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What to Watch: 4 Movies and 2 Shows Our Critic Recommends

Upfront/WATCH

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Film critic Chris Nashawaty recommends this winter’s top movies and shows for grownups

A group of people are gathered indoors. A man in the center wears a light suit and glasses, while a man to his right wears a dark quilted vest and sunglasses. The feature mentions actors George Clooney and Adam Sandler.

JAY KELLY

On Netflix December 5

George Clooney, 64, plays a charismatic movie star who travels to Europe with his manager (Adam Sandler, 59) to see his career honored. Along the way, he grapples with the many sacrifices and bittersweet choices he’s made.


Two people are on a dark stage, leaning into microphones as if performing a musical number. The feature mentions Hugh Jackman (57) and Kate Hudson Star (50) in connection with the show.

SONG SUNG BLUE

In theaters December 25

If you ever need proof that truth is stranger than fiction, check out this inspirational, fact-based jukebox musical about a married Milwaukee couple who perform as Lightning & Thunder—an unironic Neil Diamond tribute act. (Don’t laugh: They’re actually pretty great!) Hugh Jackman, 57, and Kate Hudson star as local icons Mike and Claire Sardina.


Scene from the the Watson

WATSON

On CBS January 26

The game is afoot! Expect a new file full of nail-biting medical mysteries in the second season of this sly, satisfying procedural starring The Best Man’s Morris Chestnut, 56.


Will Arnett in Is This Thing On

IS THIS THING ON?

In theaters December 19

Bradley Cooper, 50, confirms his status as a serious Hollywood triple threat, cowriting and directing this dark comedy about a burned-out husband and dad (Will Arnett, 55) navigating midlife as a fledgling stand-up comic. Cooper and the always welcome Laura Dern, 58, costar.


THE PITT

On HBO Max January 8

Fresh off their big wins at the 2025 Emmys, The Pitt and Noah Wyle, 54, return for a sophomore season of trauma and drama, with even more amped-up emotional fireworks. Literally: The new stories are said to unfold over Fourth of July weekend.


Scene of two actors in a car from the movie Wake Up Dead Man

WAKE UP DEAD MAN

On Netflix December 12

Is Rian Johnson our generation’s answer to Agatha Christie? The whip-smart 51-year-old writer-director reteams with Daniel Craig, 57, for the third installment in the deliciously twisty Knives Out mystery franchise, with Glenn Close, 78, Jeremy Renner, 54, and other stars.

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