The 25 Best TV Dramas to Stream on Paramount+ Right Now

Paramount+ offers a vast library of television shows, with a particularly strong collection of dramas. From classic series that have shaped television history to modern hits and original programming, there is something for every type of drama fan. Whether you enjoy crime stories, legal battles, or family sagas, the platform provides a wide range of compelling narratives and well-developed characters. This selection highlights the best the service has to offer, making it easier to find your next binge-worthy show.

This list covers 25 of the top dramas available to stream on Paramount+. The shows included span different genres and eras, showcasing the depth of the platform’s content. You will find everything from critically acclaimed series to popular favorites that have captured audiences for years. Each entry provides a brief overview of the show, helping you decide which drama to dive into next. Get ready to explore gripping stories and unforgettable performances.

1883 (2021)

A prequel to the popular series Yellowstone, 1883 tells the story of the Dutton family’s journey westward. The series follows James and Margaret Dutton as they leave Tennessee with their family, seeking a new life in Montana. They travel with a wagon train through the Great Plains, facing immense hardships and dangers along the way. The show provides a stark and realistic portrayal of the challenges of westward expansion in the late 19th century.

The series is known for its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, particularly from Sam Elliott, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill. 1883 received critical acclaim for its gritty and authentic depiction of the time period. It is a story of survival, family, and the high cost of chasing the American dream. The limited series format allows for a focused and complete narrative arc.

The Chi (2018)

The Chi is a drama series that explores the lives of a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago. The show is created by Lena Waithe and focuses on the interconnectedness of its characters as they navigate life in their community. The series begins with a fateful event that sends shockwaves through the neighborhood, linking the lives of its protagonists in unexpected ways.

The show tackles complex themes such as family, love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams against a backdrop of systemic challenges. The Chi has been praised for its authentic portrayal of its characters and setting, offering a nuanced look at a part of America that is often stereotyped. It has been celebrated for its strong writing and compelling performances.

The Good Wife (2009)

The Good Wife is a legal and political drama that follows Alicia Florrick, the wife of a disgraced state’s attorney. After her husband is imprisoned following a public scandal, Alicia returns to her career as a litigator to provide for her family. She joins a prestigious Chicago law firm and must adapt to the competitive world of law after a thirteen-year absence.

The series was praised for its sharp writing, complex characters, and compelling case-of-the-week format. It explores themes of betrayal, ambition, and the intersection of personal and professional life. The Good Wife received numerous awards during its run and was celebrated for its intelligent and sophisticated storytelling.

Billions (2016)

Billions is a complex drama set in the high-stakes world of New York finance. The series centers on the intense rivalry between Chuck Rhoades, a tenacious U.S. Attorney, and Bobby Axelrod, a brilliant and ambitious hedge fund king. The show follows their power struggle as Rhoades attempts to bring Axelrod to justice for his often-illegal financial dealings.

The series is known for its sharp dialogue, intricate plotting, and strong performances from its leads, Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis. It delves into the worlds of wealth, power, and corruption, showcasing the lengths to which its characters will go to win. Billions has been praised for its smart and engaging look at the financial industry.

Blue Bloods (2010)

Blue Bloods is a police procedural drama that focuses on the Reagans, a family composed mostly of New York City police officers. The series follows the professional and personal lives of Police Commissioner Frank Reagan, his detective son Danny, his assistant district attorney daughter Erin, and his police officer son Jamie. The family’s Sunday dinners are a recurring feature, where they discuss their work and moral dilemmas.

The show combines the crime-of-the-week format with the ongoing family saga of the Reagans. It explores themes of justice, loyalty, and the challenges of law enforcement. Blue Bloods has been a long-running and popular series, praised for its strong cast and focus on family dynamics within the context of police work.

Bull (2016)

Bull stars Michael Weatherly as Dr. Jason Bull, a psychologist and trial-science expert. He runs a trial-consulting firm that helps clients select the right jurors and develop effective trial strategies. The character is inspired by the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw, who also serves as a writer for the show.

Each episode follows Bull and his team as they use their expertise in psychology, technology, and data analysis to help their clients win in court. The show provides a unique look at the legal process, focusing on the science and art of influencing a jury. It is a procedural drama that combines elements of psychology and legal strategy.

Clarice (2021)

Clarice is a psychological horror crime drama that serves as a sequel to the events of The Silence of the Lambs. The series follows FBI Agent Clarice Starling as she returns to the field in 1993, one year after her famous encounter with Hannibal Lecter. She pursues serial murderers and sexual predators while navigating the high-stakes political world of Washington, D.C.

The show delves into the personal history and trauma of Clarice Starling, exploring the psychological toll of her work. It aims to tell her untold story, away from the shadow of Lecter. Clarice was noted for its atmospheric tone and its focus on the main character’s journey.

CSI: Vegas (2021)

CSI: Vegas is a sequel to the original hit series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The show brings back several original cast members, including William Petersen as Gil Grissom and Jorja Fox as Sara Sidle. They return to the Las Vegas crime lab to face a new threat that could bring down the entire lab and release thousands of convicted killers.

The series blends the classic procedural format of the original with a serialized storyline. It introduces a new team of forensic investigators who work alongside the veteran characters. CSI: Vegas updates the franchise with new technology and forensic techniques while maintaining the core elements that made the original show popular.

Dexter (2006)

Dexter is a crime drama that follows Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter pattern analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department who also leads a secret life as a serial killer. He targets other murderers who have escaped the justice system. The series explores Dexter’s struggle to maintain his double life and his attempts to understand his own dark urges.

The show was praised for its unique premise, complex protagonist, and suspenseful storytelling. It delves into moral questions about justice and vigilantism. Dexter was a highly popular and critically acclaimed series throughout its run, known for its dark humor and psychological depth.

Elsbeth (2024)

Elsbeth is a spin-off of The Good Wife and The Good Fight, centering on the character of Elsbeth Tascioni, an astute but unconventional attorney. She moves to New York City and uses her unique point of view to assist the NYPD in solving crimes. Elsbeth’s quirky personality and brilliant mind make her a formidable, if unusual, investigator.

The series adopts a “howcatchem” format, where the audience sees the crime committed at the beginning of the episode and then watches Elsbeth piece together the clues to catch the killer. The show has been praised for its lighthearted tone, clever mysteries, and the standout performance of Carrie Preston as the title character.

Evil (2019)

Evil is a supernatural drama that explores the line between science and religion. The series follows Kristen Bouchard, a skeptical forensic psychologist, who teams up with David Acosta, a Catholic seminarian, and Ben Shakir, a technology contractor. Together, they investigate the church’s backlog of unexplained mysteries, including supposed miracles, demonic possessions, and hauntings.

The show masterfully blends psychological thriller elements with supernatural horror. It raises questions about the nature of evil and whether it has a rational or a supernatural explanation. Evil has been critically acclaimed for its intelligent writing, suspenseful plots, and compelling performances.

FBI (2018)

FBI is a crime drama that focuses on the inner workings of the New York office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The series follows a team of elite agents as they investigate major cases, including terrorism, organized crime, and counterintelligence. The show is known for its fast-paced action and realistic portrayal of FBI procedures.

From executive producer Dick Wolf, the series is part of a growing franchise of FBI-related shows. It has been praised for its high production values and engaging, case-of-the-week format. FBI provides a look at the dedication and challenges faced by the agents who work to protect the country.

Fire Country (2022)

Fire Country follows Bode Donovan, a young convict who joins a prison-release firefighting program in Northern California. He is assigned to his rural hometown, where he must work alongside elite firefighters to extinguish massive, unpredictable wildfires. The program offers a chance at redemption and a reduced prison sentence.

The series explores themes of second chances, family, and the heroism of firefighters. Bode is forced to confront his past and the choices that led him to prison. Fire Country has been praised for its high-stakes action sequences and its focus on the personal stories of the characters.

The Good Fight (2017)

The Good Fight is a spin-off of The Good Wife and picks up one year after the events of the original series finale. The show follows Diane Lockhart after she loses her life savings and is forced out of her own law firm. She joins one of Chicago’s preeminent African American-owned law firms, where she must rebuild her career.

The series is known for its sharp, satirical take on contemporary politics and social issues. It has been critically acclaimed for its bold storytelling, strong performances, and willingness to tackle controversial topics. The Good Fight is a smart and often humorous legal drama.

Halo (2022)

Halo is a military science fiction series based on the popular video game franchise of the same name. The show follows the Master Chief, a super-soldier known as a Spartan, as he defends humanity from an alien threat known as the Covenant in the 26th century. The series explores the Master Chief’s past and his journey to discover his own humanity.

The show brings the expansive world of the video games to life with impressive special effects and large-scale action sequences. It delves into the lore of the Halo universe, introducing new characters and storylines while remaining faithful to the source material. Halo has been a popular series for fans of the games and science fiction.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023)

Lawmen: Bass Reeves is a Western crime drama that tells the story of the legendary lawman of the Old West. The series follows Bass Reeves, one of the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshals west of the Mississippi River. He was a formidable figure who arrested over 3,000 dangerous criminals without ever being wounded.

The show explores Reeves’ life, from his time as an enslaved person to his remarkable career in law enforcement. It highlights his skills as a tracker and detective, as well as the personal toll his dangerous job took on his family. The series has been praised for bringing the story of this important historical figure to a wider audience.

Lioness (2023)

Lioness, also known as Special Ops: Lioness, is a spy thriller from creator Taylor Sheridan. The series follows Cruz Manuelos, a rough-around-the-edges but passionate young Marine recruited to join the CIA’s Lioness Engagement Team. Her mission is to go undercover and befriend the daughter of a billionaire with ties to terrorism to bring down the organization from within.

The show is a high-stakes espionage drama that explores the personal and professional pressures faced by its characters. It features a strong cast, including Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira, and Nicole Kidman. Lioness is a tense and action-packed series that delves into the world of covert operations.

Mayor of Kingstown (2021)

Mayor of Kingstown is a crime thriller that follows the McLusky family, power brokers in Kingstown, Michigan, where the business of incarceration is the only thriving industry. The series tackles themes of systemic racism, corruption, and inequality. The McLusky brothers act as intermediaries between the police, criminals, inmates, and politicians.

The show is a gritty and intense drama created by Taylor Sheridan and Hugh Dillon. It provides a stark look at a town reliant on its prisons and the complex moral landscape the characters must navigate. Mayor of Kingstown has been praised for its powerful performances and unflinching storytelling.

NCIS (2003)

NCIS is a long-running procedural drama that follows a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The series combines elements of a police procedural with military drama as the team investigates crimes connected to the Navy and Marine Corps. It is known for its ensemble cast and character-driven stories.

One of the most-watched television series in the world, NCIS has been praised for its humor, engaging mysteries, and the chemistry of its cast. The show has spawned several successful spin-offs and has become a major television franchise. It remains a popular and enduring series.

Poker Face (2023)

Poker Face is a mystery-of-the-week series created by Rian Johnson. It stars Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale, a casino worker with an extraordinary ability to tell when someone is lying. After a suspicious death, she goes on the run and finds herself solving murders in various locations she stops at across the country.

The show is a modern take on the classic “howcatchem” format, similar to Columbo. It has been critically acclaimed for its clever writing, inventive mysteries, and Lyonne’s charismatic performance. Poker Face is a fun and engaging ride for fans of detective stories.

Star Trek: Discovery (2017)

Star Trek: Discovery is the first series in the new generation of Star Trek shows. Set roughly a decade before the events of the original Star Trek series, the show initially follows the crew of the USS Discovery during the Klingon-Federation War. Later seasons see the crew travel to the distant future.

The series is known for its serialized storytelling, high production values, and diverse cast. It has been praised for revitalizing the Star Trek franchise for a modern audience. Star Trek: Discovery explores classic Trek themes of exploration, diplomacy, and the human condition.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022)

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a spin-off of Star Trek: Discovery and a prequel to the original Star Trek series. It follows the crew of the USS Enterprise under the command of Captain Christopher Pike. The show returns to the episodic, planet-of-the-week format of the original series.

The series has been widely praised by critics and fans for its optimistic tone, classic storytelling, and strong cast. It captures the spirit of exploration and adventure that defined early Star Trek. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has been a major hit for Paramount+.

Tulsa King (2022)

Tulsa King is a crime drama created by Taylor Sheridan and starring Sylvester Stallone. The series follows Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a New York Mafia capo who is released from prison after 25 years. His boss exiles him to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he is tasked with setting up a new criminal enterprise.

The show combines elements of a gangster story with a fish-out-of-water comedy. Dwight must build a new crew from a group of unlikely characters in a place that is very different from New York City. Tulsa King has been praised for Stallone’s performance and its engaging blend of humor and drama.

Twin Peaks (1990)

Twin Peaks is a surreal mystery drama created by David Lynch and Mark Frost. The series follows the investigation by FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper into the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer in the small, strange town of Twin Peaks, Washington. The show is known for its eccentric characters, dreamlike sequences, and unique blend of genres.

The original series was a cultural phenomenon and is considered one of the most influential television shows of all time. It pushed the boundaries of network television with its cinematic style and unconventional narrative. Twin Peaks has a dedicated cult following and its mysteries are still discussed by fans today.

Yellowstone (2018)

Yellowstone is a neo-Western drama that follows the Dutton family, owners of the largest contiguous ranch in the United States. The series centers on John Dutton, the patriarch of the family, as he navigates conflicts with land developers, a Native American reservation, and the federal government to protect his family’s legacy.

The show is known for its stunning landscapes, intense family drama, and modern-day cowboy stories. It has become a massive ratings hit and has spawned a successful franchise of prequels and spin-offs. Yellowstone is a gripping saga of power, land, and family in the American West.