The 15 Best Paramount+ Original Series of All Time

Based on Amor Towles' best-selling novel, this historical drama stars Ewan McGregor as Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat who narrowly escapes execution during the Bolshevik Revolution. Instead, he is sentenced to house arrest for life within the opulent (yet restrictive) confines of the Hotel Metropol.

Created by Ben Vanstone (All Creatures Great & Small), the series is a lush, poignant meditation on finding purpose and joy within the narrowest of circumstances. McGregor's acclaimed performance is a high-caliber turn, capturing the Count's transformation from a pampered dandy into a man of deep substance and fatherly devotion. Critics lauded the production's claustrophobic sumptuousness and its ability to balance whimsical charm with the grim realities of Stalinist Russia. While some argued that the tentative pacing is deliberate, the emotional payoff and the chemistry between McGregor and real-life wife Mary Elizabeth Winstead make this a worthy addition to Paramount+. 

"It sounds like heavy-going. But this eight-part series is just the opposite thanks to the buoyant brilliance of Ewan McGregor as a Russian Count stripped of his title and forced to live in a hotel attic while 30 years of tumultuous, totalitarian history pass outside." —Peter Travers, ABC News

Decades after they first pioneered the reality TV genre, the original casts of The Real World returned to the houses where it all began. This revival series, produced by franchise creators Bunim-Murray, transcends mere nostalgia by forcing its now-middle-aged participants to confront their younger selves and the cultural impact of their original seasons.

Whether revisiting the racial tensions of the New York cast or the personal evolution of the Los Angeles roommates, Homecoming serves as a fascinating sociological experiment. Critics found the series surprisingly profound, noting that it avoids the over-production of modern reality TV in favor of a more grounded aesthetic. Most reviews expressed that the series was a commendable reflection on how both the medium of television and the American social landscape have shifted over 30 years, proving that these foundational reality stars still have stories worth telling.

"One of the most fascinating potential elements in this Real World redux will be watching how the same people unpack these issues now after three decades of experience and insight. There is also something poignant about watching these six people, several of whom have remained in touch, reconnect in person again, especially at a time when in-person reunions are impossible." —Jen Chaney, New York Magazine (Vulture)

Created by Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia), this epic historical romance and political thriller spans four decades of American history. Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey deliver exceptional performances as WWII vet and State Department official Hawkins Fuller and congressional staffer Tim Laughlin, two very different men who begin a volatile secret affair during the height of McCarthyism in the 1950s. As the story moves through the Vietnam War era and into the 1980s AIDS crisis, it maintains an intimate focus on the central duo's inextricable connection.

The series was lauded for its unflinching look at the "Lavender Scare" and the systemic persecution of the LGBTQ+ community within the corridors of power. Reviewers praised the show's rich characterizations and its ability to weave a devastating love story into the fabric of 20th-century political upheaval, making it one of the most intellectually and emotionally rewarding dramas of its year. The series was nominated for three Emmy Awards and was the recipient of the prestigious Peabody award. 

"Showtime's lively, insightful, and often devastating historical drama. .... Nested within a case study of gay political life in the second half of the 20th century are eight episodes of gorgeous romantic drama in a medium that rarely seems suited to the genre." —Judy Berman, Time

A masterclass in discomfort, The Curse is a genre-defying collaboration between Nathan Fielder (The Rehearsal) and Benny Safdie (Happy Gilmore 2). Starring Emma Stone and Fielder as a newlywed couple attempting to launch a "socially conscious" house-flipping show on HGTV, the series ruthlessly satirizes white savior complexes, performative progressivism, and the inherent fakeness of reality TV. The plot is set in motion when a young girl allegedly curses Fielder's character, leading to a slow-burn unraveling of his personal and professional life.

Critics hailed the show's ability to elicit excruciating unease, with scenes that test the audience's willingness to experience the couple's unrelenting secondhand humiliation The utterly unique piece of social satire pushes the vicarious cringe from black comedy to psychological horror, culminating in a series finale that remains one of the most surreal and debated moments in modern television history.

"The Curse is not for everyone, but in general, it's a lot more approachable than some of Fielder's and Safdie's other works. The series features such precise filmmaking and multi-layered storytelling that it naturally appeals to many different audiences." —Kaveh Jalinous, Under The Radar

Patrick Stewart returned to his most iconic role, legendary Starfleet Captain Jean-Luc Picard, in Star Trek: Picard, a series that explores the famed captain's later years as he faces both the consequences of past choices and new galactic threats.

While the first two seasons of Picard received mixed reactions (the positive reviews were quite kind) for their serialized, darker tone, the third and final season was widely celebrated as a masterful send-off that reunited most of the original cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation, delivering a high-caliber mix of fan service and genuine emotional depth. Critics admired how the show's final arc recaptured the spirit of the franchise's 1990s sci-fi-action peak while utilizing modern production values to stunning effect.

"A bravura send-off for Jean-Luc and the gang that gratifyingly recaptures the feeling of Star Trek at its nineties peak. It's just a shame it took three seasons to get here." —James Dyer, Empire

In this gripping five-part thriller from creator William Mager, Matthew Gurney delivers a breakout performance as Daniel Brennan, a deaf man returning to his hometown who is fueled by a desire for revenge after a decade behind bars. While Brennan hopes to reconcile with his estranged daughter (Lara Peake), his homecoming instead reopens old wounds within the local deaf community.

The series is lauded for its seamless integration of British Sign Language and spoken English, offering an immersive and urgent atmosphere. Critics specifically praised Gurney's commanding physical presence and the show's disciplined narrative, which carefully withholds the details of Brennan's past to heighten the mystery. The result is a high-stakes drama that treats disability with authenticity without letting it eclipse the universal themes of a classic human tragedy.

"Reunion isn't an easy watch for a number of reasons – the subject matter is difficult, and the format means full commitment is required. But it is unapologetically itself, and the world it creates is all the more convincing as a result." —Phil Harrison, The Independent

Blending the true crime and mockumentary genres with surprising sincerity, For Heaven's Sake follows filmmakers Mike Mildon and Jackson Rowe as they investigate the 1934 disappearance of Mildon's great-great-uncle in Ontario. While the duo comes from a comedy background, their investigation into this cold case is surprisingly rigorous, utilizing cutting-edge technology and local family legends to unearth new leads.

For Heaven's Sake was praised for its distinct energy and its ability to find humor in the eccentricities of small-town life without mocking the gravity of the mystery. Critics found the chemistry between Mildon and Rowe to be the show's secret weapon, turning an 80-year-old disappearance into an endearingly bingeable journey. Debuting in the thick of the pandemic, the series is primed for a comeback, appealing to fans of true crime who also enjoy a healthy dose of millennial wit and hearty family dynamics.

"Sometimes a series like this is only as good as its lucky breaks. In this case, the Heaven descendants and Minden lifers bring a distinct energy to the show, peppering each historical overview and family legend with plenty of good-natured jabs and hearty recollections." —Steve Greene, IndieWire

A spinoff of Star Trek: Discovery, this series takes the franchise back to its episodic roots, following Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount), young Science Officer Spock (Ethan Peck), and other crew members played by Jess Bush, Rebecca Romijn, and Christina Chong aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise before Captain Kirk takes over the ship. By focusing on "planet-of-the-week" adventures and a more optimistic, hopeful ethos, Strange New Worlds has been hailed as a premier entry point for new fans of the franchise and a return to form for wanting veterans.

Many critics noted that the series was more fully formed in its first season than many of its predecessors, balancing modern production values with the adventurous spirit of the 1960s original series. With a fourth season approaching at warp speed (and a final fith season due next year), Strange New Worlds remains a high-caliber beacon of light in the current sci-fi landscape.

"All of the classic 'Trek' series that came before took until their third season to truly 'get good.' So did 'Picard.' Let's then celebrate this show that set out to reach the stars and somehow got there faster than even the legendary series that paved the way for it." —Christian Beau, IndieWire

*Season 4 begins streaming on July 23rd.

What began as a spinoff of The Good Wife quickly evolved into one of the most daring and experimental dramas on television. Robert and Michelle King's series stars Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart, who is forced out of her law firm by a financial scam and joins a new practice led by Black partners.

The series was acclaimed for its willingness to engage with the absurdity of modern American politics, often featuring Schoolhouse Rock! -esque segments that explain complex legal and social issues. Critics praised the show's freewheeling spirit and intellectual confidence that allowed it to tackle everything from the Trump administration and the "alt-right" with biting satire and genuine despair. The show also boasts a stellar ensemble cast that includes Delroy Lindo, Audra McDonald, and Carrie Preston, whose character, the brilliantly eccentric attorney Elsbeth Tascioni, was spun off into her own CBS series, Elsbeth. 

"Once again, personal stories weave around and reflect upon weekly cases; and once again, the Kings use those cases to skillfully tackle social issues, with an added emphasis here on ageism, racism and privilege. And as always, they tell their cleverly structured stories with wit, lace them with ambiguity, and sprinkle them with twists that are all the more enjoyable for being believable." —Robert Bianco, USA Today

From Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, the creators of American Vandal, comes this brilliant mockumentary focusing on the world of competitive League of Legends esports. The story follows Fugitive Gaming, a fictional esports team led by the arrogant veteran "Creamcheese" (Misha Brooks) and a talented but silent 17-year-old rookie named "Organizm" (Da'Jour Jones).

Critics were enamored by the lavishly produced series, which builds real-world stakes and emotional depth on top of its deadpan gags. Reviewers were also impressed with the way the series interrogates gaming stereotypes while treating its characters with layers of humanity, resulting in a frequently moving, universal account of trust and ambition.

"You don't have to be a gamer to enjoy Players, even though the inside references will likely give gamers a smile. It's a classic story about the veteran being displaced by an overconfident rookie, and it's one that's executed well." —Joel Keller, Decider

Expanding the vibrant universe established in the excellent 2023 film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, this 2D animated series follows Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo as they navigate the complexities of high school and hero life in New York City. With Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg returning as executive producers, the show retains the film's grungy, graffitiesque (if slightly less-detailed) art style and focus on teenage-life.

Critics lauded the series as a sophisticated follow-up that explores the turtles as individuals, often separating them to develop their own voices. Building upon the latest big-screen reboot and likely setting up next August's follow-up, the series offers action, humor, and a heavy dose of nostalgia, which appeals to both kids and adults alike.

"Tales functions better as family-friendly escapism than as a sneaky commentary on serious topics. What the series is sincere about are the joys and frustrations of a family. When the Turtles are finally reunited, the support they show each other feels all the richer because we understand so well what it means to each of them individually." —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter

Mike Judge's iconic dumbass duo returned in this acclaimed revival (the second reboot after a 2011 single-season on MTV), that followed a few weeks after a Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe streaming movie. The series retained the classic formula of the boys mocking music videos, while contemporizing itself by having them also make fun of internet videos. Judge continued to voice the titular pair, and his roster of writers found new ways to make the antics feel relevant, like having several standalone "Old Beavis and Butt-Head" episodes featuring middle-age versions of the dim bulbs.

Ultimately, most critics thought the series was a grand return to form that reminds audiences why Judge is a master of character-led, absurdist comedy.

"Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head is a grand return to form for the titular idiots on nearly every level. Judge and his new roster of writers find the common ground between retaining the classic formula while contemporizing it for fans young and old." —Randy Jones, Paste Magazine

*A third season later aired on Comedy Central.

This six-episode South Korean thriller starts with a dark premise: A businessman lured to a hotel for sex discovers he's in the middle of a black-market about to have his organs auctioned off. But before that can happen a catastrophic earthquake hits, trapping the auctioneers, victims, and buyers in the crumbling building. Bargain is adapted from Lee Chung-hyun's 2015 short film of the same name, and series director Jeon Woo-sung films the entire six-episode run in a series of "one-take" sequences, creating a relentless sense of tension and fluidity.

Critics compared its dark social reflection to Squid Game, with some finding it even more clever and complex. The series was commended for its nonstop action and plot twists, making it an unbeatable binge for those who can stomach its pitch-black cynicism and violent survival stakes.

"Everything about 'Bargain' is skillfully unhinged, with developments unfolding like new video game levels. Director/writer Jeon Woo-Sung's expansion on a short film delivers on numerous counts, packing in more nonstop action and plot surprises than anything I've seen this year." —Randy Myers, The Mercury News

Standout Australian rom-com Colin From Accounts was created by and stars real-life married couple Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall. Their characters, Ashley and Gordon, are brought together by a bizarre car accident involving an injured dog whom they name "Colin from Accounts."

The series was recognized for the two leads' natural chemistry and its keen observations on our messy humanity. By sidestepping traditional rom-com conventions and setting its own tempo, the show creates a comfy homegrown atmosphere that's both hilarious and touching. Critics were won over by the winningly silly, well-oiled character-led comedy of embarrassment. It was recently announced that the series will return for a third season. 

"As romance, as comedy, as hangout show, and occasionally as drama, Colin from Accounts is excellent. Gordon and Ashley should probably not be together, except it's hard to imagine anyone else who would, or should, have them. Which is what makes it all so fun." —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone

Taking the top spot is this masterful British comedy-drama created by and starring Adjani Salmon. The series follows Kwabena, an aspiring filmmaker stuck in a dead-end job, as he navigates relationships, family expectations, and the institutional hurdles of the entertainment industry.

Critics loved the series' biting social satire and its rich observations about the hypocrisies of modern professional life and Black British identity. The show expertly balances its laughs with prevalent conversations about race and class, contrasting Kwabena's ambitious inner-fantasies with his disappointing reality. Critics hailed it as a rewarding watch, praising its distinctive singular voice and undiluted creative vision. 

"Occasionally a show like Dreaming Whilst Black comes along and quietly rips up the formula, finding a new path that feels fresh, exciting and very much its own." —Rebecca Nicholson, The Guardian