Apple TV Plus has a wide variety of shows and movies, but it excels at choosing quality over quantity. So it may come as no surprise that there are only eight new TV shows and movies coming to the streaming service in December 2023.

There is definitely a theme to most of the new shows on Apple TV Plus this month; of the eight new shows and movies, six are holiday specials. There's at least some variety, but most of them are family-friendly animated features, including Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell's film "Spirited Away," a sung version of a previous theatrical release.

Still, for those like me who don't feel the holiday spirit in the Grinch, there are two options. First is John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial, a three-part documentary about John Lennon's murder that begins on December 6. Then, mid-month, you can stream "The Family Plan," a lighthearted actioner starring Mark Wahlberg as a former assassin on a family road trip.

Sadly, no "Slow Horses: The Holiday Special," but there are still plenty of films available for $10 a month. In fact, there may even be a big theatrical release on the streaming platform; here are my top picks for new Apple TV Plus shows for December 2023.

If you're like me, you probably remember the "Frog and Toad" books from your childhood. But you may not have known that Apple has turned this popular children's book into an animated series for Apple TV Plus. Starring Nat Faxon as Frog and Kevin Michael Richardson as Toad, the show features a hilarious cast of regulars and guest voice actors, and even has its own Christmas special. If you need something to get the kids this December, this adaptation of the "Frog and Toad" short "Christmas Eve" is the perfect gift.

First airing December 1 on Apple TV Plus

Remember when we warned you that there would be plenty of holiday specials this month? Like Frog and Toad, Apple has turned a beloved property (in this case, Peanuts) into an animated children's show. One of the two Peanuts holiday specials available on Apple TV Plus this month, "The Snoopy Show Christmas Special (Happiness is a Holiday Tradition)," is a sequel to last year's holiday special, which aired at the end of season two.

Premiered December 1 on Apple TV Plus

The holiday treat that kicks off December on Apple TV Plus continues with Shape Island's Winter Special: Winter Blues. The stop-motion animated TV show is based on the popular "Shapes" trilogy of picture books written by Mack Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen, and this special will add another episode to the already popular first season. Gather the family and celebrate the new holidays with Squares, Circles, and Triangles: Yeti Night

premiering December 1 on Apple TV Plus

"Spirited Away" debuted last holiday season, but this retelling of "A Christmas Carol" musical comedy is coming to Apple TV Plus as a sung version. It stars Will Ferrell as Ebenezer Scrooge (now "The Ghost of Christmas Present"), Ryan Reynolds as the "irredeemable" Clint Briggs, and Octavia Spencer as Briggs' assistant Kimberly. If you prefer to listen to them rather than sing, you can opt for the theatrical version.

Premieres December 1 on Apple TV Plus

There's no way to properly transition from four holiday specials in a row to a documentary about John Lennon's shocking assassination, but I'll try anyway. On a cold winter night some 43 years ago, Mark David Chapman shot and killed John Lennon outside the Dakota, New York. John Lennon: Murder Without Trial investigates why Chapman killed Lennon on that fateful day, in three parts, narrated by Kiefer Sutherland.

It premieres December 6 on Apple TV Plus

Finally, a good old popcorn movie. Starring Mark Wahlberg, "Family Plan" is a fun, funny, hilarious, action-packed film in which Morgan hunts down someone from his past who wants to kill him. If you need a break from holiday specials and the family you watch them with, "Family Plan" is a nice change of pace.

Premieres December 15 on Apple TV Plus

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" may not be new - not even new to Apple TV Plus, which you can watch right now - but it will stream for free December 16-17. Christmas specials have never been more classic. As an early Christmas present, join Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang for free.

Free Streaming on Apple TV Plus December 16-17

In case you're running out of kid-friendly content as Christmas approaches, Apple is giving away one last animated holiday special. This Apple TV Plus show is based on the popular children's app (which feels old already) and stars Harvey the dog (Ian Ho), Jinja the cat (Claire Poon), Jack the rabbit (Liam McKenna), and Robin the bird (Christina Churchill). Join them for "New Year's Steve," in which Herbie makes a wish to stay up until midnight.

Premieres December 22 on Apple TV Plus

"The Flower Moon Killer" is coming to Apple TV this month. Apple announced on Twitter (X) that the film will (shockingly) be available on video-on-demand before it hits the streaming service for subscribers.

Based on the true story of a series of murders in Osage Nation, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, but both are outshone by Lily Gladstone's excellent performance. I recommend it to anyone who wants to see it now, but personally, I would wait until it is available for streaming to Apple TV Plus subscribers.

Rentals begin December 5 on Apple TV