The top new Netflix shows and movies this week are all “Squid Game” Season 2.

It's a lonely week for Netflix as well, as the company is taking a break for the vacation season. But as the year draws to a close, the streaming service is ending with a bang by bringing back its biggest and perhaps best shows ever. As a belated Christmas present, the entire second season will be available on December 26.

Speaking of Christmas, NFL fans will want to fire up Netflix on Christmas Day and watch two exclusive NFL live streams. Chiefs-Steelers will kick off first, while Ravens-Texans will have a special performance by Beyonce at halftime. Both are not to be missed, but neither is Cowboy Carter.

To see more, read our top picks for what's coming to Netflix this week. If you want to see more, check out my guide to new Netflix shows for December or check out my picks for the best shows of 2024.

“Squid Game” Season 2 takes place three years after the events of Season 1. In that season, Gihoon (Lee Jung-jae) won again and again until he was literally the last contestant standing. With his prize money in hand and a chance to flee to the United States with his daughter, he decides to track down the person behind the cruel game.

To do so, he once again takes on another version of the squid game, this time with life and death at stake. While most participants are in it to win the 45.6 billion won prize, Gihoon is determined to stop the game once and for all. He is not the only one returning for Season 2. Lee Byung-hun is back as the mysterious frontman Hwang In-ho, and Wee Ha-jung returns as detective Hwang Jun-ho. When watching this drama, remember to use English subtitles and the original Korean audio instead of listening to the awful English dubbing.

Watch it on Netflix starting December 26

For the first time ever, Netflix is getting not one, but two exclusive NFL games. And they have a great matchup between two Super Bowl-bound teams. The only problem standing in the way of success. The buffering issue that plagued the last live sports event, Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson.

But if all goes well, the defending Super Bowl champions and the best team in the league, the Kansas City Chiefs, will travel to the Steel City to take on the tough Pittsburgh Steelers in a cold Christmas game. Don't miss it.

Live on Netflix December 25 at 1 p.m. ET

The second game of “NFL on Christmas” should be just as good as the first. The Baltimore Ravens are not as good as the Chiefs, but their offense, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, is electric. The Houston Texans are not as good as the Steelers, but they are a capable team that can win the AFC South. Ravens-Texans should be a great game.

But even if it isn't, we'll get to see Beyonce perform at halftime, and Netflix should ask Santa not to have buffering problems during that live performance.

Live on Netflix on December 25 at 1 p.m. ET

You may know Nate Burgadze from his recent “Saturday Night Live” comedy in which George Washington makes fun of the weirdness of America. However, the standup comedian has been active in TV spots and specials since the late 2000s.

And now he's back for his third comedy special for Netflix, Your Friend Nate Bargatze. In this one-hour comedy special, Bargatze runs through a wide range of topics, from wanting a second dog, to how much pizza a man orders on a night out, to his wife being in charge, to being a man in the 1900s. Don't miss “Your Friend Nate Bargatze,” which opens this Christmas Eve.

Available on Netflix starting December 24

“Maestro in Blue” is a Greek TV drama that airs on the mega-channel in Greece and on Netflix in other countries. Starring Christophoros Papakariatis as Orestis, a troubled musician who accepts an invitation to the Greek island of Paxos to revive a local music festival. There he meets Clelia (Clelia Andriolatou), a 19-year-old woman who dreams of studying music in Athens. But in the first season, everything is thrown into chaos when a murder takes place.

In the third and final season, Orestis and Clelia unravel their relationship. Meanwhile, on the island, the murder investigation intensifies and is rapidly approaching its endgame. Stream the entire three-episode season when it premieres on Netflix this Saturday.

Watch on Netflix starting December 28

DECEMBER 24

“Your Friend Nate Burgadze” (Netflix Comedy Special)

In his third Netflix comedy special, Nate Burgadze is the second dog He humorously talks about wanting one, the amount of pizza he orders for a guy's night out, his responsible wife, and more.

DECEMBER 25

“NFL on Christmas” Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Netflix Live Event)

In the first of two NFL games, the Kansas City Chiefs visit the Pittsburgh Steelers. After that, the Baltimore Ravens will play the Houston Texans.

“NFL on Christmas” Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans (Netflix live event)

After the Kansas City Chiefs play the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens played the Houston Texans.

DECEMBER 26

“Squid Game” Season 2 (KR) (Netflix series)

A new chapter unfolds as Giffen returns with an agenda after giving up on going to America, announcing the return of a worldwide hit.

DECEMBER 28

“Master of Blue” Season 3 (GR) (Netflix series)

While Orestis and Clelia try to sort out their feelings, the investigation intensifies on Paxos Island and the murder case comes to an end.

Leave 12/25/24

“The Flash”