Like characters on Sense8, the Netflix original sci-fi series centered on eight psychically interconnected characters, fans of the cult-favorite show knew together and at once last week that the trailer for the show's eagerly anticipated Christmas special had dropped. A two-hour precursor to the series' second season, which premieres May 5, the special can be watched this Friday, December 23.

Scenes from the trailer hint at the payoff for local San Francisco filming observed this spring in locations including Dolores Park and Alamo Square. You'll spot what appears to be holiday-clad singers in San Francisco City Hall (as above) for example, though we'll have to stay tuned to learn what all the ruckus was about regarding that $1,000 city fine incurred when one actor got publicly naked at a shoot on Billy Goat Hill.

The Emmy-nominated Sense8 comes from Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski and Matrix directors Lana and Lilly Wachowski, although the second season was directed by Lana alone. Lilly, like her sister before her, came out as transgender this past March — incidentally doing so in an awesome "cheers to the haters" statement to Chicago's Windy City Times in a pointed response to alleged pressure from a Daily Mail reporter who seemed ready to out her. After the announcement, Lilly revealed she would temporarily leave the production of Sense8 to focus on her own wellbeing according to a statement to BuzzFeed. This second season of the series, then, marks the first time the Wachowskis have operated as anything but a duo of sibling sensates, so to speak, in two decades.

Last, one other structural change for the second season visible in the new trailer: As CNet observes, the actor Toby Onwumere has replaced Aml Ameen as the cab driver Capheus.

Anyway, enjoy and "Happy fuckin' New Year," everybody!

Updated: We've been informed that the singers referenced above are members of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. Nice cameo, gents!

Related: SF Shoot For Sense8 Hit With Sanctions Over Public Park Nudity