I've been a long-time fan of Paramount Plus, and I've been impressed by the quality of their original programming. From the classic 'Star Trek' franchise to the gripping 'Dexter' series, Paramount+ has something for every type of viewer. But what really stands out to me is the diverse range of genres they've covered, from Westerns to thrillers, and even supernatural horror. In this article, I'll be ranking the 10 best Paramount Plus shows of all time, based on my personal opinion and analysis. I'll be focusing on the shows that have truly stood out to me, and I'll be providing my own insights and commentary on each one.
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. But with the eight episodes that we did get, the show was crackling with intrigue and clandestine energy, powered by Sutherland, Meta Golding, and Charles Dance. In my opinion, Rabbit Hole is a fantastic thriller with Sutherland in the spotlight, and it's a shame it was canceled.
9. Star Trek: Lower Decks
Star Trek: Lower Decks is the first animated series as part of the new wave of programming on Paramount+. It's not just great comedy but also great 'Star Trek'. The show 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 perspective, 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. The series also has a strong focus on family, and not a constantly soap operatic one like the modern era Duttons. An enjoyable neo-Western with a strong performance from lead actor Michael Dorman, Joe Pickett is 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. In my opinion, 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. In my perspective, Dexter: Resurrection is a bloody shot in the arm for the long-running and increasingly expansive thriller franchise.
5. Mayor of Kingstown
Mayor of Kingstown was a decade in the making for creators Hugh Dillon and Taylor Sheridan. The show is set in a fictional Michigan town where the community's primary industry is its corrupt prison system. The show is on the bleaker side of Sheridan's shows, but the dramatic storytelling remains top-notch. 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 one of the best original legal dramas on any streaming service. The show 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. In my opinion, The Good Fight feels vital without losing sight of its characters.
3. 1923
1923 is another prequel spin-off as part of Taylor Sheridan's expansive 'Yellowstone' franchise. The show chronicles the Dutton family's struggles as Montana is beset by financial and social upheaval. With an additional season to breathe compared to '1883', 1923 provides a more sweeping historical tale within the ongoing Dutton family saga. In my perspective, 1923 stands as the pinnacle of the 'Yellowstone' franchise to date.
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. In my opinion, Evil is the most underrated Paramount+ original.
1. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds made the legendary sci-fi franchise no longer feel lost in space. 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. In my opinion, Strange New Worlds stands at the top of the class.
