. I'm most fond ofHarrison Ford's performance as Rooster, a farm dog with a gruffdemeanor and a big heart. (Available 12/27/19)
A complete list of titles coming to Netflix in December 2019 (descriptions provided by Netflix):
Avail. 12/1/19
- Dead Kids -- NETFLIX FILM
A socially awkward teen bonds with a group of misfits who plot to take out the school's arrogant rich kid -- until their kidnapping scheme turns deadly. - A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish
- The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl
- Austin Powers in Goldmember
- Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
- Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
- Cut Bank
- Eastsiders: Season 4
- Malcolm X
- Searching for Sugar Man
- Sweet Virginia
- The Tribes of Palos Verdes
Avail. 12/2/19
- Team Kaylie: Part 2 -- NETFLIX FAMILY
Ready for more glitz, glam and grit? Kaylie and the Porcupines sharpen their skills for a new slate of action-packed shenanigans.
Avail. 12/3/19
- Especial de Natal Porta dos Fundos: A Primeira Tentação de Cristo -- NETFLIX FILM
Jesus, who's hitting the big 3-0, brings a surprise guest to meet the family. A Christmas special so wrong, it must be from comedians Porta dos Fundos.
- Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
She ready... to celebrate! Tiffany Haddish is getting in touch with her Jewish roots in her upcoming Netflix Original Comedy Special, Black Mitzvah, while she takes us on a revealing journey through her life. With her bold and barrier-breaking brand of comedy, Tiffany reflects on fame, receiving her "inheritance," the valuable lessons you learn when raising yourself, that time she received a jumpsuit from the one and only...Beyoncé, her infamous New Year's Eve set, and more. Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah launches globally on Netflix on December 3, 2019. Mazel Tov! The special is executive produced by Haddish for She Ready Productions and Emmy nominated producers Wanda Sykes and Page Hurwitz for Push It Productions.
Avail. 12/4/19
- Let's Dance -- NETFLIX FILM
After his crew breaks up, a gifted but insecure hip-hop dancer teaches at a top ballet school in Paris, where he falls for an aspiring ballerina.
- Los Briceño -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
After an argument with her dad, a young woman from a family of macho truck drivers is kicked out of the home and must make her own success as a trucker.
- Magic for Humans: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Hilarious and heartfelt, Justin Willman pulls out all the stops and props to amaze real people with playful tricks and showstopping magic routines.
Avail. 12/5/19
- A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby -- NETFLIX FILM
Christmas brings the ultimate gift to Aldovia: a royal baby. But first, Queen Amber must help her family and kingdom by finding a missing peace treaty.
- Apache: La vida de Carlos Tevez -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
This gritty dramatization of the life of Carlos Tevez shows his rise to soccer stardom amid the harrowing conditions in Argentina's Fuerte Apache.
- Home for Christmas -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Fed up with the constant comments on her relationship status, perpetually single Johanne starts a 24-day hunt for a partner to bring home for Christmas.
- V Wars -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
A doctor is pitted against his best friend after an ancient disease turns people into vampires. From the comics by Jonathan Maberry and Alan Robinson.
Avail. 12/6/19
- Astronomy Club: The Sketch Show -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Astronomy Club: The Sketch Show is a new 6-episode sketch series from Kenya Barris’ Khalabo Ink Society, launching on Netflix on December 6, 2019. The members of the eponymous group, who first formed in 2014 and built a following through live performance in New York, include Shawtane Bowen, Jonathan Braylock, Ray Cordova, James III, Caroline Martin, Jerah Milligan, Monique Moses, and Keisha Zollar. Sketches will explore an array of topics ranging from pop culture and social issues to the Black experience. Barris executive produces the series alongside showrunner Daniel Powell (Inside Amy Schumer, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson) and Khalabo Ink Society’s Anni Weisband.
- The Chosen One: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
The world pours into the once-closed Aguazul as the doctors circle back to the village, and a journalist promises to tell the Chosen One's story.
- The Confession Killer -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
Henry Lee Lucas was known as America’s most prolific serial killer. But will DNA results expose the biggest criminal justice hoax in U.S. history?
- Fuller House: Season 5 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Jimmy and Steph bring their new baby home and dive headfirst into the world of parenting. But no worries: They've got a houseful of hands to help.
- Glow Up -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Aspiring makeup artists apply themselves to celebrity looks, movie prosthetics and more in a colorful competition show hosted by Stacey Dooley.
- Marriage Story -- NETFLIX FILM
Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach directs this incisive and compassionate look at a marriage coming apart and a family staying together.
- Spirit Riding Free: The Spirit of Christmas -- NETFLIX FAMILY
Lucky and friends must figure out how to get home in time for Christmas when a falling boulder -- and a serious snowstorm -- derail their travel plans.
- Teasing Master Takagi-san: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ANIME
Now in his second year of middle school, Nishikata still tries to outplay Takagi, but continues to fail miserably at his quest to get even.
- Three Days of Christmas -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Four sisters deal with family drama and secrets throughout three different time periods, all occurring on Christmas Day.
- Triad Princess -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
After growing up in the shadow of her mafia-affiliated father, Angie defies his wishes and takes a gig as an undercover bodyguard for a famous actress.
- Virgin River -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Searching for a fresh start, a nurse practitioner moves from LA to a remote northern California town and is surprised by what -- and who -- she finds.
Avail. 12/8/19
Avail. 12/9/19
- A Family Reunion Christmas -- NETFLIX FAMILY
M'Dear and her sisters struggle to keep their singing act together before a church Christmas pageant while Grandpa teaches the kids a valuable lesson.
Avail. 12/10/19
- Michelle Wolf: Joke Show -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Comedian Michelle Wolf, wants to fight for women's equality...but not in like that annoying way. In her upcoming Netflix comedy special, Michelle Wolf: Joke Show, the comedian dissects the differences between men and women, explores gender equality, explains why society should be a little “less” woke and more, all the while, constantly defying expectations. Michelle Wolf: Joke Show launches globally on Netflix on December 10, 2019.
Avail. 12/11/19
Avail. 12/12/19
- Especial de Natal Porta dos Fundos -- NETFLIX FILM
In this biblical "Hangover" spoof, the apostles awaken to find Jesus is missing and must piece together events of the previous night's wild Last Supper.
- Jack Whitehall: Christmas with my Father -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Jack Whitehall attempts to get his notoriously stodgy father into the holiday spirit in this comedy-variety Christmas extravaganza.
Avail. 12/13/19
- 6 Underground -- NETFLIX FILM
Meet a new kind of action hero. Six untraceable agents, totally off the grid. They’ve buried their pasts so they can change the future. Ryan Reynolds stars in this gritty globe-trotting action adventure from director Michael Bay.
Avail. 12/15/19
- A Family Man
- Dil Dhadakne Do
- Karthik Calling Karthik
Avail. 12/16/19
- Burlesque
- The Danish Girl
- The Magicians: Season 4
Avail. 12/17/19
- Ronny Chieng: Asian Comedian Destroys America! -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Comedian, The Daily Show Correspondent, and Crazy Rich Asians actor Ronny Chieng makes his Netflix comedy special debut in Asian Comedian Destroys America! Born in Malaysia and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, Singapore, and Australia, Chieng shares his unapologetic perspective about his journey to America thus far. From evaluating the effects of consumerism to theorizing how efficient the U.S. would be with an Asian-American President, Chieng shares what he thinks really makes America great in Ronny Chieng: Asian Comedian Destroys America! when it launches globally on Netflix on December 17, 2019
Avail. 12/18/19
- Don't F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
Cyber sleuths engage in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a man who posts sadistic animal-abuse videos online -- and then turns to murder.
- Soundtrack -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
This romantic musical drama follows the love stories connecting an eclectic group of people in modern-day Los Angeles.
Avail. 12/19/19
- After The Raid -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
A large immigration raid in a small Tennessee town leaves emotional fallout as well as far-reaching questions about justice, faith and humanity.
- Ultraviolet: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Ola and her team of amateur sleuths continue to solve crimes -- including one that hits close to home -- as a new detective joins the force.
- Twice Upon a Time -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Still reeling from a breakup, Vincent Dauda receives a package with mysterious properties that could give him a chance to win back his ex, Louise.
Avail. 12/20/19
- The Two Popes -- NETFLIX FILM
From Fernando Meirelles, the Academy Award-nominated director of “City of God,” and three-time Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Anthony McCarten, comes an intimate story of one of the most dramatic transitions of power in the last 2,000 years. Frustrated with the direction of the church, Cardinal Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce) requests permission to retire in 2012 from Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins). Instead, facing scandal and self-doubt, the introspective Pope Benedict summons his harshest critic and future successor to Rome to reveal a secret that would shake the foundations of the Catholic Church. Behind Vatican walls, a struggle commences between both tradition and progress, guilt and forgiveness, as these two very different men confront their pasts in order to find common ground and forge a future for a billion followers around the world. Inspired by true events.
- The Witcher -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
The witcher Geralt, a mutated monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts.
Avail. 12/22/19
- Private Practice: Season 1-6
Avail. 12/23/19
- Transformers Rescue Bots Academy: Season 1
Avail. 12/24/19
- CAROLE & TUESDAY: Part 2 -- NETFLIX ANIME
Carole and Tuesday’s newfound attention brings with it new challenges. Angela considers them rivals, and the Mars music business isn't easy.
- Como caído del cielo -- NETFLIX FILM
Legendary Mexican actor-singer Pedro Infante is sent back to Earth in an impersonator's body to mend his womanizing ways and earn entrance into heaven.
- Crash Landing on You -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
A paragliding mishap drops a South Korean heiress in North Korea -- and into the life of an army officer, who decides he will help her hide.
- John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Emmy Award Winning Comedian John Mulaney aims to recapture the magic of that bygone television era when children sang songs about their feelings with celebrity guests on funky outdoor sets. The result: John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch. I’m John Mulaney and I am a 37 year old man. The Sack Lunch Bunch is a group of children ages 8-13 who are more talented than me. In this special, we are joined by celebrity guests like David Byrne, Tony Award Winner Andre De Shields, Natasha Lyonne, Annaleigh Ashford, Richard Kind, and Jake Gyllenhaal from the movie Zodiac. The result is a collage of Broadway caliber showstoppers, comedy sketches for all ages, meditations on the unknown from children and adults, and a papier mache volcano.It’s funny, musical, joyous, anxious, and surprisingly profound.
- Lost in Space: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
There’s more danger — and adventure — ahead for the Robinson family! With the Jupiter 2 stranded on a mysterious ocean planet without their beloved Robot, the Robinsons must work together, alongside the mischievous and manipulative Dr. Smith and the always charming Don West, to make it back to the Resolute and reunite with the other colonists. But they quickly find all is not as it seems. A series of incredible new threats and unexpected discoveries emerge as they look for the key to finding Robot and safe passage to Alpha Centauri. They will stop at nothing to keep their family safe... survival is a Robinson specialty after all.
- TERRACE HOUSE: TOKYO 2019-2020: Part 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
As Kenji and Risako's story reaches its conclusion, Ruka faces a choice. A new member opens the door to the house as life in Tokyo continues.
Avail. 12/25/19
Avail. 12/26/19
- The App -- NETFLIX FILM
While in Rome to shoot his first movie, actor and industrial heir Nick becomes obsessed with a dating app that sends him into a self-destructive spiral
- Le Bazar de la Charité -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Amid a devastating fire in 1897 Paris, three women see their destinies turned upside down by identity theft, forbidden love, betrayal and emancipation.
- Fast & Furious Spy Racers -- NETFLIX FAMILY
Adventures abound as a group of teenagers infiltrates an elite racing league controlled by a nefarious organization bent on world domination.
- You: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
The dark drama returns for its second season, with Joe now laying low and hiding from his ex in LA. Can he deal with his past and make a fresh start, this time with the right woman?
Avail. 12/27/19
- The Gift -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
In an Anatolian ruin, an archaeologist finds a mysterious link to a young painter (Beren Saat), who embarks on a quest to uncover secrets in her past.
- Kevin Hart: Don’t F**k This Up -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
In a new 6-part documentary-series Don’t F**k This Up, Kevin Hart gives unprecedented access to his life over the past year. Tapping into the trials and tribulations of what it means to be a father, a partner, a role-model, and a business-man, Hart reflects on the events that have shaped his life, making him into the person he is today. Viewers will get a behind-the-scenes look at Kevin's day-to-day life as he deals with the fallout from the Oscar controversy, his marriage, and his growing career. The series includes interviews with Hart's friends and family, rare archival footage from his childhood and early stand-up days, and personal anecdotes from the comic himself. Kevin Hart: Don’t F**k This Up launches globally on Netflix on December 27, 2019. The series is produced by Hartbeat Productions, Lionsgate, Makemake, 3 Arts Entertainment, and Magical Elves.
- The Secret Life of Pets 2
Avail. 12/28/19
- Hot Gimmick: Girl Meets Boy -- NETFLIX FILM
After Hatsumi's single-minded neighbor blackmails her into being his servant, they learn the real meaning of love and trust. Based on the hit manga.
Avail. 12/29/19
Avail. 12/30/19
- Alexa & Katie: Season 3 -- NETFLIX FAMILY
Alexa tries to put cancer behind her, but a new person in her life might make that especially hard, while Katie will need all the support she can get from her best friend. The teen series returns for Season 3.
- The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.: Reawakened -- NETFLIX ANIME
Kusuo and his gaggle of self-proclaimed friends are back for more psychic mishaps. If he didn't have enough problems before, he's got even more now.
Avail. 12/31/19
- The Degenerates: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
The Netflix Original stand-up comedy series The Degenerates is back for season 2 with six new wild and unfiltered sets from - Adrienne Iapalucci, Donnell Rawlings, Jim Norton, Nikki Glaser, Ms. Pat, and Robert Kelly. Spend your New Years the right way when the second season launches globally on December 31.
- Die Another Day
- GoldenEye
- Heartbreakers
- The Neighbor -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Javier, a 20-something struggling with adulthood and his girlfriend, unexpectedly becomes a superhero. Based on Santiago García and Pepo Pérez's comic.
- Red Dawn
- Tomorrow Never Dies
- The World Is Not Enough
- Yanxi Palace: Princess Adventures -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
Determined to win the heart of a Mongolian prince, a Qing dynasty princess contends with palace intrigue and vendettas against her family.
PODCASTS
- The Crown: The Official Podcast - Host Edith Bowman embarks on a 10-part podcast series exploring the Crown’s third season, with guests including series creator Peter Morgan as well as cast and crew. Episodes release Mondays and Thursday starting Nov 18th.
- Strong Black Laughs - The newest podcast from Strong Black Lead, host Janelle James sits down with the black champions of comedy. New episode start Nov 19th.
- Because I Watched - Television and movies have the power to change our lives. Because I Watched is a podcast that showcases stories from real people all over the world about the ways their favorite TV and movies have shaped them. Each episode is read by a Netflix star from the film or series featured that week. Episodes start Nov 20th.
- Behind The Irishman - This podcast is a look behind the scenes at the making of Martin Scorsese’s latest film, The Irishman. Trailer launches Nov 25th.