Based on the novel Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares, this is a Christmas love story for the teens, but any age group will get into a bit of romance at Yuletide. A whirlwind holiday romance builds as cynical Dash and optimistic Lily trade dares, dreams and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York City. Perhaps this is the way to go instead of joining the hordes of hopefuls on internet dating. A bit of fun set in NYC, which is the perfect place for it, and it features that Pogues’ tune beloved by some of us, Fairytale of New York, plus tracks by The Decemberists, Chuck Berry, Eels and Cat Power. And directing is the boy who will always be known as Kevin no matter how old he gets, Fred Savage.

A light-hearted Christmas comedy from Italy, which is lots of fun and easy viewing. A version of the Norwegian Home for Christmas, which is also on Netflix. Set in Venice, the story follows single nurse Gianna who, determined to avoid all the awkward questions about her love life at Christmas, lies to her family about having a boyfriend. She has less than 25 days to devise a plan to find a date to come with her to Christmas dinner. Venice is the star of this show.

I was pleasantly surprised by this Christmas comedy from Germany, where aspiring musician Bastian returns home for the holidays to learn that his brother is dating his ex, and if that wasn’t enough, his parents are also keeping a big secret. Bastian and Niklas still fight as they have always done, with the Christmas tree as part of their destruction, but the fact that there is brewing tension between their parents, gives them common ground. As with a lot of these Christmas comedies, the character actors portraying the parents steal the show.

If you feel like some bright, colourful, cheery viewing to binge during the holidays, there are four seasons of this romantic comedy… if you like this sort of thing. This series has it all, but Paris is the star. Emily is a little annoying in her attitude to France and the French, but she does temper this as the story progresses. Emily is hired by a marketing firm in Paris to provide them with an American perspective on things. She comes up against all the usual office politics and the way business is conducted by her French colleagues. But the clothes are chic, and the Paris streets and restaurants are charming, and the guy downstairs in her apartment building is gorgeous, which makes up for all the negative reactions Emily at first receives. However, her choice of clothes is just a bit out there, although it did garner a 2025 Emmy nomination for Costume.

This is an interesting drama series from Sweden inspired by true events. Women who have paved the way for girls in any profession are to be admired and lauded. In 1958 Sweden’s first female police officers graduate as part of an experiment during staff shortages, taking a big step for gender equality but struggling to take even the smallest step themselves. They are ridiculed by the public, belittled by the media, and scorned by their colleagues and their own families. The discrimination and disrespect are appalling. But, in spite of all they face, these women persevere and overcome the difficulties confronting them. Excellent viewing.

This is an intriguing crime drama based on a novel by Karen Slaughter, with Toni Collette in the lead role. When a Saturday afternoon trip to the mall with her mother suddenly explodes into violence, an adrift young woman’s perception of her mother is forever changed. As figures from her mother’s past start to resurface, she is forced to go on the run and on that journey, begins to piece together the truth of her mother’s previous identity and uncovers secrets of her childhood. There’s lots of twists and turn with this one to hold your attention. The series was mostly filmed on Australia’s East Coast.

This is quite an exciting thriller starring Claire Danes who is always at her best. I did find her character here a little annoying and over-dramatic, and it didn’t quite reach my thriller expectations, and it could have done with a trim in the editing process. Since the tragic death of her young son reclusive author Aggie Wiggs has receded from public view. But her life is upended by the arrival of wealthy, arrogant new neighbour Nile Jarvis, who was once the prime suspect in his first wife’s disappearance. Horrified and fascinated by this man, Aggie finds herself compulsively hunting for the truth chasing his demons in a game that might turn deadly. She sees an unlikely subject for a new book and, on putting this to Jarvis, he agrees, but at what cost?

An excellent ensemble cast led by Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen make this riveting viewing even if you are not up on your US politics, presidents or Garfield. I must say Macfadyen is outstanding as Charles Guiteau. And Shea Whigham deserves a mention as the appalling Roscoe. This is the stranger-than-fiction true story of 20th US President James Garfield, and admirer Charles Guiteau, who assassinated him. It is based on the book Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard. There are inaccuracies according to some reviewers, but there always are if you go looking for them. One of the best limited series for some holiday entertainment.