Shows on Paramount+
Looking for your next binge-worthy series? Paramount+ has quietly become one of the most diverse streaming platforms, offering an impressive catalog that spans decades of television excellence. From beloved animated classics that defined childhood for millions to gripping crime procedurals that kept audiences on the edge of their seats, the best shows on Paramount+ deliver something for every viewer. Whether you're drawn to nostalgic sitcoms that dominated primetime television, reality competition series that test human endurance, or critically acclaimed dramas that push storytelling boundaries, this streaming service houses an exceptional range of top-tier content. Our carefully curated selection of 21 highest-rated shows on Paramount+ cuts through the endless scrolling to highlight the series truly worth your time, spanning multiple genres and eras to showcase both timeless favorites and modern hits. These aren't just popular shows—they're the cream of the crop, representing the platform's strongest offerings across comedy, drama, animation, and reality television that have earned their place as must-watch entertainment.
Nathan Fielder stars as a fictionalized version of himself in this brilliantly bizarre business improvement show that defies all conventions. Armed with a business degree and a completely deadpan delivery, Nathan helps struggling small businesses with marketing strategies so audacious and uncomfortable they border on performance art. Creator Nathan Fielder turns what could be a simple reality format into something utterly unpredictable, whether he's helping a gas station rebrand as a haunted house or creating elaborate schemes involving fake Hollywood executives. The cringe comedy reaches astronomical levels as real business owners navigate Nathan's increasingly absurd proposals, never quite sure if he's serious. Each episode builds to moments of such unexpected emotional resonance and comic genius that you'll find yourself rewatching just to catch the subtle reactions. This is fearless, original television that rewards patience and appreciation for deeply awkward human interaction.
Orphaned baby orangutans rescued from illegal pet trade and deforestation get a second chance at life through a remarkable rehabilitation program in Borneo, and this utterly captivating docuseries follows their journey from trauma to forest independence. The Nyaru Menteng Rescue Centre becomes the setting for an educational adventure that's as heartwarming as it is important, with dedicated caregivers teaching young apes the climbing, foraging, and social skills they would have learned from their mothers. Each episode focuses on different individuals at various stages of development, from tiny infants clinging to human surrogates to adolescents testing their abilities in forest school. The filmmaking is patient and intimate, capturing personality quirks and small victories that make you genuinely invested in each orangutan's progress. Beyond the undeniable cuteness factor, the series offers valuable insight into conservation challenges and the devastating impact of palm oil plantations, making it both entertaining and educational for all ages.
At its core, this is a story about the impossible navigation of high school social hierarchies and the painful process of finding where you belong. Creator Paul Feig and producer Judd Apatow capture the specific humiliation of adolescence with uncomfortable precision, following two groups of students at a Michigan high school in 1980. Linda Cardellini, John Francis Daley, James Franco, and Seth Rogen lead a cast of then-unknowns who would later dominate comedy, and their raw, naturalistic performances give the show its documentary-like authenticity. The period details feel genuine rather than nostalgic, and the series refuses to sand down the awkwardness of being young. However, its commitment to cringe realism sometimes works against it—not every episode finds the balance between honest and merely uncomfortable, making it more admirable than consistently enjoyable.
This riveting documentary series investigating real-life aviation disasters sets the standard for disaster reconstruction programming and remains utterly compelling viewing two decades later. Each episode meticulously examines a different air crash, combining dramatic reenactments, CGI animations, cockpit voice recordings, and interviews with investigators, survivors, and aviation experts to piece together what went wrong. Narrated with appropriate gravity by Stephen Bogaert and Jonathan Aris, "Mayday" excels at making complex technical failures comprehensible to general audiences while maintaining respect for victims and their families. The production values are consistently high, and the storytelling is suspenseful even when outcomes are known. Beyond the dramatic reconstructions, the series serves an educational purpose by highlighting how each tragedy led to crucial safety improvements that have made air travel significantly safer.
Boldly optimistic and intellectually engaging, this Star Trek series represents science fiction at its most thoughtful and aspirational. Created by Gene Roddenberry, The Next Generation follows Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart in a career-defining role) and the crew of the USS Enterprise-D as they explore strange new worlds a century after the original series. The show elevates the franchise with sophisticated storytelling that tackles complex moral dilemmas, philosophical questions, and social issues through the lens of futuristic adventure. The ensemble cast—including Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, and Marina Sirtis—creates a genuine sense of camaraderie and professionalism. Stewart's commanding yet nuanced performance as Picard anchors the series in gravitas while episodes range from thrilling action to contemplative character studies. The Next Generation proves that science fiction can inspire, challenge, and entertain simultaneously, setting a standard that few series in any genre have matched.
Tracing the rise of one of R&B's most influential groups from their Boston beginnings through superstardom and beyond, this three-part miniseries chronicles New Edition's journey with infectious energy and remarkable attention to detail. The cast—including Bryshere Y. Gray, Elijah Kelley, Luke James, Algee Smith, Woody McClain, and Keith Powers—doesn't just play the group members but embodies their performances, mannerisms, and relationships with uncanny accuracy. Director Chris Robinson keeps the pace brisk across six hours, balancing the music industry's highs with behind-the-scenes conflicts, financial exploitation, and personal struggles. The musical performances are electrifying, and the script doesn't shy away from showing how success complicated friendships. Even viewers unfamiliar with New Edition will find themselves drawn into this compelling story of talent, ambition, and brotherhood. It's a masterclass in how to make a music biopic.
Four foul-mouthed fourth-graders navigate life in a small Colorado mountain town, and the result is one of television's sharpest, most fearless comedies. Trey Parker and Matt Stone's animated masterpiece uses Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny as vessels for blistering social commentary that spares absolutely no one. What makes South Park exceptional isn't just its willingness to tackle controversial topics—it's the show's remarkable ability to produce episodes in under a week, allowing it to respond to current events with a relevance that other series can't match. The crude animation style belies sophisticated writing that seamlessly blends absurdist humor with genuine insight. Whether skewering political figures, religious institutions, or celebrity culture, Parker and Stone demonstrate an equal-opportunity approach to offense that has kept the series vital for over two decades. It's comedy with a bite that refuses to dull.
Edward James Olmos leads this reimagined space opera as Admiral William Adama, commanding humanity's last survivors after a devastating Cylon attack. Created by Ronald D. Moore, this series transforms the 1970s concept into a masterwork of serialized television that tackles religious extremism, political corruption, and what it means to be human. The performances are universally stellar, with Mary McDonnell's President Roslin and James Callis's Gaius Baltar delivering career-defining work. The show maintains relentless tension across four seasons, balancing large-scale space battles with intimate character drama. Every episode feels essential, every twist earned. This is science fiction television at its absolute peak—a show that respects its audience's intelligence while delivering pulse-pounding action and genuine emotional weight.
Following the Dutton family's harrowing journey along the Oregon Trail in the 1880s, this *Yellowstone* prequel is a masterclass in Western storytelling that absolutely deserves your attention. Creator Taylor Sheridan delivers his most refined work yet, crafting an epic tale of survival, sacrifice, and the brutal cost of the American Dream. Sam Elliott leads an exceptional cast that includes Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, all delivering career-defining performances against the stunning backdrop of the American frontier. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing both the majestic beauty and merciless cruelty of the landscape. Every episode feels cinematic in scope, with Sheridan's unflinching approach to depicting the harsh realities of westward expansion creating television that's as emotionally devastating as it is visually spectacular. This is prestige television at its finest.
Kyle Chandler delivers a career-defining performance as Coach Eric Taylor, the moral center of this extraordinary drama about high school football in small-town Texas. Developed by Peter Berg and based on Buzz Bissinger's book, "Friday Night Lights" transcends its sports setting to become one of television's most authentic portraits of American life, capturing economic struggle, racial tension, and the weight of expectations with remarkable sensitivity. Connie Britton matches Chandler scene for scene as Tami Taylor, creating one of TV's great marriages built on mutual respect and lived-in intimacy. The series employs documentary-style cinematography and naturalistic dialogue that gives every moment genuine emotional texture, whether following the Dillon Panthers' championship hopes or exploring the characters' personal challenges off the field. The ensemble cast, including young talents like Michael B. Jordan and Taylor Kitsch, is uniformly excellent. Clear eyes, full hearts—this series truly can't lose.
At its core, this French espionage thriller explores the psychological toll of living double lives and the ethical complexities of intelligence work in an interconnected world. Mathieu Kassovitz stars as Guillaume Debailly, a French secret service agent who returns from a deep-cover mission in Damascus only to find himself pulled back into dangerous operations. Created by Éric Rochant, the series distinguishes itself through patient pacing, intricate plotting, and remarkable attention to tradecraft authenticity. Rather than relying on action sequences, the show builds tension through bureaucratic maneuvering, interpersonal relationships, and the constant threat of exposure. The performances are uniformly excellent, with characters rendered as fully realized individuals rather than spy archetypes. This is sophisticated, intelligent television that rewards close attention and trusts its audience completely. Anyone seeking espionage drama that prioritizes realism and character over explosions will find this an exceptional, even essential, viewing experience.
This behind-the-scenes drama recreates the turbulent production of *The Godfather*, and it's an absolute triumph for anyone who loves cinema history. Created by Michael Tolkin and starring Miles Teller as producer Albert S. Ruddy, the series chronicles every obstacle faced in bringing Mario Puzo's novel to screen—from studio interference and budget battles to mafia pressure and casting controversies. The ensemble cast, including Matthew Goode as Robert Evans and Dan Fogler as Francis Ford Coppola, brings Hollywood's golden-era personalities to vivid life. What makes this exceptional is how it captures the creative passion and sheer determination required to make a masterpiece, transforming production challenges into genuinely thrilling drama. The attention to period detail is meticulous, and the series brilliantly shows how compromise and conflict can somehow forge greatness. Even knowing how the story ends, the journey is captivating, offering fresh appreciation for one of cinema's greatest achievements.
When drag queens from across the country compete for the title of "America's Next Drag Star," they showcase not just fashion and performance skills but also creativity, charisma, and fierce determination in this fabulous reality competition. RuPaul Charles serves as host and head judge, bringing decades of drag expertise and undeniable star power to a show that has become a cultural phenomenon. Each episode features challenges ranging from sewing competitions to comedy roasts, musical performances to acting challenges, testing every aspect of the contestants' drag artistry. The judging panel, including Michelle Visage and rotating celebrity guests, provides critiques that are both constructive and entertaining. What elevates the series beyond typical competition shows is its heart—celebrating self-expression, chosen families, and the transformative power of drag while delivering drama, humor, and stunning runway looks. The show has launched numerous successful careers and brought drag culture into mainstream consciousness with style and substance.
Following the lives, loves, and struggles of a group of gay men living in Manchester's thriving Canal Street scene, this groundbreaking British drama refused to sanitize or apologize for its frank depiction of LGBTQ+ life. Created by Russell T Davies, the series centers on the charismatic but self-destructive Stuart, played with fearless energy by Aidan Gillen, and his complicated relationships with naive newcomer Nathan and romantic interest Vince, portrayed by Charlie Hunnam and Craig Kelly respectively. The show broke barriers with its unapologetic sexuality, complex characters who were flawed rather than saintly, and refusal to make gayness the problem—instead focusing on universal themes of friendship, love, and self-acceptance. The ensemble cast brings authenticity to stories involving everything from coming out to found family to the lingering impact of the AIDS crisis. Nearly 25 years later, it remains powerful television that paved the way for more honest LGBTQ+ representation, even if some elements feel dated. The UK original remains superior to its American remake.
This competition series takes the already fabulous format of the original "RuPaul's Drag Race" and elevates it by bringing back fan favorites, controversial exits, and legendary queens for a second chance at the crown. RuPaul presides over the proceedings with the same charisma and sharp wit, while the all-star format allows for more elaborate challenges and higher stakes that bring out both the best and most dramatic moments from competitors who've already proven themselves. The "All Stars" twist—various formats including jury votes, eliminations by the winners, and strategic gameplay—adds layers of complexity that make for compelling television. What truly makes this iteration shine is watching already-polished performers push their drag to new levels, taking creative risks that wouldn't be possible for queens just finding their footing. The emotional stakes feel higher because these queens know exactly what they're competing for, and the workroom dynamics among drag royalty create television that's equal parts inspiring artistry, fierce competition, and pure entertainment value.
Tom Kenny voices SpongeBob SquarePants, the relentlessly optimistic sea sponge who works as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom. Created by Stephen Hillenburg, this animated series has become a cultural phenomenon for good reason—its absurdist humor works on multiple levels, entertaining children with slapstick while sneaking in clever wordplay and satire for adults. The show's supporting cast, including Patrick Star, Squidward Tentacles, and Mr. Krabs, are perfectly realized characters with distinct personalities that play off each other brilliantly. Whether SpongeBob is jellyfishing with Patrick or desperately trying to pass his boating exam at Mrs. Puff's school, the animation style and comedic timing remain consistently sharp. Decades later, it's still delivering laughs and heart in equal measure.
In a dystopian future where a cold war rages between two super-states, a leather-clad assassin navigates an endless cycle of violence, espionage, and surreal encounters across heavily surveilled borders. Creator Peter Chung's groundbreaking animated series follows the mysterious Æon Flux, whose missions for the nation of Monica frequently bring her into contact—and conflict—with Trevor Goodchild, the morally ambiguous scientist-leader of Bregna. Originally airing as experimental shorts on MTV's Liquid Television before expanding into full episodes, the series distinguished itself through Chung's distinctive angular animation style and willingness to embrace narrative ambiguity over conventional storytelling. Denise Poirier voices the nearly silent Æon with athletic grace, while John Rafter Lee brings unexpected nuance to Trevor, creating a protagonist-antagonist dynamic built on attraction, opposition, and philosophical difference. The series remains remarkably bold in its refusal to explain its world or provide easy moral frameworks, trusting viewers to engage with its provocative imagery and ideas.
In this gritty crime drama, the intricate power structures of organized crime collide with law enforcement in a tense exploration of loyalty, betrayality, and survival. The series delves deep into mob culture with authenticity and attention to detail that fans of the genre will appreciate. Strong performances across the ensemble cast bring complexity to characters who exist in moral gray zones, making it difficult to draw clear lines between heroes and villains. The writing avoids obvious clichés while still delivering the confrontations and power plays that make mob stories compelling. Production values are consistently high, with atmospheric cinematography that captures both the glamour and seediness of criminal enterprise. While it covers familiar territory, the execution is sharp enough to distinguish it from countless other organized crime series. For viewers who can't get enough of this particular genre, it offers a satisfying addition to the canon.
In this series, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer play heightened versions of themselves as two twenty-something best friends stumbling through life in New York City. The comedy captures a specific millennial experience with its focus on dead-end jobs, tiny apartments, and the determination to wring adventure from mundane circumstances. The show's humor is aggressively quirky and often raunchy, which works brilliantly in some episodes but feels try-hard in others. When it connects, the friendship between the leads feels genuine and the observations about city life ring true. However, the relentless zaniness can be exhausting, and the characters' aimlessness occasionally tips from relatable to frustrating. The DIY aesthetic gives it authenticity that glossier productions lack, but the improvisational feel means the quality varies considerably from episode to episode.
Charlotte Ritchie leads the cast as Alison Cooper, a cash-strapped writer who inherits a crumbling country mansion only to discover it's inhabited by a delightful collection of ghosts from different eras. Created by Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard, and Ben Willbond (the Horrible Histories team), this BBC gem finds genuine warmth and humor in its supernatural sitcom premise. The ensemble of spectral residents—from a pompous Regency poet to a pantless politician—creates consistently funny dynamics as Alison and her husband attempt to convert the estate into a hotel. What makes the series truly special is how it balances laugh-out-loud comedy with surprisingly touching moments about friendship, belonging, and finding family in unexpected places. It's comfort viewing at its finest, offering both clever writing and genuine heart across its reliably entertaining episodes.
At its core, this anarchic animated series explores the absurdity of alienation through the misadventures of a pint-sized extraterrestrial invader bent on conquering Earth despite his spectacular incompetence. Created by comic book artist Jhonen Vasquez, the show follows Zim, an exiled Irken soldier sent to Earth on what's essentially a fool's errand, along with his malfunctioning robot GIR and his perpetually suspicious human nemesis Dib. The animation style is deliberately grotesque and kinetic, matching the show's dark humor and satirical edge. Voice actors Richard Steven Horvitz and Andy Berman bring manic energy to Zim and Dib's obsessive rivalry, while Rosearik Rikki Simons makes GIR unexpectedly endearing. What could have been simply random chaos instead offers sharp commentary on conformity, paranoia, and the loneliness of being perpetually misunderstood. Though Nickelodeon cancelled it after just two seasons, the show's cult following endures for good reason—it's genuinely subversive children's programming.