Currently, the subscription-based cable television network Showtime includes an extensive range of theatrically released motion pictures in addition to original programming. Originally launched in '76, the service has gone from being predominately a pay-cable-based subscription channel, optional to its existing cable television customers, blooming into a mainstream corporation and world-renowned streaming platform best accessible by smart televisions, laptops, and cellular devices, and now the networks vast catalog can be accessed on Paramount+.
Update July 1, 2023: In honor of Showtime and Paramount+ merging, this article has been updated with even more great series from Showtime.
With the world rapidly changing through the fast-paced manner in which we utilize and consume technology, platforms like Showtime have decided to change with the times, producing and distributing massive amounts of original series and films. With every genre in mind, Showtime has released over hundreds of original series, both scripted and unscripted, feature films, comedy specials, documentaries, and excellent sports programming (especially boxing) throughout its duration as a premium provider. Although we most likely would be here forever if we went through the list of every Showtime original, let's highlight some of the network's well-regarded, self-produced TV shows.
10 Stargate SG-1
Stargate SG-1 is a science fiction show created by Jonathan Glassner and Bad Wright based on the popular film Stargate. The adventurous show zooms in on an undercover military team SG-1 whose mission is to explore other planets discovered by Stargates. Through their journey, they form bonds with friendly civilizations all while making sure no danger ever reaches planet Earth. The story is brought to life by brilliant actors such as Richard Dean Anderson, Micheal Shanks, and Amanda Tapping.
The 90s show is considered the best of the era as it maintained its originality, chemistry, and interesting plotlines. The series ran for five seasons on Showtime before moving to the Sci-Fi Network for five more seasons. It helped establish Stargate as a popular television franchise with multiple spin-off series like Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe.
9 Dexter
The infamous Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) is a forensic blood splatter analyst who works for the Miami-Metro Police Department. Fun fact, Dexter doesn't just stop at solving murders, he's a vengeful serial killer who commits a wide range of slayings as well. Though he claims to himself that he only murders guilty individuals, many viewers might add that what the antihero does is just as bad as killing a completely innocent person; on the other hand, other viewers have applauded him throughout the runtime of this popular show. His sister, who works as a police detective (Jennifer Carpenter), in addition to his colleagues, has no idea about Dexter's secret life because of how great he is at navigating both alternate lives. If anything, Dexter will enable viewers to root for the serial killer and not feel bad about it later.
8 Ray Donovan
One of Showtime's biggest series, Ray Donovan, ran for seven seasons on Showtime. When celebrities and fellow business moguls find themselves in a jam, they call Ray Donovan (Liev Schriber) to make their problems disappear. His work in LA is much more glamorous and legitimate and places him higher on the scale of power than his previous gig in South Boston, where he worked as a street guy.
Donovan's past in Boston comes back to haunt him when his father is released from prison after 20 years. The interesting family drama is perfect television, highlighting Sopranos-style rhetoric with a lot more action. Although the show was canceled after seven seasons, a feature film was released in 2022, starring Schreiber in his reprisal of Donovan.
7 Californication
Californication is yet another crisp beloved show to come out of the Showtime network offering a piece of life to all those who watch it. Created by Tom Kapinos and starring David Duchovny, Natascha McElhone, and Evan Handler, it tells the story of a writer with a complicated life. Hank Moody has recently moved to California, but his life is thrown out of balance as he struggles from a writer’s block, a drug abuse problem, and sex addiction that have taken a toll on his relationship with his long-time girlfriend and their daughter.
What’s special about Californication is how everything flows and feels natural as you watch the story unfold on screen. The plot is relatable as the behaviors shown are often present all around us. It’s a story of struggling through one’s shortcomings but nevertheless trying to overcome them to live the life you want. Californication is truly a premise with emotional depth done in a hearty way.
6 Homeland
Based on the Israeli series Prisoners of War, Homeland is a captivating thriller with extensive character analysis and backstories. CIA agent Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) experiences many highs and lows throughout the show, as she has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and yet is a brilliant agent. Mathison is convinced a prisoner of war, Marine Sgt. Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) has been turned by al-Qaeda and is in the midst of carrying out a terrorist attack on American soil. As she interrogates him further, America's national security has a higher risk of deconstructing. The constant ups and downs as it pertains to Mathison's relationship with the CIA is greatly estranged at one point, due primarily to her disillusionment, and leads the show through some shocking twists and turns up until its eighth and final season.
5 Billions
Billions is a show created by Brian Koppelman, David Levien, and Andrew Ross Sorkin. The ensemble cast is Paul Giamatti, Damian Lewis, and Maggie Siff. The highly engaging show highlights a world of power politics centered around great wealth. When billions are the prize, smart U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades and Bobby Axelrod compete for the money and are constantly trying to outsmart the other.
It all starts when Axelrod starts accumulating great wealth, which has sparked the attention of Rhoades, who starts seeking him because he believes no one is supposed to have this much wealth and power. If you want to get immersed in a world of finance, power moves, and great tactics that are full of wit and exciting storytelling, Billions will hit the sweet spot for you!
4 Masters of Sex
Masters of Sex was a period drama based on William Masters (Michael Sheen) and Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan), two pioneering researchers in human sexuality in the 1950s and '60s, as well as their own personal relationships. While on the surface, the setting may have come off as Showtime's attempt at doing their own version of Mad Men, Masters of Sex broke out as an honest and frank conversation about sexuality, gender, and relationships with two magnificent leading performances by its lead actors. Masters of Sex ran for four seasons, starting in 2013 and concluding in 2016.
3 Dead Like Me
Directed by Bryan Fuller, Dead Like Me is a comedy and drama with a touch of fantasy that was nominated for two Primetime Emmys. Starring Ellen Muth, Callum Blue, and Jasmin Guy, it tells the story of Georgia Lass, a young woman who is not satisfied with her life. On top of that, one day, she gets hit by a toilet seat and is now dead. However, this is not where the story ends. After her death, she finds out that she has now been recruited to be a grim repeater, among others. Even in death, she starts struggling with her daily duties. It’s both hilarious, sad, introspective, and inspiring in a way that will end up deeply moving you. Dead Like Me is a unique take on death, which was tastefully done.
2 Yellowjackets
Showtime's latest hit series, Yellowjackets, has become a cultural phenomenon. The story follows two timelines, one focused on a young all-girl soccer team stranded in the woods in the 1990s and the present-day storyline following them as adults. Yellowjackets is thrilling, terrifying, and filled with incredible character work. It features an all-star cast that includes Melanie Lynskey, Juliette Lewis, Christina Ricci, Tawny Cypress, Ella Pernell, Sophie Thatcher, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sophie Nélisse, and Sammi Hanratty. The series just concluded its second season and makes for an incredible binge.
1 Shameless
The US adaptation of the BAFTA-winning show Shameless follows Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy), a single father of six: Fiona (Emmy Rossum), Phillip (Jeremy Allen White), Ian (Cameron Monaghan), Debbie (Emma Rose Kenney), Carl (Ethan Francis Cutkosky), and Liam (Christian Isaiah). Neglectful towards his children while creating a dysfunctional home environment, Frank spends an extensive amount of time drinking at bars while the children are forced to care for themselves.
Gallagher's eldest daughter, Fiona, takes on the responsibility to assist her siblings in any way she can, due to the absence of both parents. With great comedy and heartbreaking drama, the family tries to survive this difficult modern world. Shameless is true to its title, but wonderful nonetheless.