For those not obsessively following the entertainment business (and even those who are), it may not immediately be obvious what TV networks fall under the banner of Paramount+.

The streaming service is the online home of shows from CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, the Smithsonian Channel and Showtime, as well as movies from Paramount Pictures. That means Paramount+ streams beloved hits like Dexter in addition to original programming like Lioness.

Here are some of the best shows you can watch on the platform right now.

Need more recommendations? Then check out the Best New Shows to Watch on Netflix, Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and More, the Best Comedy Shows to Stream Right Now and the Best TV Shows on Amazon Prime Video Right Now.

‘Lioness’ (2023-Present)

From Taylor Sheridan (creator of Yellowstone, 1883 and 1923), Lioness is a CIA spy thriller about a group of female operatives fighting the war on terror. Zoe Saldaña (Guardians of the Galaxy, Avatar) plays Joe, the leader of the Lioness team. Charged with keeping her operatives safe in an extremely dangerous field, Saldaña’s performance is both tough and vulnerable. Her commanding presence makes her believable as both a leader and a soldier. 

The stakes in this series are high, creating excellent dramatic tension that will keep you glued to your screen. Her scenes opposite Nicole Kidman’s Kaitlyn Meade (Joe’s supervisor) showcase both actresses’ impressive range.

 

‘Frasier’ (1993-2004)

Frasier is a spinoff of Cheers (also available on Paramount+), but many say that this family sitcom surpasses the original. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) and his equally refined brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce) are both psychiatrists who love opera, fine wine and antiques. Their father, Martin (John Mahoney), is a retired cop who loves beer, TV and football. But after Martin is shot during a robbery, he can no longer live on his own and moves in with Frasier in his museum-like Seattle apartment. (He brings his dog Eddie with him, much to Frasier’s chagrin.) 

While Martin’s working-class, salt-of-the-earth worldview often clashes with Frasier and Niles’ intellectualism, the Crane men grow closer than ever as they navigate their love lives and careers. Frasier is the host of a therapy radio show, and his producer, Roz (Peri Gilpin,) never fails to amuse with her snarky one-liners and unapologetic promiscuity. 

Niles’ hidden longing for Martin’s physical therapist, Daphne (Jane Leeves), provides constant fodder for comedy. Nearly every line of dialogue contains a clever joke and yet the show’s moments of sincerity will bring a tear to your eye. With 11 heartwarming seasons, Frasier is practically its own form of therapy.

 

‘Dexter’ (2006-2013)

Dexter is a serial killer who only kills other serial killers. Michael C. Hall plays this charismatic murderer, who works as a blood spatter analyst at the Miami Metro police department. The bright, colorful and diverse backdrop of Miami creates a chilling contrast to Dexter’s “Dark Passenger,” the strange force inside him that pushes him to kill. 

In addition,  the supporting cast at Miami Metro really makes Dexter shine, from Dexter’s foul-mouthed, fiery sister Deb (Jennifer Carpenter) to his crude but lovable forensics partner Masuka (C. S. Lee). With its great performances, fascinating twists and intriguing moral dilemmas, it’s not surprising that Dexter has become a franchise in and of itself, with two spin-offs already released and a third on its way.

‘Dexter: Original Sin’ (2024-Present)

Of the two Dexter spinoffs released, the prequel Original Sin is far superior to the sequel First Blood. This ‘90s-set origin story features exquisite casting, particularly with its picture-perfect casting of younger versions of the original series’ characters. Patrick Gibson (Shadow and Bone) portrays young Dexter as he graduates from college and begins his career in forensics. 

Gibson not only bears a resemblance to Michael C. Hall, he captures every mannerism, from Dexter’s voracious appetite for Cubano sandwiches to his awkward charm to his irrepressible bloodlust. The series, which was renewed for a second season in April, features Christian Slater as Dexter’s adoptive father, Harry and also stars Sarah Michelle Gellar and Patrick Dempsey in completely new roles that bring welcome color to the Miami Metro Police Department. It’s a fascinating look at the origins of TV’s most beloved serial killers.

 

‘Another Period’ (2015-2018)

It’s The Kardashians meets Downton Abbey in this over-the-top, outrageous comedy. This underrated gem follows the Bellacourt sisters, Lillian (Natasha Leggero) and Beatrice (Riki Lindhome), as they try to rise to the top of high society in 1902 Newport, Rhode Island. 

Filmed in mockumentary style, Another Period’s hysterical commentary on class and social climbing is elevated with fantastic performances by its supporting cast. Michael Ian Black plays head butler Mr. Peepers, whose devotion to the family borders on sociopathic. Christina Hendricks (Mad Men) plays ambitious servant Celine (who is quickly renamed “Chair” by the cruel Bellacourt family). Jason Ritter plays Beatrice’s twin brother Frederick, with whom she shares a suspiciously close relationship. 

Produced by Ben Stiller (who makes a riotous guest appearance in season 1), Another Period is a who’s who of comedy brilliance, featuring cameos from Jack Black and Cedric the Entertainer. Do not expect historical accuracy. Do expect laughs. 

 

‘Are You The One?’ (2014-2023)

Can an algorithm really deliver your perfect match — and if it did, could you identify them? In this reality dating show, a group of singles is matched by an algorithm and challenged to find “The One.” If every contestant correctly identifies their perfect match, the group splits a cash prize, up to a million dollars. 

Are You The One? has been praised for its decision to feature contestants across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, making it a trailblazer in the reality dating space. In an age where so many people meet on dating apps and are matched by algorithms, Are You The One? feels more culturally relevant than ever as it puts that concept to the test. 

 

‘Killing Eve’ (2018-2022)

Sandra Oh (Grey’s Anatomy) gives a phenomenal performance in this British spy series, where she plays MI6 agent Eve Polastri, who is obsessed with female killers. When she joins a team tasked with stopping a mysterious international assassin known as Villanelle (Jodie Comer, who is equally enthralling opposite Oh), the two women become entangled in a bizarre symbiotic relationship. Eve and Villanelle are constantly circling one another, each learning about the other’s past in a duet that’s equal parts erotic and sinister. 

The cat-and-mouse game between the two complicated women is rich and enticing. Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag) was the showrunner of the first season of this series, setting the witty, intense, and emotionally layered tone for all four seasons. 

 

 

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