The Best Paramount+ Shows to Stream Right Now, According to an Entertainment Editor

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max are all the rage these days, but they don’t compare to Paramount+. There, I said it.

Before you start questioning my judgment, you should know that Paramount+ meets every requirement as the other streamers. Like Disney+, it includes a collection of nostalgic shows that’ll take you straight back to your childhood (including Doug, Hey Arnold and All That, to name a few). Like Hulu and Peacock, it offers live TV and sporting events. And like Netflix, it boasts a wide catalog of original content.

Add this to its ever-growing list of reality series, late night shows and documentaries, and you’ve got yourself a massive library of titles to keep you entertained. Here are the 13 best Paramount+ shows to watch, from Why Women Kill to Key & Peele.

1. Tell Me A Story

• Rating: TV-MA
• Cast: Danielle Campbell, Paul Wesley, James Wolk

Think Once Upon a Time, minus the Disney-like charm and family-friendly tone. The psychological thriller reimagines classic fairy tales like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel in the modern-day world, but with more sinister twists that don’t always lead to “happily ever after.”

Sadly, the series only lasted for two short seasons, but it’s well worth your time. Not only does it tackle themes like greed and revenge, but it also delivers more than enough mystery to keep you invested.

2. The Stand

• Rating: TV-MA
• Cast: Whoopi Goldberg, Alexander Skarsgård, James Marsden

When I first caught wind of this fantasy series, two words won me over: Stephen King. Based on his 1978 novel, The Stand begins with a simple error at a biological research station, which results in a pandemic that wipes out most of the population. As a result, the survivors are either drawn to Mother Abagail, a force of good, or the evil Randall Flagg.

Considering the events of 2020, this series hits very close to home. And though I’ve yet to read the book, King’s storytelling ability really shines through in this adaptation, complete with stellar performances all around.

3. Evil

• Rating: TV-14
• Cast: Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi

Confession: Mike Colter is the only reason why I bothered to check out this show (all thanks to his role in Marvel’s Luke Cage). But there’s plenty more to this supernatural drama than Colter’s skillful acting and ​​rugged good looks.

Evil, which is like a cross between Fringe and The X-Files, centers on a forensic psychologist, who teams up with a contractor and a former journalist turned Catholic priest to investigate a series of supernatural events. These incidents range from miracles and haunted homes to demonic possession, but they’re bound to spark some interesting discussions about the relationship between science and religion.

4. Why Women Kill

• Rating: TV-MA
• Cast: Lucy Liu, Allison Tolman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jack Davenport

From the mastermind behind Devious Maids and Desperate Housewives comes this feminist dark comedy, which explores themes like infidelity, sexuality, social status and gender equality.

Why Women Kill follows three women from different time periods (who live in the same mansion) as they deal with neglect, betrayal and emotional abuse in their broken marriages.

The writing is stellar, and the leading ladies are simply brilliant—so much so that you can’t help but root for them as they carry out their crimes.

5. Interrogation

• Rating: TV-MA
• Cast: Peter Sarsgaard, Kyle Gallner, Kodi Smit-McPhee

You’ll need to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes for this one, because every episode will have you asking more questions. Inspired by the real case of Bruce Fisher, who was convicted of brutally murdering his adoptive mother, this true-crime series invites viewers into the investigation process, allowing them to draw their own conclusions as they follow the evidence and witness each interrogation.

Yes, it only lasted for one season. Plus, it was met with mixed reviews from critics. But the show's concept is unique, compelling and worth a shot.

6. Icarly

• Rating: TV-PG
• Cast: Miranda Cosgrove, Jerry Trainor, Nathan Kress

I’m always skeptical about reboots of childhood classics, but this is one (very) rare instance where they got it right. Cosgrove is back as the young adult version of Carly Shay, who lives with her roommate in Seattle. Meanwhile, Spencer has become a wealthy artist, and Freddie is regaining his footing after a failed startup.

It has the same quirky humor that we all grew to love in the original series, and it’s intriguing to see how each character has evolved. But the best part is getting to see BFFs Carly and Freddie navigate life and social media as adults in the modern world.

7. Bob Hearts Abishola

• Rating: TV-PG
• Cast: Billy Gardell, Folake Olowofoyeku, Christine Ebersole

Big Bang Theory creator Chuck Lorre co-created this delightful comedy with Eddie Gorodetsky, Al Higgins and Gina Yashere. And while it’s nothing like Lorre’s Emmy-winning sitcom, it’s funny, groundbreaking and full of charm.

The sitcom follows an unlikely romance between a white, successful businessman and a Black nurse, who’s also a Nigerian immigrant. It’s always fascinating to see the stark differences in their backgrounds and customs. But it’s especially refreshing to watch a gorgeous, dark-skinned protagonist with braids and an authentic Nigerian accent.

8. Young Sheldon

• Rating: TV-PG
• Cast: Iain Armitage, Zoe Perry, Lance Barber, Annie Potts

Speaking of Lorre’s work, I couldn’t resist mentioning this equally entertaining spin-off of The Big Bang Theory. This series follows a much younger Sheldon Cooper during his upbringing in Texas. From his parents’ enabling tendencies to his struggles with reading social cues, this show answers so many questions about how Sheldon’s character became who he is. (The subtle references to grown-up Sheldon and his group of friends are a nice bonus, too.)

But even if you haven't seen a single episode of the original show, this sitcom can stand on its own two feet, with its lovable characters and laugh-worthy one-liners.

9. The Equalizer

• Rating: TV-14
• Cast: Queen Latifah, Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira

Serious question: Why would anyone pass up an opportunity to see Queen Latifah morph into a fearless action hero? In The Equalizer, she plays former CIA agent Robyn McCall, who tries to balance motherhood with her life as a street vigilante. And not surprisingly, she steals every single scene.

Die-hard fans of the franchise might be disappointed to hear that it’s not a carbon copy of the ’80s show, nor does it bear much resemblance to Denzel Washington’s films. It really dives into social justice issues, and Latifah’s character is a solid role model.

10. Criminal Minds

• Rating: TV-14
• Cast: Matthew Gray Gubler, Kirsten Vangsness, A.J. Cook

Arguably one of the best procedural crime dramas ever made, Criminal Minds follows a team of FBI profilers as they investigate crimes and predict events by studying the behaviors of their subjects.

What makes this show so amazing is that it balances serious themes with humor extremely well. Plus, Gubler is simply a gem as the genius Spencer Reid.

11. Freaks And Geeks

• Rating: TV-14
• Cast: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Linda Cardellini

If you could use a bit of nostalgia, consider taking a trip back to William McKinley High. This cult classic is so much more than just a comedy about teenage misfits. It perfectly captures the awkwardness of adolescence and trying to find your place in the world—but it does so with smart humor and compelling, three-dimensional characters. (FYI, the A-list cast includes celebs like James Franco and Busy Philipps.) ​​

13. The Daily Show With Trevor Noah

• Rating: TV-14
• Cast: Trevor Noah, Roy Wood Jr., Jordan Klepper, Desi Lydic, Hasan Minhaj

Join Noah and his brilliant team of correspondents as they discuss the day’s top stories. From viral pop culture moments to political news, this satirical late-night show has it all. But the best part? It’s not limited to just scandals and clever jokes.

Thanks to thoughtful guest interviews and insightful commentary on controversial issues, viewers can walk away knowing they’ve been entertained and educated.

13. Key & Peele

• Rating: PG
• Cast: 155 minutes

Before he became a certified horror genius, Jordan Peele teamed up with his pal Keegan-Michael Key to create one of the funniest sketch shows to ever grace the small screen. Each 30-minute episode features bold skits that are sure to make you laugh, from the iconic spoof of Hell's Kitchen to Key's funny bits as Obama's anger translator. While plenty of their skits border on bizarre, they do such a great job of weaving in smart social commentary.