When deciding what to watch as we start 2025, TV and movie fans are looking forward to loads of new things to see in theatres and stream from home. From new seasons of our favourite shows to unique films with some of our favourite stars, we’re ready to tuck into everything new.
Easing into the new year, some new shows and movies have already popped up. While some are better than others, many different genres are represented in this week’s new releases.
Each week Yahoo Canada will break down newly released TV shows and movies, recommending what to watch next, and what you may want to skip:
The Traitors (UK) — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
While I’ve only seen the first two episodes released with the Season 3 premiere, impressively The Traitors (UK) has made a few changes that have made the show even better. To start, we saw three players leave the game before they even got to the castle.
What’s particularly attractive about the show is that this version of The Traitors really knows how to mix things up. It continues to feel fresh while never letting go of the core elements that have made the series incredibly addictive.
An impressive start to the season and I can’t wait to see more.
Where to watch ‘The Traitors’ UK: Crave on Wednesdays
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Aardman’s Wallace & Gromit franchise continues to be a favourite with the release of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
In the new film, Wallace invents a “smart gnome,” Norbot, while Gromit is concerned that Wallace is becoming too dependant on his inventions. When Norbot seems to have a mind of its own, and eventually becomes multiple Norbots, Gromit gets increasingly more worried.
Meanwhile, Feathers McGraw finds out about Wallace’s newest invention and the villain sees an opportunity to strike once again.
It’s a classic revenge story but like many projects in the Wallace & Gromit franchise, there’s great comedy for people of all ages to enjoy, and this classic friendship continues to be infectious to watch. This movie is also just a perfect marriage of the classic stop-motion animation technique with today’s modern technology, finding that perfect balance of texture with new tools.
Where to watch ‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’: Netflix
Vermiglio — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Maura Delpero’s film, set in 1944 in a small mountain village in the Italian alps, is the story of a family near the end of the Second World War. Teacher Cesare (Tommaso Ragno) and his wife Adele (Roberta Rovelli) have nine children, with their tenth on the way. When a Sicilian solider, Pietro (Giuseppe De Domenico), makes his way to the family’s home, trying to hide after deserting the army, a romance is sparked between him and eldest daughter Lucia (Martina Scrinzi). When Pietro leaves to go back to Sicily, he is expected to return to Lucia, but months go by without any sign of him.
It’s a compelling drama with stunning cinematography in this exploration of a patriarchal society in the context of this family and this remote town, and the obstacles for women in particular. Vermiglio leans into its quieter moments with grace in this evaluation of tradition and family history. There’s an honesty to Delpero’s film that’s hard to come by.
Where to watch ‘Vermiglio’: Currently in select theatres in Canada
Selling The City — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The cast of the new Netflix reality real estate series, Selling The City, have done their homework and understood the assignment. In just the first season we have luxury properties, workplace conflict, betrayal and a “f**k you Netflix” fourth wall break.
The series follow’s Eleonora Srugo’s all-women team at Douglas Elliman, ready to make deals on some of the hottest properties in New York City. The show also marks the return of Million Dollar Listing star Steve Gold to reality TV.
Selling The City has all the drama you expect, and maybe some to spare, but it does have some elements that make it stand out from similar shows. Primarily Taylor Middleton Scavo, who openly talks about her financial struggles, since paying for her father’s health care after he became ill, while also being the “breadwinner” in her family and now wanting to explore fertility options with her husband. That does feel like a refreshing piece of authenticity in the show.
If you’re not a fan of reality TV, this likely won’t convert you, but if you love the genre, Selling The City is a great new addition.
Where to watch ‘Selling The City’: Netflix
Missing You — ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Missing You, based on Harlan Coben’s 2014 novel, has the makings of a great mystery, crime thriller, but just feels too overstuffed to really enjoy to its full potential.
Kat Donovan, played by Rosalind Eleazar, is a detective that works in the missing persons unit. She’s struggling to date after her fiancé, Josh (Ashley Walters), left her without a word of explanation 11 years ago. Things start to spiral when Kat sees a profile of Josh on a dating app
Eleazar gives a stunning performance, with a lot of depth, but the pace of the show’s storytelling feels too rushed for all the mysteries and secrets it tries to cover.
Where to watch ‘Missing You’: Netflix