Photo:
“CoComelon Lane,” photo credit, Netflix
The “Big Dark” has descended upon the Northwest. The next time the sun will set after 6 p.m. will be in March 2024. What should we do with all of these dark evenings? I vote for cuddling up on the couch under a blanket with my kids, popping some popcorn and watching a great show or movie.
Here are some of the shows coming to Netflix and Disney+ this month to help us make it back to the light.
Netflix
Nov. 1: “Sherlock Gnomes” (2018) – When the garden gnomes are threatened, there is only one gnome to call: Sherlock Gnomes, sworn protector of garden gnomes. Join the silly garden gnomes in this fun, family animated movie featuring the voices of Johnny Depp and Emily Blunt. Rated PG.
Nov. 1: “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” (2009) and “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” (2015) – Paul Blart is just your average mall cop with dreams of becoming a true officer of the law. When the mall is taken over by bad guys, he’ll do what he must to keep the mall safe and live up to his mall cop oath. In the sequel, the family is trying to enjoy a vacation when the hotel they are staying at it taken over by even more bad guys, and Paul must use his mall cop skills once again to save the day. Get ready for lots of silly humor and sight gags in these movies, both rated PG.
Nov. 1: “Strawberry Shortcake’s Perfect Holiday” – Join Strawberry Shortcake and all her friends as they celebrate the holidays in their magical land.
Nov. 1: “Think Like A Dog” (2020) – When 12-year-old tech prodigy, Oliver, invents a device that lets him hear his dog’s thoughts he’s thrilled. But of course, evil bad guys are waiting to nab his technology and use it for, well, evil. Oliver’s dog and all his doggy friends rally to save their human and possibly the world! Rated PG.
Nov. 1: “The Adams Family” (1991) – If your kids loved “Wednesday” they will get a kick out of this classic family movie. Join the creepy Adams family as a con artist tries to steal their fortune using an accomplice who says he is a long-lost uncle. Bonus points if your kids can tell which actress in this movie played a key role in “Wednesday”! Rated PG-13.
Nov. 1: “The Mummy” (2017) – After surviving an intense plane crash, Nick Morton (played by Tom Cruise) finds out he survived because he is cursed. Evil gods and monsters start popping up and destroying the world and it’s up to Nick to stop them. This movie has some intense action, violence and scary monsters. Best for the tween and older crowd. Rated PG-13.
Nov. 1: “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” (2019) and “Godzilla vs. Kong” (2021) – If you are looking for more adventure and monsters, these two movies should fit the bill. In “King of the Monsters,” scientists set out to reset the balance of humanity by awakening the world’s monsters, which for some reason seemed like a good plan. Things go awry, and only Godzilla (who can breathe awesome blue fire/lightning) can save humanity. “Godzilla vs. Kong” is self-explanatory, but this time it looks like King Kong is the hero saving the world. Be prepared for lots of epic monster fights, growling and general destruction. Both are rated PG-13.
Nov. 2: “Unicorn Academy” (Season 1) – A child who knows there must be more to life suddenly receives an unexpected invitation to attend a magical school. But she’s not off to Hogwarts; Sophia is headed to Unicorn Academy. All the world’s magic comes from the academy and unicorns are the protectors. When it is threatened, Sophia and her friends (and their unicorns, of course) must rise to protect it. This animated show offers magic and fun for the whole family.
Nov. 3: “Erin & Aaron” (Season 1) – This live-action series follows the lives of a newly-blended family with two siblings who could not be more different, but share the same name. Can they set aside their differences and connect over their shared passion for music? You’ll have to watch to find out.
Nov. 7: “Face Off” (Multiple Seasons) – This show will give you a peek into the movie magic of sci-fi and fantasy films. In this reality completion, aspiring special effects makeup artists compete for prizes and a Hollywood career. They work to design the most lavish, otherworldly aliens and creatures. You might want to take some notes for Halloween 2024!
Nov. 8: “The Claus Family 3” – Santa is in trouble! Can his grandchildren, Jules and Noor, save him and Christmas? This third movie in this Belgium Christmas series is intended for the whole family. The first two movies (“The Clause Family” and “The Clause Family 2”), are also available on Netflix. Did someone say movie marathon?
Nov. 17: “CoComelon Lane” (Season 1) – A new spin-off cartoon based on the YouTube series that’s become a sensation (“Cocomelon” was streamed for more than 37.8 billion minutes in 2022, according to Nielsen.) Follow the adventures of JJ — grown up from a baby to a little kid — and his friends.
Nov. 17: “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” (Season 1) – This new fast-paced animated series features all the voices from the original movie in this new take on the classic comics. Follow the adventures of Scott Pilgrim as he faces challenges like keeping his job, not getting kicked out of his apartment and defeating the seven evil exes of his crush.
Nov. 21: “Leo” (2023) – Leo has been a class pet for decades and is getting nervous about growing old. Finally, he gets his chance to go home with a student in the class. When the kids find out he can talk, Leo starts sharing his wisdom and advice. Adam Sandler produces, writes and lends his voice to this new, fun animated movie. Rated PG.
Nov. 30: “Family Switch” (2023) – After a chance encounter with an astrological reader, a family of four all switch bodies (kind of like a supercharged “Freaky Friday”). Ed Helms and Jennifer Garner lead the cast in this fun new movie, rated PG.
Nov. 30: “The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday” (2023) – The Bad Guys are excited for Christmas morning; that’s when they plan to carry out their heist on the city since everyone will be home unwrapping gifts. But when Christmas is canceled, the Bad Guys must reignite the holiday spirit by giving rather than taking.
Disney+
Nov 1: “Firebuds” (Season 2) – Iggy and Rod are back and ready for more rescue-vehicle adventure. Your little fans of trucks with flashing lights will enjoy the adventures in this fantasy world where emergency vehicles come to life and help their friends save the day.
Nov. 1: “The Three Detectives” – Kim, Marie and Franzi are best friends with their very own detective club. They solve mysteries ranging from fraud to theft to cyberbullying. No case is too big for these clever teens!
Nov. 1: “Kiff” (S1, 3 episodes) – This series follows Kiff (an optimistic squirrel) and Barry (a mellow bunny) in the mountains, where animals and odd magical creatures tackle day-to-day life together. Kiff’s good intentions often lead to chaos in these short and funny animated episodes.
Nov. 1: “The Villains of Valley View” (S2, 3 episodes) – Amy Madden and her family are supervillains living undercover lives in the unsuspecting town of Valley View. The family must work together to protect their secret and overcome new challenges, while an enemy they thought they defeated plots her revenge.
Nov. 3: “Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2019) – Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is off on a school trip to Europe. But as usual, trouble is afoot and Peter Parker must take up his secret identity to save the day. With help from Mysterio, he battles four destructive elemental monsters, all while trying to keep his friends safe and finally tell MJ how he really feels. Rated PG-13.
Nov. 3: Marvel Studios: Legends – Watch the origin story of three of your favorite butt-kicking female Marvel heroes: Carol Danvers (also known as Captain Marvel), Kamala Khan and Monica Rambeau.
Nov 8: “Young Jedi Adventures” – Follow Jedi younglings as they study the way of the Force, explore the galaxy and help citizens and creatures in need. One episode is all about the Wookiee holiday Life Day, which celebrates the values and tenets of Wookiee culture, including family, joy and harmony.
Nov. 8: “Daddies on Request” (Season 2) – It’s been a year since California took a trip with her three dads to find her mother in Mexico. Now that they are reunited, mother and daughter embark on a trip across Mexico in their trusty ice cream truck. If you haven’t already seen it, we recommend starting with season 1.
Nov. 15: “The Ghost and Molly McGee” (Season 2, 4 episodes) – Cheerful tween Molly McGee finds herself connected to a grumpy ghost named Scratch, who is cursed to be in her bubbly presence for eternity. Watch these two unlikely friends navigate life’s adventures and learn along the way.
Nov. 15: “Hamster & Gretel” (Season 1, 4 episodes) – Gretel and her pet hamster (creatively named, Hamster) use their superpowers to fight evil and save the day. The two heroes, and Gretel’s big brother Kevin, work together to protect their city. This show, packed with plenty of action and silly humor, is from the creators of the popular cartoon “Phineas and Ferb.”
Nov. 15: “Me & Mickey” (Shorts) (Season 2, 22 episodes) – Disney’s preschool audience will love watching Mickey Mouse engage in a variety of activities, from drawing to learning colors and shapes.
Nov. 15: “Mickey Mouse Funhouse” (Season 2, 8 episodes) – Join Mickey and his friends as they go on adventures at the Funhouse (which gives off some strong "Pee-Wee’s Playhouse" vibes). This show is meant for Disney+'s youngest audiences and is packed full of adventure and laughs.
Nov. 17: “Dashing Through The Snow” – A divorced social worker who hates Christmas ends up being sent out on a call on Christmas Eve, and brings his daughter along. Through their adventures, they meet a man who helps him rediscover the joy of Christmas. Rated PG.
Nov. 22: “Hailey’s on It!” (Season 1, 3 episodes) – Follow the adventures of the resourceful, though risk-averse, teenager Hailey as she works to complete every item on her list to save the world. This animated show will entertain and inspire as Hailey works through challenges from performing a musical to realizing her complex and changing feelings toward her best friend, Scott.
Nov. 22: “Meet Spidey and his Amazing Friends” (Season 3, 6 episodes) and “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” (Season 2, 5 episodes) – The littlest Marvel fans in your house will be excited for these new Disney Junior animated shows about their favorite avengers. In both shows, Spider-Man and his friends must work together to save the day, and learn about teamwork along the way. It’s hard to say how these two shows are different, but we won’t argue with more superhero adventures!
Nov 23: “The Naughty Nine” – Mischievous fifth grader Andy finds himself without a present from Santa on Christmas morning. Realizing he must have landed on the “naughty list,” Andy pulls together a team of eight other “naughty listers.” Their plan is to steal all the presents from Santa’s Village. But, in keeping with the theme of holiday specials, the Naughty Nine discover that the real way off the naughty list is to learn to use their unique talents for good.
Nov. 29: “Mickey’s Christmas Tales” (Shorts) (Season 1, 5 episodes) – These holiday shorts featuring Mickey Mouse and his friends will have you in the holiday spirit in no time.
Ongoing series:
- “Marvel’s Loki” (Season 2) – Nov. 2, 9
- “Goosebumps” – Nov 3, 10, 17 (finale)
- “The Santa Clauses” (Season 2) – Nov 8, 15, 22, 29