In partnership with Stan
Boxing Day is the best time of year to catch up on all the TV you missed during the hectic festive season. Family drama is done and dusted, so why not watch some on screen? Stan has an intriguing slate for Dec 2025, with some original Australian shows taking centre-stage as well as much-loved US content.
From the new Australian dark comedy “Sunny Nights” to the tense “He Had It Coming” and the Emmy-award-winning “Hacks,” there’s something for even the most discerning viewer. We’ve rounded up the best seven shows to finish 2025 with, whether you’re catching up on newer releases or rewatching old favourites as a form of comfort.
“Sunny Nights”
“Sunny Nights” is a new Stan Original show that needs to be on your watchlist. It follows American siblings Martin and Vicki Marvin, played by comedians Will Forte and D’Arcy Carden, as they start a spray-tanning business in Australia. After making a few questionable decisions, the pair find themselves tangled up in Sydney’s criminal underworld. Viewers will be kept on the edge of their seats as they watch the Marvins try to maneuver through sticky situations to avoid jail, or even worse… death. It’s a dark comedy that explores the complexities of relationships within both blood and chosen families, as well as the challenges of breaking free from destructive cycles.
Directed by Trent O’Donnell (“The Good Place,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “New Girl”) and also starring locals Rachel House (“Hunt for the Wilderpeople,” “Kangaroo”), George Mason (“Home and Away”) and Jessica De Gouw (“Kath & Kimderella,” “Arrow”), this show is filled with top talent. Ex-NFL player Willie Mason also makes his acting debut as Terry Torres, an ex-footy player who is suffering from prolonged injuries from his time on the field.
“From”
“From” comes from the minds of “Lost” producers Jeff Pinkner and Jack Bender, so you can expect twists, turns and mysteries that will have you scouring the internet for clues you missed. It’s a science fiction horror show revolving around a strange town in the US. Anyone who makes their way to the town becomes trapped and is unable to leave, while also being hunted by creepy monsters that emerge only at night. The ensemble cast is strong, and it’s led by Boyd Stevens (Harold Perrineau), who acts as the Sheriff of the town. Other cast members include Catalina Sandino Moreno, Eion Bailey, Ricky He, Elizabeth Saunders and Avery Konrad.
There are currently three seasons of “From” available to stream on Stan, with the fourth season on the way. With constant mysteries to be solved and new questions emerging every episode, it’s the best type of TV show to binge. While it remains to be seen whether the show will tie every storyline up with a neat bow at the end, the journey is still worth taking.
“Bump”
“Bump” wrapped up in 2024 with five seasons, but Stan brought back the gang for a Christmas Special, which is streaming now. The successful Australian comedy is based around Olympia ‘Oly’ Chalmers-Davis (Nathalie Morris), a motivated teen girl and her unexpected pregnancy. The cast also includes Carlos Sanson Jr., Claudia Karvan, Angus Sampson and Ava Cannon. If you want to see more from the “Bump” universe, Stan also released the spin-off “Year Of” in 2023.
“Hacks”
The comedy series “Hacks” is one of the most critically acclaimed TV shows in recent history. The US show has won multiple Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. It follows a renowned stand-up comedian, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), who hires a young writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) to help her refresh her comedy routine. It’s an interesting dynamic, with the pair clashing before developing a unique relationship. There are currently four seasons available to stream on Stan and there is one more final season to come.
“Outlander: Blood of My Blood”
This historical romance drama show is a prequel to “Outlander,” and takes place in 18th-century Scotland. It reveals how Claire Beauchamp’s (Caitriona Balfe) parents fell in love and how Jamie Fraser’s (Sam Heughan) parents got together. Set against the backdrop of World War I in England, the star-crossed lovers must fight the forces trying to prevent their relationships from blossoming. There’s only one season to stream on Stan currently, but the show has been renewed for a second season.
“He Had It Coming”
This Australian black comedy TV show brings Liv Hewson (“Yellowjackets”) and Natasha Liu Bordizzo (“Ahsoka”) back to our shores. The mystery sees two people commit a crime to protest the patriarchy, which sees them mixed up in a murder plot. With the pair needing to clear their names, they realise the best way to do this is to find the real killer. Directed by Rachel House (“Sunny Nights,” “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”) and Anne Renton (“Good Cop/Bad Cop,” “The Bold Type”), it’s a sharp and witty commentary on our patriarchal society.
“Good Cop/Bad Cop”
This Leighton Meester-led show was filmed predominantly in Canungra, Australia, and it brings a comedy twist to the police procedural drama genre. Following Detective Lou Hickman (Leighton Meester) and her younger brother, Detective Henry Hickman (Luke Cook), the siblings attempt to fight crime whilst also trying to get along. It’s an easy watch, with fantastic banter and chemistry between the cast. The show is rated 91% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes by critics, with 92% of viewers giving it the thumbs up.
There are plenty of other TV shows to watch on Stan this Boxing Day, including old favourites like “The Office” and “Superstore,” plus newer releases such as “Watching You” and “Blackshore”. Grab your remote and some popcorn — it’s time to get cosy.