In an age where streaming platforms are abundant, it can be quite a challenge to sift through the vast array of content to find quality entertainment.
Paramount+, while a relatively newer entrant in the streaming landscape, has quickly established its presence through its high-quality content, appealing to diverse audiences.
For drama enthusiasts in New Zealand, the platform offers a treasure trove of narrative brilliance, stellar performances, and cinematic quality that are sure to enthrall and entertain.
This article aims to guide you through the best drama series on Paramount Plus in New Zealand, offering insights into the shows that are stirring emotions and sparking conversations across the country.
The Good Fight
The Sequel to a Legal Drama Classic
Another best drama series on Paramount Plus Network’s “The Good Fight” resumes the narrative where CBS’s “The Good Wife” left off. If you find the real-life, scandal-ridden national news insufficiently dramatic, “The Good Fight” delivers a hefty dose of scandal, romantic undertones, and politically-charged narratives.
After Maia Rindell (Rose Leslie) falls from grace following a financial scam, she and her godmother Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski) join Lucca Quinn (Cush Jumbo) at a prominent law firm in Chicago. Diane later becomes a partner, and Maia fights to regain her professional momentum.
| Genre | Creators | IMDb Rating | Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Drama, Political Drama | Robert King, Michelle King, Phil Alden Robinson | 8.3/10 | Christine Baranski, Sarah Steele, Nyambi Nyambi, Michael Boatman, Audra McDonald |
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Exploring Uncharted Space Frontiers
In the 11th installment of the renowned “Star Trek” franchise, “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” brings to life Captain Christopher Pike’s (Anson Mount) adventures. Together with iconic characters like Spock (Ethan Peck) and Christine Chapel (Jess Bush), they traverse new, dangerous worlds in the year 2366.
The series opens with Pike reciting the famous “to boldly go where no one has gone before” monologue. After a successful first season, “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” is set to return in 2023.
| Genres | Creators | IMDb Rating | Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science Fiction, Adventure, Drama | Alex Kurtzman, Akiva Goldsman, Jenny Lumet | 8.2/10 | Melissa Navia, Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong |
Evil
A Fascinating Encounter with the Paranormal
“Evil” introduces us to Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers), a psychologist who maintains a strong skepticism towards the paranormal. Alongside David Acosta (Mike Colter), a Catholic seminarian, they delve into the Church’s pile of unexplained phenomena.
The duo investigates alleged miracles, demonic possessions, and other eerie happenings in their quest to understand the source of evil, especially at the intersection where science and religion meet.
The Paramount+ original series conjures a modern, faith-based variant of the X-Files, striking a fine balance between its bizarre nature and palatable appeal.
| Genres | Creators | IMDb Rating | Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supernatural, Drama, Thriller | Robert King, Michelle King | 7.7/10 | Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, Maddy Crocco, Lexis |
Mayor of Kingstown
A Gritty Dive into a Town’s Power Struggles
“Mayor of Kingstown,” a captivating crime drama, follows the affluent McLusky family who, in a town rife with violence and crime, use their influence to maintain a semblance of justice. Alongside Jeremy Renner, Dianne Wiest stars as Miriam, the matriarch disapproving of her son Mike’s dubious methods and murky affairs.
Renewed for a second season in February, the series also features Kyle Chandler, Taylor Handley, and Derek Webster. It ranks as the most-watched scripted premiere on Paramount Network since 2018, boasting an impressive 2.6 million viewers.
| Genres | Creators | IMDb Rating | Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thriller, Crime Fiction | Taylor Sheridan, Hugh Dillon | 8.2/10 | Jeremy Renner, Dianne Wiest, Hugh Dillon, Tobi Bamtefa, Taylor Handley |
Tooning Out the News
A Humorous Take on Current Affairs
“Tooning Out the News” satirizes news with a cast of animated characters, led by anchor James Smartwood, who conducts real guest interviews.
Expanding on pieces from The Late Show, this animated satirical news show provides biting commentary on politics and media. It promises a laughter-filled respite from the absurdities of the world.
| Genre | Creators | IMDb Rating | Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live-action/animated Satirical News | Stephen Colbert, R.J. Fried, Tim Luecke, Chris Licht, Zach Smilovitz, Mike Leech | 5.9/10 | Mitch Lewis, Addison Anderson, Maureen Monahan, R.J. Fried, Jeremy Bent, Jack Bensinger, Zach Smilovitz, Ikechukwu Ufomadu |
The Stand
A Gripping Tale of Survival Post-Apocalypse
“The Stand,” a Paramount+ original, paints a vivid picture of a dystopian world where good and evil coexist in a visually stunning landscape, akin to Stephen King’s signature storytelling.
The survival of humanity rests on Mother Abagail (Whoopi Goldberg), a 108-year-old matriarch who guides plague survivors towards civilization. Her nurturing presence and special skills serve as the beacon of hope in this gripping miniseries.
| Genres | Writers | IMDb Rating | Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apocalyptic Fiction, Drama, Horror Fiction, Disaster | Stephen King, Owen King, Josh Boone, Benjamin Cavell, Knate Lee, Jill Killington | 5.6/10 | Whoopi Goldberg, Alexander Skarsgård, James Marsden, Odessa Young |
Tell Me A Story
A Dark Retelling of Classic Fairy Tales
One of the best drama series on Paramount Plus “Tell Me A Story” breathes life into classic fairy tales, reimagining them as grim psychological thrillers set in modern-day New York City. This series intertwines timeless tales with contemporary examples of murder, greed, and love. It keeps viewers on the edge of their seat with unexpected twists and turns.
| Genre | Writers | IMDb Rating | Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychological Thriller | Kevin Williamson, Mary Leah Sutton, Hernán Golfrid, Gustavo Malajovich, Marcos Osorio Vidal | 7.1/10 | Danielle Campbell, Paul Wesley, James Wolk, Billy Magnussen, Odessa Annable |
Why Women Kill
A Dive into Marital Dynamics Across Decades
“Why Women Kill” tracks the lives of three women from different eras grappling with marital dissatisfaction and infidelity. The show challenges conventional stereotypes, discussing various topics like sexuality, emotional abuse, and open marriages. It stands out as one of the best feminism-focused series on Paramount+.
| Genres | Creator | IMDb Rating | Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthology Series, Dark Comedy, Drama | Marc Cherry | 8.3/10 | Jack Davenport, Lucy Liu, Allison Tolman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Lana Parrilla |
Conclusion
Paramount+ has indeed stepped up to the plate, providing New Zealand viewers with a medley of drama series that cover a wide range of themes, genres, and styles.
The diversity of the platform’s catalogue, coupled with its commitment to quality, ensures that there is something for every drama aficionado. As Paramount+ continues to add more titles and expand its repertoire, it promises to keep viewers in New Zealand captivated with riveting tales that span the spectrum of human experiences.
So, whether you’re a fan of thrilling crime stories, epic historical dramas, contemporary sagas, or compelling sci-fi narratives, Paramount+ in New Zealand has a drama series just for you. Happy viewing!
