Olivia Coleman as Queen Elizabeth II, in Netflix Original series The Crown. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix
Netflix has become an ally of sorts, this year. With a continuous influx of new original and updated licensed content, the streaming platform continues to offer a source of escape from the impacts of the pandemic. As usual, this month sees an array of new films and television shows debuting today and until the end of the month.
Highlights include the return of The Crown for a fourth season, starring Academy Award winner Olivia Coleman as Queen Elizabeth II and newcomer Emma Corrin making her debut as Diana, Princess of Wales. Elsewhere Netflix is marking history as its first Egyptian and Arabic language television series, Paranormal launches later in the month, while we also see Hollywood legend Sophia Loren’s long-awaited return to film in the Netflix Original film The Life Ahead.
Supplying the perfect lead up to the festive season, Netflix is introducing some magical, family-friendly content, including The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two and Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. Meanwhile, Grammy-award winning singer Dolly Parton provides festive cheer in Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square.
Here’s our guide to what’s new, and hot to watch on Netflix November 2020:
Original Series
Paranormal
Netflix’s first Egyptian and Arabic language television series follows a haematologist, played by Ahmed Amin, who is forced to reevaluate his lifelong scientific convictions once he begins to experience paranormal activities. Set in 1969 this fantasy-horror series is based on the bestselling Ma Waraa Al Tabiaa series by acclaimed author Ahmed Khaled Tawfik.
Launching November 5
Dash & Lily
This upcoming romantic-comedy series is based on the young adult book series Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn. It follows cynical Dash, played by Austin Abrams, and the optimistic Lily, played by Midori Francis, for a whirlwind Christmas romance that proves opposites attract.
Launching November 10
Trial 4
Netflix’s new true-crime docuseries follows the story of Sean K Ellis, an American man who has spent 22 years in prison after being convicted of the murder of a Boston police detective in 1993. However, Ellis insists he has been wrongly imprisoned. The eight-part series follows Ellis through the journey of his fourth trial.
Launching November 11
The Minions of Midas
This six-part series follows a rich businessman, Victor who is blackmailed in an unusual way by a mysterious organization. Based on a 1902 short story by Jack London, this Spanish political thriller is set in contemporary Madrid.
Launching November 13
The Crown: Season 4
Season 4 of Netflix’s widely acclaimed The Crown returns this month. Based on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the fourth season of the historical drama will cover the time period of 1977 and 1990 and will introduce important characters such as Britain’s first female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Lady Diana Spencer, Prince William, and Prince Harry. The wedding of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales is expected to be portrayed in all its glory.
Launching November 15
Virgin River: Season 2
The second season of Netflix’s emotional drama Virgin River is returning this month. The romantic-drama series follows nurse Mel Monroe, played by Alexandra Breckenridge, who relocates to a small town in Northern California after looking for a fresh start, leaving behind a painful past.
Launching November 18
Sugar Rush Christmas: Season 2
This competition series returns for a second season this month, where bakers are challenged to create festive treats that are both pleasing to the eye and exciting for the tastebuds, against a strict time limit.
Launching November 27
Original Films
Operation Christmas Drop
This new Netflix Christmas film follows congressional aide Erica, played by Kat Graham, who is forced to cancel her family’s festive celebrations due to commitments at work, where she clashes with the honorable Captain Andrew Jantz, played by Alexander Ludwig. This rom-com has all the ingredients of a festive classic.
Launching November 5
The Life Ahead
One of Hollywood’s greats, Sophia Loren, marks her return to film with a spectacular performance in the Netflix Original The Life Ahead. The drama follows Loren’s Madame Rosa, a Jewish woman who takes in a young Muslim and tries to help him find his family and his faith.
Launching November 13
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
OK, it sounds cheesy but this musical adventure is a must-see for the holiday season. The imaginative story follows legendary toymaker, played by Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker, who teams up with his creative granddaughter to construct a magical invention in time for the holidays.
Launching November 13
The Princess Switch: Switched Again
Vanessa Hudgens returns for the second installment of the popular festival film The Princess Switch. The American Christmas rom-com follows Hudgens in the roles of Stacy DeNovo, a talented young baker, and royal Princess Margaret Delacourt for an identity-swapping adventure.
Launching November 19
Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square
If you’re a lover of Dolly Parton then this film is for you. The movie is centered around the wealthy yet pretentious Regina Fuller, played by Christine Baranski, who after the death of her father returns to her hometown before Christmas for a trip that may change her outlook on life. This festive musical wonder, features songs from the nine-time Grammy award-winner, Parton’s upcoming album “A Holly Dolly Christmas”.
Launching November 22
The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two
Kurt Russell is back as Santa Claus in The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two. Set two years after the events of the first film, which saw siblings Kate and Teddy save Christmas, the brother and sister duo will be pulled back into an unexpected adventure with Santa once more.
Launching November 25
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