10 TV and streaming shows for December: Doll Factory, Reacher, and radical women
The Doll Factory, the final instalment of The Crown, and Reacher are among the TV highlights for December.
Some of this new period thriller has been available on the streaming service for the past few days, but all episodes are available from December 1. Adapted from the novel by Elizabeth Macneal, familiar faces include Glanmire actor Éanna Hardwicke and Derry Girls star Saoirse-Monica Jackson.
Barry O’Kelly looks at the phenomenon where people make objections against developments, but then withdraw in return for cash payments.
Documentary from Cork director Ciara Hyland on the Irish women of the revolutionary period whose close bonds went beyond the platonic. We hear of such figures as Marie Equi and her same sex partner who adopted a child in 1916; and Eva Gore Booth’s journal that discussed trans rights.
The final season may have been panned all round, but that won’t stop diehard fans from watching the final episodes. All six drop on the same day, will have plenty focus on young Harry and William in the wake of the death of their mother Diana.
After a decent opening season, the adaptation of Lee Child’s tale of a crime-busting ex-military policeman is back for a second run. The first three episodes drop together, and then it’s one per week until the season finale in January.
It may have taken 23 years but Aardman have finally produced a sequel to their pullets surprise. Mel Gibson hasn’t returned, but an impressive voice cast does include the likes of Thandiwe Newton and Romesh Ranganathan.
Rick Riordan’s fantasy novels were hugely successful among the age 8-12 cohort, and it’s no surprise they’ve been turned into a TV series. Percy and his supernatural abilities apparently originated in the stories the author told his ADHD son, a boy with a big interest in Greek mythology.
For a while the first series of this Australia-set thriller was essential viewing. It may have fizzled out a bit by the end, but plenty fans will be back to see the latest adventures of Jamie Dornan and co.
A documentary on the incredible life of Grace Kelly, the Oscar-winning Mayo-American actress who married Prince Rainier of Monaco.
George Morrison's 1959 documentary dipped into newsreels from around Europe to present the story of Ireland’s struggle for independence in the early 20th century. And yes, it’s worth it alone for the stirring Seán Ó Riada score.
