In the ever-evolving landscape of streaming services, Paramount+ has emerged as a powerhouse, offering a diverse range of shows that cater to a wide array of tastes. From thrilling spy narratives to animated adventures and gripping neo-Westerns, Paramount+ has something for every viewer. But amidst this plethora of content, which shows truly stand out as the best of the best? Let's dive into the top 10 Paramount+ shows, ranked by their ability to captivate and engage audiences. Personally, I think this list is a testament to the service's commitment to quality storytelling and its ability to produce original content that resonates with viewers. What makes this particularly fascinating is the sheer variety of genres and styles represented, from the classic 'Star Trek' franchise to the modern neo-Westerns and supernatural horror. In my opinion, this list showcases the service's versatility and its ability to cater to a broad audience.
10. Rabbit Hole
Rabbit Hole is an ambitious spy thriller that, unfortunately, only lasted a single season. Kiefer Sutherland stars as corporate spy John Weir, who finds himself framed for murder and on the run. The show offers a lot of interesting territory to cover, with its corporate espionage and backroom double-dealing ripe for further stories. However, the eight episodes that we did get were packed with intrigue and clandestine energy, powered by Sutherland, Meta Golding, and Charles Dance. Personally, I think Rabbit Hole is a gem that deserved more seasons. It had the potential to become a classic, with its clever premise and strong performances. What many people don't realize is that the show's cancellation was a missed opportunity, as it left many unanswered questions and intriguing plot points.
9. Star Trek: Lower Decks
Star Trek: Lower Decks is the first animated series in the franchise since 1974, and it's a delightful addition to the 'Star Trek' universe. The show centers on the USS Cerritos, a starship that handles the more menial Starfleet tasks around the galaxy. Within that under-appreciated crew, the series focuses on the ship's junior officers, primarily Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome) and Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid). Star Trek: Lower Decks isn't just great comedy but also great 'Star Trek.' It lovingly calls out and parodies elements of the property for laughs but also while celebrating them in its own kooky way. This penchant for parody subtly gives way to audiences genuinely getting invested in the Cerritos crew, including the side characters, as it ups the story's stakes. In my opinion, Lower Decks is the best animated 'Star Trek' show of them all.
8. Joe Pickett
Joe Pickett is a refreshing counterpoint to the spat of more self-serious television neo-Westerns led by shows like 'Yellowstone.' The show is named for its game warden protagonist, who relocates with his family to Wyoming to help tend Yellowstone National Park and its surrounding area. Joe's life is changed forever when he discovers a murdered poacher on his property, prompting him to launch an investigation. This leads Joe to discover the killing is linked to one of the most powerful families in the region while, oddly, tied to Joe's wildlife protection duties. Joe Pickett is an enjoyable neo-Western with a strong performance from lead actor Michael Dorman. It's perfect to binge over a long weekend.
7. 1883
1883 is arguably the most grounded entry in the 'Yellowstone' franchise to date, leaning more into hardships along the frontier and emotional stakes than overt spectacle. A lot of that effective pathos comes from a masterclass performance by Sam Elliott, reliably good as Brennan, maintaining a brave face despite suffering such a tragic loss. It's apparent that Taylor Sheridan felt good about working with Elliott on '1883,' giving the grizzled actor some of the best material of his distinguished career. A stellar Western limited series about the perils of the frontier trail, '1883' feels like 'Yellowstone' at its most restrained while still bringing the genre thrills.
6. Dexter: Resurrection
Dexter: Resurrection is considerably better than its predecessor, 'Dexter: Original Sin.' The show reveals that serial killer Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) survived the events of the preceding series, 'Dexter: New Blood.' Tracking his son to New York City, Dexter becomes entangled with a secret society of fellow serial killers headed by billionaire Leon Prater (Peter Dinklage). Hall, in particular, hasn't lost a step in his portrayal of the fan-favorite murderer, not letting something like his character's apparent death slow him down. A bloody shot in the arm for the long-running and increasingly expansive thriller franchise, 'Dexter: Resurrection' leans into the ridiculously entertaining possibilities of its premise.
5. Mayor of Kingstown
Mayor of Kingstown was a decade in the making for creators Hugh Dillon and Taylor Sheridan, drawing from both of their pasts in towns with prominent prison systems. The show is set in a fictional Michigan town where the community's primary industry is its corrupt prison system. Maintaining the fragile balance between the local gangs and crime syndicates with the prison officials is the McLusky family. Heading the family throughout the series is Mike McLusky (Jeremy Renner), whose role places him in a constantly precarious position with crooks and authorities alike. Taylor Sheridan and Jeremy Renner have struck a strong creative simpatico since 'Wind River,' with 'Mayor of Kingstown' giving Renner one of the best roles of his career. Among the best of Sheridan's non-period piece stories, 'Mayor of Kingstown' is a crime drama that only gets better as it goes.
4. The Good Fight
The Good Fight is a spin-off of the long-running legal drama 'The Good Wife.' Premiering in 2017, this series focuses on legal mastermind Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski) who loses her prestigious job and life savings from a devastating scam. Joined by her protege and goddaughter Maia Rindell (Rose Leslie), Diane joins another law firm in the Chicago area to rebuild her life. One of the best things about 'The Good Fight,' and its own subsequent spin-off 'Elsbeth,' is that they all function as wonderfully self-contained series. For 'The Good Fight' in particular, this is a show that doesn't shy away from social commentary but embraces it without making each episode feel like a thinly veiled sermon. True to its title and premise, there is a real anger about unchecked injustice that fuels the show and it doesn't lose steam over its six seasons.
3. 1923
1923 is another prequel spin-off as part of Taylor Sheridan's expansive 'Yellowstone' franchise. The two-season limited series chronicles the Dutton family's struggles as Montana is beset by financial and social upheaval. The ancestral ranch is targeted by sadistic businessman Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton), clashing with Cara (Helen Mirren) and Jacob Dutton (Harrison Ford). The Duttons are pushed to their breaking point as they rally against Donald's calculated schemes to retake what's rightfully theirs. With an additional season to breathe compared to '1883,' '1923' provides a more sweeping historical tale within the ongoing Dutton family saga. Mirren and Ford expertly bring all due gravitas to their roles, matched by Dalton playing the most villainous character in the veteran actor's career. But Brandon Sklenar gives an absolutely star-making performance as the heroic Spencer Dutton, positioned as the family's savior from enemies on all sides.
2. Evil
Evil is the type of cross-genre procedural that doesn't really get made much anymore, blending crime-solving with paranormal scares. The show benefited tremendously from making the leap to Paramount+, getting weirder and more intense with the additional creative freedom on streaming compared to broadcast television. But between all the self-contained demonic investigations, the show really leans into its core cast well, elevated by its emotional character arcs. Counting Stephen King among its most prominent fans, 'Evil' is the most underrated Paramount+ original. Personally, I think it's a show that deserves more recognition for its innovative approach to the supernatural horror genre.
1. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds made the legendary sci-fi franchise no longer feel lost in space. Spinning out of the events of 'Star Trek: Discovery' Season 2, the show follows the crew of the USS Enterprise under the command of Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount). As the starship explores the cosmos, Pike is joined by several familiar faces from throughout the franchise's history, including Spock (Ethan Peck) and James T. Kirk (Paul Wesley). Beyond uncovering the unknown, the crew faces threats like the resurgent Gorn and the otherworldly Vezda. Shortly after its premiere in 2022, 'Strange New Worlds' became the top-rated 'Star Trek' series on Rotten Tomatoes, a distinction well-earned. The show strikes the right balance between one-off stories and overarching narratives, bolstered by a likable cast carrying the series. Moreover, the show remembers that, at its core, 'Star Trek' can and should be fun, while also regularly delivering more serious and thoughtful tales too. The ultimate realization of the classic 'Star Trek' potential in the streaming era, 'Strange New Worlds' stands at the top of the class.
