Unveiling Paramount Plus' Ultimate Original Series Powerhouse

Paramount Plus has established itself as a formidable player in the streaming industry, offering a wide range of content from CBS and Paramount Pictures. In addition to providing access to popular movies and TV shows, the platform has introduced several impressive original series and revived beloved classics. Notably, Paramount Plus is also the exclusive streaming destination for Star Trek.

The top-notch original programming on Paramount Plus encompasses a variety of genres and formats. Some shows were acquired by the streaming service after being removed from Paramount-owned networks, while others were specifically developed for the platform. Regardless of their origins, what sets apart the best Paramount Plus original shows is their dedication to presenting well-crafted narratives brought to life by incredibly talented ensembles.

20 Behind The Music (2021 - 2022)

In the late 1990s, VH1 delved deep into the lives of some of music's greatest icons, offering viewers an immersive experience. From iconic pop groups like The Bangles to legendary rockers like Metallica, the series showcased a diverse range of artists who left an indelible mark on the music industry. Bringing back the beloved series in 2021, Paramount Plus not only presented new episodes but also remastered versions of the original VH1 series, ensuring that music enthusiasts could fully enjoy the program. With appearances by renowned artists such as LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, New Kids On The Block, and more, Behind the Music has quickly become one of the most highly acclaimed exclusives on Paramount Plus.

19 Tell Me A Story (2018 - 2020)

Tell Me a Story takes popular fairy tales and gives them a thrilling twist in a modern setting. Each season features a different talented ensemble cast, bringing a fresh take on these timeless stories. While the tales may follow familiar paths, they deliver unique and captivating twists. The cast, comprised of experienced actors, skillfully brings these dark sagas to life with their remarkable performances.

18 The Stand (2020 - 2021)

The Paramount Plus original series, based on Stephen King's novel The Stand, marks the second adaptation of the massive story for the screen. By opting for a streaming platform instead of network television, the adaptation has the advantage of a stronger rating (TV-MA), allowing the content to delve into the dark and brutal aspects of King's original narrative. The Stand boasts an impressive cast, featuring Whoopi Goldberg as Mother Abigail and James Marsden as Stu Redman, alongside talented newcomers. While it is a daunting task for any King adaptation to rival the beloved status of the novel itself, The Stand successfully captures the magic that defines King's storytelling.

17 The Challenge: All-Stars (2021 - )

The Challenge: All-Stars is a spinoff of the popular reality game show The Challenge, featuring some of the most accomplished previous contestants. The concept was proposed on social media by former participant Mark Long and was soon brought to life. Similar to the original show, The Challenge: All-Stars thrives on the determination and resilience of its cast members. The competitions become even more intense as the spotlight shines on those who truly excel in the game. Additionally, the inclusion of fresh challenges prevents the proceedings from becoming monotonous.

16 Grease: Rise Of The Pink Ladies (2023 - )

The prequel series, Grease: Rise Of The Pink Ladies, is an unexpected gem within Paramount Plus' original lineup for 2023. Drawing inspiration from the beloved 1970s film, Grease, the show successfully merges modern sensibilities with a nostalgic 1950s narrative.

Notably, the music and choreographed sequences are exceptional, captivating viewers with their brilliance. Moreover, the series strives to provide improved representation compared to its predecessor, shedding light on the experiences of immigrant families, Black students residing in predominantly White neighborhoods, and more. Although Rise of the Pink Ladies attempts to cover a lot within a limited timeframe, potentially overwhelming the audience, it ultimately proves to be a valuable addition to the franchise.

15 iCarly (2021 - )

The iCarly series originally aired on Nickelodeon during a time when vlogging was just starting to gain popularity among teenagers and preteens. However, in today's world, social media influencers are widespread, resulting in a completely different landscape compared to when Miranda Cosgrove portrayed the character. This is precisely the point that the series aims to convey.

The show brings back most of the original cast, although the absence of Jennette McCurdy's comedic talent is deeply felt. It delves into Carly's life as an adult and explores how she would navigate and remain relevant in an increasingly digital world. Additionally, iCarly incorporates more mature storylines, particularly focusing on the dating lives of the main characters. This shift towards a more adult-oriented sitcom allows the show's original audience to mature alongside it.

14 Wolf Pack (2023 - )

In the original announcement of Wolf Pack, there was speculation that it would simply be an expansion of the Teen Wolf universe. However, despite Jeff Davis being involved in both shows, that is not the case. This series offers a fresh perspective on werewolf mythology.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, known for her role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, makes her return to supernatural TV as an arson investigator in Wolf Pack. The awakening of a supernatural entity by a wildfire leads to a group of teenagers transforming into werewolves. As they navigate their newfound abilities, they find themselves hunted alongside those who were born werewolves. This dark thriller keeps fans on edge, questioning the true identity of the villain and what lies ahead for the main characters. Wolf Pack emerged as an unexpected standout among the original shows on Paramount Plus in 2023.

13 RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars (2012 - )

The RuPaul's Drag Race spinoff has found its new home on Paramount+, making it the third network to host the popular show. Despite the changes in schedule, the dedicated fanbase has remained loyal since its debut on Logo and subsequent move to VH1. This series brings back standout drag queens from the original show to compete once again.

Each episode presents a challenge to the queens, with those up for elimination having to "lip-sync for their lives" as the hour comes to a close. As the show features all-stars from the original series, there are occasions when previous challenges are given a fresh twist. Ultimately, the winner not only receives a cash prize but also earns a place in the esteemed Drag Race Hall of Fame.

12 Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020 - )

The adult animated series takes place in the year 2380 and follows the support crew of the fictional starship USS Cerritos. With its comedic approach to storytelling, Star Trek: Lower Decks sets itself apart from other shows in the Star Trek franchise. Fans will appreciate the characters' playful mockery of various franchise tropes, making the series a clever commentary that still remains true to canon.

11 Interrogation (2020)

Based on the true story of Bruce Lisker, Interrogation portrays the wrongful accusation of a young man for the murder of his mother. This gripping true-crime series unfolds through a series of focused interrogations, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the facts and become their own armchair detectives. What sets Interrogation apart is its non-linear storytelling, as each episode can be watched independently, providing flexibility for viewers to jump in and out of the show at their convenience. And the cherry on top is the incredibly intense finale that will leave audiences in awe.

10 School Spirits (2023 - )

Cobra Kai's Peyton List stars in School Spirits, a captivating Paramount Plus original series that seamlessly combines elements from a graphic novel of the same name. With its weekly release of episodes, School Spirits has quickly established itself as a must-watch for fans of the murder mystery genre.

The show revolves around List's character, Maddie, who exists in ghost form as she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her untimely death and the reasons for her haunting at her high school. Along the way, she encounters a group of fellow deceased students who also haunt the school premises. However, she is taken aback when she discovers that she can still communicate with her living best friend, portrayed by Kristian Flores, who becomes instrumental in unraveling the mystery surrounding her demise. Throughout the series, viewers are treated to unexpected plot twists that keep them on the edge of their seats.

9 The Game (2021 - )

Like many other original shows on Paramount Plus, The Game has an interesting origin story. Originally airing in 2006 on the CW, the series later moved to BET and concluded its run in 2015. Fast forward to 2021, Paramount+ brought back the series with Wendy Raquel Robinson reprising her role as the lead character, a sports manager. The Game delves into the lives of Black Americans in the world of sports, highlighting the journey of a Black female sports manager as she climbs the ranks and shedding light on the disparities in treatment faced by Black players in professional football.

8 Evil (2019 - )

Evil's debut season premiered on CBS in 2019, but for its second season, the show made the transition to Paramount Plus. This supernatural drama blends elements from popular series like Supernatural with a gripping investigative procedural format. With its well-crafted narratives and outstanding performances, Evil stands out as one of Paramount Plus' top original shows. The series follows the journey of Katja Herbers' character, a skeptical forensic psychologist, as she joins forces with Mike Colter's Catholic seminarian and Aasif Manvi's tech expert to delve into supernatural phenomena. The show skillfully strikes a balance between skepticism and belief.

7 Star Trek: Discovery (2017 - 2024)

Star Trek: Discovery played a significant role in launching the CBS All Access platform, now known as Paramount Plus. Being the first new Star Trek series in more than a decade, it not only marked a fresh start but also heralded a new era for the franchise.

The show was intentionally designed to showcase a diverse representation of humanity and the fictional alien species it introduces. With a woman of color (Sonequa Martin-Green) as the protagonist and eventual captain, the introduction of the first gay couple (Anthony Rapp, Wilson Cruz), and the inclusion of the first non-binary character (Blu del Barrio) in a Star Trek series, Star Trek: Discovery has been truly groundbreaking. Despite these advancements, it maintains the essence of the franchise by delivering captivating science fiction narratives.

6 Why Women Kill (2019 - 2021)

Three women residing in the same mansion during different decades find themselves grappling with the unfaithfulness of their partners. Within the narratives of these three individuals, a sequence of events unfolds, ultimately leading to acts of murder. While Why Women Kill may not consistently possess robust subplots, its distinct stylishness evokes nostalgia among viewers, reminiscent of the finest television shows set in the vibrant '60s, enhanced by its visually captivating costumes. However, this series transcends mere campiness, delving into the exploration of themes such as feminism and sexual orientation.

5 Criminal Minds: Evolution (2022 - )

Paramount Plus has achieved great success in the realm of revivals, prequels, and sequels. Criminal Minds: Evolution is a continuation of the beloved Criminal Minds series, which concluded after 15 seasons on CBS. Set a few years after the original show, this new installment welcomes back most of the original cast. Being available on a streaming platform rather than network television allows for a slightly grittier and more realistic portrayal of the FBI’s behavioral analysis unit.

Some of the most captivating episodes of Criminal Minds are found within the revival series. This particular iteration of the show centers around the BAU as they navigate the challenges of limited resources and bureaucratic obstacles in carrying out their work. Additionally, the series takes a unique approach by focusing on a single overarching mystery rather than multiple smaller cases, with each investigation being intricately connected. Undoubtedly, Criminal Minds stands out as the paramount mystery series among the original content on Paramount Plus.

4 Mayor Of Kingstown (2021 - )

In the town of Kingstown, the influential McLuskey family seeks to exploit both the prison system and the deeply corrupt environment for their own gain. However, their aspirations are met with unforeseen obstacles. Jeremy Renner's remarkable portrayal captivates audiences, even during moments of slower-paced storytelling. Mayor Of Kingstown goes beyond being a captivating crime thriller and delves into important issues such as corruption and systemic racism within family empires. Notably, the show also features cleverly crafted one-liners that add to its appeal.

3 Star Trek: Picard (2020 - 2023)

Picard, the self-titled show featuring the beloved Star Trek character Jean-Luc Picard, centers around his struggle to cope with the loss of a dear friend. Set in the year 2399, the series offers a captivating narrative that showcases Patrick Stewart's triumphant return, reminding viewers of his exceptional talent. In contrast to other entries in the franchise, Picard takes a deliberate and introspective approach, allowing for richer and more poignant storytelling.

2 The Good Fight (2017 - 2022)

The Good Fight, a spinoff of the popular CBS series, marks Paramount Plus' (formerly CBS All Access) inaugural original scripted show. The series revolves around Diane Lockhart, a formidable lawyer who faces the challenge of rebuilding her career at a new firm after losing her savings. However, The Good Fight rises above being a conventional legal drama by skillfully addressing pressing social issues such as the spread of misinformation, cyberbullying, and sexual harassment. It subtly imparts lessons on navigating office politics and consistently weaves in current events into its compelling storylines.

1 1883 (2021 - 2022)

The Yellowstone prequel delves into the origins of the Dutton family's vast land ownership showcased in the original series. With its exceptional quality, 1883 stands out as one of the top-notch Paramount Plus originals, appealing not only to existing fans but also to those who have yet to experience the original shows. Creator Taylor Sheridan compellingly advocates for the revival of the Western genre, and 1883 boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes renowned country music icons Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.