Netflix (NFLX -1.01%) is trading below its all-time highs set back in October, but the leading online video service continues to be a winner. It's been nearly a seven-bagger since bottoming out two summers ago, and there's plenty going on in the coming days.
Let's take a look at some key dates for the dot-com darling.
Dec. 13
Lilyhammer returns for a second season on Friday. Frank "The Fixer" Tagliano -- a mobster sent to Norway as part of the federal witness protection program -- will continue his shenanigans.
This was Netflix's first foray into original programming last year. It didn't have the needle-moving impact that House of Cards, Orange Is the New Black, or the Arrested Development revival had, but its place in history is assured as a trailblazer.
The show's return for a second season is another milestone, reminding viewers that original shows extend beyond their initial runs. It will be interesting to see whether Lilyhammer's popularity has grown since its first season became available 22 months ago.
Dec. 24
Netflix teamed up with DreamWorks Animation (DWA) to generate original programming for young children. The first entry will make its debut on Christmas Eve with Turbo FAST.
The animated series is based on DreamWorks Animation's Turbo that hit movie theaters this summer. It was a disappointing showing at the box office, well below the studio's typical theatrical release. The film's $83 million in domestic ticket sales still implies that at least 10 million moviegoers in this country went to see it. The flick about a snail that's bestowed the power of speed and goes into the racing circuit fared even better overseas.
This will be Netflix's first kid-oriented foray into first-run content. Another first is that the entire first season won't be available right away. Netflix will introduce only the first five episodes this month. The balance will trickle in through next year.
Dec. 31
There is no Netflix event planned for the end of the year, but there's a possibility that the dot-com darling may announce its next expansion markets later this month. Reuters reported on Wednesday that Netflix was holding talks in France to enter that country's market. PaidContent.org also offered up Germany as a likely expansion target.
Netflix isn't likely to enter a market until next year, but it could announce its plans later this month if things get finalized.
So, yes, this is shaping up to be a December to remember for Netflix.