5 things to watch on TV this weekend

Catch the Dexter prequel, a new Jason Bateman thriller, and Chris Rock on Saturday Night Live.

By Saloni Gajjar | December 13, 2024 | 6:00am

Dexter: Original Sin (Photo: Patrick Wymore/Paramount+ with Showtime), Carry-On (Photo: Netflix)

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Welcome to the weekend edition of What’s On. Here are the big things happening on TV from Friday, December 13 to Sunday, December 15. All times are Eastern. [Note: The weekly edition of What’s On publishes on Sundays.]

1. Go back to the beginning with Dexter: Original Sin

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Paramount+ with Showtime, Friday, 3:01 a.m.: Does every fictional serial killer need an origin story? No, but Dexter Morgan is getting one anyway. Original Sin follows the future Bay Harbor Butcher being trained by his father (Christian Slater) to slice and dice. Michael C. Hall reprises his role as narrator here, while Patrick Gibson tackles the young Dexter on-screen. The cast of the 10-episode season also includes Patrick Dempsey, Molly Brown, Reno Wilson, and Christina Milian. The A.V. Club‘s recap publishes later today.

2. Keep calm and Carry-On with a holiday thriller

Netflix, Friday, 3:01 a.m.: In the airport-set Carry-On, Jason Bateman portrays an anonymous traveler who blackmails a TSA officer (Taron Egerton) to let a dangerous package get through security during Christmastime. Logan Marshall-Green, Danielle Deadwyler, Dean Norris, and Sofia Carson co-star.

3. Elton John: Never Too Late dives into a storied career

Disney+, Friday, 3:01 a.m.: R.J. Cutler and David Furnish’s documentary centers on Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, mixing together behind-the-scenes footage from his final concerts with archival clips.

4. Chris Rock descends upon Saturday Night Live

NBC, Saturday, 11:30 p.m.: Chris Rock inches closer to the Five-Timers’ Club during his fourth hosting gig at SNL. Tonight, he’s joined by musical guest Gracie Abrams. Look out for The A.V. Club‘s recap on Sunday morning.

5. In blessed news, Conclave hits streaming

Peacock, Friday, 3:01 a.m.: Edward Berger’s Oscar contender, which takes place during a tense papal meeting, arrives on Peacock just in time for holiday binging. The ensemble features a never-better Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci, Sergio Castellitto, Isabella Rossellini, and Carlos Diehz. Check out The A.V. Club‘s review.