TV lineups this week are sizzling with revivals and fresh thrills—prepare for a wild ride as iconic series like Fallout and Emily In Paris make their triumphant comebacks! But here's where it gets controversial: Are these reboots truly capturing the magic of the originals, or are they just cashing in on nostalgia? Stick around to dive into all the must-watch moments from Sunday, December 14, to Saturday, December 20, with times in Eastern Standard Time. As your friendly guide to the small screen, I'll break it down simply, highlighting why these shows might just hook you in ways you never expected.
First up, the postapocalyptic adventure of Fallout roars back on Prime Video this Wednesday at 3 a.m. for its season two debut. Imagine a world ravaged by nuclear fallout, where our heroine Lucy, portrayed by the talented Ella Purnell, embarks on a quest for vengeance against her father's killer (played by the legendary Kyle MacLachlan), all while navigating the treacherous 'New Vegas' landscape. And this is the part most people miss: The Ghoul, that menacing figure brought to life by Walton Goggins, is unraveling mysteries about his own dark past. This season brings in stellar guest stars like Kumail Nanjiani, Macaulay Culkin, and Justin Theroux, adding layers of intrigue to the dystopian chaos. For those new to the genre, think of it as a high-stakes thriller where every decision could mean life or death—perfect for pondering ethical dilemmas in a crumbling society. The A.V. Club will provide weekly recaps to keep you on track.
Switching gears to romantic escapades, Emily In Paris returns for its fifth season on Netflix on Thursday at 3 a.m. Spoiler alert: Emily isn't lounging in Paris anymore—she's traded the Eiffel Tower for the ancient wonders of Rome, helming the new Italian branch of Agence Grateu while juggling her steamy romance with the wealthy Marcello. But here's where it gets spicy: A professional misstep sets off a chain reaction, plunging her into that signature blend of professional hurdles and personal turmoil we've come to love. For beginners, it's like watching a modern fairy tale where career ambitions clash with heartfelt connections, often leading to hilarious and heartfelt European escapades. Expect The A.V. Club's review to drop on Thursday, giving you a deeper look into the show's evolving charm.
If you're in the mood for something darker, Human Specimens premieres as a miniseries on Prime Video this Thursday at 3 a.m. Led by the acclaimed actor Hidetoshi Nishijima from Drive My Car, this gripping psychological thriller adapts Kanae Minato's novel into five intense chapters. At its core is a butterfly expert who shocks everyone by admitting to transforming six young boys—including his own son—into 'human specimens.' Directed by Ryûichi Hiroki, who previously tackled Minato's work in the 2022 film Motherhood, this story delves into twisted psychology and moral ambiguity. For newcomers to thrillers, consider it a cautionary tale about obsession and the thin line between science and madness—think Silence of the Lambs meets forensic horror.
On a lighter, more undead note, Queens Of The Dead hits AMC+ on Friday at midnight. Picture this: A zombie outbreak strikes a massive Brooklyn warehouse bash, forcing a eclectic group of drag queens, partygoers, and rival pals to team up against the ravenous horde. Written and directed by Tina Romero, the queer ensemble includes rising star Katy O'Brian from Love Lies Bleeding, theater icon Cheyenne Jackson, Drag Race veteran Nina West, and comedic powerhouse Margaret Cho. It's a fun, empowering spin on zombie flicks, blending humor with heart—ideal for exploring themes of unity in the face of chaos.
Don't miss these essential recaps to catch up or relive the excitement:
- Landman (Paramount+, Sunday at 12 a.m.): Dive into the gritty world of oil country drama.
- IT: Welcome To Derry (HBO, Sunday at 9 p.m., season one finale): The horror series wraps with chilling twists.
- I Love LA (HBO, Sunday at 10:40 p.m.): Follow the comedic misadventures in Hollywood.
- Pluribus (Apple TV, Friday at 12 a.m.): Unpack the political intrigue in this thriller.
- Saturday Night Live (NBC, Saturday at 11:30 p.m., midseason finale): End the week with laughs and sketches.
And if you're looking for more arrivals, check out:
- The Manny (Netflix, Wednesday at 3 a.m., season three premiere): A fresh take on family dynamics.
- What’s In The Box? (Netflix, Wednesday at 3 a.m., season one premiere): Mystery and surprises await.
- Born To Be Wild (Apple TV, Friday at 12 a.m., season one premiere): Nature's raw power on display.
- The Elephant (Adult Swim, Friday at 11 p.m., three-part special): Thought-provoking storytelling in a unique format.
As shows wind down, mark these finales:
- St. Denis Medical (NBC, Monday at 8 p.m., midseason finale): Medical drama reaches a pivotal point.
- Survivor (CBS, Wednesday at 8 p.m., season 49 finale): Reality TV's endurance test concludes.
- The Seduction (HBO Max, Friday at 12 a.m., season one finale): Romance and intrigue come to a head.
But here's the controversial twist: In an era of endless streaming options, are reboots like Fallout and Emily In Paris innovative or just playing it safe? Do psychological thrillers like Human Specimens push boundaries too far, or do they spark important conversations about ethics? And what about zombie comedies—do they trivialize serious issues like pandemics, or offer clever escapism? This is the part where I ask you: What's your take? Do these shows deserve the hype, or should creators tap into fresher ideas? Share your thoughts in the comments—agree, disagree, or add your own hot takes. Let's discuss!
