Paramount+ might not have the same dominance as Netflix or HBO, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t one of the better streaming platforms available today. As the in-house content platform of the newly minted media juggernaut Paramount Skydance, Paramount+ draws upon a wealth of intellectual property and original ideas—much of which originated from its owned networks: Showtime, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and, most notably, CBS.
Are you a fan of blockbuster science fiction? Paramount+ has long been the home to anything and everything “Star Trek,” from the legendary “The Original Series” to the exciting new “Strange New Worlds.” If gritty crime dramas and thrillers are more your style, Showtime and Paramount+ original series like “MobLand,” “Evil,” and the entire “Dexter” franchise have you covered. The platform also serves up popular sitcoms, both old and new, along with the titillating procedurals we can’t live without.
Suffice it to say, Paramount wasn’t kidding around when it promised subscribers a “mountain of entertainment.” To help you navigate your way to the summit, we have compiled the 25 best TV shows currently streaming on Paramount+.
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### Yellowstone Prequels: 1883 & 1923
While viewers might be surprised to learn that “Yellowstone” itself isn’t available on Paramount+ as of now, its captivating prequel spin-offs are. These series take viewers back a century before the era of Kevin Costner’s John Dutton and can be enjoyed independently from the main show.
**1883**
The perfect entry point into Taylor Sheridan’s hit western franchise, “1883” is an origin story chronicling the Dutton clan’s rugged beginnings. Country music icons Tim McGraw and Faith Hill lead the series as James and Margaret Dutton, desperate settlers searching for land in Oregon in the titular year. Alongside world-weary Union veteran Shea Brennan (Sam Elliott), the family embarks on a perilous journey marked by romance, beautiful landscapes, and constant danger. This 10-episode miniseries, which began streaming in 2021, is largely self-contained, making it accessible for new viewers.
**1923**
Set further down the timeline, “1923” is a two-season prequel focused on the Duttons’ early years at the Yellowstone ranch. Featuring Hollywood legends Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford as Cara and Jacob Dutton, the series delves into the family’s struggles and legacy in the early 1920s. Ford’s portrayal of Jacob, a man balancing power and protection, alongside Mirren’s equally fierce Cara, elevates the show, which premiered in 2024 as part of Paramount+ with Showtime’s exclusive content.
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### The Agency: Central Intelligence
Released in 2024, “The Agency: Central Intelligence” is a blockbuster spy thriller packed with action, suspense, and spectacle rivaling the modern “James Bond” franchise. Co-created by renowned screenwriting brothers Jez and John-Henry Butterworth, the show stars Michael Fassbender as Brandon Colby, a CIA asset whose loyalty comes into question after a deep cover mission in Sudan. When Jodie Turner-Smith’s character tracks him down in London, the intrigue intensifies, forcing Colby to face his own fractured identity. With an impressive supporting cast including Jeffrey Wright, Katherine Waterston, and Richard Gere, Showtime renewed the series for a second season halfway through its first.
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### Avatar: The Last Airbender
Widely regarded as one of the greatest television programs ever made for younger audiences, “Avatar: The Last Airbender” is a fantasy series that adults and children can enjoy together. Airing originally on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008, the animated series follows Aang, a young boy who can manipulate all four elements—fire, earth, water, and air. He embarks on a covert journey to master his powers and restore balance amidst the Fire Nation’s imperial reign.
The legacy of “Avatar” extends beyond the original series, including the sequel “The Legend of Korra” and an upcoming second sequel titled “Seven Havens,” currently in production for Nickelodeon. Paramount+ is now the streaming home for this beloved saga.
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### Billions
When “Billions” premiered on Showtime in 2016, it faced some skepticism due to perceived lack of originality. However, the series quickly grew into one of Showtime’s most popular shows, lasting seven seasons until 2023.
This sharp corporate and legal thriller follows hedge fund manager Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) and U.S. attorney Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti), locked in a high-stakes battle of wits, power, and morality. With its seductive tone and escape into a world of excessive wealth, “Billions” offers a blend of political intrigue and corporate drama.
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### Broad City
Starting as a simple web series, “Broad City” exploded into one of Comedy Central’s most outrageous comedies when it debuted on television in 2014. Created by Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson, who star as exaggerated versions of themselves, it chronicles the lives of two millennial New Yorkers navigating chaotic urban life amid self-sabotage and confusion.
Known for its bizarre and hilariously scrappy 20-minute episodes, the show boasts a strong supporting cast including Hannibal Buress, Paul W. Downs, and D’Arcy Carden. Ending in 2019, “Broad City” serves as a perfect time capsule of the millennial experience.
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### Chappelle’s Show
Comedian Dave Chappelle remains a towering figure in comedy, and while controversial moments have affected his reputation, his iconic “Chappelle’s Show” sketches are now available on Paramount+. This groundbreaking sketch series, co-written with Neal Brennan, is known for its fearless irreverence and wide-ranging humor.
Memorable sketches include “The Player Hater’s Ball,” “Wayne Brady’s Show,” and “Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Stories.” The series stands as a masterclass in sketch comedy for fans old and new.
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### Detroiters
Before their mainstream successes, Sam Richardson and Tim Robinson co-starred in the underrated Comedy Central series “Detroiters.” The show follows two clueless marketing specialists striving to create terrible advertisements in their hometown. Its absurd humor and vivid comedic styles offer plenty of laughs.
Though canceled before a third season, “Detroiters” remains a hidden gem on Paramount+ for fans of offbeat comedy.
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### Dexter Franchise
” Dexter” is a darkly comedic crime thriller focused on a morally conflicted serial killer who targets Miami’s worst offenders. Michael C. Hall stars in the flagship Showtime series, which ran for eight seasons and inspired both acclaim and criticism, particularly for its later seasons and finale.
Fortunately, the story continues and finds redemption through sequels like “Dexter: New Blood” and “Dexter: Resurrection,” as well as the prequel “Dexter: Original Sin.” All are available to stream on Paramount+.
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### Drunk History
Ahead of its time, “Drunk History” features inebriated narrators recounting historical tales, which actors then perform with costumes and sets. Created by Derek Waters and Jeremy Konner, and executive produced by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, the show became a Comedy Central staple across seven seasons.
Highlights include narrations by Brian Tyree Henry, Bob Odenkirk, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, with performances by stars such as Ryan Gosling, Jack Black, and Jason Momoa.
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### Elsbeth
A spin-off from the CBS crime drama universe, “Elsbeth” introduces a quirky protagonist, former Chicago defense attorney Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston). Relocated to New York City, Elsbeth observes the NYPD for legal compliance but soon uses her wit and insight to assist in investigations.
With a tone reminiscent of “Amelie” mixed with “Columbo,” “Elsbeth” has quickly become a strong performer in CBS ratings and promises ongoing intrigue.
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### Escape at Dannemora
Before their collaboration on AppleTV+’s “Severance,” Ben Stiller directed this 2018 Showtime miniseries starring Patricia Arquette. Based on a true story, the prison-break thriller delves into love, manipulation, and betrayal at Clinton Correctional Facility.
Arquette plays Tilly Mitchell, an uninspired employee who becomes entwined with inmates Richard Matt (Benicio del Toro) and David Sweat (Paul Dano) as they plot an audacious escape.
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### Evil
Created by Michelle and Robert King, “Evil” is a genre-bending series combining crime procedural elements with supernatural thriller. Premiering on CBS in 2019 before moving to streaming in 2021, it follows forensic psychologist Dr. Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers) and Catholic priest David Acosta (Mike Colter) as they investigate cases involving potential demonic possession.
With intelligent writing and a chilling atmosphere, “Evil” offers a fresh take on the intersection of faith and science.
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### Frasier
Arguably one of the greatest sitcoms of all time and an exemplary spin-off, “Frasier” stars Kelsey Grammer reprising his role as psychiatrist Frasier Crane. The series chronicles his new life in Seattle as a radio host navigating complicated family and professional relationships.
Paramount+ offers both the original series and the short-lived 2023 reboot, which was canceled after its freshman season.
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### Freaks and Geeks
Don’t let its cancellation fool you—”Freaks and Geeks” remains a cherished cult classic. The NBC teen sitcom, one of Paul Feig’s earliest works, expertly captures high school life in the early 2000s with a cast including Linda Cardellini, Jason Segel, Seth Rogen, and James Franco.
Its nostalgic humor and strong writing make it a must-watch on Paramount+.
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### The Good Wife
A hallmark of network television storytelling, “The Good Wife” stars Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick, a lawyer navigating her career following her husband Peter’s public scandal. The CBS drama explores legal, political, and personal battles across seven seasons, earning 43 Emmy nominations by its end in 2016.
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### Happy Days
Created in 1974 by Garry Marshall, “Happy Days” offers a nostalgic look at 1950s America filled with romance, simplicity, and coolness. Ron Howard stars as Richie Cunningham, balanced by Henry Winkler’s iconic Fonzie.
The show’s impact endures, and Paramount+ hosts the entire series, which remains a beloved classic.
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### Key & Peele
If there’s a Comedy Central sketch show that rivals “Chappelle’s Show,” it’s “Key & Peele.” Created by Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, the series debuted in 2012 with memorable sketches like “Substitute Teacher,” “East-West Bowl,” and “Luther,” the anger translator for President Obama.
While Key and Peele have since pursued separate paths, their show continues to entertain on Paramount+.
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### Matlock (2023)
Not simply a reboot, the 2023 “Matlock” series offers a fresh take starring Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock—a retired lawyer rejoining a Los Angeles law firm. With a sharp legal mind and unexpected methods, Matty challenges younger colleagues and makes an impact on the justice system.
The show blends charm with subversion and is available on Paramount+.
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### MobLand
Debuting as a Paramount+ original in 2025, “MobLand” reunites Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren in a gripping London crime drama. The series follows the Harrigans, a ruthless organized crime family, and their dangerous rivalries.
With Tom Hardy as enforcer Harry Da Souza, the show combines Shakespearean tension with modern criminal underworld drama. “MobLand” has been renewed for a second season.
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### Nathan for You
Before his recent hits, Nathan Fielder created “Nathan for You,” a cringeworthy Comedy Central gem chronicling his hilarious attempts to help struggling businesses with bizarre strategies. Famous for stunts like the “Dumb Starbucks” coffee shop, the series remains a standout for unique humor and social commentary.
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### Review
“Review,” starring Andy Daly, is a dark comedy that takes the concept of reviewing life’s experiences to extreme levels. As Forrest MacNeil, Daly undertakes fan-requested “reviews” of activities ranging from mundane to insane, often with tragicomic consequences.
Episodes like “Pancakes; Divorce; Pancakes” and “Buried Alive; 6-Star Review; Public Speaking” showcase the show’s blend of humor and pathos, making it a must-watch.
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### Star Trek Franchise
Paramount+ has been the go-to streaming platform for “Star Trek” fans since its inception, offering nearly the entire franchise. From “Star Trek: The Original Series” and “The Next Generation” to “Deep Space Nine” and “Voyager,” all classic series are available.
The platform also hosts original productions like “Picard,” “Strange New Worlds,” and the animated comedy “Lower Decks,” ensuring every kind of Trekkie has an adventure to enjoy.
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### Twin Peaks
While “Twin Peaks” might be remembered as uneven, it remains a unique artistic achievement. Created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, the series stars Kyle MacLachlan as FBI agent Dale Cooper investigating eerie and supernatural occurrences in a small Washington town.
The show’s surrealism and intrigue continue to captivate viewers and are available on Paramount+.
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### The Twilight Zone
Rod Serling’s original anthology series “The Twilight Zone” is one of television’s most influential and enduring programs. Each standalone episode explores suspenseful, tragic, or paranormal tales, guided by Serling’s iconic narration.
Paramount+ also offers the Jordan Peele-produced reboot, though it hasn’t quite matched the original’s magic, allowing viewers to compare both versions.
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With such a diverse and rich catalog spanning multiple genres, generations, and storytelling styles, Paramount+ proves itself a compelling streaming choice. Whether you’re in the mood for thrilling crime dramas, nostalgic comedies, groundbreaking sci-fi, or innovative sketches, this platform has something to offer every viewer. Happy streaming!
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