Pokemon Concierge
Netflix
Words by Daniel Anderson
As the winter season gradually descends upon us, whether you're seeking refuge from family festivities during Thanksgiving or simply yearning to cozy up, we've got your entertainment cravings covered. Delve into the excitement building up with our curated list of upcoming television shows and films that are sure to keep you warm with anticipation.
You already know. It’s a reality game show inspired by Netflix’s hit Korean drama series, Squid Game. The irony isn’t lost on us, but with a cash prize of $4.56 million, the largest in reality television show history, it’s understandable why 456 contestants would sign up to endure potentially painful challenges over the course of 10 episodes. At least nobody will die like the real Squid Game. Probably.
Squid Game: The Challenge will premiere on Netflix on Nov. 22.
When fifth-grader Andy, labeled a troublemaker, finds himself overlooked by Santa on Christmas morning, he forms a team of fellow Naughty Listers. Together, they plan a North Pole heist to reclaim their deserved presents. During their quest, the group learns the true meaning of Christmas and decides to confront Santa, opting for generosity over thievery. Notable talent includes Anthony Joo as Lewis, Imogen Cohen as Ha-Yoon, and Deric McCabe as Jon Anthony.
The Naughty Nine will premiere on Disney Channel on Nov. 22 and on Disney+ on Nov. 23.
Japanese horror writer Hirotaka Adachi, aka Otsuichi, collaborated with Thai animation studio Igloo Studio to bring this adventure story to life. It follows the heartwarming journey of Kento and his Daemon friend, Anna. Together, they embark on an adventure to save Kento's mother in Earth's post-apocalyptic future. My Daemon features an ensemble voice cast such as Miyuri Shimabukuro as Kento Tachibana, Cocoro Kikuchi as Anna, Fumiko Orikasa as Kaoru Tachibana, Ayane Sakura as Kaede, and Shou Okumura as Igisu, among others.
My Daemon will premiere on Netflix on Nov. 23.
The story follows chaebol heiress Do Do Hee (Kim Yoo Jung) and the demon Jung Koo Won (Song Kang), who lose his powers and must cooperate to recover them, leading to the blossoming of an unexpected romance. Kim Yoo Jung, known for her roles in Netflix movies like 20th Century Girl and The 8th Night, and Song Kang, is a familiar face from Netflix K-dramas such as Sweet Home and Love Alarm.
My Demon will premiere on Netflix on Nov. 24.
Sweet Home season 2
Sweet Home is back. Based on the popular webtoon of the same name, this Korean creature series picks up as the survivors from Green Home venture to the outside world, salvaging a new community in an abandoned stadium, all while trying to fend off more fearsome monsters. Meanwhile, protagonist Hyun-su (Song Kang) finds himself in a mysterious location, confronting a voice claiming to have been waiting for him. The returning cast includes Lee Jin-wuk, Lee Si-young, Ko Min-si, Jung Jin-young, Yoo Oh-seong, Oh Jung-se, Kim Moo-yeol, and Park Gyu-young.
Sweet Home season 2 will premiere on Netflix on Dec. 1
Single’s Inferno season 3
The hit Korean dating show Single’s Inferno is back for season three. Details are scarce, but there will be a greater emphasis on the heaven-and-hell concepts of the show. Contestants will also have more rules to follow on the island. Season 2 contestant Dex is a newcomer to the hosting panel, alongside returners Kyuhyun, Hanhae, Lee Da Hee, and Hong Jin Kyung.
Single’s Inferno season 3 will premiere on Netflix on Dec. 12.
Nineties Shonen anime YuYu Hakusho is receiving the live-adaptation treatment from Netflix. This iconic series tells the story of delinquent teenager Yusuke Urameshi. He dies during an act of selflessness and is later revived, only with the caveat of becoming a detective for all things demon and supernatural. The manga, written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi mixes the best of the occult with plenty of martial arts action. Netflix has brought together an all-star cast including Takumi Kitamura as Yusuke, Jun Shison as Kurama, Kanata Hongô as Hiei, and Shûhei Uesugi as Kazuma Kuwabara.
YuYu Hakusho will premiere on Netflix on Dec. 14.
After a not so successful attempt to launch a film franchise, the Greek myth fantasy series is taking another go at it in television form. Based on the beloved novels from Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson and The Olympians is a classic call to adventure saga where Percy discovers his connections to the ancient Greek gods and must solve the mystery of Zeus’ missing lightning bolt. Indian American actor Aryan Simhadri will play Percy’s friend, Grover Underwood.
Percy Jackson and The Olympians will premiere the first two episodes on Disney+ on Dec. 20.
Sofia Boutella takes centerstage in this Zack Snyder sci-fi epic. Boutella plays Korea, a character with a mysterious past. She crash lands on a moon and tries to settle into a peaceful life on a farm, but soon learns she might be the universe’s only hope against a tyrannical ruler. Legendary South Korean actor Bae Doona stars alongside a powerhouse cast including Fra Fee, Ed Skrein, Cleopatra Coleman, Ray Fisher, Charlie Hunnam, Djimon Hounsou, and Anthony Hopkins.
Rebel Moon Part One: A Child of Fire will premiere on Netflix on Dec. 22.
The stop-motion series Pokémon Concierge marks the inaugural collaboration between Netflix and The Pokémon Company. Set in a serene resort where Pokémon unwind, the show follows Haru, voiced by Karen Fukuhara in English and Non in Japanese, as she learns to care for her Pokémon guests. The stellar cast also includes Imani Hakim, Josh Keaton, and Lori Alan in English, and Fairouz Ai, Eita Okuno, and Yoshiko Takemura in Japanese, promising a heartwarming experience for Pokémon trainers worldwide.
Pokémon Concierge will premiere on Netflix on Dec. 28.
Published on November 20, 2023
Words by Daniel Anderson
Daniel Anderson is a disabled Chinese American adoptee based in Seattle. His freelance writing specialties include K-pop, entertainment, and food. He believes that any restaurant can be a buffet, and the key to success is to take a nap each day. Follow his adventures on Instagram @danzstan.