Watch the season finale of ‘Dune: Prophecy’ and much more this week
Watch the season finale of ‘Dune: Prophecy’ and much more this week
The week is dotted with big-name sports events and finales, and we’ve assembled a list of the best here.
One more week. Just one more full work week until Christmas, which for many means that there’s a break on the horizon. It’s so close that most readers can almost taste it, but there’s still a five-day stretch of full work days to get through.
Fortunately, streamers and programmers know that viewers are about to have some time off. There are some excellent movies and TV shows coming to streaming this week, as well as live sports events that even the most casual fans will have a great time watching.
Monday, Dec. 16
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ Series finale | FX, stream with a three-day free trial of Hulu + Live TV
Colin Robinson, Laszlo, Nadja, Nandor and their faithful servant Guillermo are just about ready to fly off into the sunse-er, moonrise. This season has been all about the vampires’ renewed efforts to take over Staten Island, with predictable and hilarious results.
In the penultimate episode, Guillermo realizes that the capital company he has been employed by has no intention of valuing him the way he deserves, mirroring his longstanding relationship with the vampires. But Nandor finally stands up for his embattled familiar, and it’s a good bet that he and the rest of the vampires will wrap up their stories in a highly satisfying way in the series finale.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
NBA Cup championship game, Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | ABC, watch with a five-day free trial of DIRECTV STREAM
The NBA started its in-season NBA Cup tournament in 2023, and it’s already taken off. This year’s NBA Cup championship game will feature two teams that many expect to be big-time contenders in the playoffs in the Milwaukee Bucks and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have already complied a 14-11 record. The Thunder have already shot to the top of the Western Conference at 20-5, led by their rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a host of complimentary players.
Wednesday, Dec. 18
‘The Secret Lives of Animals’ series premiere | Apple TV+
The Secret Lives of Animals” highlights 77 unique species in 24 countries over three years, revealing stunning, never-before-seen animal behaviors and highlighting the remarkable intelligence of the natural world. Hailing from the acclaimed BBC Studios Natural History Unit, the show promises to be another gem in the Apple TV+ collection.
Anyone who’s watched “Prehistoric Planet” on Apple TV+ knows just how high quality the streamer’s nature shows are. Now, viewers get to travel the globe with BBC Studios film crews and learn more about the animals that inhabit this fragile world.
Thursday, Dec. 19
‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ series finale | Paramount+
The crew of the U.S.S. Cerritos is gearing up for one last adventure. The ship, which takes care of Starfleet’s dirty work by specializing in second-contact missions, has a far more important task ahead of it thanks to a fracturing of the multiverse. Captain William Boimler will have to count on his prime universe counterpart Bradward to help save all life in the multiverse, which…could go horribly.
As a huge Star Trek fan, I’ve loved watching “Lower Decks” over the years. It’s not a critical darling of a show or a ground-breaking entrant in the franchise, but it’s a love letter to all fans of the franchise, with its non-stop references and a true commitment to the ideals of Starfleet: duty, honor, and above all, loyalty to friends and crewmates.
Friday, Dec. 20
‘Juror #2’ streaming premiere | Max
This new thriller directed by Clint Eastwood himself features some stomach-twisting turns. It stars Nicolas Hoult as a juror named Justin Kemp, a straight-laced family man who is called to serve on the jury of a high-profile accused murderer.
But Kemp hides a disturbing secret that could throw the proceedings into chaos if it were revealed. He realizes that he himself may be responsible for the victim’s death, creating internal turmoil about whether or not to turn himself in and take responsibility for his actions.
Saturday, Dec. 21
College Football Playoff first round, Tennessee Volunteers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes | ABC, ESPN, stream with a five-day free trial of DIRECTV STREAM
This is the first year that the College Football Playoff will grow to 12 teams, and this matchup between the Buckeyes and the Volunteers could be one of the most intriguing of the initial round. It’s a clash of two of the best-known teams in the Big 10 and SEC respectively, one that doesn’t get played out all that often.
Tennessee has powered its offense through running back Dylan Sampson, who has helped the team average 200 yards rushing per game in his four years at the school. On the Ohio State side, true freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith has electrified the offense. Will it be a shootout when the two teams clash, and who will come out on top?
Sunday, Dec. 22
‘Dune: Prophecy’ Season 1 finale | Max
Ten thousand years before the ascension of Paul Atreides and his journey to Arrakis, sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen established the fabled sect and female order that would become known as the Bene Gesserit to control the future of humankind.
The series has all the political intrigue of “Game of Thrones,” and gives some excellent backstory to the greater “Dune” world. It’s based on the “Great Schools of Dune” novel trilogy by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, so there is a possibility of future seasons once the first season ends, though no further episodes have been confirmed.