It’s been about six weeks since The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina arrived on Netflix. And as expected the show, starring Kiernan Shipka in the title role, earned overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and audiences alike for its blend of drama, horror and its talented cast.
As per the Netflix norm, the ten-episode first season was released in the streaming service’s typical binge format, and much to the delight of fans the series was picked up for a second season before the first even aired. But in a surprise move, writer and showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa had something extra planned for fans – a holiday special, titled The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: A Midwinter’s Tale!
The one-off episode was co-written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Donna Thorland, with Jeff Woolnough directing, and will be released globally on December 14th.
The holiday special will follow Sabrina’s coven, The Church of Night, as they celebrate the Winter Solstice. It is the longest night of the year, when families gather around the Yule Fire to sing pagan carols and tell ghost stories. But the holidays are also a time for guests and visitors – both welcome and unwelcome. You never know what might come down the chimney.
If the trailer’s footage is anything to go by, A Midwinter’s Tale will continue with the magical mayhem that made the show’s first season such a huge success.
The Spellman’s halls are decked with lights and a pentagram or two, Aunt Zelda is lighting a Yule Log, “otherwise, who knows what might come down our chimney”, Santa seemingly throws a bag over Sabrina’s head and some type of zombie monster is stalking Ambrose. And what Winter Solstice celebration is complete without Madam Satan / Mary Wardwell’s voodoo doll gingerbread cookies?
“Sabrina, is this what Christmas is like being a witch?” asks Sabrina’s bestie, Rosalind.
“Not usually. Except, kind of,” says Sabrina with a smile.
As an added bonus, Netflix has also released a teaser trailer for season two of Sabrina’s chilling adventures which is set to premiere on April 5, 2019.
In the trailer, a very in-sync-with-her-powers Sabrina rocks her classic comic book white-blonde hairdo while getting some magical help with her wardrobe. This is followed by a montage of scenes that suggest her turn to the dark side after signing The Book of the Beast could give her some trouble as she tries to keep her dual nature as a half-witch, half-mortal in balance.
