Thanksgiving is almost upon us, my friends. Despite the Debby Downer that is 2017, there are still countless things we can be thankful for. Where there is darkness, there’s surely light. Allow me to remind you of all the geeky goodness coming our way in the next month or so. Take a brief respite from reality. Entertainment can provide an escape from said reality, if only temporarily. Escapism is what we geeks love, right? Here, I’ve compiled a list of the slew of upcoming geeky films and TV shows I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving. 

1. The Doctor Who Christmas Special (Christmas Day)

Pictured (L to R): Mark Gatiss, Peter Capaldi and David Bradley

Now, I’m a loud and proud Whovian. Always and forever. While I’m beyond ecstatic to see Jodie Whittaker take on the mantle of our favorite Time Lord, I’m simultaneously dreading the departure of Peter Capaldi. Capaldi is my Doctor, without question. He possessed all the elements I loved from Classic Doctor Who while still retaining some of the modernism from the present series. He was a lovable curmudgeon, arguably one of the most “alien-like” out of the New Doctors. In addition, he was utterly selfless and filled to the brim with compassion. Also, it doesn’t hurt that Capaldi himself is an extraordinary performer. I don’t have enough fingers and toes to count the amount of times he’s made me sob uncontrollably. 

Nevertheless, I’m still excited to (hopefully) see an homage to the Twelfth Doctor this Christmas. Well, after we get through Thanksgiving first. Regardless, it’s more content for us Whovians to consume, to tide us over until the next series. You can catch “Twice Upon a Time” starring Capaldi and David Bradley as the First Doctor on BBC America Christmas Day. 

2. Justice League (November 17th)

Pictured (L to R): Ezra Miller, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Ray Fisher, Jason Momoa

Okay, I have a confession to make: I’m a Marvel girl through and through. DC just hasn’t hit the mark for me. However, then Wonder Woman came along and I changed my tune ever so slightly. Everything about the film knocked the ball out of the park. Gal Gadot embodied everything I envisioned Wonder Woman would be. So, I’m willing to give Justice League a chance. The trailers look promising. Perhaps we’ll see a revitalization take place within the DCEU. Plus, I can imagine the League is battling the formidable enemy known as 2017 and feel a mite better about the state of humanity. Yay metaphors! Also, you don’t have to wait till Thanksgiving for this film to hit theaters. You can watch Justice League this Friday. 

3. The Punisher (November 17th)

He’s almost here to punish.

Netflix has had hit after hit with their Marvel original series. For those of you who loved Jon Bernthal‘s take on the military mercenary when he initially debuted in Season 2 of Daredevil, November 17th will be a day of celebration. How will he tie in with the time line of the already aired Netflix programs? What role does Deborah Ann Woll‘s Karen play in all this? Will we see more beloved Marvel characters make cameos? Thankfully, we won’t have to wait long to find out. Enjoy the holiday season with The Punisher, when you can stream it in its entirety this Friday. Side note: I’ll be recapping The Punisher here on Geek Girl Authority, so be sure to watch this space!

RELATED: THE PUNISHER Is Bloody and Relentless in His First Trailer

4. Marvel’s Runaways (November 21st)

Pictured L to R): Ariela Barer, Lyrica Okano, Rhenzy Feliz, Gregg Sulkin, Virginia Gardner, Allegra Acosta

What’s better than a group of teenagers who discover their parents are evil villains? Nothing, I tell you! Hulu is taking a stab at the superhero genre with the premiere of Runaways, based on the Marvel comics of the same name. A group of teenagers uncover the secret of a lifetime – their parents are villains. In order to atone for their parents’ evil deeds, said group runs away from home. They also dig into their own origins. Starring veteran actor Gregg Sulkin and a slew of fresh newcomers, Runaways is sure to be Marvel TV’s next hit. Now, don’t forget to keep up with all things Runaways here on Geek Girl Authority, as I’m also recapping the freshman series. I know, I’m a shameless self-promoter. Runaways will make its debut on Hulu November 21st. 

5. Agents of SHIELD (December 1st)

Pictured (L to R): Chloe Bennet, Natalia Cordova, Ming-Na Wen, Clark Gregg, Henry Simmons, Iain de Caestecker, Elizabeth Henstridge

Guys, I’ve been experiencing an overwhelming bout of separation anxiety since Agents of SHIELD ended in May. Thankfully, our favorite Agents will make their triumphant return to our screens with a two hour season premiere on December 1st! Yes, you read that correctly: two full hours (well, before commercial breaks are taken into account). ABC released a slew of tantalizing Season 5 promos for your enjoyment this week. How will Coulson and co. get out of their current predicament? Where in the world are they? Is SWORD involved somehow? So many questions, and fortunately little time left to wait. Get ready for a post-Thanksgiving treat when Agents of SHIELD returns next month.

6. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (December 15th)

Pictured: Mark Hamill

The Last Jedi footage that keeps spewing forth is legitimately killing me. Why, oh why, must I have to wait till next month? I get it, patience is a virtue, but I was never one for patience. Anyway, this particular Star Wars installment will be a bittersweet one. Firstly, it’ll be our beloved Carrie Fisher‘s final film in a galaxy far, far away. Secondly, no Han Solo. As a result, I suspect there won’t be a dry eye in movie theaters across the globe. So, be like me. Plan ahead. Stuff your bags with plenty of tissues and small bottles of Jack Daniels. The latter part is not something you necessarily have to abide by. By no means am I enabling drinking. But, should the moment require it…you get the picture. The Last Jedi will hit theaters everywhere on December 15th. 

RELATED: New STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI Spot Shows Luke on the Millennium Falcon

7. The Crown (December 8th)

The Crown

Pictured (L to R): Victoria Hamilton, Eileen Atkins, Alex Jennings, Matt Smith, Claire Foy, Vanessa Kirby, Ben Miles, John Lithgow

While The Crown isn’t necessarily genre geeky, it’s a picture perfect series for historical lovers. I can never say no to a period piece. Last year, I devoured the first season of The Crown, mesmerized by the powerhouse performances of Claire Foy and John Lithgow. Everything from the stunning costume design to the gorgeous set pieces tickled my fancy. Not to mention, The Crown boasted a stunning score that rivals many film scores. Needless to say, I’ll be waiting with baited breath for the arrival of December 8th. Netflix struck gold with this series, and here’s hoping it lives a long life. Indulge yourself with this post-Thanksgiving gift. 

8. The Shape of Water (December 8th)

Pictured: Sally Hawkins and Doug Jones

Guillermo del Toro is, without a doubt, one of my favorite filmmakers. His unique style and darkly macabre storytelling hits all the right notes for me. The Shape of Water is shaping (heehee) up to be one of the best films of the year. Starring a stellar cast that includes Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Richard Jenkins and Doug Jones, The Shape of Water appears to be a different kind of love story. And no, Jones’ amphibious monster is in no way related to Hellboy‘s Abe Sapien. Trust me, I checked. Brace yourselves for December 8th, folks. 

Honorable Mentions:

Now, the following are strictly past projects, but I felt it necessary to mention them because I’m very much thankful for their existence. 

9. Wonder Woman

Pictured: Gal Gadot

What can I say about Wonder Woman that hasn’t been said? It tugged at my heartstrings. It encouraged me to be the strong woman I already am. Wonder Woman has empowered women everywhere to unapologetically be themselves. Rely on their inner strength and courage. That you don’t have to be a stereotypical “feminine” woman to be considered a “real woman.” You can still kick a** wearing an elegant gown with a god-killing sword behind your back. 

10. Wynonna Earp 

Pictured: Melanie Scrofano

Now, speaking of kicking a**, Wynonna Earp truly encompasses that very phrase. If you’re not watching the SyFy series (which is about to start filming Season 3), you should add it to your list. This past season, Wynonna was a gun-totting pregnant woman sending Revenants to Hell. What other series has even attempted something like this? Seeing a woman with child take down the baddies was inspiring, and another tear in the stereotypical fabric of what it means to be female. You go, girl. 

Alright, friends. Relish these upcoming releases. Devour their content. We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, and I hope this list lifts your spirits as it lifted mine in penning this piece. Exciting geeky goodness is coming our way, and I’m more than ready for it all. 

 

Melody McCune
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