‘Dash & Lily,’ ‘Bridgerton,’ ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ & More Holiday TV Recommendations
The holidays are a perfect time to come together around the television for a family binge session or a movie night.
Despite 2020’s shortcomings, TV has its fair share of great titles perfect for the season and plenty of other upcoming shows and movies to appease any taste, from Netflix series like Bridgerton and Dash & Lily to films like Wonder Woman 1984 and Happiest Season.
Below, we’re rounding up some holiday TV recommendations that could make your season a tad bit brighter.
Dash & Lily (Netflix)
This delightful series follows the titular Dash (Austin Abrams) and Lily (Midori Francis) who meet under unusual circumstances when she leaves a notebook with a dare in the Strand book shelves. Set against the backdrop of New York City at Christmas time, the show based on David Levithan and Rachel Cohn’s YA books takes viewers on a festive adventure tinged with romance. If that’s not enough to entice, perhaps a performance from executive producer Nick Jonas and his famous brothers could? (Streaming now)
Bridgerton (Netflix)
Dropping Christmas Day, this drama based on Julia Quinn’s novels dabbles in the business of social scandals, taking a note from prior Shondaland series like Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy. The show follows Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) who is newly-launched into London’s marriage market. When anonymous columnist Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews) deems her ineligible for a match, Daphne strikes a deal with playboy Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page), to fake a relationship in order to sway public opinion in both of their favors.
Happiest Season (Hulu)
Looking for something less traditional this season? Try Hulu’s Happiest Season, a film which follows couple Abby (Kristen Stewart) and Harper (Mackenzie Davis) as they venture to the latter’s home for the holidays. The catch? Harper’s parents aren’t aware their daughter’s a lesbian, and she’s not about to spill the beans. Apart from an interesting predicament, the film also features a strong cast including Dan Levy, Aubrey Plaza, and Alison Brie.
Wonder Woman (HBO Max)
After a long-delayed launch date, Warner Bros.’ highly anticipated sequel film to 2017’s Wonder Woman will arrive via streaming on Christmas Day. Wonder Woman 1984 will see Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) face two new foes, Max Lord (The Mandalorian‘s Pedro Pascal) and the Cheetah (Kristen Wiig). For those missing out on blockbuster experiences at the theater, this is the perfect remedy, but don’t wait long because the movie will only be free to subscribers for one month.
Selena: The Series (Netflix)
Some safe family fare this season can be found in Part 1 of this Netflix biopic about the queen of Tejano music, Selena Quintanilla. Portrayed by The Walking Dead‘s Christian Serratos, the story of Selena and her musical family comes to life across nine episodes. Revisit the songs of Selena y Los Dinos and reignite your love for the iconic performer by bingeing Selena: The Series.
The Queen's Gambit (Netflix)
If you haven’t had a chance to check out Netflix’s stunning limited series starring the mesmerizing Anya Taylor-Joy, the holidays are the perfect time to tune in. The Queen’s Gambit tells the story of Beth Harmon (Taylor-Joy), a young woman who discovers her affinity for chess while growing up in an orphanage. The prodigy goes on to play in the most elite matches and viewers follow her harrowing journey which moves just as swiftly as the pieces she pushes on the checkerboard.
12 Dates of Christmas (HBO Max)
Reality fans rejoice! This HBO Max original follows three singles searching for the perfect date to bring home for the holidays. Despite premiering around Thanksgiving time, this dating show format is sure to please viewers looking for a dose of drama with a holiday spin.
Cobra Kai (Netflix)
The holiday break is a perfect time to catch up on the first two seasons of Netflix’s recently acquired original series. A sequel to The Karate Kid films, the show follows Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) who once again find themselves as martial arts rivals. Now with kids of their own, the drama takes on a modern twist that’s already captivated many viewers. Season 3 arrives in the new year, so no time like the present to catch up on the action.
