If you are the sort that is all caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, find the time to relax and amuse yourself with something on HBO or Max in December. Go ahead, we encourage you. Let us help you decide by offering the listing below. Here is a sampling of what’s on for December.
A few quick points:
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- We see the return of BOOKIE,
- And the Long Absent Betelgeuse
- We Witness the Latest Clint Eastwood Movie
- And are Graced by SUPER / MAN
- Plus, THE HEAD
- And this Thought – When all else fails… they’re your last, worst option.
HBO Original Series: We have three continuing series rolling into December. They are DUNE PROPHECY, GET MILLIE BLACK and SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE.
The sci-fi saga, set in Frank Herbert’s Dune universe, focuses on the origins of the Bene Gesserit. It follows sisters Valya (Emily Watson) and Tula (Olivia Williams) Harkonnen as they combat forces that threaten the future of humanity, and establish the fabled sect of sisters. The series continues on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 01 (9:00-10:00 pm ET/ PT) on HBO.
–S1Ep03 – “Sisterhood Above All”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 01 (9:00 – 10:05 pm ET/PT)
Following a tragedy, young Tula worries about being accepted despite her family name, while a skeptical Valya struggles with the decision to take the Sisterhood vow. Years later, Valya receives a message that confirms her suspicions.
–S1Ep04 – “Twice Born”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 08 (9:00 – 10:05 pm ET/PT)
After nearly all the acolytes have the same nightmare, Tula attempts to understand the origins of their disturbing dreams. Meanwhile, on the eve of the great Landsraad meeting, Valya sets her plan in motion to redeem House Harkonnen, Ynez confronts her father about rumors surrounding Desmond, and Kieran conspires to advance a rebel attack that the Sisterhood must try to thwart.
–S1Ep05 – “In Blood, Truth”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 (9:00 – 10:00 pm ET/PT)
As Corrino names a new Bashar, a Sister with deep connections to the Emperor arrives on Salusa Secundus… sending ripples through the Royal House. After receiving a tip, Desmond goes on a warpath to root out the insurgents. Meanwhile, Tula tries to keep her secret project from being discovered by the other Sisters.
Followed by the final episode on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22.
That middle title is the Jamaican set crime drama from the U.K. Jamaican-born detective Millie-Jean Black (Tamara Lawrance) is forced out of Scotland Yard, and she returns home to join the Jamaican Police Force. She and her partner, Curtis (Gershwyn Eustache Jnr), investigate missing person cases, and their lives are up-ended when one of their investigations crosses paths with another that brought Scotland Yard detective Luke Holborn (Joe Dempsie) to Kingston. It is only one episode into its five-episode story arc. It continues MONDAY, DECEMBER 02 at 9:00 pm ET/PT on HBO.
–S1Ep02 – “Hibiscus”
Debut Date: MONDAY, DECEMBER 02 (9:00 – 9:50 pm ET/PT)
Despite mounting pressure, Millie continues to pursue Janet’s case… leading her to a disturbing discovery.
–S1Ep03 – “Holborn”
Debut Date: MONDAY, DECEMBER 09 (9:00 – 9:49 pm ET/PT)
Millie reluctantly agrees to work with Holborn in the short term. Meanwhile, Hibiscus and Millie find a new balance in their relationship, and Curtis contemplates a change. Then, when Millie and Holborn make a breakthrough, Millie finds herself on a dangerous path.
–S1Ep04 – “Janet”
Debut Date: MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 (9:00 – 9:46 pm ET/PT)
Not knowing whom to trust, Millie goes rogue to get to the bottom of the Somervilles’ criminal enterprise before Holborn can interfere. When Janet makes an unexpected decision, Millie must take extreme measures to protect the ones she loves and to find Romeo before it’s too late.
Followed by the final episode on MONDAY, DECEMBER 23.
We only had the teaser last time so, here is the full Trailer:
The final title is the Bridget Everett comedy which has just two episodes to go in its third and final season. It premiered on HBO on January 16, 2022. Set in Manhattan, Kansas, the series follows Sam (Everett) as she deals with a midlife crisis after the death of her sister. We get to witness her struggles complete with her coping mechanisms and comforting friends. It continues SUNDAY, DECEMBER 01.
–S3Ep06 – “As Much As I Like Not Feeling”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 01 (10:30 – 11:01) pm ET/PT
Joel’s emotional center is rocked after an unfortunate fender bender. Meanwhile, Sam’s date with Iceland brings some of her deepest insecurities to the surface, and Tricia perfects her pitch for Mitch.
–S3Ep07 – “Agg”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 08 (10:30 – 11:04 pm ET/PT)
Joel returns to church after recognizing a fundamental hole in his life. Sam and Tricia reach a surprising understanding on Holly’s birthday, and later, Sam takes a chance with Iceland.
Note that LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER is between seasons right now. He will be back with Season 12 in February 2025. REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER is also sitting dark until he kicks his new season off in January.
Original Series Exclusive to Max: We start with the new, then the returning, and then the continuing shows exclusive to the streaming service. We lead off then with the first show under the new DCU banner. Set your eyes on CREATURE COMMANDOS. The series tracks a secret team of incarcerated monsters recruited for missions deemed too dangerous for humans. When all else fails… they’re your last, worst option. Cast: Steve Agee as Economos, Maria Bakalova as Princess Ilana, Anya Chalotra as Circe, Zoe Chao as Nina Mazursky, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., Sean Gunn as GI Robot & Weasel, David Harbour as Frankenstein, Alan Tudyk as Dr. Phosphorus, Indira Varma as The Bride, and Viola Davis as Amanda Waller.
Credits: Written and executive produced by James Gunn. Based on DC characters and produced by DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation; additional executive producers include Peter Safran, Dean Lorey, and Sam Register; Rick Morales serves as a supervising producer. It debuts on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 05 with two episodes followed by one episode weekly for a total of seven episodes.
Cummings and contestants on a Central Perks set.
Next is a game show coming to Max called FAST FRIENDS. Max is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the global phenomenon Friends with the premiere of this four-part fan challenge hosted by comedian Whitney Cummings. Filmed at The FRIENDS Experience: The One in New York City, this contest takes place in the celebrated series’ iconic sets in a fast-paced competition event. From racing through Rachel and Monica’s apartment to darting across Joey and Chandler’s bachelor pad and grabbing a coffee at Central Perk, fans will re-live their favorite moments while being put to the test with trivia, puzzles, and games that will keep even the most die-hard Friends fans on their toes. The quickest team will win the title of Ultimate Fast Friends Champion. It launches THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19. Way to milk that IP!
Beginning on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 is the sophomore season of BOOKIE. From Emmy-nominated creator Chuck Lorre and Nick Bakay, this darkly funny comedy follows veteran Los Angeles bookie Danny (Sebastian Maniscalco) as the potential legalization of sports gambling in California threatens to upend his business for good. Alongside best friend and former NFL player Ray (Omar J. Dorsey), side-hustling sister Lorraine (Vanessa Ferlito), and reluctantly reformed drug dealer Hector (Jorge Garcia), Danny must contend with his increasingly unstable clients as he tries to settle their debts – all while making plenty of risky bets of his own. Full of relatable mishaps the show chronicles one man’s journey to adapt to an ever-changing world as he attempts to charm and con his way to the top.
S2 Cast: Stars Sebastian Maniscalco, Omar J. Dorsey, Vanessa Ferlito, Jorge Garcia, Andrea Anders, Maxim Swinton and Rob Corddry. Guest stars this season will include Charlie Sheen, Ray Romano, Zach Braff, and Brad Garrett.
Credits: Produced by Warner Bros. Television, BOOKIE is created, written, and produced by Chuck Lorre and Nick Bakay; executive produced by Sebastian Maniscalco, Judi Marmel, and Andy Tennant, who directed multiple episodes.
Season Three of THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS takes place in the sophomore year for the students of Essex College. Their exploits continue for three installments in December starting THURSDAY, DECEMBER 05. What is up with the gals…besides partying? Now in their sophomore year, Bela (Amrit Kaur) notes that the group has to “step up their game,” which for her includes bumping up her grades; Kimberly (Pauline Chalamet,) sets high ambitions for her career trajectory; Whitney (Alyah Chanelle Scott) states that she’s been feeling “overwhelmed” when it comes to school, soccer, sorority life and friendship drama.
SECOND CHANCE STAGE just uploaded on Thanksgiving so, it is still doing its thing, continuing on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 05.
HBO International Titles: Returning for a second season is the title out of Germany called OH HELL. Technically it presents its first new episode on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, but the arrival of the new season 
was not known when we generated November’s post. The life of Helene (also known as “Hell”), who is in her mid-twenties, is mostly the opposite of a perfect Instagram world: after setting fire to a forest and thus wiping out a rare species of toad, Helene causes anarchic conditions in a day clinic. Shortly afterward, Helene’s perfect best friend Maike turns to Helene. She urgently needs help with her start-up and asks Hell to convince the app investor with an unconventional app idea. Helene (Mala Emde), is a unique piece of work. She drifts from one awful job to the next and from one relationship disaster to another. Well, what they’ll think up in Germany, yeah?
Also with a new season is THE HEAD. It hails out of Spain with an international team of writers & producers, plus an international cast. It is a thriller that takes place in extreme places around the globe. it is a Spanish-Japanese English-language TV series directed by Jorge Dorado for HBO Asia and Hulu Japan. The first season, set in Antarctica, premiered on June 12, 2020. A second season, which takes place on a freighter amid the southern Pacific Ocean, premiered on December 22, 2022. Its third season begins on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 but I’ve yet to find out much about it – just one blurb from MediaPeo Studios and a simple poster. The studio’s CEO, Laura Fernández Espeso, stated, “The locations for this series have been a fundamental part of the show itself, always in an inaccessible place. This time we’ll be shooting in the desert: The Head 3 will take place in an unknown place in the Sahara desert, in an unusual place that most people never heard of. A land with no owner. A land where there is no law. The perfect location for a risky experiment with human subjects.” Well, I just finished Season One in October, I guess I better catch up. Anyone else?
HBO & Max Theatrical Movies: Three big movies in December! First, we’ve got two clowns, one out of this realm and one out of his head followed by a legend as HBO & Max present BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE, JOKER: FOLIE DEUX and JUROR #2. Here is a quick look at each.
He’s back! Betelgeuse that is. After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened. With trouble brewing in both realms, it’s only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice’s name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem. It all happens in BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE debuts FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 exclusively on Max and on HBO SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 at 6:10 pm ET.
Keaton returns to his iconic role alongside Oscar nominee Winona Ryder (“Stranger Things,” “Little Women”) as Lydia Deetz and two-time Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara (“Schitt$ Creek,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas”) as Delia Deetz, with new cast members Justin Theroux (“Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi,” “The Leftovers”), Monica Bellucci (“Spectre,” “The Matrix” films), Arthur Conti (“House of the Dragon”) in his feature film debut, with Emmy nominee Jenna Ortega (“Wednesday,” “Scream VI”) as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, and Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe (“Poor Things,” “At Eternity’s Gate”).
Tim Burton, a genre unto himself, directs from a screenplay by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar (“Wednesday”), story by Gough & Millar and Seth Grahame-Smith (“The LEGO Batman Movie”), based on characters created by Michael McDowell & Larry Wilson. An American Sign Language version will also be available. What’s not to like, right?
Our next title is slipping onto the schedule rather quietly and perhaps it is because it did not fair well at the box office. We are talking about JOKER: FOLIE DEUX which lands on HBO SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 (8:00 – 10:20 pm ET/PT). The movie grossed just under $38 million domestically at launch, falling 81% in its second weekend, and is at a worldwide total of nearly $205 million. It also landed a woeful D CinemaScore and splatted on Rotten Tomatoes at 32%. Diehard DC fans might still appreciate it. Maybe.
As for the legend attached to that last title? Clint Eastwood, at the age of 94, is the producer and director of JUROR # 2. Though it is nice to see Max have another exclusive movie, this picture should have had a theatrical run in the cinemas because, at his age, who knows how many more Eastwood movies we are going to get?
So what is it about? The film follows family man Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult) who, while serving as a juror in a high-profile murder trial, finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma…one he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict—or free—the accused killer. It debuts on Max on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20. The film stars Nicholas Hoult, Oscar nominee Toni Collette, Oscar winner J.K. Simmons, Chris Messina, Gabriel Basso, Zoey Deutch, Cedric Yarbrough, Leslie Bibb, and Kiefer Sutherland. The film also features Amy Aquino and Adrienne C. Moore. Academy Award winner Clint Eastwood directs from a screenplay by Jonathan Abrams. The film is produced by Eastwood, Tim Moore, Jessica Meier, Adam Goodman, and Matt Skiena, and executive produced by David M. Bernstein, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, and Jeremy Bell.
HBO Documentary Films: Another iconic Hollywood star gets attention in December via an emotional documentary titled SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVES STORY.
The documentary, directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui (McQueen), debuts SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 (8:00-9:45 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. The critically acclaimed film had its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and recently won six Critics Choice Documentary Awards. Following a life-altering accident, Christopher Reeve persevered, by using his fame to speak of hope and to change our perception of paralysis, all while remaining a dedicated activist, actor and filmmaker, devoted dad, and loving husband to Dana Reeve.
Chronicling his personal and professional life before and after the near-fatal horseback riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down, the film uses Reeve’s own words, as well as intimate input from his closest family members and friends, to paint a rich, nuanced portrait of a man who refused to be defined by his physicality and who proved that you don’t need tights and a cape to be a hero. Illustrated with a multitude of film clips of Reeve as Superman, as well as his other roles and the films he directed, and including never-before-seen, intimate home movies and an extraordinary trove of personal archive material, the film also features the first-ever extended interviews filmed with Reeve’s children, as well as insight from Reeve’s brother, his first wife Gae Exton, and Hollywood colleagues and friends such as Susan Sarandon and Glenn Close. The film also features extensive archival footage of Reeve with his best friend and Juilliard classmate Robin Williams, who, with his wife Marsha, was a constant source of support for Reeve and his family.
Debuting TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 (10:00 – 11:35 PM ET/PT), HBO Documentary Films presents NATURE OF THE CRIME, a Break Thru Films Production produced, directed, and written by Ricki Stern and Jesse Sweet. Every day, thousands of people are sentenced to prison with the possibility of parole, which grants release back into their communities. The life-changing decision of whether parole is ultimately granted – and who decides – is an aspect of the U.S. criminal justice system with little oversight that is often shielded from public scrutiny, mired in political considerations, and little understood. This film follows two men convicted of murder in New York when they were teens, their attorneys, and their family members, as they prepare for their upcoming parole interviews, reflecting on their crimes, their rehabilitation, and the criteria for decisions about their potential release. The film also follows another incarcerated man going through the parole process in Connecticut, a state that recently reformed its process to allow for public observation and additional legal protections.
MAX Documentary Films: Max has a documentary entry that recalls a recent amazing adventure – LOST IN THE AMAZON: THE RESCUE THAT SHOCKED THE WORLD. The pieces will recount the tale of four siblings who must survive in the harsh Colombian rainforest after a crash landing, while rescue teams search for them. It arrives on the streamer THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12. It is bound to get a motion picture treatment from one studio or another.
Max Original Specials: Starstruck creator/star Rose Matafeo returns to Max for her second stand-up 
special with ROSE MATAFEO: ON AND ON AND ON. Find it landing on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19. Building her hourlong set around a 16,000-word note kept over time on her phone, Matafeo leans into her insightful and self-deprecating humor to share candid takes on relationships – from dating in her 20s vs. 30s to supporting friends through breakups and the stark differences between herself and her parents at the same age. The comedian also explores whether she wants children, how aging has impacted her comedy, and her strong feelings about online relationship coaching. Filmed live at London’s Britten Theatre, her special reflects on the difficulties of endings as well as the seemingly endless loops that shape our lives.
Max Kids & Family: Let’s give a quick little rundown of cartoons and their Holiday specials, okay? There is BATWHEELS: THE GREAT CHRISTMAS CAPER and TINY TOONS LOONIVERSITY: WINTER IN BLUNDERLAND on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 06. Also, new episodes of TEEN TITANS GO!, BATWHEELS and MINI BEAT POWER ROCKERS arrive throughout the month. Shockingly, still no word on SESAME STREET. Perhaps they pushed it for a January 2025 debut.
HBO Sports: For the first time ever, television’s most acclaimed sports documentary franchise will chronicle an entire NFL division with HARD KNOCKS: IN SEASON WITH THE AFC NORTH, debuting TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. New episodes, featuring the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers, will premiere on subsequent Tuesdays through the end of the NFL regular season and continue into the NFL playoffs in January 2025.
This go-around, the series will document the battle for the AFC North crown during the final six weeks of the NFL season, as well as a playoff run for the division-winner and any AFC North Wild Card teams. The 18-time Emmy-winning series will deliver its signature all-access coverage as it follows the Mike Tomlin-coached Pittsburgh Steelers, who have never been featured on “Hard Knocks” in the history of the series, as well as coach John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens, coach Zac Taylor’s Cincinnati Bengals, and coach Kevin Stefanski’s Cleveland Browns. Quarterbacks Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Jameis Winston, and Russell Wilson will share the “Hard Knocks” spotlight with Derrick Henry, Ja’Marr Chase, Myles Garrett, TJ Watt, and an array of other AFC North star players.
Keith Cossrow, Vice President and Head of Content, NFL Films, quote: “Last season the AFC North became the first division ever to have all four teams finish with a winning record, making it the perfect place to launch this new approach to ‘Hard Knocks.’ We thank the Bengals, Browns, Ravens, and Steelers for the opportunity to showcase some of the greatest rivalries in football and present the intensity of a playoff chase from all four corners of this incredibly competitive division.” Yeah, we’re ready!
Other Shows On HBO or Max: The That Time of the Year Collection has gone from Turkey Day to 
Christmas content galore. Within the collection, you can find movies like Elf and Polar Express returning to the mix and specials like Max’s SANTA CAMP. Plus, Holiday fare is imported from OWN, Magnolia, and Food Network. Another collection is about to be added. As the highly anticipated Juror #2 arrives on the premier streaming destination this December, check out Max’s catalog of courtroom and legal dramas, documentaries, and notable episodes from fan-favorite series, alongside Clint Eastwood classics. All on one page will be links to
PERRY MASON, THE JINX, THE NIGHT OF, THE UNDOING, THE STAIRCASE, and more. Imports include content from ID, CNN, and even Adult Swim’s Harvey Birdman: Attorney At Law. The Eastwood classics are Cry Macho (2021), Dirty Harry (1971), Invictus (2009), Jersey Boys (2014) and Unforgiven (1992).
Lastly, two titles appear on the listing for December but we can’t locate any information about them. The first is WAS I A SEX OBJECT?, which debuts on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, and X-RATED QUEEN appearing as of FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20. This title is said to be a series on IMDB but that’s all. I’ve grumbled before that this is not a very good marketing strategy regardless of how small a project it is. That first, title may be a documentary. Perhaps you can tell us?
Next Month’s Tease: You might know him if we gave you his most famous screen role so, we won’t. Do you know who played Flynn Carsen (in a fantasy-action series) and Tom Mason (in a sci-fi series) and himself in an episode of THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW? He will be a familiar face come January on Max.
Last Month’s Tease: We asked you if you knew who Nina Mazursky and Dr. Phosphorus were. The answer is that they are two characters in CREATURE COMMANDOS coming in December. She is the gill-gal and the Dr. is the glowing bones.
Final Clip: We wrap this post up like an Xmas gift!
Enjoy HBO & HBOWatch
