Most American TV shows haven’t adopted the British tradition of airing one-off Christmas specials, but then again Sense8 isn’t most American TV shows. The trippy sci-fi drama from the Wachowski sisters centers on a cast of eight international characters who develop the ability to mentally link to one another. They can talk, utilize each other’s skills, and, of course, have massive intercontinental orgies. And this Christmas the sensates are back with a two-hour holiday-themed special, which will have to tide fans over until season two officially returns on May 5, 2017.
The trailer for the Christmas special offers a first glimpse at the show following some major behind-the-scenes changes. Lilly Wachowski is departing the series this season, leaving Sense8 in the hands of her sister Lana and co-creator J. Michael Straczynski. And the trailer also features new cast member Toby Onwumere, who replaces Aml Ameen following fallout on set; Onwumere will still play the same Jean-Claude Van Damme-loving Nairobi bus driver Capheus.
The trailer doesn’t give away a ton of specific plot details about the Sense8 Christmas special, but it does feature scenes of the sensates mentally joining one another for everything from tai chi to church services. There’s also more threats, more fighting, and that underused song “Hallelujah.” The Sense8 Christmas special debuts on December 23.