Top Shows On Paramount Plus: What's Actually Worth Watching
- 01. Top Shows on Paramount+ That Surprised Critics
- 02. Best Paramount+ Shows That Defied Critical Expectations
- 03. 1. Landman (2024-Present)
- 04. 2. Special Ops: Lioness (2023-Present)
- 05. 3. 1923 (2022-2023)
- 06. 4. Yellowjackets (2021-Present)
- 07. 5. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022-Present)
- 08. Paramount+ Shows Comparison Table
- 09. Essential Paramount+ Originals Beyond the Surprises
- 10. Showtime Premium Exclusives
- 11. Hidden Gems and Underrated Favorites
- 12. Legacy Classics Available on Paramount+
- 13. Classic Shows in the Library
- 14. Frequently Asked Questions
Top Shows on Paramount+ That Surprised Critics
The top shows on Paramount+ that surprised critics include Landman, Special Ops: Lioness, 1923, Yellowjackets, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Landman became Paramount+'s most-watched original series with 35 million global streaming viewers in its first season despite receiving mixed critical reviews initially. These shows combine Taylor Sheridan's neo-Western dramas, Showtime's prestige thrillers, and CBS franchises that defied expectations through exceptional audience engagement and critical reevaluation.
Best Paramount+ Shows That Defied Critical Expectations
Paramount+ has emerged as a streaming powerhouse with original programming that frequently outperforms critical predictions. The platform's Taylor Sheridan universe demonstrates the strongest disconnect between critic scores and audience passion, with shows achieving record viewership while receiving initially cautious reviews.
1. Landman (2024-Present)
Landman shocked the industry by becoming Paramount+'s biggest hit ever with 35 million global viewers in its first season, beating Yellowstone's 12.1 million and 1923's 11.9 million viewership. The show holds a 78% Rotten Tomatoes score-significantly fresher than Yellowstone's 58%-despite critics initially dismissing it as another Western soap opera. Billy Bob Thornton's portrayal of oil executive Tommy Norris in West Texas combines cutthroat business drama with unexpected family comedy elements that resonated with mainstream audiences. Season 2 premieres November 16, 2025, arriving sooner than the typical two-year streaming wait.
2. Special Ops: Lioness (2023-Present)
Lioness earned critical reevaluation after initially receiving modest attention, now recognized as one of Taylor Sheridan's strongest character-driven works. The series secured 7.8 million viewers in its first four weeks while earning Emmy nominations that critics had initially overlooked. Zoe Saldaña's performance as CIA operative Chris and Nicole Kidman's producer role elevated the geopolitical thriller beyond typical action fare.
3. 1923 (2022-2023)
1923 surprised critics by outperforming 1883 despite both being Yellowstone prequels, boasting two seasons versus one and legendary casting with Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren as Dutton ancestors Jacob and Cara. The series garnered 11.9 million viewers while critics praised Ford and Mirren's chemistry tackling Prohibition, drought, and the Great Depression-historical context that elevated it above typical Western drama.
4. Yellowjackets (2021-Present)
Showtime's Yellowjackets achieved cult status through its dual-timeline narrative following a high school girls' soccer team stranded in the Canadian wilderness, leading to cannibalism. The A-plus cast including Melanie Lynskey, Juliette Lewis, Christina Ricci, and Tawny Cypress received critical acclaim for exploring trauma and long-buried secrets decades later.
5. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022-Present)
Strange New Worlds revived Star Trek's original spirit by bringing back Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) before Captain Kirk's leadership, working as a genre-mixing mystery grab bag. Season 3 premiered July 17, 2025, and critics praised it as the franchise's best modern series that doesn't require prior Star Trek fandom to appreciate.
Paramount+ Shows Comparison Table
| Show Title | Release Year | Rotten Tomatoes Score | First Season Viewers | Critical Surprise Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landman | 2024 | 78% | 35 million global | Record-breaking viewership despite mixed initial reviews |
| Yellowstone | 2018 | 58% | 12.1 million | Became cultural phenomenon despite "soap opera" criticism |
| 1923 | 2022 | 85% | 11.9 million | Outperformed 1883 with legendary casting |
| Tulsa King | 2022 | 72% | 8.4 million | Sylvester Stallone's comeback exceeded expectations |
| Lioness | 2023 | 88% | 7.8 million | Emmy nominations after initial underrecognition |
Essential Paramount+ Originals Beyond the Surprises
Paramount+ offers 26+ terrific series beyond its surprise hits, including Tulsa King where Sylvester Stallone plays a NYC mafia capo sent to Oklahoma after 25 years in prison. The platform's strategy mixes originals with CBS back catalog hits like NCIS, Tracker, and Ghosts alongside classics such as I Love Lucy and The Andy Griffith Show.
Showtime Premium Exclusives
- Dexter: Resurrection (2025-): Michael C. Hall returns as Dexter Morgan in NYC pursuing his son, bringing the franchise back to life with commentary on public fascination with murderers
- Penny Dreadful: Josh Hartnett and Eva Green star in epic gothic romance featuring Dr. Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, vampires, and Lucifer in a story about human desire
- Billions: Showtime's financial drama featuring power struggles in hedge fund and U.S. Attorney worlds
- Couples Therapy: Critically acclaimed docuseries showing intimate, unfiltered therapy sessions with Dr. Orna Guralnik
Hidden Gems and Underrated Favorites
Paramount+ houses supernatural procedural Evil, a TV Guide favorite and former pick for best show on TV, following investigators examining demonic possession claims for the Catholic Church. Robert and Michelle King's scripts dance from wicked humor to spiritual horror with operatic cinematography and Michael Emerson as the gleeful antagonist.
- Colin From Accounts: Charming Australian romantic comedy by real-life husband-wife creators Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer with raunchy, laid-back chemistry
- The Bureau: French spy drama considered one of the best ever made, set in France's CIA equivalent with attention to detail rivaling The Wire and Sopranos
- Joe Pickett: Neo-Western game warden drama starring Michael Dorman in Wyoming, leaning into kooky residents while maintaining solid mystery core
- Review: Comedy Central's wonderfully demented show where Andy Daly reviews life experiences with one rule: full commitment leading to life disaster
Legacy Classics Available on Paramount+
Paramount+ serves as the streaming home for CBS's back catalog, featuring contemporary shows alongside timeless classics. The platform includes popular series from Paramount Global's media brands: Showtime, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, and Paramount Pictures movie debuts like Top Gun: Maverick and Mission: Impossible films.
Classic Shows in the Library
- Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
- Battlestar Galactica (2003-2009)
- The Amazing Race (2001-present)
- Cheers, Frasier, The Twilight Zone, Twin Peaks
- Freaks and Geeks, SpongeBob SquarePants
- The Good Wife, NCIS, Ghosts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Top Shows On Paramount Plus Whats Actually Worth Watching
What are the top shows on Paramount+ right now?
The top shows on Paramount+ include Landman (35 million viewers), 1923 (11.9 million), Tulsa King (8.4 million), Lioness (7.8 million), Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Yellowjackets, Dexter: Resurrection, and Tulsa King.
Which Paramount+ shows surprised critics the most?
Landman surprised critics most by becoming Paramount+'s biggest hit with 78% Rotten Tomatoes despite initial mixed reviews, while Yellowjackets and Lioness achieved cult status and Emmy recognition beyond initial critical expectations.
Does Paramount+ have Showtime shows?
Yes, Paramount+ Premium includes Showtime originals like Dexter: Resurrection, Yellowjackets, Penny Dreadful, Billions, and Couples Therapy, marked with asterisks in guides.
What Taylor Sheridan shows are on Paramount+?
Taylor Sheridan's Paramount+ shows include Landman, Special Ops: Lioness, Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown, 1883, 1923, and The Madison, with Landman achieving record 35 million viewers.
How much does Paramount+ cost?
Paramount+ offers two tiers: standard Paramount+ subscription and Paramount+ Premium (formerly Paramount+ with Showtime), with Premium required for Showtime content marked with asterisks.
