A collection of new movies and shows ready for you to binge watch this holiday season — all with a Canadian twist
By: Layyan Mohamed-Birhan
(Ish Chopra/CanCulture)
Winter break has finally arrived and I know many of you, including myself, are craving the chance to unwind in bed and binge-watch countless films to your heart’s desire. But with so many shows released during this busy year, the pain of deciding what to watch is unlike any other.
Luckily, we’ve got your back! Here is a list of the best new movies, shows and documentaries to catch up on during the break.
Ginny & Georgia (Season 2)
In case some of you have not heard yet (drumroll), season two of Ginny & Georgia is premiering on Jan. 5, 2023 on Netflix.
Fun fact: although the setting is based in Massachusetts, the show was actually filmed in spots around Ontario. According to Narcity, Ginny & Georgias’ home is located in the Toronto neighbourhood Baby Point, but the majority of the show is filmed in Cobourg, Ont. The Netflix original series also includes Canadian actors Raymond Ablack (Joe, the coffee guy) and Nikki Roumel (teen Georgia), who also appears in two Degrassi series.
Season two will consist of 10 one-hour-long episodes. Although it's not a lot, you’ll certainly have enough days to binge-watch it before the winter semester begins — unless you’re like me and could finish it in one night.
Emily in Paris (Season 3)
If you’re in need of watching a series that screams comedy, drama and chic, I suggest you get ready for the new season of Emily In Paris. The third installment drops on Netflix on Dec. 21, 2022, and I couldn't be more excited.
It focuses on Emily’s journey as she balances adjusting to an unfamiliar French culture, working in a marketing firm and juggling her chaotic relationships. The show is truly iconic and makes me want to pack up my bags and move to Paris — away from the frigid temperatures in Canada.
If you haven’t heard of this series, you need to do yourself a favour this winter break and start watching. And make sure to check out our article, Emily in Canada, inspired by this series.
Falling for Christmas (2022)
For those who celebrate Christmas and want to get into the holiday spirit but have already binge-watched every holiday movie that exists, try adding Falling for Christmas, starring the one and only Lindsay Lohan, onto your list.
In this rom-com, Lohan's character, Sierra Belmont, is diagnosed with amnesia after a skiing accident. She finds herself under the care of a handsome lodge man and his daughter. This is a great movie to watch on Netflix with friends, family or even alone in the comfort of your home.
Hodan’s Story
Hodan Nalayeh was a Somali-Canadian journalist with a passion for storytelling and activism. Nalayeh was a mother of two, and her work consisted of breaking the stereotypes against Somalia and documenting the positive things about her country. She created the first English-language online platform for Somalis worldwide called Integration TV. In 2019, Nalayeh died in a tragic hotel bombing in Somalia alongside her husband.
This CBC Gem documentary aired on Oct. 8, 2022, and was constructed by one of Nalayeh’s close friends, Dwayne Holness. He created it in honour of her work and the impact she made. Holness explained in a CBC interview posted on his Instagram, that it took about a year to get the documentary to where they wanted it. He also hopes her story inspires others.
These are four suggestions that would be great to watch during the winter break whether you’re in the mood for inspiration, luxury, holidays or drama! As you hand in the last of your assignments and travel back home for the break, keep these shows and films in mind for those cold, cozy nights ahead.