The 12 Best TV Shows On Paramount Plus

Paramount+, previously known as CBS All Access, may not be the most widely used streaming service or have the greatest number of highly anticipated original programs, unless you’re particularly keen on “Star Trek” and “Yellowstone” spinoffs, in which case they seem to have an abundant supply. However, it boasts a substantial library of popular TV shows from various Paramount/Viacom networks such as CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, and (at a higher subscription tier) Showtime.

The humorous Super Bowl commercial airing on Paramount+ in 2024 showcases an unusual depiction of the streaming service itself: a diverse ensemble featuring cultural icons such as Patrick Stewart, Peppa Pig (Amelie Bea Smith), Master Chief (Pablo Schreiber), and Knuckles the Echidna (Idris Elba) are stuck on a mountain, struggling to survive the cold while attempting to either climb down or wait for rescue. This predicament seems to symbolize the company’s merger plans in an unintended manner.

Regardless of what may transpire with Paramount+ down the line, at present, its subscribers can savor a selection of some of the finest television series ever produced. Listed below in no particular order, here are some unmissable shows that can be found on Paramount+ right now:

1. Big Brother
2. Cheers
3. Frasier
4. NCIS
5. Star Trek: Discovery
6. The Good Wife
7. Yellowstone
8. Young Sheldon

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Generally speaking, many viewers connect “Avatar: The Last Airbender” with Netflix, given its high viewership on their streaming platform and the live-action version being a Netflix exclusive production. However, it’s also available on Paramount+ as part of their extensive Nickelodeon library, which includes not only the original series but also its sequel “The Legend of Korra.” Making these shows more accessible to audiences across various platforms enhances the experience of following Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen) and his journey to master the elements and combat the Fire Nation.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ has built a strong reputation as one of the greatest cartoons ever made due to its captivating storytelling, intricate character development, imaginative fantasy setting creation, and stunning animation reminiscent of anime. This series appeals equally to both children and adults, drawing in young audiences with thrilling action sequences and comedic relief, while resonating with older viewers through its anti-imperialist political messages and powerful emotional depth. The show continues to impress upon multiple viewings, and fans may find themselves eagerly rewatching it before the release of the upcoming third ‘Avatar’ animated series, titled “Seven Havens.

Starring: Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Dante Basco
Creator: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko
Year: 2005-2008
Runtime: 62 episodes
Rating: TV-Y7

The Daily Show

Supporters of Comedy Central’s satirical news show “The Daily Show,” particularly those who have followed it since Jon Stewart became the host in 1999, might find themselves displeased with Paramount+. Originally, the Comedy Central website featured clips from every episode of “The Daily Show” dating back to that time, but Paramount shut down the site in 2024 in an effort to direct attention towards their subscription-based streaming platform. Unfortunately, this platform only offers the most recent seasons of the show.

Still, if you’re looking for a dose of humor to help cope with today’s challenges (and who isn’t?), it might be worth checking out the latest episodes of “The Daily Show” on Paramount+. After a brief hiatus, Jon Stewart, the original host from 1999 until 2015, returned in 2024 for Monday night shows. With such a rich legacy, there’s a lot of pressure, and he doesn’t always get it right every week, but when he does, his voice of reason and exasperation provides comfort during hard times. The rest of the team, including Jordan Klepper, Ronny Chieng, Desi Lydic, and Michael Kosta, take over for the rest of the week, each providing their unique comedic perspectives on current events.

Starring: Jon Stewart, Jordan Klepper, Ronny Chieng
Creator: Madeleine Smithberg, Lizz Winstead
Year: 1996-present
Runtime: 3873+ episodes (only the three most recent seasons available streaming)
Rating: TV-14

Fellow Travelers

Showtime has a rich tradition of creating content that centers around the LGBTQ+ community, dating back to the original productions of “Queer as Folk” and “The L Word.” If you’re a Paramount+ subscriber with the Showtime package and seeking compelling queer narratives, I highly recommend giving “Fellow Travelers” a watch. This miniseries is based on Thomas Mallon’s book and produced by Ron Nyswaner, who was nominated for an Oscar for his work on “Philadelphia.” The series unfolds the clandestine romance between two government employees, set against the backdrop of Joseph McCarthy’s Red Scare in the 1950s, extending to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s.

In a subtle shift of phrasing: Veteran Hawk Fuller, who leans towards conservatism (portrayed by Matt Bomer), maintains his secret identity throughout the years, whereas liberal-minded Tim Laughlin (Jonathan Bailey) resigns from his government position and becomes deeply immersed in radical activism. The electrifying chemistry between Bomer and Bailey is palpable, and their passionate love scenes are particularly captivating. Don’t forget to keep tissues handy as you approach the series finale.

Starring: Matt Bomer, Jonathan Bailey, Jelani lladin
Creator: Ron Nyswaner
Year: 2023
Runtime: 8 episodes
Rating: TV-MA

Freaks and Geeks

Although “Freaks and Geeks” aired for just one season, its impact has outshone many longer-running series. Remarkably, almost every cast member and writer associated with the show found significant fame afterwards – not in this specific critically acclaimed series, though. It’s likely you’re aware that “Freaks and Geeks” was one of Judd Apatow’s early major productions; however, did you recall it also marked the beginning of Mike White’s writing career, who later became the creator of “The White Lotus”?

This hour-long dramedy unfolds concurrently the adolescent journeys of the Weir siblings: Lindsay (Linda Cardelini), once a mathlete, finds camaraderie with the unconventional crowd after experiencing a spiritual turmoil; and Sam (John Francis Daley), battling his geek persona and yearning for acceptance from the popular crowd. Set in 1980, it boasts music and cultural references of that time, yet its characters’ emotional battles resonate deeply with high schoolers across generations, making “Freaks and Geeks” one of the finest TV series depicting high school life ever produced.

Starring: Linda Cardellini, John Francis Daley, James Franco
Creator: Paul Feig
Year: 1999-2000
Runtime: 18 episodes
Rating: TV-14

I Love Lucy

I Love Lucy” wasn’t the first American television sitcom – that title belongs to “Mary Kay and Johnny” (airing from 1947-1950) – but it significantly shaped the genre and stands as its first true classic. For four out of its six seasons, it was the most-watched show on TV, and one of the few series to end while still enjoying immense popularity. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz portrayed Lucy and Ricky Ricardo and continued their roles in a new format for the 1957-1960 series “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour,” but unfortunately, that series isn’t available on streaming platforms.

Lucy Ricardo’s zany plans to enter show business often failed due to her lack of natural talent, a fact that contrasted starkly with the exceptional comedic acting skills of the actress portraying the character. Ball and Arnaz infused their real-life experiences into the series, making them television’s pioneering interracial couple and using Ball’s actual pregnancy as a foundation for an innovative plotline. Despite numerous TV shows from the 1950s fading into obscurity, “I Love Lucy” continues to amuse audiences more than seven decades after its initial broadcast.

Starring: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance
Creator: Bob Carroll Jr., Madelyn Davis, Jess Oppenheimer
Year: 1951-1957
Runtime: 180 episodes
Rating: TV-G

Nathan For You

In his show’s opening, Nathan Fielder is mentioned as having graduated from one of Canada’s elite business schools with exceptional marks, which he leverages to assist struggling small business owners in thriving amidst a tough market. However, viewers of “Nathan For You” are well aware that his methods for helping small businesses can be somewhat … unusual. These strategies range from marketing poo-flavored frozen yogurt, pushing the boundaries of fair use law by transforming an ordinary coffee shop into a “Dumb Starbucks,” or redefining smoke detectors as musical instruments.

In every episode of “Nathan For You,” Nathan Fielder consistently maintains an intensely awkward demeanor, creating a form of humor that some may find excessive but has garnered a dedicated fanbase. Despite the discomfort, the series manages to infuse its characters’ interactions with a touch of sweetness. Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Errol Morris proclaims the final episode, “Finding Frances,” as his latest favorite love story. Following the conclusion of “Nathan For You,” Fielder has continued to explore the boundaries of pseudo-reality and social experiments in “The Rehearsal” (streaming on Max), and has also applied his cringe comedy style to dramatic projects such as “The Curse” (available on Paramount+ under their Showtime tier).

Starring: Nathan Fielder
Creator: Nathan Fielder, Michael Koman
Year: 2013-2017
Runtime: 32 episodes
Rating: TV-14

RuPaul’s Drag Race

As a dedicated fan, I’ve been captivated by the journey of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” a groundbreaking series that initially graced the screens on Logo TV, later moving to VH1 in Season 9 and then MTV in Season 15. This drag competition reality show has transformed into an unstoppable institution, exerting a profound influence on popularizing queer culture. With an impressive haul of 29 Emmys out of 71 nominations, it’s no wonder that watch parties at LGBTQ+ bars draw crowds like sporting events do at straight bars.

The show has given birth to numerous spin-offs across the globe, with “Untucked,” “All Stars,” “Global All Stars,” “All Stars Untucked,” “Secret Celebrity Drag Race,” and the “Holi-Slay Spectacular” special all available on Paramount+. And let’s not forget the annual DragCon conventions held on both coasts, where fans can immerse themselves in this vibrant culture.

On ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’, numerous extraordinary, amusing, and bold queens have found their breakthrough. Naming them all wouldn’t fit here. As a host, RuPaul has faced some controversies, but the show has evolved positively over time by embracing transgender contestants and combating racist attitudes within its fanbase.

Starring: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Ross Matthews
Creator: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Merle Ginsberg
Year: 2009-present
Runtime: 243+ episodes
Rating: TV-14

SpongeBob SquarePants

Disney owns Mickey Mouse, Warner Bros. has Bugs Bunny, while Nickelodeon/Paramount is known for SpongeBob SquarePants, voiced by Tom Kenny. This absorbent, yellow, spongy fry cook character is as universally recognized and cherished as any classic cartoon figure. It’s hard to imagine someone unaware of SpongeBob, but his friend Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke), who resides under a rock, would make an exception. Despite being on the air for over two decades, “SpongeBob SquarePants” doesn’t appear to be losing its appeal and is expected to amuse kids, parents, pot enthusiasts, meme creators, and animation fans for many years to come.

The remarkable charm of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” especially during its initial three seasons under the guidance of creator Stephen Hillenberg, stems from its endearing silliness. The series is capable of anything to bring a laugh – from clever wordplay and random non-sequiturs to cartoon gags that defy physics and over-the-top exaggerations. However, at its finest, it manages to pull off all these elements without turning cruel or compromising the essential optimism of its main character, SpongeBob. Currently, Paramount+ offers two spin-offs: “The Patrick Star Show,” which is quite enjoyable, and “Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years,” which you might want to avoid unless you have very young children.

Starring: Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass
Creator: Stephen Hillenberg
Year: 1999-present
Runtime: 334+ episodes
Rating: TV-Y7

Star Trek

Prior to its current name, Paramount+ was recognized as the streaming platform dedicated to Star Trek content. The premiere show for CBS All Access was “Star Trek: Discovery”, followed by the release of “Star Trek: Picard” (a sequel to The Next Generation), the adult animated comedy “Star Trek: Lower Decks”, and the original series prequel “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”. Classics like The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, as well as all the movies, can be found on Paramount+. However, the kid-friendly “Star Trek: Prodigy”, which initially aired on Paramount+, has since shifted to Netflix.

As a passionate gamer, I can appreciate the ongoing debates among Trekkies regarding which series takes the cake. However, to prevent this list from spiraling into an endless argument about “Star Trek,” I’ve decided to focus on just one entry from the franchise – and that’s the original series. The reason? From the get-go, it hooks you in without the hassle of a mediocre first season, an issue that’s been a thorn in the side of the rest of the franchise.

Moreover, its historical importance lies in: Pioneering television by promoting racial and gender equality, instilling hope through its portrayal of the future, and influencing contemporary science fiction fandom, Star Trek created by Gene Roddenberry might be one of the unique TV series that positively impacted society.

Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols
Creator: Gene Roddenberry
Year: 1966-1969
Runtime: 79 episodes
Rating: TV-PG

The Twilight Zone

To discuss genuine societal issues even amid network censorship during the 1950s, Rod Serling employed science fiction. Using the veil of fantastic allegory, the “The Twilight Zone” anthology series conveyed progressive ideas that weren’t being expressed elsewhere on TV at the time. The episodes tackled serious themes like racism, beauty standards, nuclear war, and the Holocaust, or delved into lighter universal truths such as children being eerie or it would be unfortunate if aliens tried to cook us.

The majority of episodes from “The Twilight Zone” remain engaging and relevant today, offering a mix of thrilling genre elements and thought-provoking morals. It’s also enjoyable to spot well-known actors like Burt Reynolds and William Shatner who appeared on the series prior to their fame. Moreover, any horror writer captivated by twist endings can arguably credit Rod Serling as an influential figure, as without him, M. Night Shyamalan’s career might not have taken off in the same way.

Over the years, the show has gone through three distinct reboots. However, it’s just the original timeless version that can be found on Paramount+ (the latest revival in 2019, produced by Jordan Peele, initially aired as an exclusive on CBS All Access but is no longer available on Paramount+).

Starring: Rod Serling
Creator: Rod Serling
Year: 1959-1964
Runtime: 156 episodes
Rating: TV-PG

Twin Peaks

In a groundbreaking turn, the initial two-season airing of “Twin Peaks” fundamentally transformed television. The collaboration between David Lynch, director of “Blue Velvet”, and Mark Frost, writer from “Hill Street Blues”, produced an ideal blend of avant-garde and mainstream styles (at least initially). The enigma surrounding Laura Palmer’s (Sheryl Lee) murder served as the foundation for a chilling dreamscape, a surreal soap opera that offered enough wit and allure to make its descent into darkness more digestible.

In line with Laura Palmer’s vow to Agent Dale Cooper in the final episode of the original series, we would reunite after 25 years, marking David Lynch’s final directorial effort. The critically acclaimed “Twin Peaks: The Return” (2017) was lauded as the top production of the decade by Cahiers du Cinema, despite being a television series rather than a film. Interestingly, “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me,” the actual movie from 1992, can be streamed on Max and The Criterion Channel and is recommended to watch either before or after the original series and “The Return.

Starring: Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Mädchen Amick
Creator: David Lynch, Mark Frost
Year: 1990-2017
Runtime: 48 episodes
Rating: TV-MA

Yellowjackets

On Paramount+, the series “Yellowjackets” explores two distinct time periods: In 1996, a high school girls’ soccer team experiences a plane crash and finds themselves stranded in the wilderness, which becomes a chilling blend of William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” and the Donner Party ordeal. Fast forward to 25 years later, the survivors are now adults who are tirelessly concealing their haunting secrets from their past.

This gripping and unforgettable thriller shines in numerous aspects, such as its compelling character development and casting for both adolescent and adult iterations of the Yellowjackets, the harrowing scenes of gruesome terror, and the ingenious and nostalgic integration of music. The second and third seasons have sparked more debate than the first due to a slower pace, but considering the extraordinary quality of that initial season, even a slight dip in quality results in excellent television. If you can handle it, “Yellowjackets” might become your next must-watch streaming obsession.

Starring: Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, Sophie Nélisse
Creator: Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson
Year: 2021-present
Runtime: 29+ episodes
Rating: TV-MA

2025-04-08 23:33