Trying to figure out what to watch on Paramount Plus can feel a bit like trying to navigate a sprawling, cinematic metropolis. From the latest blockbuster movies to exclusive original series, iconic classics, and live sports, the sheer volume of the Paramount Plus content library offers a genuinely diverse viewing experience. But with so much on offer, where do you even begin?
This guide cuts through the noise, offering an expert's tour of the best shows, movies, and originals awaiting your discovery. We're diving deep into the content that makes Paramount+ a unique player in the streaming wars, ensuring you can quickly pinpoint your next binge-worthy obsession.
At a Glance: What Paramount Plus Brings to Your Screen
- A Universe of Originals: Home to exclusive hits like Yellowstone prequels (1883, 1923), Star Trek expansions (Strange New Worlds, Discovery), Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, and Yellowjackets.
- Iconic Franchises: Dive into massive libraries from CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, Smithsonian Channel, and Showtime (with the premium bundle). Think SpongeBob, Dora, RuPaul's Drag Race, South Park, CSI, and NCIS.
- Live Sports: Catch NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Serie A, PGA Tour, NCAA March Madness, and UFC events.
- Breaking News & Documentaries: Access to live CBS News, 60 Minutes, 48 Hours, and an extensive collection of non-fiction series.
- Movies for Every Mood: A rotating selection of new theatrical releases, classic blockbusters, and family-friendly films.
- User-Friendly Navigation: The platform's content is typically well-organized and searchable, making it easy to browse its extensive, often alphabetically listed catalog.
Unpacking the Paramount Plus Content Vault: Where Entertainment Lives
Paramount+ has strategically built its library to appeal to almost every demographic, leveraging the vast archives of Paramount Global's brands. It’s not just a collection of shows; it’s a meticulously curated showcase of television history alongside the cutting edge of modern streaming. Whether you're a drama addict, a reality TV fanatic, a sports enthusiast, or simply looking for something safe and fun for the kids, chances are, Paramount+ has you covered.
The Original Powerhouses: Must-Watch Exclusives
This is where Paramount+ truly shines, investing heavily in exclusive series that often anchor the service. These aren't just filler; many are critical darlings and audience favorites that you won't find anywhere else.
The Yellowstone Universe & Gritty Dramas
If you're a fan of Taylor Sheridan's gritty, character-driven storytelling, Paramount+ is your essential destination. Beyond the main Yellowstone series (which streams on Peacock, but its spin-offs are here), you’ll find:
- 1883: A stunning, heartbreaking prequel tracing the Dutton family's arduous journey west. It’s a powerful, cinematic saga.
- 1923: Starring Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford, this next chapter delves into another generation of Duttons facing Prohibition, drought, and the Great Depression.
- Mayor of Kingstown: Jeremy Renner leads this dark drama about the powerful McLusky family in a town where the only industry is incarceration.
- Tulsa King: Sylvester Stallone stars as an aging New York mobster exiled to Oklahoma, forced to build a new criminal empire. It’s exactly as fun and violent as it sounds.
These series are prime examples of the platform's commitment to high-quality, adult-oriented drama that captivates and challenges.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Frontiers: A Starfleet-Sized Library
For science fiction aficionados, especially Trekkies, Paramount+ is an absolute treasure. It's the definitive home for the Star Trek universe, old and new:
- Star Trek: Discovery: Kicked off the new era of Trek, pushing boundaries with its serialized storytelling.
- Star Trek: Picard: Follows Jean-Luc Picard in his later years, offering a more introspective and mature take on the character.
- Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: A triumphant return to episodic storytelling, capturing the spirit of The Original Series with modern production values.
- Star Trek: Lower Decks: An animated comedy that affectionately pokes fun at Trek tropes while delivering genuine heart.
- Star Trek: Prodigy: An animated series aimed at younger audiences, serving as a perfect introduction to the franchise.
Beyond Trek, you’ll also find the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Halo, bringing the iconic video game universe to life with epic scale. For those who enjoy a darker, more mysterious fantasy, The Legend of Korra and the classic Twilight Zone series also reside here.
Intriguing Thrillers & Critically Acclaimed Series
Paramount+ isn’t just about franchises; it also boasts a roster of standalone or less overtly connected hits that keep you on the edge of your seat.
- Yellowjackets: A phenomenal, genre-bending series about a high school girls' soccer team surviving a plane crash in the wilderness, interwoven with their complicated adult lives decades later. It's a psychological thriller with elements of horror and mystery.
- Evil: From Robert and Michelle King (creators of The Good Wife), this series cleverly blends supernatural horror with psychological drama, exploring the origins of evil.
- Rabbit Hole: Kiefer Sutherland returns to espionage in this twisty thriller about corporate espionage and political manipulation.
Drama & Thriller: From Procedurals to Period Pieces
Beyond the originals, Paramount+ leverages CBS’s extensive catalog, offering a deep bench of dramas that appeal to a wide audience.
Crime & Punishment
If you appreciate a good mystery or a compelling courtroom battle, you'll find plenty to dive into.
- CSI: The complete saga, from the original Crime Scene Investigation to Miami, NY, and the recent Vegas revival.
- NCIS: Another procedural giant, with Hawai'i, New Orleans, Sydney, and the upcoming Tony & Ziva and Origins spin-offs highlighting its enduring popularity.
- The Good Wife and The Good Fight: Legal dramas that are both critically acclaimed and incredibly addictive, known for their sharp writing and topical storylines.
- Seal Team: Follows an elite unit of Navy SEALs, balancing high-stakes missions with the personal sacrifices of military life.
- Ray Donovan: Liev Schreiber stars as a professional "fixer" for the rich and famous in Los Angeles, dealing with both his clients' problems and his own dysfunctional family.
Historical Epics & Political Intrigue
For those who prefer their drama steeped in history or sharp political maneuvering, Paramount+ delivers.
- The Borgias: Jeremy Irons leads this lavish historical drama about the notoriously corrupt Borgia family during the Renaissance.
- The Tudors: Charting the tumultuous reign of King Henry VIII, offering a dramatic look at one of history's most iconic monarchs.
- Billions: A high-stakes drama about power politics in the world of New York finance.
Comedy Gold: Laugh Out Loud Anytime
Paramount+'s comedy lineup taps into the archives of Comedy Central and classic sitcoms, offering everything from irreverent animation to timeless family humor.
Animated & Edgy
- South Park: The iconic, no-holds-barred animated satire continues its run, with new episodes and exclusive South Park specials available.
- Chappelle's Show: Dave Chappelle’s groundbreaking sketch comedy series, a masterclass in sharp social commentary and unforgettable characters.
- Key & Peele: Another brilliant sketch comedy show known for its clever writing, masterful impressions, and viral moments.
- Drunk History: Historians recount historical events while under the influence, with famous actors lip-syncing their often hilarious interpretations.
Classic & Contemporary Sitcoms
- Frasier (2023): The highly anticipated revival of the beloved sitcom, with Kelsey Grammer returning as Dr. Frasier Crane.
- Everybody Loves Raymond: A quintessential family sitcom, endlessly rewatchable for its relatable humor.
- The King of Queens: Kevin James and Leah Remini star in this long-running comedy about a working-class couple in Queens, New York.
- Workaholics: Follows three slacker friends and co-workers through their ridiculous misadventures.
- The Daily Show: Catch up on the latest in satirical news and political commentary.
Kids & Family Fun: Something for Every Age
A significant cornerstone of Paramount+'s appeal is its extensive kids' library, primarily drawn from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. It’s a safe and vibrant space for younger viewers, packed with beloved characters and new adventures.
- SpongeBob SquarePants: Not just the original, but also spin-offs like Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years and various specials.
- PAW Patrol: A preschool favorite, teaching teamwork and problem-solving.
- Dora the Explorer and Blue's Clues & You!: Engaging and educational content for the youngest viewers.
- Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra: Critically acclaimed animated epics that appeal to both kids and adults with their rich storytelling and world-building.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Multiple iterations of the heroes in a half-shell, from the classic 1987 series to Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
- The Loud House: A popular animated series about a boy growing up with ten sisters.
- The Smurfs: The classic blue characters continue their adventures.
- Aaahh!!! Real Monsters and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius: Nostalgic picks for older kids and parents who grew up with these shows.
Reality & Lifestyle: Unscripted Entertainment
From competitive challenges to intimate looks at personal lives, Paramount+ is a hub for popular reality television, mainly thanks to the MTV and VH1 archives.
- RuPaul's Drag Race: The complete franchise, including All Stars, Untucked!, Global All Stars, and Secret Celebrity Drag Race. It's a vibrant, empowering, and endlessly entertaining competition.
- The Challenge: A long-running, intense athletic and social competition with numerous spin-offs like Champs vs. Stars, World Championship, and All Stars.
- Jersey Shore: Family Vacation: Catch up with the original cast as they navigate adulthood (with plenty of drama, of course).
- Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother: The ultimate social experiment, watching contestants scheme and compete.
- Teen Mom: Multiple versions including Teen Mom 2, The Next Chapter, and Young and Pregnant, chronicling the lives of young mothers.
- Ink Master: Artists compete to create incredible tattoos under pressure.
- Love Island: Follow singles looking for love in a luxurious villa.
- The Real World: The pioneering reality series that started it all.
- Bar Rescue: Jon Taffer helps struggling bars turn their fortunes around.
This section is a goldmine for anyone who loves their entertainment unscripted and often high-drama.
News, Documentaries & Non-Fiction: Inform, Educate, Entertain
Beyond pure entertainment, Paramount+ offers substantial news coverage and a rich library of documentaries, perfect for staying informed or diving deep into fascinating subjects.
- Live CBS News: Access to CBS Evening News, CBS Mornings, CBS Sunday Morning, Face the Nation, 60 Minutes, and 48 Hours. This is a huge advantage for cord-cutters seeking reliable news.
- True Crime: A robust selection including Murder 360, Love Fraud, and The 12th Victim, offering gripping real-life investigations. Many titles like Pillowcase Murders showcase the platform's commitment to the genre.
- History & Nature: Explore the world through series like Aerial America, Africa's Hidden Kingdoms, David Attenborough's Great Barrier Reef, Apollo's Moon Shot, and WWII's Most Daring Raids. The numerical elements in titles like 48 Hours and 60 Minutes highlight specific timeframes or in-depth investigations that are a hallmark of news and documentary content.
The Sporting Life: Live Action and On-Demand Thrills
For sports fans, Paramount+ is a surprisingly strong contender, offering a variety of live events and dedicated sports content that can be a deciding factor for many subscribers.
- NFL on CBS: A major draw, allowing you to stream live NFL games that air on your local CBS affiliate.
- UEFA Soccer: Exclusive streaming rights to Champions League, Europa League, Europa Conference League, Women's Champions League, and Youth League matches. This is huge for soccer fans.
- Other Football Leagues: Access to Serie A (Italian top flight), EFL Cup, and the Scottish Professional Football League.
- PGA Tour on CBS: Live golf tournaments.
- UFC: A library of past events and decades like UFC 2000s and UFC 2010s, offering a historical perspective on the world of mixed martial arts.
- NCAA March Madness: Live coverage during college basketball's biggest event.
- Professional Bull Riders: Unleash the Beast: For those who enjoy high-octane rodeo action.
This robust sports offering often makes Paramount+ a compelling option for those who want to keep up with live games without a traditional cable subscription.
Movies: Blockbusters, Classics, and Originals
While often highlighted for its series, Paramount+ also houses a dynamic movie library. This includes new releases that sometimes arrive on the platform shortly after their theatrical run, as well as a selection of films from the vast Paramount Pictures catalog and other studio partners. You'll find everything from family-friendly animated features to action-packed thrillers and critically acclaimed dramas. The movie selection rotates, so there's always something new to discover. Keep an eye out for titles like Three Thousand Years of Longing or other cinematic gems.
Navigating Your Viewing Journey: Finding What You Love
The Paramount Plus content library is designed with user-friendliness in mind. You can browse by genre, search for specific titles, or explore curated collections. The alphabetical organization mentioned in the research context makes it straightforward to quickly scan for shows or movies if you have a specific title in mind.
Consider your primary viewing interests when exploring. Are you looking for a long-form drama to commit to? Head straight to the 'Originals' or 'Drama' sections. Need a quick laugh? The 'Comedy' hub awaits. For parents, the dedicated 'Kids & Family' section offers peace of mind with age-appropriate content.
Is Paramount Plus the Right Fit for Your Entertainment Needs?
With such an expansive and diverse content library, Paramount+ clearly aims to be a primary streaming destination for many households. The emphasis on high-quality originals, combined with a deep catalog of familiar shows from various networks and a strong live sports offering, creates a compelling value proposition.
Ultimately, whether Paramount Plus is worth it for you often comes down to your personal viewing habits and priorities. If you're invested in the Yellowstone or Star Trek universes, a fan of CBS procedurals, a parent looking for safe Nickelodeon content, or a soccer fanatic, the answer is likely a resounding yes. Its unique blend of content truly sets it apart.
To help you make an informed choice, consider diving deeper into the specifics of its value proposition. You might find it useful to read our detailed analysis on Deciding on Paramount Plus to weigh all the pros and cons for your streaming budget.
Your Next Binge Awaits
The Paramount Plus content library is a vibrant ecosystem of entertainment, constantly evolving with new additions and beloved classics. By understanding the breadth and depth of its offerings—from the action-packed Halo to the heartwarming PAW Patrol, the intense drama of Yellowjackets, and the live thrills of the UEFA Champions League—you're now equipped to embark on your next great viewing adventure. Happy streaming!