The best shows and movies on Paramount+ depend on what you like, but start with these

Paramount+ has thousands of titles, which makes finding something good harder, not easier. The platform splits into a few clear categories: prestige dramas that won awards, reality competition shows, Star Trek content if you want it, movies from Paramount's film library, and licensed shows from other networks. Your best bet is to start with what's currently popular on the service, then narrow by genre or by what you already know you like.

The shows that draw the most viewers right now are Yellowstone (a modern-day ranch drama that ran five seasons), The Traitors (a reality competition where players vote each other out), and Halo (a sci-fi action series based on the video game). If you finished one of those and want something similar, Paramount+ makes recommendations based on your watch history, which often works better than browsing the full catalog.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount+ organizes content by genre and popularity, so starting with "Trending Now" or "Most Watched" narrows the field faster than scrolling through thousands of titles.
  • Award-winning dramas like Severance and The White Lotus are available on Paramount+ and appeal to viewers who want character-driven storytelling.
  • Reality competition shows like The Traitors and Love Island release new episodes weekly, so you can follow along as they air rather than binge the whole season at once.
  • The platform's recommendation engine learns from what you watch and rate, so marking shows you finish helps it suggest titles you are more likely to enjoy.

Prestige dramas that won major awards

Severance is a psychological thriller where employees at a corporation undergo a procedure that separates their work memories from their personal ones. The show has won multiple Emmy Awards and keeps viewers guessing about what is actually happening. Season one has nine episodes; season two is in production.

The White Lotus is an anthology series where each season tells a different story set at a luxury resort. The first season won ten Emmy Awards. Each season stands alone, so you can start with season one or two depending on which resort setting appeals to you more.

Yellowstone ran for five seasons and follows a family fighting to keep their ranch in Montana. It is a character-driven drama with high stakes and plot twists that keep people watching. If you finish it, the prequel series 1883 and 1923 continue the family's story in earlier time periods.

Reality competition shows that release weekly

The Traitors is a psychological competition where players vote each other out each round, and some players are secretly "traitors" trying to sabotage the group. New seasons release with one or two episodes per week, so you watch alongside other viewers rather than binge the whole thing. The format is straightforward to follow even if you have never seen it before.

Love Island follows a group of single people living together in a villa, coupling up and competing in challenges. Episodes air weekly during the season. If you like watching relationships form and drama unfold in real time, this is a strong match.

The Real Housewives franchise has multiple city versions on Paramount+, including Beverly Hills, New York, and others. Each season has around 15 to 20 episodes, and new seasons premiere yearly. These are unscripted shows about wealthy women and their social circles.

Movies across different genres

Paramount+ includes movies from Paramount Pictures' library, which spans action, comedy, drama, and horror. Top Gun: Maverick is an action film that was a box office success. Sonic the Hedgehog films are family-friendly action-comedies. A Quiet Place and its sequel are horror-thrillers about creatures that hunt by sound.

The movie selection changes monthly as Paramount rotates titles in and out of the service. If you see a movie you want to watch, watch it soon rather than assuming it will stay available. You can add movies to a watchlist so you remember them when you have time.

Star Trek shows if you want science fiction

Paramount+ owns the Star Trek franchise and produces multiple series set in the same universe. Star Trek: Discovery follows a starship crew across 15 centuries. Star Trek: Picard brings back the character Jean-Luc Picard from the original series. Star Trek: Lower Decks is an animated comedy about junior officers on a starship.

You do not need to watch the original Star Trek series to follow these shows — each one is designed to work on its own. If you like science fiction with ensemble casts and ongoing storylines, these are worth trying. If Star Trek is not your thing, you can skip this section entirely.

How to find what to watch when you are stuck

When you open Paramount+, the home page shows sections like "Trending Now," "New & Popular," and "Recommended for You." Start with "Trending Now" to see what other viewers are watching right now. This changes daily and gives you a quick sense of what is drawing attention.

Use the search bar if you remember part of a title or the name of an actor. You can also filter by genre — click "Browse" and select Drama, Comedy, Reality, or another category. This narrows the full catalog to titles that match what you are in the mood for.

If you finish a show or movie, rate it by clicking the thumbs-up or thumbs-down button. Paramount+ uses these ratings to improve its recommendations for you over time. After you rate a few titles, the "Recommended for You" section becomes more accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount+ shows on my phone or tablet?

Yes. read the Paramount+ app on iOS or Android, sign in with your account, and stream shows and movies to your phone or tablet. You can also read episodes to watch offline if your plan includes that feature.

Do I have to watch shows in order, or can I start with any season?

It depends on the show. Anthology series like The White Lotus have standalone seasons, so you can start anywhere. Serialized dramas like Severance and Yellowstone have ongoing storylines, so starting with season one is strongly recommended.

How often do new episodes come out?

Weekly releases are most common for reality shows and some dramas. Some shows drop entire seasons at once, which you can binge. Check the show's page on Paramount+ to see the release schedule before you start.

What if I finish a show and want something similar?

Click on the show's page and scroll down to "More Like This" to see titles with similar themes, genres, or tone. You can also browse by genre or ask the app's recommendation engine by rating shows you finish.