Paramount+ is a streaming service that has started to make a name for itself. Created by the CBS Corporation and renamed from its existing CBS All Access title in 2014, the platform hosts a wide array of material from the CBS network, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and a variety of additional networks with an expansive collection of movies and shows. While it might not be as well known as Netflix or Disney+, or even have the recent pedigree behind Apple TV+, Paramount+ has started to become a major competitor in the streaming wars.

In addition to all the material it has from Viacom's various subsidiaries, it also features a host of original television shows. While the sheer volume might not be at the same level as its competitors, when Paramount+ does release an original series, more often than not, it is a quality series worth watching. In celebration of all the new series premiering on the streaming service, we're taking a look at a few of the best original Paramount+ shows.

Updated on April 18, 2024 by Soniya Hinduja: This article has been updated with additional information and site features to keep the discussion fresh and relevant.

22 Interrogation (2020)

Interrogation is a ten-episode true crime drama inspired by the Bruce Lisker conviction case files. In it, a young man is accused of murdering his mother, and he sets out to prove his innocence through a series of interrogations. Each episode depicts one interrogation over several hours. The questioning places the viewer across from the convict, and forces them to be either unforgiving or empathetic. Through non-linear storytelling, new truths come to light until the finale blows your mind away.

A Thrilling Crime Series Based on Real Events

Offering a gripping crime thriller that spans almost three decades, Interrogation stars Kodi Smit-McPhee and Peter Sarsgaard in a captivating light. Despite being split into ten episodes, the camerawork, editing, and pacing are so brilliant and precise that it feels like you’re watching one continuous interrogation. The series delivers a dramatic experience because of its characters and complexity, but it was canceled after one season. Peter Saarsgard, who played the role of Detective Russell, would later go on to star in the beloved miniseries Dopesick.

21 Halo (2022 – Present)

Adapted from the hugely popular Xbox Game Studios video game franchise of the same name, Halo is a science-fiction series that familiarizes you with a 26th century intergalactic war. On one side is humanity, primarily composed of the United Nations Space Command. On the other side lies the Covenant, a military alliance of several races of unidentified species working under a theocratic government. Across two seasons, we witness a richly-developed futuristic world and a good amount of adrenaline-fueled action as Master Chief John-117 (Pablo Schreiber) is tasked with taking on the alien threat.

A Visual Spectacle With Grandiose Scale

Produced on a massive scale with flawless special effects, the Paramount+ original transports the audiences right into the immersive world of the games. While breathing life into an exquisite lore, it also blends several genres and handles thoughtful questions about the future and how humanity would instill itself in the cosmos. Lore fans need not worry either, as the series takes place in a separate continuity from the games. Actors like Pablo Schreiber, Olive Gray and Shabana Azmi lead an outstanding cast of actors, doing justice to the complex source material. Overall, Halo is a series that is destined to define 21st century sci-fi television, especially with how much the second season improved over the first one.

20 iCarly (2021 – 2023)

This revival series catches up with Carly Shay (Miranda Cosgrove) and her friends almost a decade after the 2007 Nickelodeon series of the same name. Carly is back in Seattle, and she shares an apartment with her best friend Harper (Laci Mosley). Her older brother Spencer (Jerry Tranor) accidentally made it big as an artist, and their collective friends are creating mayhem as they juggle adult responsibilities. Carly attempts an ‘iCarly’ webcast revival, and in no time, she is thrown into modern entertainment and influencer culture.

Maintains the Charm of the Nickelodeon Classic

Retaining the charm of the original series and turning the humor up a notch, iCarly is a nostalgic visit to the past. Watching your beloved characters all grown and lighting up the screen in new ways alone is positive. Add hilarious pop culture references and a backdrop of the current YouTube landscape, and what you get is a feel-good sitcom that unites generations. The three-season series received positive reviews from fans and critics alike and is a must-watch for fans of the original iCarly.

19 Rabbit Hole (2023)

In Rabbit Hole, Kiefer Sutherland plays the role of John Weir, a corporate spy so skilled in his profession that he's practically untouchable. However, Weir’s last mission backfires when the world of corporate espionage plays him dirty and frames him for murder. Now that he is up against people who can control and influence the world, Weir must either run for his life or face the consequences and regain his freedom. Meta Golding stars alongside Sutherland in this thrilling espionage series, with names like Enid GBraham, Rob Yang, and Walkt Klink rounding out the principal cast.

A Sublime Sutherland Thriller

Rabbit Hole is a bold and thrilling series created by John Requa and Glenn Ficarra for Paramount+. Its delicate direction and sublime writing packs unpredictable plot twists and the most entertaining action sequences. Sutherland delivers a nuanced performance as a protagonist on the run, with Meta Golding and Rob Yang lending excellent support. From vigilante angles to commenting on timely issues of power and control, the series has a bunch of positives that make it a compelling addition to the genre. Though it lasted for one season, it's certain to leave an impact on you.

18 Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990 – 2000)

A 293-episode teen soap drama, Beverly Hills, 90210 is a television show that delves into the assimilation of a value-oriented Midwestern family into the flashy Beverly Hills lifestyle. The show follows a group of friends as they experience life as young adults, into high school, slowly to college, and ultimately, into the real world. This long-running drama is mainly focused on how the five people try to maintain their friendships while dealing with personal and family crises, romances, tragedies, and countless topical issues.

A Must-Watch '90s Classic

Beverly Hills, 90210 is a show worth binge-watching. From the well-developed characters who revealed subsequent layers as they matured to the various topics covered, like love triangles, adoption, substance abuse, and friendship, the show will catch your attention and throw you back in time. The show also features some successful musicians of the '90s, like Vanessa Williams, Jeremy Jordan, and Brian McKnight. All these, coupled with the presence of teen idol favorites Jason Priestley and Luke Perry, make it evident why Beverly Hills, 90210 should be on your watch list.

17 Blue Bloods (2010 – 2024)

A crime thriller that stars Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg, Blue Bloods is a family drama show about a multi-generational family, the Reagans. Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck) is the New York Police Commissioner who heads the Reagan brood and the police force. He is tasked with lowering crime and running his family at the same time. The show's primary focus is not on police procedurals, but on the family dynamics of the Reagans, including Frank's son, Detective Danny, Erin, and beat cop Jamie.

Made by an Award-Winning Team

The drama written by the Emmy award-winning writers of The Sopranos was an instant hit for bringing a fresh take to the cop show genre. Each episode of the show ends with a family dinner where the day's problems are hashed out, making for a series that establishes a familiar formula for casual viewers and binge-watchers alike. Also, the show does not fail to deliver meaningful drama, be it an action-packed thriller, a tear-jerking romance, or a suspenseful murder mystery. Also, be ready for outstanding cinematography by talents like Gene Engels and Craig DiBona, a great cast, and a flowing plot when watching Blue Bloods.

16 Criminal Minds (2005 – Present)

Criminal Minds is a crime drama series that has been thrilling audiences since it premiered in 2005. The detective show revolves around FBI Special Agents, specifically the Behavioral Analysis Unit, who travel across America to anywhere they are needed to solve the most horrendous crimes. The agents scrutinize the crime scenes and victimology by identifying the unknown suspect, referred to in the show as the "unsub". Led by veteran Supervisory Special Agent Jason Gideon (Mandy Patinkin), the team comprises former cop Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson), tech-savvy analyst Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore), psychologist Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), charming British agent Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), and cool-headed Jennifer Jareau (A. J. Cook).

One of the Most Watched Crime Shows

Being consistently ranked as one of the most-watched shows during its 15-year run, Criminal Minds deserves all its numerous award nominations — as well as its burgeoning media franchise. The agents solve a huge range of crimes, from petty cases of cybercrime to intense cases involving murder and child abduction. The suspects have complex backgrounds, making the plot very well-thought-out and complicated. Also, the cast is all flawed and realistic, with each character being so different but complementary to one another. It makes for a team that is just as interesting to watch as the cases they solve.

15 Freaks and Geeks (1999)

Set during the school year of 1980-1981 in the fictional suburb of Chippewa, Michigan, Freaks and Geeks is an American teen comedy-drama television series about two groups of high school students — the eponymous "freaks" and "geeks". The freaks are outcasts who love defying authority, while the geeks are the socially and physically underdeveloped kids who thrive in science fiction and impersonating their comedy idols. Lindsay Weir (Linda Cardellini) and Sam Weir (John Francis Daley) are siblings, but Lindsay belongs to the Freaks while Sam belongs to the Geeks. The show takes us through the two different worlds experienced by these two high school students, how they intersect, and how they form relationships within these circles.

A Pop Culture Time Capsule

Freaks and Geeks is a time capsule of the formative era of pop culture and comedy. The show is highly relatable, and each character is self-aware of their high school experience. It brings out the awkwardness and insecurities teens face when growing up and portrays them honestly and authentically. Regardless of the show being episodic, each teen player experiences some growth with each episode, making it a show full of dramatic heft. It would also be a professional stepping stone for several of its key cast members, who would go on to see tremendous success in Hollywood. Some of these names include Seth Rogen, James Franco, Linda Cardellini, and Samm Levine.

14 The Offer (2022)

There aren't many movies out there so iconic and steeped in Hollywood legend that their production gets turned into a series. However, if there ever were a film that so captivated the industry, critics, and audiences alike, The Godfather would certainly be it. The immense legacy and significance of the film have been well publicized ever since its release in 1979. All these years later, it's not just the mastery of the movie and the iconic performances it produced, but everything about it that still finds relevance with fans and today's filmmakers. Following the cast and production crew during the making of The Godfather, this show gives viewers a unique inside look at the ups, downs, nuances, and intricacies that went into bringing the legendary movie to life.

The Story Behind The Godfather

The Offer capitalized on that never-waning nostalgia and interest in the film as Paramount tells an inside story through this 10-episode miniseries. It features a stellar cast that includes the likes of Miles Teller, Colin Hanks, Giovanni Ribisi, Dan Fogler, and many other talented and recognizable faces. With so many iconic names and eclectic personalities attached to The Godfather, look out for a fantastic list of characters based on real-life, well-known celebrities and figures such as Francis Ford Coppola, Al Pacino, Frank Sinatra, Mario Puzo, and Carlo Gambino, just to name a few. Juno Temple would even win a Satellite Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her work here, as she played the role of Bettye McCartt.

13 Special Ops: Lioness (2023 – Present)

In one of his latest ventures, Taylor Sheridan has once again created a great show with Special Ops: Lioness. The series stars Zoe Saldaña as a CIA officer who's placed in charge of the 'Lioness' field program. Also based on a real-life CIA program, the show follows the dangerous exploits of those attached to the program, whose mission is to form friendships with the wives and daughters of terrorists to gain critical intelligence. Leveraging these friendships to get close to the terrorists, the lionesses' ultimate goal is to use them to take down their targets.

A Great Action Series Starring Zoe Saldaña

A great female-led action series, the show was inspired by "Team Lioness", a squadron of female soldiers who were tasked with patrols during the war in Iraq to help stop female insurgents smuggling dangerous materials. Taylor Sheridan has become one of the preeminent names in TV series since his immense success with the Yellowstone franchise, and the brilliant showrunner never seems to miss his mark whenever he applies his mind to a new project. Likewise, Zoe Saldaña shines in the lead role, with other cast members like Laysla De Oliveira and Dave Annable bringing this thrilling series to life. If you need more convincing, John Hillcoat of The Proposition and The Road directed half of the episodes in the first season.

12 1923 (2022 – 2023)

Practically royalty among Paramount shows, the Yellowstone franchise by Taylor Sheridan has burgeoned in recent years and remains one of the most enthralling TV universes around. With the success of the Yellowstone spin-off show, 1883, behind it, 1923 ​​​​​​serves as a direct sequel to that show. Featuring a new generation of the Dutton family, helmed by Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren) and Jacob Dutton (Harrison Ford), this one includes plenty of intriguing characters, high drama, and powerful storylines that have made the franchise as a whole so successful over the years.

Another Terrific Yellowstone Prequel

With many memorable episodes, and another amazing cast with the legendary Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford driving this one, it's no surprise that, like the other shows from the franchise, 1923 has also been highly acclaimed. Helen Mirren and the series as a whole have been recognized by the Saturn Awards and Satellite Awards for their impressive qualities, with the former being nominated for Best Actress in a Drama Series and the latter securing multiple Best Drama Series nominations. Isabel May even returns to this series to provide narration, just as she did in 1883.

11 Fatal Attraction (2023)

Like the cult classic 1987 film of the same name it was based on, Fatal Attraction offers much of the same titillating drama, though now with a fresh cast. The show follows the original plot which sees a married man embark on an ill-fated affair with another woman. When he tries to break off the relationship, it soon becomes clear that his unhinged lover isn't going to allow that to happen easily. The series was created by Alexandra Cunningham and Kevin J. Hynes, with the former having previously written for shows like NYPD Blue and Hulu's Chance.

A Fantastic Reinterpretation of the Michael Douglas Classic

With Joshua Jackson, Lizzy Caplan, and Amanda Peet starring in the main roles, the show ties together many of the same racy themes and sexual tension that made the original Michael Douglas film such a hit. Like its predecessor, the show makes for a steamy watch as it proves that steamy thrillers are still popular. Though it was quickly cancelled after a single season, a very binge-able first season makes for terrific viewing.

10 The Stand (2020 – 2021)

In the Paramount+ original miniseries The Stand, the fate of humanity's existence essentially relies on Mother Abigail (Whoopi Goldberg), a 108-year-old woman who leads the survivors of the Captain Trips plague to civilization. However, a nefarious force stands in their way. Much like how Mother Abigail draws survivors to her presence, so too does Randall Flagg (Alexander Skarsgård), a malevolent man who seemingly embodies pure evil with his plethora of supernatural powers. Josh Boone and Benjamin Cavell developed this adaptation of the Stephen King classic, with the former famously directing The Fault in Our Stars in 2014.

A Hypnotic Stephen King Adaptation

In true Stephen King fashion, this hypnotic yet frightening apocalyptic vision of a world where elements of good and evil torment a cinematically fantastic landscape is striking, with seemingly random storylines unfolding together in brilliant ways. Mother Abagail is a beautiful character, a woman who has experienced every high and low that life has thrown at her. She's a nurturing presence with certain abilities who positions herself as an ally to assist in this epic miniseries, which was a great improvement on the original '90s iteration. She, along with the excellent cast, helps bring King's classic tale to life for a new generation and even provides new material from the legend of horror himself to further entice fans.

9 Joe Pickett (2021 – 2023)

Created by novelist C. J. Box, Joe Pickett has become a popular Western character due to his hit series of the same name. The series follows the eponymous main character, played by Michael Dorman, who works as a game warden in the town of Saddlestring, Wyoming. As he lives his days, Pickett is forced to adjust to changing times as shifting economic and political conditions start to creep into his life. Given its proximity to the town, the surrounding wilderness of Yellowstone National Park is also prominently featured.

An Excellent Neo-Western

Billed as a neo-western crime show, Joe Pickett mostly centers on the main character made famous by Box's novels. His family and small-town values are also recurring themes that saw the show, and others like it, helping to create a resurgence in the Western genre in recent years. It also provides a unique hook, since Pickett's job doesn't just bring him into contact with ordinary criminals, but also with some unusual villains, such as environmental terrorists. Those interested in the cast would also care to know that Julianna Guill, Sharon Lawrence, Paul Sparks, and David Alan Grier are part of the principal cast alongside Michael Dorman.

8 Mayor of Kingstown (2021 – Present)

Marvel superstar Jeremy Renner headlines the gripping crime thriller series Mayor of Kingstown, which depicts the lives of the rich and influential McLusky family: power brokers who use their reach to bring justice and compassion to a town plagued by violence and crime. Dianne Wiest joins Renner as matriarch Miriam, who disapproves of her son Mike's shady activities and questionable methods and volunteers in one of the many prisons he serves as a liaison for. Mayor of Kingstown features the additional talents of Kyle Chandler, Taylor Handley, and Derek Webster in plentiful episodes spanning two seasons.

Taylor Sheridan's Latest Hit

Pairing an actor like Renner with a series by Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan was an ideal fit. The gritty program at the time went on to become Paramount+'s most-watched scripted premiere since 2018, attracting an impressive 2.6 million viewers. Though critical reviews were mixed, audience reception was more than positive, easily making it one of the best Paramount+ originals the service has ever produced. A third season, with Renner returning to the role of Mike McLusky, is currently slated to premiere on June 2.

7 1883 (2021 – 2022)

1883 is a prequel miniseries to Yellowstone, a hit series on the linear Paramount Network. It tells the background story of the Dutton family following the events of the American Civil War. The family’s ancestors, James (Tim McGraw) and Margaret Dutton (Faith Hill), set off on a journey from Tennessee to Texas, then to Oregon, and lastly to Montana to establish what eventually became the Yellowstone Ranch. However, the journey is filled with coarse moments and violence. It depicts the quest for survival, love, and a new beginning as it highlights immigrant life.

A Terrific Prequel Starring Sam Elliott

Led by the great Sam Elliott, 1883 showcased how big the Yellowstone brand was, so that it could continue outside the core series. However, this time the series focuses even more on its historical setting and its impressive casting. Of course, Sam Elliott dazzles as Shea Brennan, with Isabel May and LaMonica Garrett doing a similarly-impressive job in their respective roles. 1883 earned positive reviews from critics and fans of Yellowstone. It inspired a second prequel series starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren titled 1923.

6 Tulsa King (2022 – Present)

Tulsa King is perfect for Sylvester Stallone fans. Stallone plays the leading role of Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a mafia capo who has been released from 25 years in prison. Just fresh out of his confinement, he is sent by his boss to Oklahoma, where he begins to set up a new criminal empire full of new faces when he doesn’t feel that his old gang has his best interests in mind. Stallone gives an entertaining performance in this fun crime drama where a blend of humor, depth, and savagery shines through.

Stallone's First Lead Role in a Television Series

Tulsa King is another hit series from Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan. Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown, and the various series in the Yellowstone universe prove that he is a vital creative force at Paramount+ and one of their biggest assets. The first two episodes of Tulsa King received a special linear television broadcast on the Paramount Network as the lead-in for the Yellowstone season 5 premiere, and the premiere episode drew in 3.7 million viewers, making it the best new linear cable premiere of 2022. As for the series itself, Stallone shines in his first-ever lead role for a television series, with other fantastic names like Andrea Savage, Max Casella, Garrett Hedlund, and Martin Starr making up a colorful supporting cast.

5 School Spirits (2023 – Present)

While much of Paramount+'s programming is aimed at adult viewers, to become a premium destination streamer, they need material for all ages. School Spirits is an attempt to court a teenage audience, as it is a young adult series focused on a teen girl named Maddie (Peyton List) who, after dying, must solve her death while attending school in the afterlife. Kristian Flores, Milo Manheim, and Spencer Macpherson co-star alongside List, with the series as a whole being created by Megan and Nate Trinrud.

A Supernatural High School Drama

School Spirits blends dark comedy with traditional teenage high school drama in several entertaining ways. The lead performance of Peyton List was a particular point of praise, allowing for the series' humor to flow between the more dramatic and supernatural moments. Considering her previous roles in shows like Cobra Kai, it comes as no surprise that she's an effective lead. Led by a talented cast of young actors, School Spirits is a great mash-up of supernatural television and teen dramas that makes it perfect for its target audience.

4 The Good Fight (2017 – 2022)

The Good Fight was originally a part of CBS All Access, incorporating 21st-century politics, undertones of romance, women rising in the long-regarded patriarchal field of law, and enormous amounts of scandal. The series was a spin-off of The Good Wife and picks up where that series finally left off.

Maia Rindell (Rose Leslie) faces a series of financial and personal challenges after a financial scam dismantles her reputation as a lawyer. Maia and her godmother Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski) join forces with Lucca Quinn (Cush Jumbo) at one of Chicago's pre-eminent law firms after being forced out of their previous firm. Determined to build their careers, Diane later becomes a partner at the firm as Maia struggles to regain momentum personally and professionally.

A Spin-off That Rivals Its Original Show

The Good Fight ran for six seasons and concluded in 2022. The series received widespread critical acclaim, securing nominations for Best Drama Series from the Critics' Choice Television Awards numerous times across its six-season run. The series would even get a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics in 2018. By the time The Good Wife ended, many fans would claim it was better than the series it spun off from. The series remains one of Christine Baranski's best roles.

3 Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022 – Present)

Serving as the 11th series in the beloved fan-favorite sci-fi franchise, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds centers on Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) as he leads the diverse crew of the USS Enterprise through unique new worlds within the galaxy in the 23rd century. Pike must deal with the disturbing knowledge that he will meet a horrible fate, and works closely alongside beloved characters like Spock (Ethan Peck) and Christine Chapel (Jess Bush) on their thrilling, dangerous voyages into the great unknown.

The Best of the Newer Star Trek Shows

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds premiered in the summer of 2022 to great reviews, and was heralded by many as the best of the modern Star Trek series. It returned the franchise to its roots of episodic storytelling, while avoiding the darker tone that shows like Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Picard had dived headfirst into. The series even broke new ground with a musical episode, winning over fans with its ability to experiment and place the crew in unique situations. It's easily the most popular of the Star Trek shows produced for Paramount+, which will hopefully remain true when Season 3 premieres in 2025.