New on Netflix: 5 Movies and Shows to Watch This Week (Dec. 16-22)

New on Netflix: 5 Movies and Shows to Watch This Week (Dec. 16-22)

Topping the list of new shows and movies on Netflix this week is Tyler Perry's new war drama.

“Six Triple Eight” is by far the biggest movie to hit the streaming service this week. Starring Kerry Washington, the film tells the story of the black, all-female 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. In addition to Washington, the film features a large ensemble cast, including Susan Sarandon, Sam Waterston, and Oprah Winfrey.

On the television side, there are several returning series worth watching this week. Virgin River, a romantic drama about life in a small California town, returns this week for Season 6. Although it is a children's cartoon, it has many adult fans because of its association with “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”

To see more, read our top picks for what's coming to Netflix this week. If you want to see more, check out our guide to what's new on Netflix in December, or read everything we know about “Squid Game” Season 2, coming later this month.

“Six Triple Eight” tells the story of the 6888th Central Postal Roster Battalion during World War II. The battalion was notable not only for being an all-black battalion, but also for being an all-female battalion, the only female Army unit of color to serve overseas during the war. Directed by Tyler Perry and based on a 2019 magazine article by Kevin M. Heimel, the film depicts the seemingly impossible mission of the women of Unit 6888.

Kerry Washington plays Major Charity Adams in the film, and she is part of a very talented ensemble cast that has garnered praise from critics and audiences alike in early reviews. The film has also been praised for shedding light on a little-known story, even though some critics have deemed it flawed in its story execution.

Watch it on Netflix starting December 20

“Virgin River” has been a Netflix hit since its debut in 2019. The romantic drama series is set in the fictional, remote Northern California town of Virgin River and is based on the novel series of the same name by Robin Carr. It revolves around Melinda “Mel” Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson), a nurse and local bar owner, who ultimately find love in this picturesque but drama-filled small town.

Now entering Season 6, the season focuses on Mel and Jack's wedding. But as the two learn more about each other and their loved ones, there is plenty of drama ahead before they can say “I do” and live happily ever after.

Watch it on Netflix starting December 19

“The Dragon Prince” is set in a world where dragons, humans, and elves struggle to live together, especially after the death of the Dragon King at the hands of humans. The show's storyline centers largely on the human mage Callum (Jack DeSena), his brother King Ezran (Sasha Roggen), and the moon-shadow elf assassin Layla (Paula Burrows), who are looking for a way to destroy the evil Sturtach elf Aravos (Eric Dellums)

But the season is not a mere “one day” affair.

But at the end of season 6, they failed. Now they must return to the destroyed Catrys and unite the disparate nations and factions of Zadia against Arrovos and his army of undead. Season 7 will conclude the show's current storyline, “The Mystery of Aarvos,” but don't worry. Further seasons are already in development.

Watch on Netflix starting December 19

Fans of “The Daily Show” will be familiar with Ronnie Chen. The Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian is one of the show's outstanding correspondents and a personal favorite of mine. It's either him or Jordan Klepper. It is also possible that you have seen him recently on the Hulu show “Interior Chinatown” with fellow comedian Jimmy O. Yang.

However, Chien is not acting on the show. “Ronny Chieng: Love To Hate It” is his new Netflix standup special, filmed over five nights of sold-out performances at the Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu. This one-hour special tackles the struggles of the IVF process, the pitfalls of being a man on the Internet, American politics, and more. Don't miss it.

Watch on Netflix starting December 17

Aaron Rodgers will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history and will have his bust engraved in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. A four-time Super Bowl NFL MVP, he was a Green Bay Packers legend for the first 18 seasons of his career. But it is the last two seasons of his career that Netflix is exploring in “Aaron Rodgers: Enigma.”

And those two seasons contained much more. The documentary focuses on his ruptured Achilles tendon from Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season and his subsequent recovery as a member of the New York Jets. However, it also explores some of the less favorable aspects of Rogers, including the numerous conspiracy theories that he has expressed interest in, even if he does not fully endorse them. If this program actually shows that side of Rogers, it is must-see television.

Watch on Netflix starting December 17

DECEMBER 16

DECEMBER 17

“Aaron Rodgers: the defining moment in the life and career of NFL legend Aaron Rodgers, who recovered from an Achilles injury in A sports series about the defining moments in the life and career of NFL legend Aaron Rodgers.

“Ronnie Chen: Love To Hate It” (Netflix comedy special)

Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian Ronnie Chen has announced his highly anticipated third Netflix standup special, Love To Hate It. Filmed over five nights at the historic Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu, it was a sold-out event. This highly personal special hilariously unpacks the humiliation of the IVF process, the pitfalls of being a man on the Internet, American politics, and the place of the elderly in today's world.

DECEMBER 18

“Julia's Stepping Stones” (Netflix documentary)

Pioneering filmmaker, the late Julia Reichert, gave voice to the voiceless throughout her career. In her final collaboration with her husband, Steven Bogner, Julia tells the intimate story of her journey, from her youth as a working-class girl who dreamed of a larger life, to her discovery of documentary filmmaking, and her own voice in the process.

“Manny” Season 2 (MX) (Netflix series)

Gabrielle and Jimena's paths cross again with more passion and intrigue than they ever imagined. Will they find love again or will they lose everything?

DECEMBER 19

“The Dragon Prince” Season 7 (Netflix Family)

As the world is rocked by destruction and heartbreak, Callum, Ezran and friends face their most difficult challenge yet.

“Virgin River” Season 6 (Netflix series)

New beginnings, secrets uncovered, and second thoughts: as Mel and Jack prepare for their wedding, they learn more about each other and their loved ones.

DECEMBER 20

“Ferry 2” (BE) (Netflix film)

After losing his drug empire, Ferry Bouman finds peace away from the Brabant crime family.

“Six Triple Eight” (Netflix film)

The only female Army unit of color to serve overseas during World War II takes on a seemingly impossible mission in Tyler Perry's drama inspired by a true story.

“Umjolo: Day Ones” (ZA) (Netflix film)

Zanele and Andile have been best friends since day one. But now that Andile is married and has children, is Zanele destined to be in the friend zone forever?

“UniverXO Dabiz” (ES) (Netflix documentary)

Chef Davis Muñoz faces a life-changing decision in this documentary.

DECEMBER 21

12/16/24 Retired

“Darkest Hour” “Mortal Kombat”

12/20/24 Retired

“Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken”

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