This month brings a plethora of new titles for U.S. subscribers, with a Nate Bargatze special and the return of “Squid Game” among them. Every month, Netflix enriches its library with an array of movies and TV shows. Here are our top picks for December's most enticing additions.

Uncover the Best of December's Netflix Lineup

'Black Doves' Season 1

Created by Joe Barton, known for his stylish series like “Giri/Haji” and “The Lazarus Project,” this twisty thriller features Keira Knightley as Helen. She is a deep-cover secret agent married to the British politician she's spying on and is the mother of his children. When Jason, a man she had an affair with, is publicly assassinated by London mobsters, Helen's boss and colleague try to keep the investigation from reaching her and blowing her cover. Set in a pulp fiction version of England where everyone hides something and no one trusts fully, “Black Doves” is a tale of survival through guile.In this world, information is currency, and Helen must navigate the dangerous web of secrets. The show keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and the performances of the talented cast.

'Maria'

The third film in director Pablo Larraín's biopic trilogy after “Jackie” and “Spencer,” “Maria” showcases Angelina Jolie as the opera diva Maria Callas. Set during the final week of her life, Callas is in a druggie stupor, imagining an interview where she reflects on her tumultuous life. Jolie reportedly spent months in opera training not to mimic Callas's voice but to master her stance, movement, and breathing.The movie offers a unique glimpse into the life of a legendary opera singer, with Jolie's performance adding depth and authenticity. It's a captivating story that delves into the inner world of Maria Callas.

'No Good Deed' Season 1

At the beginning of this dark dramedy, a Los Angeles couple, Paul (Ray Romano) and Lydia (Lisa Kudrow), are eager to sell their beautiful, century-old house in an upscale neighborhood. A group of motivated buyers, including Luke Wilson, Linda Cardellini, Teyonah Parris, O-T Fagbenle, Abbi Jacobson, and Poppy Liu, circle the property. Paul and Lydia try to hide their secret reasons for the sale and their connection to a dangerous ex-con played by Denis Leary.Similar to Liz Feldman's previous Netflix series “Dead to Me,” “No Good Deed” explores the lives of people who seem to have material success but whose personal lives are in chaos. Privately, they all feel on the brink of disaster, adding a layer of tension to the story.

'Your Friend, Nate Bargatze'

The stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze was already popular before hosting “Saturday Night Live” in 2023. Those appearances helped propel him into comedy's A-list. This month, he hosts a Christmas-themed variety show for CBS (airing on Dec. 19 and available on Paramount+) and then debuts his third Netflix stand-up special on Christmas Eve.It makes sense for Bargatze to release new material during the holiday season when families gather. His profanity-free jokes are suitable for all ages and touch on universal topics like marriage, parenting, and navigating modern etiquette. He brings a unique charm and humor to his performances.

'Squid Game' Season 2

The first season of the Korean mystery-thriller “Squid Game” became an international sensation, captivating audiences with its depiction of an elaborate tournament. In Season 2, rumors about the game start to leak out, and former players like Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and Jun-ho (Wi Ha-jun) are looking to find it.The Emmy-winning writer-director, Hwang Dong-hyuk, returns for the second of a planned three-season run, bringing back the visually stunning and nerve-wracking contests of Season 1. He also adds more social commentary, examining the brokenness of our world where such a deadly underground competition could exist.