Story perspectives

New Releases: Netflix Hit and Holiday Specials Unveiled

12/23/2025

Summary

Streaming Platforms Premiere

Streaming platforms premiere several new shows and movies this week, led by a Netflix hit returning after three years.
Notable releases include acclaimed films on video-on-demand and holiday specials across HBO Max, Disney+, and Criterion Channel.
In theaters, A24's Marty Supreme, featuring Timothée Chalamet, earned $875,000 in its limited release and expands on Christmas Day.
Other films debuting include The Plague, Anaconda, and The Testament of Ann Lee.

Summary

HBO Max Expands Lineup

HBO Max will expand its January 2026 lineup with a Game of Thrones prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, about Ser Duncan the Tall.
The Pitt returns for a second season with 15 weekly episodes, starting January 8, 2026.
A Mel Brooks documentary will join HBO Max's January 2026 lineup.
HBO Max will stream A24 titles including The Smashing Machine and If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.

History

Historical Context

HBO Max launched on May 27, 2020, as WarnerMedia's response to the growing streaming competition from Netflix and Disney+. With a $4.5 billion investment in original content, it aimed to attract subscribers and reshape media consumption. By July 2020, HBO Max reported 26.6 million subscribers, highlighting the evolving landscape of entertainment and viewer habits in the digital age.

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Streaming Platforms Premiere

Streaming platforms premiere several new shows and movies this week, led by a Netflix hit returning after three years.
Notable releases include acclaimed films on video-on-demand and holiday specials across HBO Max, Disney+, and Criterion Channel.
In theaters, A24's Marty Supreme, featuring Timothée Chalamet, earned $875,000 in its limited release and expands on Christmas Day.
Other films debuting include The Plague, Anaconda, and The Testament of Ann Lee.

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