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

The streaming landscape continues to evolve as Paramount+ maintains a diverse catalog ranging from long-running procedurals to modern gritty dramas. This week’s most-watched shows highlight a mix of nostalgic sitcoms and high-budget originals that attract a wide demographic of viewers. Subscribers are currently gravitating toward established franchises while also exploring new narrative ventures set in the heart of industrial America. These viewership trends reflect a preference for both comforting episodic television and intense serialized storytelling.

‘Mayor of Kingstown’ (2021–)

Mike McLusky serves as a power broker in a town where the primary industry is incarceration. The series explores themes of systemic racism, corruption, and inequality within the prison system. Mike attempts to bring order to a community that has neither peace nor justice. ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ delves into the complex dynamics between law enforcement, inmates, and local power structures.

‘The King of Queens’ (1998–2007)

This sitcom follows the lives of Doug Heffernan and his wife Carrie in Rego Park, Queens. Doug works as a delivery driver for the International Parcel Service while Carrie works in a law firm. Their domestic life becomes complicated when Carrie’s eccentric father, Arthur, moves into their basement. ‘The King of Queens’ focuses on the everyday struggles and comedic situations faced by working-class families.

‘Criminal Minds’ (2005–)

The series follows an elite squad of FBI profilers who analyze the country’s most twisted criminal minds. These members of the Behavioral Analysis Unit use psychological profiling to anticipate the next moves of serial killers and violent offenders. Each episode typically focuses on a specific case while exploring the personal lives of the team members. ‘Criminal Minds’ recently transitioned to a streaming-exclusive format for its most recent seasons to continue the overarching narrative.

‘Tulsa King’ (2022–)

Dwight “The General” Manfredi is a Mafia capo who is exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, after serving twenty-five years in prison. Realizing that his mob family may not have his best interests at heart, Dwight builds a new criminal empire from scratch in the unlikely location. He recruits a crew of local characters to help him establish a presence in the region. ‘Tulsa King’ follows his efforts to modernize his traditional mob tactics within a brand-new territory.

‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ (1999–)

This long-running animated series chronicles the underwater adventures of a high-energy sea sponge and his diverse group of friends. Set in the city of Bikini Bottom, ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ features a supporting cast including Patrick Star, Squidward Tentacles, and Sandy Cheeks. The show often focuses on the main character’s job as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab and his optimistic approach to life. It has become a global cultural phenomenon and remains a staple of the Paramount+ library for all ages.

‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ (1996–2005)

Ray Barone is a successful sportswriter who lives on Long Island with his wife, Debra, and their three children. His life is frequently interrupted by his overbearing parents and jealous brother, who live directly across the street. The comedy derives from the relatable conflicts between family members and Ray’s attempts to navigate domestic responsibilities. ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ garnered numerous accolades during its run for its portrayal of familial dynamics and observational humor.

‘NCIS’ (2003–)

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service team investigates crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Led by seasoned investigators, the group handles everything from murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines. The series blends procedural elements with character-driven subplots involving forensic specialists and legal experts. As one of the longest-running scripted primetime series, ‘NCIS’ has spawned multiple spin-offs and maintained a massive global audience for over two decades.

‘School Spirits’ (2023–)

Maddie is a teenager stuck in the afterlife who decides to investigate her own mysterious disappearance from her high school. While trapped in limbo at Split River High, she meets a group of other students who have also died on campus over several decades. Maddie must navigate the social hierarchy of the spirit world while uncovering secrets about her past and her friends. ‘School Spirits’ combines elements of teen drama with a supernatural murder mystery premise that keeps audiences guessing.

‘Landman’ (2024–)

This drama series is set in the world of West Texas oil rigs and explores the modern-day quest for fortune. The narrative focuses on the roughnecks and wildcat billionaires who risk everything in an industry that impacts global climate and geopolitics. It portrays the gritty reality of life in the oil fields and the high-stakes decisions made by those at the top of the energy chain. ‘Landman’ is based on the popular ‘Boomtown’ podcast and highlights the economic shifts within the modern energy sector.

‘South Park’ (1997–)

The animated series follows the misadventures of four young boys in a quiet mountain town in Colorado. Known for its satirical take on current events and social issues, ‘South Park’ often uses dark humor to critique politics and celebrity culture. The show continues to produce special events and long-form episodes exclusively for streaming platforms to address contemporary topics. It remains a cornerstone of adult animation due to its rapid production cycle and constant cultural relevance.

Share your favorite show from this week’s most-watched list in the comments.