When And How To Watch The ‘Sense8’ Christmas Special On Netflix

Christmas has come early for “Sense8” fans! The sci-fi series, which last released new episodes in June 2015, will return for a special holiday episode. Those who want to be the first to see the new installment will have to stay up late.

The “Sense8” Christmas special will hit Netflix on Friday, Dec. 23. Unlike with traditional TV, there’s no advantage to being on the east coast. The episode will hit the internet at 3 a.m. EST/12 a.m. PST. Be sure to eat a few extra candy canes to stay awake for the event. Of course, it will stay on the platform for months (probably years), so fans can catch up at a later time if they aren’t in a hurry.

“Sense8” fans need a Netflix account to watch the series. The streaming platform is the only place to see it. New users can get a 30-day free trial of Netflix, but returning customers can choose from plans that start at $7.99 a month. Netflix can be watched on your computer through Netflix’s website, and the Netflix app allows users to enjoy their shows on mobile devices and smart TVs as well.

Executive producer Lana Wachowski explained that she wanted to do a Christmas special for “Sense8” because she grew up loving the holiday episodes of TV shows like “Mork and Mindy,” “Hillstreet Blues” and “All My Children.”

“Holidays can make you feel so connected in the way holidays can make you feel so isolated and alone,” Wachowski said in a video released by Netflix. “I wanted to tell a story in this first episode that was kind of about time and presence and how these new lives that these characters were experiencing made them feel empowered, like they can do anything as long as they’re together. And at the same time, it has a way of making them feel vulnerable and almost more alone than they’ve ever felt.”

“Sense8” follows a group of eight individuals across the world who are suddenly psychically linked. The Christmas episode will pick up after Riley (Tuppence Middleton) saved Will (Brian J. Smith) from Whispers (Terrence Mann). However keeping Will drugged is only a temporary solution. The trailer for the “Sense8” Christmas special (seen at the top of this page) shows Whispers sneaking up on the couple.

The holiday episode of “Sense8” will be the last new episode until spring. Season 2, which will be 10 episodes, will debut May 5.