Zoe Saldaña’s ‘Special Ops Lioness’ Remains Paramount+’s Most-Watched Show This Week

Paramount+ continues to provide a rich streaming library that features a blend of long-standing procedural dramas, reality competitions, and critically acclaimed originals. Viewership data on the platform underscores the enduring appeal of classic network franchises alongside newer, high-budget productions. Audiences frequently transition between nostalgic sitcoms, animated comedies, and gripping espionage thrillers. Below are the television series currently leading in popularity on the platform.

‘The Challenge’ (1998–present)

‘The Challenge’ is a long-running reality competition series that debuted on MTV as a spin-off of ‘The Real World’ and ‘Road Rules’. Contestants face challenging physical and mental eliminations to avoid being sent home and to win a share of a significant cash prize. Over its decades-long run, the franchise has expanded to include international spin-offs, all-star tournaments, and cross-network championships, frequently featuring seasoned veterans alongside new reality personalities.

‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ (2022–present)

‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ follows Captain Christopher Pike and the crew of the USS Enterprise during the decade leading up to ‘Star Trek: The Original Series’. The series employs an episodic storytelling format reminiscent of classic sci-fi television, focusing on planetary exploration and diplomatic challenges. Anson Mount stars as Captain Pike, with Ethan Peck as Spock and Rebecca Romijn as Number One. This production serves as a direct spin-off of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ while further expanding the franchise’s lore.

‘Weeds’ (2005–2012)

‘Weeds’ is a dark comedy-drama series created by Jenji Kohan that aired on Showtime for eight seasons. The narrative follows Nancy Botwin, a suburban widow who turns to selling cannabis to maintain her upper-middle-class lifestyle after her husband’s sudden death. Mary-Louise Parker leads the cast as Nancy navigates the dangers of criminal enterprises, law enforcement scrutiny, and complex family dynamics. The show received considerable critical acclaim, earning multiple Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ (1999–present)

‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ is an animated comedy series created by marine science educator and animator Stephen Hillenburg for Nickelodeon. The show follows the aquatic adventures of an optimistic sea sponge and his quirky friends in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom. Tom Kenny voices the titular character, who works as an enthusiastic fry cook at the local Krusty Krab restaurant. The franchise has spawned several theatrical films, merchandise lines, and spin-offs, solidifying its status as a staple of animated television.

‘Big Brother’ (2000–present)

‘Big Brother’ is an American reality television competition based on the original Dutch series created by John de Mol. A group of contestants, known as HouseGuests, live together in a secluded house while under constant audio and video surveillance. They compete in weekly physical and strategic challenges to gain power, avoid eviction nominations, and win a grand cash prize. Julie Chen Moonves has been the primary host since the show’s inception in 2000.

‘NCIS’ (2003–present)

‘NCIS’ is a police procedural series that centers on a fictional team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. This investigative team tackles criminal cases involving personnel from the United States Navy and Marine Corps, along with their families. Mark Harmon portrayed supervisory special agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs for nearly two decades before departing from the main cast. The series has spawned numerous geographical spin-offs, solidifying its reputation as one of the longest-running scripted primetime shows.

‘Criminal Minds’ (2005–present)

‘Criminal Minds’ is a procedural crime drama that focuses on the elite FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit based in Quantico, Virginia. This unit employs behavioral profiling and psychological analysis to investigate complex serial crimes and predict the actions of dangerous criminals. The ensemble cast has featured actors like Joe Mantegna, Paget Brewster, Matthew Gray Gubler, and A.J. Cook throughout its various runs. After its original CBS run ended, the series was revived on Paramount+ as ‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’.

‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ (1996–2005)

‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ is a family sitcom created by Philip Rosenthal that aired on CBS for nine seasons. The story revolves around Ray Barone, a laid-back Long Island sports columnist, and the humorous conflicts that arise from his overbearing family living across the street. Ray Romano stars alongside Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Doris Roberts, and Peter Boyle. The series garnered widespread acclaim, winning fifteen Primetime Emmy Awards during its run.

‘South Park’ (1997–present)

‘South Park’ is an animated satirical sitcom created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone for Comedy Central. The series follows four young boys—Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick—as they navigate surreal events in their fictional Colorado town. Known for its unique cutout animation style and rapid production schedule, the show often critiques contemporary cultural trends, politics, and celebrity scandals. The franchise continues to produce new seasons and exclusive specials for streaming.

‘Lioness’ (2023–present)

‘Special Ops: Lioness’ is an espionage thriller drama created by Taylor Sheridan for Paramount+. Inspired by a real U.S. military initiative, the series follows a female operative who must befriend the daughter of a suspected terrorist financier to neutralize the threat from within. Zoe Saldaña stars as station chief Joe, leading a cast that includes Nicole Kidman, Laysla De Oliveira, and Morgan Freeman. This high-stakes production delves into the psychological pressures, intense operational demands, and geopolitical implications of modern undercover warfare.

Share your thoughts in the comments about which of these trending Paramount+ series you are currently watching.