Adult Animated Series Continues as Paramount+’s Top 10 Most-Watched Series List of the Week

Paramount+ continues to see high engagement across its diverse library of procedural dramas, classic sitcoms, and contemporary originals. This week’s viewership data highlights a strong preference for long-running animated series and gritty dramas produced by Taylor Sheridan. The streaming service benefits from its deep catalog of CBS and Nickelodeon content, which maintains consistent popularity alongside new releases. These rankings reflect the current trends in audience consumption for the platform.

‘The King of Queens’ (1998–2007)

This classic sitcom follows Doug Heffernan, a delivery driver living in Queens, New York, with his wife Carrie. Their domestic life becomes significantly more complicated when Carrie’s eccentric and demanding father, Arthur, moves into their basement. The series explores the everyday struggles of a blue-collar couple navigating family dynamics and social obligations. ‘The King of Queens’ ran for nine seasons on CBS and remains a popular choice for viewers seeking lighthearted comedy.

‘Mayor of Kingstown’ (2021–)

Set in a fictional Michigan town, this series examines the business of incarceration, which serves as the primary economic engine for the community. The McLusky family acts as the power brokers between local law enforcement, inmates, and various criminal factions. Starring Jeremy Renner, the show delves into themes of systemic corruption, inequality, and the complexities of maintaining order in a lawless environment. ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ is part of the expanding slate of dramas created by Taylor Sheridan for the platform.

‘Criminal Minds’ (2005–)

This long-running procedural focuses on the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, a group of elite profilers who analyze the country’s most dangerous criminal minds. By studying the behavior and psychology of “unsubs,” the team works to anticipate their next moves and prevent further crimes. The series is known for its dark tone and focus on the forensic psychology used to solve complex cases. After a lengthy initial run, the show was revived as ‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’ to continue the narrative with several returning cast members.

‘Tulsa King’ (2022–)

Sylvester Stallone stars as Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a Mafia capo who is released from prison after 25 years and sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tasked with building a new criminal empire in an unfamiliar territory, Dwight recruits an unlikely crew of local associates. The drama blends elements of organized crime with fish-out-of-water scenarios as Dwight adapts to a modern world vastly different from the one he left. ‘Tulsa King’ has been a significant hit for the service, leading to a quick renewal for subsequent seasons.

‘School Spirits’ (2023–)

This supernatural teen drama centers on Maddie, a high school student who finds herself trapped in the afterlife at her school. While trying to solve the mystery of her own disappearance and death, she interacts with other spirits who have perished on the campus over the years. Maddie must navigate the social hierarchies of both the living and the dead to uncover the truth about her fate. ‘School Spirits’ is based on the graphic novel by Maria Nguyen and has gained a dedicated following for its unique premise.

‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ (1999–)

This iconic animated series chronicles the life of an optimistic sea sponge who resides in a pineapple under the sea in Bikini Bottom. Along with his friends Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks, SpongeBob works at the Krusty Krab and frequently finds himself in surreal situations. The show is celebrated for its absurdist humor and has become one of the most successful multimedia franchises in television history. ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ remains a staple of the Nickelodeon library and a top performer for younger audiences on the platform.

‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ (1996–2005)

Based on the stand-up comedy of Ray Romano, this sitcom focuses on Ray Barone, a successful sportswriter living in Long Island. Ray’s life is constantly interrupted by his intrusive parents and brother, who live across the street and frequently drop in unannounced. The series highlights the mundane frustrations and comedic tensions inherent in marriage and extended family relationships. During its nine-year run, ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ earned critical acclaim and multiple awards for its writing and performances.

‘NCIS’ (2003–)

Originally a spin-off of the series ‘JAG’, this military procedural follows a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Led for many years by Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the team investigates crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, ranging from murder to espionage. The show is known for its blend of character-driven storytelling, forensic science, and lighthearted team banter. ‘NCIS’ has maintained its position as one of the most-watched scripted programs on television for over two decades.

‘Landman’ (2024–)

This contemporary drama explores the high-stakes world of oil rigs and wildcat billionaires in the Permian Basin of West Texas. Billy Bob Thornton stars as a crisis manager for an oil company, navigating the dangerous intersections of corporate greed and local environmental impacts. The narrative provides a gritty look at the modern-day gold rush and its effects on the economy and the people working in the fields. ‘Landman’ is the latest addition to the Taylor Sheridan universe, focusing on the industrial backbone of the American South.

‘South Park’ (1997–)

Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, this adult animated series is famous for its crude humor and sharp social satire. The show follows four young boys in the town of South Park, Colorado, as they encounter bizarre events and parodies of current headlines. Its rapid production cycle allows the creators to respond to world events almost in real time, making it a unique fixture in cultural commentary. ‘South Park’ continues to be a major draw for the streaming service, bolstered by several exclusive movie events and specials.

Please share your thoughts on which of these Paramount+ shows is your favorite in the comments.