Stan has released new titles and returning series for the month of December.
December 11
A Stan Original Film
Only on Stan.
Directed by Christiaan Van Vuuren (Bondi Hipsters, The Other Guy), A Sunburnt Christmas is a wild, hilarious and heartfelt story about a single mum and her kids doing it tough on their outback farm until a runaway criminal dressed as Santa Claus crashes into their property and their lives. In the lead role as Daryl the kindly crim,Daniel Henshall (Snowtown, Stan Original Series Bloom, Acute Misfortune) is mistaken for the real Santa by the young and fearless Daisy, played by incredible new talent Lena Nankivell. Other newcomers Eaden McGuinnessand Tatiana Goode are equally brilliant in their roles as Daisy’s older siblings, her anxious brother Tom and wily teenage sister Hazel who sees Daryl as an opportunity to get her family back on track. Sullivan Stapleton (Animal Kingdom, Ride Like A Girl, 300: Rise of an Empire), also stars as Dingo, the mobster on the hunt for Daryl, with Ling Cooper Tang (The Secrets She Keeps, Stan Original Series The Gloaming) as the children’s mumrounding out the multi-generational cast of diverse characters.
December 13
A Stan Original Special
Only on Stan.
Created by Nick Boshier and Christiaan Van Vuuren, the creators of social media hit Bondi Hipsters, and co-creators of TV series, Soul Mates, Dom and Adrian: 2020 stars Christiaan Van Vuuren as Dom andNick Boshier as Adrian. Dom and Adrian: 2020 is a mockumentary special chronicling their journey through the garbage fire that is 2020. Having been billed to play at a premier bush doof, Dom and Adrian’s USBJ’ing (DJing with pre-loaded USBs) career was on the precipice of taking off… when the bushfires hit. They were next booked to play a bushfire fundraiser when the floods washed through. Then they were going to headline a flood-relief show when the hail storms came down. And now, the night before their biggest gig yet, raising money for the #PanelBeatBondiAiD movement, the whole country was thrown into lockdown because of one little global pandemic, “Such a nanny state!”. In spite of the initial personal turmoil, the two best friends quickly see all this as an opportunity to refocus, “pivot” and evolve creatively – but as time goes on, it’s not only their creativity and entrepreneurial-ship that’s tested, but their friendship and sanity.
EXCLUSIVE PREMIERES
December 7
Brand New Event Series / New Episodes Weekly
Only on Stan. / Same Day as the U.S.
Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Bryan Cranston stars in this gripping legal thriller as Michael Desiato, a respected New Orleans judge whose teenage son, Adam (Hunter Doohan), is involved in a hit-and-run that leads to a high-stakes game of lies, deceit and impossible choices. SAG Award winner Michael Stuhlbarg (Call Me By Your Name) stars as Jimmy Baxter, the much-feared head of a crime family opposite Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Hope Davis (For the People) as his wife, Gina, who might be even more dangerous than her husband. The series also stars Carmen Ejogo (Selma), Isiah Whitlock Jr. (The Wire), and Sofia Black-D’Elia (The Night Of). Emmy nominee and Golden Globe winner Maura Tierney of The Affair will guest star as Fiona McKee, a fearless prosecutor trying a major case in Desiato’s courtroom. Additional guest stars include Amy Landecker (Transparent), Emmy winner Margo Martindale (The Americans), Lorraine Toussaint (Orange Is the New Black), Chet Hanks (Empire), Lamar Johnson (The Hate You Give) and Lilli Kay (Chambers).
December 6
Midseason Return / New Episodes Weekly
Only on Stan. / Same Day as the U.S.
Power Book II: Ghost picks up shortly after the earth-shattering events of Power as Tariq St. Patrick grapples with a new world order: his father dead and his mother, Tasha, facing charges for the murder her son committed. Not to mention the academic rigours of the Ivy League university Tariq is attending to earn his inheritance. Truly on his own for the first time in his life, Tariq is forced to split his time between school and hustling to pay for Davis MacLean, the fame-hungry defense lawyer who is Tasha’s only hope of getting out of jail and escaping prosecution by newly minted U.S. Attorney Cooper Saxe. With no better options, Tariq turns to the familiar drug game, entangling himself with a cutthroat family headed by Monet Stewart Tejada, that’s been at it far longer than him. As Tariq tries to balance his drug operation with his grades, love life, and family, he figures out that the only way to avoid the same fate his father met is to become him — only better.
December 18
Brand New Series / All Episodes at Once
Only on Stan.
This television spinoff of the iconic film follows Maya, the young communications director for a New York senatorial campaign, who receives a wedding invitation from her college schoolmate now living in London. She leaves her professional and personal life behind, in favour of traveling to England and reconnecting with old friends and ends up in the midst of their personal crises. Relationships are forged and broken, political scandals exposed, London social life lampooned, love affairs ignited and doused, and of course there are four weddings… and a funeral.
December 3
Brand New Documentary
Only on Stan.
Thomas Banks is a young, gay playwright with cerebral palsy who is on a quest to find true love; he struggles to find someone who will commit, looks for love in all the wrong places and crosses many hurdles to come to terms with his vulnerabilities; will he learn to love himself by opening night?
EXCLUSIVE KIDS TV
Now Streaming
Brand New Series
Only on Stan.
Inspired by the beloved DreamWorks Animation films, TrollsTopia is the next chapter in the hair-raising adventures of the trolls. Now that Poppy knows there are other musical trolls scattered throughout the forest, she bottles up her endless positivity and invites delegates from every troll tribe in the forest to live together in harmony in a grand experiment she calls TrollsTopia!
December 12
Season 1, Part 2 / All Episodes at Once
Only on Stan. / Same Day as the U.S.
Based on the global blockbuster movie franchise, Madagascar: A Little Wild features the loveable foursome Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo as kids residing in their rescue habitat at a world-famous zoo. The series captures the iconic personalities of each of these four dynamos with the same humour and physical comedy and universal appeal that brought the beloved franchise to life. Join Alex, the leader of the squad; Marty, the group’s investigator; Melman, who loves to follow a routine; and Gloria, the confident dancer, as they embark on adventures and pursue their dreams.
December 11
Season 13 / All Episodes at Once
SVOD Exclusive
For more than 60 years the world has followed the adventures of a curious little monkey named George and his friend the Man with the Yellow Hat. Created by Margret and H.A. Rey, Curious George was first published in 1941 and has remained consistently beloved by children ever since. This animated series continues with that tradition as it introduces George to a whole new adoring generation. With a focus on education, the series incorporates early science and math content and draws upon George’s curiosity-driven adventures to target pre-school age viewers.
December 12
Season 2 / All Episodes at Once
Same Day as the U.S.
Twelve-year-old Waldo and his best friend Wenda are members of the Worldwide Wanderer Society — the international order of curious travellers who circle the globe celebrating cultures and solving problems through observation. Their mentor Wizard Whitebeard, a seasoned wanderer, sends these inquisitive young adventurers on international travel missions so they can earn their stripes and someday become wizard-level wanderers too. But standing in Waldo and Wenda’s way is their rival Odlulu, who can’t help but cause trouble wherever she goes.
CONTINUING SERIES
Now Streaming
Brand New Series / All Episodes at Once
Only on Stan. / Same Day as the U.S.
In the reimagined Saved By The Bell, California governor Zack Morris gets into hot water for closing too many underfunded high schools, proposing they send the affected students to the most well-funded schools in the state – including Bayside High. The influx of new students gives the privileged Bayside kids (who never have a problem that can’t be solved in twenty-two minutes) a much-needed dose of reality. Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley Lauren star in the new Saved By The Bell series, reprising their roles as A.C. Slater and Jessie Spano. John Michael Higgins also stars as Principal Toddman alongside the new class featuring Belmont Cameli, Dexter Darden, Mitchell Hoog, Alycia Pascual-Peña, Josie Totah and Haskiri Velazquez.
November 29
A Stan Original Documentary Series
Only on Stan.
Created and directed by Perth-born Thomas Meadmore, After The Night delves into the unbelievable true story of one of Australia’s deadliest serial killers Eric Edgar Cooke, known as ‘The Night Caller,’ who terrorised and destroyed a local Australian community, murdering eight people and assaulting and attempting to kill many, many more. In the early 1960s, Perth was a sunny, peaceful and innocent city, suddenly devastated by a spate of horrific, disparate, seemingly senseless killings, which local police failed to connect and attribute to one man until it was far too late. The series explores the killer’s harrowing legacy of tragedy, grief, responsibility and redemption – as seen through the eyes of a filmmaker returning to his childhood home, Perth, and spending time with those closest to the killer and his victims, whose lives he altered irrevocably.
New Episodes Mondays – Finale December 7
Brand New Docuseries
Only on Stan. / Same Day as the U.S.
A four-part documentary series that explores the many surprisingly unexamined aspects of the Reagan White House, and how Nancy Reagan’s paper-doll image was at odds with the power she ultimately wielded throughout her husband’s presidency.
TV SERIES
December 1
Season 3
SVOD Exclusive
In the third season of Siren, the arrival of a new mermaid signals the end of a short lived period of normalcy in Bristol Cove, leaving Ryn skeptical of this stranger’s true motives. Maddie learns the truth behind Ian’s death. Ben fights to preserve his mother’s treatments. Xander is inspired to take on more responsibility, while Helen receives a visit from an old friend.
December 3
Season 1
This gripping contemporary family thriller stars Archie Panjabi and Jack Davenport. Whip-smart GP Mona Mirza lives a charmed life at the heart of a loving family living in London. But she is left grief-stricken when her much-loved brother is brutally murdered whilst working for a medical charity overseas. As the death brings buried family secrets to light, Mona is drawn deep into a tangle of betrayal, conspiracy and murder. One way or another, she must find a way of protecting herself, her family and her career as they are all put at risk.
December 7
Season 1
In this bold, adrenaline-fuelled comedy drama, the news that a comet is on an unavoidable collision course with earth sets in motion the most hilariously unexpected chain of events imaginable. Set against the backdrop of apocalyptic chaos and starring Rob Lowe, Jenna Fischer, Megan Mullally, and Mathew Baynton, the story follows an eclectic group of seemingly unconnected characters around the world as their lives start to intersect in the most unexpected ways.
December 9
Season 1
SVOD Exclusive
Vinnie, a Lancashire lad with bipolar disorder, and Dylan, his razor-smart best mate, are inseparable and utterly co-dependant. But Dylan’s girlfriend Erin might just shake things up for good with her plans to leave town and start a new life for herself and her kid, Tyler. Dylan is faced with the impossible decision between a fresh start with the love of his life or staying behind with his inseparable gang of mates that he can’t live without.
December 11
Seasons 1 & 2
They say friendship isn’t one big thing, it’s a million little things; and that’s true for a group of friends from Boston who bonded under unexpected circumstances. Some have achieved success, others are struggling in their careers and relationships, but all of them feel stuck in life. After one of them dies unexpectedly, it’s just the wake-up call the others need to finally start living. Along the way they discover that friends may be the one thing to save them from themselves.
December 15
Season 1
SVOD Exclusive
This contemporary thriller follows Emma Blunt (Helen McCrory), a solicitor known for defending lost causes. As Emma digs deep into her cases, she begins to sense powerful forces, in the police and the intelligence services at home and abroad.
December 16
Season 1
Written and directed by Julia Davis, who stars alongside Steve Pemberton, Rufus Jones, Elizabeth Berrington, Vicki Pepperdine and Jonathan Cake, Camping is a comedy about the holiday from hell. Fiona meticulously organises every detail of a camping trip for her friend’s 50th birthday but everything falls apart when the guests turn up. Recently separated Tom brings along new partner Fay, who has a bit of a wild side, and Kerry can’t stop reminding everyone of her husband Adam’s problem with the booze.
December 23
Season 1
SVOD Exclusive
Down on his heels archaeologist Howard Carter stumbles upon evidence of an undiscovered tomb of one of Egypt’s forgotten Pharaohs, Tutankhamun, right at the heart of the Valley of the Kings. Other archaeologists dismiss Carter’s theories as impossible, a romantic dream: the valley, they say, has been dug out. Only one man believes in Carter’s dream, and put up the money he needs: Lord Carnarvon, a born gambler and thrill-seeker. Together, this unlikely pair overcome all odds – corrupt officials and rival digs, World War, Revolution – in pursuit of this impossible dream. It seems as if nothing can come between them – until Carter falls in love with Carnarvon’s daughter, Evelyn.
December 26
Season 1
Based on the acclaimed novel by Elliot Perlman, Seven Types of Ambiguity is a psychological mystery told from the shifting perspectives of seven characters. Starring Hugo Weaving, the drama unfolds when six-year-old Sam is abducted from school. The police locate Sam unharmed hours later, but the case only grows more complicated. Sam’s parents happen to know the two kidnappers, leading to further revelations that entangle multiple parties in a complex and emotional dispute over who is truly to blame.
December 31
As a series of monstrous killings becomes more audacious, Luther (Idris Elba) and new recruit DS Catherine Halliday (Wunmi Mosaku) are confounded by a tangle of misdirection that seems to protect an unspeakable horror. As the case brings him closer than ever to the nature of true evil, Luther must also face the ghosts of his own past.
December 31
Miniseries
Relive the rollercoaster story of Paul Hogan, who’s raw comedic talent saw him explode onto the entertainment scene of first Australia and then the world on his way to becoming a household name and an Oscar-nominated superstar. Embraced by all Australians and known simply as “Hoges”, he is joined on his meteoric journey by lifelong friend, producer and sidekick John “Strop” Cornell. Entwining the story of his amazing journey with that of his close family life, his two great loves, the pain of divorce, his struggle with the intense scrutiny of life in the public eye, but also of his enduring friendship with Cornell, this epic miniseries follows the man, the myth and the legend of Paul Hogan.
December 31
Season 1
SVOD Exclusive
This urban drama follows 17-year-old Damien, a young cage fighter whose life spirals out of control as he finds himself wrapped up in all kinds of trouble. In a rough Ireland town, drug gangs control the streets and crime can seem like the only way out of poverty. Follow Damien as his family becomes embroiled in violence and crime, and he is forced to find a way to make ends meet and avenge a personal tragedy. Personal conflict, family tension and gang rivalry force Damien to enter into the world of cage fighting sooner than he had hoped. This is a gutsy, compelling drama that’s fearless and pulls no punches.
MOVIES
December 1
Winner of two Academy Awards, this acclaimed drama follows Precious Jones (Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe), a high-school girl with nothing working in her favour. She is pregnant with her father’s child – for the second time. She can’t read or write, and her schoolmates tease her for being fat. Her home life is a horror, ruled by a mother (Mo’Nique) who keeps her imprisoned both emotionally and physically. Precious’s instincts tell her one thing: if she’s ever going to break from the chains of ignorance, she will have to dig deeply into her own resources.
December 3
Director Warwick Thornton’s six-time AACTA Award-winning masterpiece, Sweet Country is inspired by true events and is set deep in the outback of the Northern Territory in 1929. When Aboriginal stockman Sam (Hamilton Morris) kills white station owner Harry March (Ewen Leslie) in self-defence, Sam and his wife Lizzie (Natassia Gorey-Furber) go on the run. Pursued across glorious but harsh desert country by Sergeant Fletcher (Bryan Brown), who’s aided by Aboriginal tracker Archie (Gibson John) and local landowners Fred Smith (Sam Neill) and Mick Kennedy (Thomas M. Wright), a fight for justice is waged across the unforgiving outback.
December 3
From Academy Award nominated director Stephen Frears (The Queen, Philomena) comes the true story of the meteoric rise and fall of one of the most celebrated and controversial men in recent history; Lance Armstrong, the world-renowned Tour de France champion. Inspired by the award winning book ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ by David Walsh, and featuring a stellar cast including Ben Foster (Lone Survivor), Chris O’Dowd (Calvary), Guillaume Canet (Tell No One) and Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad), The Program is a tense and suspenseful thriller.
December 6
When Nancy (Lake Bell) is mistaken for Jack’s (Simon Pegg) blind date under the clock at Waterloo Station, she decides to take fate into her own hands and just go with it. What could possibly go wrong? Man Up is an honest, heart-warming romantic comedy about taking chances and rolling with the consequences. One night, two people, on a first date like no other…
December 18
A mile-wide, 300 miles-per-hour force of total devastation is coming at you! In this adventure swirling with cliffhanging excitement and awesome special effects, Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton play scientists pursuing the most destructive weather front to sweep through mid-Americas Tornado Alley in 50 years. By launching electronic sensors into the funnel, the storm chasers hope to obtain data to create an improved warning system. But to do so, they must intercept the twisters’ deadly path. The chase is on!
December 19
There comes a day in every man’s life when he has to get off the couch… and kill some zombies. When flesh-eating zombies are on the hunt for a bite to eat, it’s up to slacker Shaun (Simon Pegg) and his best bud Ed (Nick Frost) to save their friends and family from being served up on the menu!
December 21
The entire island of Manhattan has been converted into a prison in this sci-fi action thriller from director John Carpenter. When the President of the United States (Donald Pleasence) crash lands inside the prison island, only one man can bring him back: Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell). A notorious outlaw and former Special Forces war hero, Snake takes on the rescue mission in exchange for a full pardon but time is short – in 24-hours, an explosive charge planted inside Snake’s body will explode, ending the mission and his life unless he brings the President back in one piece.
December 25
The night after another unsatisfactory New Year’s Eve party, Tim’s (Domhnall Gleeson) father (Bill Nighy) tells his son that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time. Tim can’t change history, but he can change what has happened in his own life – so he decides to make his world a better place… by getting a girlfriend (Rachel McAdams). But as his unusual life progresses, Tim finds out that his unique gift can’t save him from the sorrows and ups and downs that affect all families, everywhere.
December 25
The young hero D’Artagnan (Logan Lerman) and three of France’s most elite warriors battle their way across Europe to save king and country from a conspiracy led by deadly assassin Milady (Milla Jovovich) and the Duke of Buckingham (Orlando Bloom). A modern update to Alexander Dumas’ classic story, The Three Musketeers is an explosive action adventure that’s fun and entertaining for the whole family.
December 28
Academy Award-winner Russell Crowe and visionary director Ridley Scott (Gladiator) reunite for the untold story of the man behind the legend. In an age of oppression and shameless tyranny, an outlaw becomes the unlikely hero that saves a nation and inspires generations to fight for freedom. This thrilling action adventure also stars Academy Award-winner Cate Blanchett.
December 30
Wesley’s (James McAvoy) life is over – his pathetic old one, anyway… Fortunately, it is all because of a girl. Enter sizzling-hot Fox (Angelina Jolie), who crashes into his life and introduces him to the Fraternity, a secret society of assassins, led by the enigmatic Sloan (Morgan Freeman). Seems Wes’ long-lost father was killed while working for the Fraternity and Wes has been selected to target the rogue member who murdered him. But before he can complete his assignment, Wes must first uncover the dark secrets behind the Fraternity in order to determine his own destiny.
December 26
Academy Award-winning director Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy) brings his sweeping cinematic vision to King Kong. Naomi Watts, Jack Black and Adrien Brody star in this spectacular film filled with heart-pounding action, terrifying creatures and groundbreaking special effects unlike anything you’ve seen before. Get ready for an epic adventure about a legendary gorilla captured on a treacherous island and brought to civilisation, where he faces the ultimate fight for survival.
COMING SOON
January 6
Season 2
Only on Stan. / Same Day as the U.S.
January 19
Season 3
Only on Stan. / Same Day as the U.S.
January 22
Brand New Series
Only on Stan. / Same Day as the U.S.
