Paramount+ is regularly adding new shows to binge-watch. This weekend is no exception. The streaming service releases new episodes of hit shows every week. Sometimes, even entire seasons at once. It just added over 120 new movies and shows on September 1 alone. It even has some live sporting events, including all major events from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

This weekend, let's start with "Diarra from Detroit" season 2, which just dropped its finale this week. Once you're caught up on that, it's time to binge "Colin from Accounts" season 3, which was just released in full on Paramount+ yesterday (September 10). Finally, sports fans need to check out "NFL Play Action," a brand new Paramount+ original series that covers the NFL from all angles.

So without further ado, here are the three new to Paramount+ shows you need to binge-watch this weekend. If you need more recommendations, check out everything new on Paramount+ in September 2026 for more options.

'Diarra from Detroit' season 2

Genre: Mystery comedy-drama series

What it's about: In "Diarra from Detroit" season 2, the titular Diarra Brickland tries to bask in the wins of season 1. She solved the case of the missing Deonte Brooks (Shannon Wallace) and started dating him. But now, he's being sent to jail on suspicion of murder, due to a gang war in the criminal underworld of Detroit. The one thing that might be keeping her safe? Her ex-husband, Swa (Morris Chestnut), who is using his power as a lawyer to keep her out of harm from crooks and cops alike.

Why you should watch it: Another BET+ show that has made its way to Paramount+, "Diarra from Detroit" looks pretty good. It certainly got me to laugh on several occasions in the season 2 trailer, and I was pleased to see the appearance of Bokeem Woodbine. If you need a new show with a good mix of comedy and drama, this one is worth a look.

Watch all 8 episodes of "Diarra from Detroit" season 2 on Paramount+ now

'Colin from Accounts' season 3

Genre: Romantic comedy-drama series

What it's about: Gordon (Patrick Brammall) and Ashley (Harriet Dyer) did not meet cutely. She flashed him while crossing a street, causing him to lose focus and hit a dog. Fast forward several months and just as many vet appointments, and they're now living together, raising that dog, who they've named Colin. But Gordon's drunken proposal at the end of season 2 might end their unlikely relationship for good.

Why you should watch it: "Colin from Accounts" is hilarious. I'd argue it's one of the best comedy series of this decade so far, and I've been eagerly awaiting this third and final season. If you need a laugh but also want to feel deep feelings, this show is a must-binge.

Watch all 8 episodes of "Colin from Accounts" season 3 now

'NFL Play Action'

Genre: Sports news series

What's it about? Hosted by former Princeton running back (and current NFL Network "Good Morning Football" host) Kyle Brandt and fitness instructor Ally Love, "NFL Play Action" looks to examine the intersection of football and culture. In 30-minute episodes each Wednesday, this new magazine-style series will dive into the NFL both on and off the field.

Why you should watch it: "NFL Play Action" seems to be going for a "60 Minutes" meets "SportsCenter" vibe with its news magazine show format. But I wouldn't expect any groundbreaking investigative reporting from this show that bills itself as being "family-oriented." Still, if you love the NFL and can't get enough, this show will take you deeper into the world of gridiron football.

Watch the series premiere of "NFL Play Action" now

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The leaves are turning, the days are getting shorter, and there's no better time to immerse yourself in a nail-biting story from the safety of your own couch. If you're looking for thrillers that are so twisty, unnerving and gripping that you may never sleep again, Paramount+ has tons of them.

The trick, as always, is knowing what's actually worth losing sleep over. So I've done the digging and pulled out three thriller movies on Paramount+ that definitely earn their reputation: a hunt for a real-life serial killer, a near-silent survival story where a single sound means death, and a claustrophobic bunker mystery where you're never sure who to trust.

Just be sure to watch with a buddy (or a squishy) so you can calm down when you're white-knuckling your seat from all the excitement.

'Zodiac' (2007)

The scariest thing about "Zodiac" is that it's a true story without an ending. David Fincher's high-stakes thriller follows the decade-long hunt for the Zodiac killer, the still-unidentified murderer who terrorized Northern California in the late '60s and '70s.

Jake Gyllenhaal plays a San Francisco cartoonist who becomes obsessed with cracking the case, alongside a crime reporter (Robert Downey Jr.) and a detective (Mark Ruffalo). Soon, however, the pursuit swallows his life. There's less slasher-centric gore and horror here; it's more of a procedural filled with dread. If you're into that sort of thing, you'll find a lot to like.

Stream now on Paramount+

'A Quiet Place' (2018)

John Krasinski directed this tense, horror-leaning flick and stars alongside Emily Blunt as parents raising their children in a world overrun by blind creatures that hunt by sound. In other words, a single dropped object or spoken word means instant death.

The family survives by living in near-total silence, communicating in sign language and tiptoeing through their days, until the mother's pregnancy starts a terrifying clock ticking, because there's no quiet way to give birth. And you'll be in stunned silence yourself when you see how the movie handles this and other noise-related catastrophes, holding your breath as long as the family does.

Stream now on Paramount+

'10 Cloverfield Lane' (2016)

Mary Elizabeth Winstead wakes up after a car crash to find herself locked in an underground bunker, where a survivalist named Howard (a never-scarier John Goodman) insists he's saved her from a catastrophic attack that's poisoned the air outside.

The trouble is she has no way to know if he's telling the truth, or whether the real threat is the strange man holding the only key. Goodman is at his best here, serving up believable fatherly warmth and psychotic killer energy, so that you never feel safe. The movie keeps you guessing right up to an ending that comes completely out of left field. And it's all the better for it.

Stream now on Paramount+

Paramount+ is a great streaming service if you're building a weekend movie marathon. It adds dozens of movies to the platform each month. It just added over 120 new movies and shows on September 1 alone. Many of these are beloved classics or more modern hits. A few times a month, you also get brand-new movies from Paramount Skydance Studios.

This week, I'm giving you a pair of comedy movies with a dark, twisted thriller in between. Let's start with "The Death of Stalin," a 2017 political satire from "Veep" creator Armando Iannucci. Once you pick yourself up off the ground from laughing, hit play on "Seven," a serial killer thriller that might be one of the least funny movies ever made. Don't worry, though; we'll end things on a high note. "My Cousin Vinny" was just added to Paramount+ on the first of the month, and it's hilarious, in no small part due to Marisa Tomei's award-winning performance.

Here are the three new to Paramount+ movies that you need to be streaming this weekend. If you need more recommendations, check out our full guide to everything new on Paramount+ in September 2026.

'The Death of Stalin' (2017)

Genre: Political satire black comedy movie

What's it about? Based on the French graphic novel "La Mort de Staline," "The Death of Stalin" depicts the internal power struggle among the members of the Soviet Politburo following the death of leader Joseph Stalin in 1953. And it is hysterical.

Why you need to watch it: This comedy is loaded with talent. Written and directed by "Veep" creator Armando Iannucci, it stars Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Paddy Considine, Rupert Friend, Jason Isaacs, Michael Palin, Andrea Riseborough and Jeffrey Tambor as various members of the Soviet elite. It'd be impossible not to make a great comedy movie with that roster.

Watch "The Death of Stalin" on Paramount+ now

'Seven' (1995)

Genre: Crime thriller movie

What's it about? "Seven" centers on Morgan Freeman as he and his new partner (Brad Pitt) try to stop a serial killer committing murders based on the seven deadly sins. Freeman's Det. William Somerset is on the brink of retirement, but could this case be his last for other reasons?

Why you should watch it: This is thrilling. It's gripping. It's also incredibly dark. But it also is one of the best crime thrillers ever. The performances from Freeman, Pitt and Kevin Spacey are worth the price of admission, but they might not even be the best part of this movie. The highlight is really the story of "Seven" and its pitch-perfect pacing. Plus, if you don't already know "What's in the box?", then the twist ending will leave you stunned.

Watch "Seven" on Paramount+ now

'My Cousin Vinny' (1992)

Genre: Legal comedy movie

What's it about? "My Cousin Vinny" stars Joe Pesci as a newly minted lawyer. His first case? Getting his cousin, Bill (Ralph Macchio), and Bill's friend Stan (Mitchell Whitfield) off a murder charge in Alabama for a crime they didn't commit. That's going to prove difficult, though, as Vinny and his fiancée, Mona (Marisa Tomei), have a New Yorker sensibility that clashes with Alabama's Southern hospitality.

Why you should watch it: This movie is funny, in large part due to excellent performances from Pecsi and Tomei. Tomei even won an Academy Award for her performance as Mona Lisa Vito.

Watch "My Cousin Vinny" on Paramount+ now

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September always feels like the real beginning of fall to me. The days start getting shorter and the rain seems to make a much more regular appearance, which can only mean one thing: It’s officially movie night season. There’s something about staying indoors while it’s cold and miserable outside that makes settling in for a great movie or an entire marathon even more appealing.

Paramount+ has added plenty of movies to its library this month, but with so much choice, deciding what to actually watch can be a challenge. I’ve gone through the September 2026 additions and picked out seven movies that deserve a spot on your watchlist. Each one has scored 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes, making them some of the most critically acclaimed options available. Of course, a strong Rotten Tomatoes rating doesn’t mean every movie will be to your taste, but it’s a pretty good place to start if you want something critics have largely enjoyed.

If you’re looking for something great to watch on Paramount+ this September, these seven movies are well worth adding to your list, and they all boast an impressive 90% or higher rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The best movies to stream on Paramount Plus in September 2026

‘Argo’ (2012)

“Argo” is a historical drama-thriller directed by Ben Affleck and written by Chris Terrio. Based on declassified government accounts and Antonio Mendez’s memoir, “The Master of Disguise,” the film chronicles a covert joint U.S-Canadian extraction operation disguised as a fake Hollywood sci-fi movie production during the 1979-1981 Iran hostage crisis. This was Affleck’s third feature film as a director, and it once again proves that he’s just as talented behind the camera as he is in front of it, delivering an incredibly compelling film.

After six Americans escape the U.S. embassy in Tehran and hide at the Canadian ambassador’s home, CIA specialist Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) is tasked with getting them out of Iran. His unusual plan involves creating a fake science-fiction movie called Argo and posing the six Americans as members of a Canadian film crew scouting locations. With help from Hollywood producer Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin) and makeup artist John Chambers (John Goodman), Mendez builds the cover story before travelling to Tehran to lead the group out.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%
Watch "Argo" on Paramount+ now

‘Creed’ (2015)

Ryan Coogler is one of the best directors working today, especially following the success of his recent movie “Sinners,” the best movie of 2025. But there’s no denying that his “Creed” trilogy is a huge technical achievement, while also delivering some powerful storytelling. The first film, released in 2015, functions as both a spin-off and a direct continuation of the long-running “Rocky” franchise. The movie revitalized the series by focusing on a new generation while still honoring its classic roots.

Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) is the son of former heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, who travels to Philadelphia to pursue a career as a professional boxer. Despite having no formal connection to his famous father, Adonis seeks out Apollo’s former rival and close friend, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), hoping he can train him. Rocky initially hesitates but eventually agrees to mentor the determined young fighter. As Adonis prepares for increasingly difficult fights, he works to establish himself in the boxing world.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%
Watch "Creed" on Paramount+ now

‘Gone Baby Gone’ (2007)

We have another of Ben Affleck’s movies, “Gone Baby Gone,” this time starring his younger brother Casey in the lead role. Adapted from Dennis Lehane’s acclaimed 1998 novel of the same name, the film explores the dark underbelly of working-class Boston. Marking Affleck’s feature-length directorial debut, he co-wrote the screenplay alongside Aaron Stockard. The film proved to be a major critical turning point in Affleck’s career, establishing him as a serious filmmaking voice. It deserves every bit of the praise it received.

When 4-year-old Amanda McCready disappears from her Boston home, her mother hires private investigators Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) to help find her. Although the police are already investigating, Patrick and Angie become closely involved in the case, following leads through Amanda’s neighborhood and questioning people connected to her family. Their search takes them into Boston’s criminal underworld and uncovers information about Amanda’s disappearance that changes the direction of the investigation.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%
Watch "Gone Baby Gone" on Paramount+ now

‘Love and Monsters’ (2020)

If you’re in the mood for a lighter movie, “Love and Monsters” should be on your watchlist this month. This monster adventure turns the usual dark and depressing post-apocalyptic story on its head, giving it a much more upbeat, funny and feel-good coming-of-age tone, which is arguably its biggest strength. Even the film’s visuals are compelling enough to keep you hooked, with its creature designs earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects alongside major blockbusters in 2021.

Seven years after an asteroid strike causes cold-blooded animals to mutate into gigantic monsters, most of humanity has been wiped out and the survivors live in underground colonies. Joel Dawson (Dylan O'Brien) has spent years hiding in one of these bunkers, separated from his high school girlfriend, Aimee (Jessica Henwick). When he discovers that Aimee is living in a coastal colony just 85 miles away, Joel decides to leave the safety of his bunker and travel across the monster-infested surface to find her.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%
Watch "Love and Monsters" on Paramount+ now

‘Dunkirk’ (2017)

One of Christopher Nolan’s best movies has to be “Dunkirk,” a grand historical war film that reconstructs the monumental World War II evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches of France. Nolan structured the screenplay around three interwoven perspectives unfolding across distinct time scales: "The Mole" (land, spanning one week), "The Sea" (water, spanning one day) and "The Air" (sky, spanning one hour). It’s a pretty impressive and clever format that allows Nolan to tell the same story from three very different perspectives.

“Dunkirk” follows Allied soldiers trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk, France, during the Second World War as German forces close in around them. The film follows several groups caught up in the evacuation: a young British soldier desperately trying to escape, civilians sailing across the English Channel to help rescue stranded troops, and Royal Air Force pilots battling German aircraft overhead. Their stories unfold across the beach, sea and sky as thousands of soldiers wait for ships to arrive.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%
Watch "Dunkirk" on Paramount+ now

‘Edge of Tomorrow’ (2014)

For even more action, “Edge of Tomorrow” is the perfect watch. This intense sci-fi flick doesn’t do anything particularly new with the time loop trope, but what it does best is keep things seriously engaging, with Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt showing great chemistry in between their moments of badassery. Sadly, the film underperformed at the box office when it was first released, but has since been hailed as one of the definitive sci-fi action films of the 2010s thanks to its solid pacing, inventive editing, and dark comedic timing.

Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) is a military officer with no combat experience who is forced onto the front lines during a massive alien invasion. Cage is killed during the battle, only to wake up at the beginning of the same day. Trapped in a repeating time loop, he relives the battle over and over, gradually learning how to survive and fight back. After discovering that a Special Forces soldier, Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), has experienced something similar, Cage teams up with her to find a way to break the cycle and defeat the alien force before humanity is wiped out.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%
Watch "Edge of Tomorrow" on Paramount+ now

‘Galaxy Quest’ (1999)

It only felt right to end this list with a delightful comedy for anyone in need of a mood-booster. “Galaxy Quest” is a brilliant sci-fi comedy that satirizes cult television, conventions, and fan culture while treating fandom and genre tropes with affection. The film lovingly parodies sci-fi franchises like “Star Trek” while still standing on its own as a genuinely entertaining adventure. Plus, it boasts a pretty stacked cast who all clearly have fun with their roles, including Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, and Sam Rockwell.

“Galaxy Quest” follows the washed-up cast of a once-popular sci-fi TV series who are unexpectedly recruited by a group of aliens. Believing the actors are the real heroes they portrayed on television, the aliens ask them to help save their civilization from an evil warlord. Forced to leave their comfortable lives behind, the reluctant actors find themselves aboard a real spaceship and facing genuine danger. As they attempt to understand the alien technology and survive their mission, the group must work together to protect the Thermians.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%
Watch "Galaxy Quest" on Paramount+ now

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This week, we’ve handed out report cards for the platforms in our best streaming services guide: Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+/Hulu, Paramount+, Apple TV and Peacock.

The Tom’s Guide streaming team uses these platforms every day to recommend the latest movies and TV shows on each to our readers. Our goal with these report cards was to grade each over the past 12 months in key areas including price, library, originals, live content and more.

Now that each has received its report card and overall grade, there’s only one thing left to do: compare the results and determine which streaming service is most worthy of your monthly subscription in 2026.

Pricing

*On August 29, Apple TV announced its latest price hike, increasing a monthly subscription to $14.99. Our report card grade is based on its previous $12.99 price.

The cost of streaming has become a major talking point recently. We held a Tom’s Guide streaming survey in June, which found that more than 35% of respondents pay more than $60 each month on streaming. Wasn’t streaming supposed to be cheaper than cable?

Price hikes have been a regular occurrence. In fact, Apple TV increased its monthly cost (from $12.99 to $14.99) just as we began publishing our report cards. But it’s far from alone; in the past 12 months, every single streaming service we graded has increased prices.

As of now, barring any more sudden hikes, the cheapest tier is found on Peacock. Its Select plan costs just $7.99 but comes with some major caveats like no sports, movies, or originals. The most expensive is, perhaps predictably, Netflix’s Premium tier at $26.99 per month.

The highest scorers in this category were Prime Video, largely because most people get it as part of an Amazon Prime membership, and Disney+/Hulu, which offers the most choice (either separate or bundled), with two robust services for $12.99, or $19.99 without ads.

Also, a quick shoutout to Apple TV. Yes, it’s just increased its price, but we appreciate that it offers a single tier, so there’s no confusion about what you have access to. It’s just one cost for everything Apple TV has to offer, which feels refreshing compared to its streaming rivals.

Library

Our library category takes a bird's-eye view of everything found on each streaming service. That’s movies and shows, including both licensed content and original efforts. Next to price, this is arguably the key category for most people to consider when signing up for a streaming platform.

HBO came out on top because it offers a selection of world-class television and blockbuster movies via Warner Bros and A24. Disney+/Hulu was also in the running. After all, the combo of two bundled services is hard to beat. Disney+ covers the family (and Marvel/Star Wars nerds), and Hulu has plenty for adults. It’s a platform that really has something for everybody.

Netflix’s library is solid, but it has lost so much licensed content over the years as seemingly every media conglomerate has launched its own rival platform. Apple TV has great originals, but lacks much else. And while Prime Video has quantity down, its library is overstuffed with the sorts of movies that you would have previously seen in the $1 DVD bin at Walmart.

Paramount+ lacks major movie franchises, and beyond “Yellowstone,” few new TV shows that generate much buzz, and Peacock has NBCUniversal's vault to draw from. This is a rich well with beloved sitcoms like “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “30 Rock.” Plus, it gets Universal movies, so as long as you don’t mind the Minions, that’s another advantage.

Originals

Originals are a big part of what keeps you subscribed to a streaming service long-term. If a platform isn’t adding a consistent stream of stuff you want to watch, why stick around?

Netflix dominates this field, releasing more originals than its rivals, and producing shows that catch the zeitgeist, like “Stranger Things,” “Squid Game” and “Wednesday.” But it receives the lowest grade here, with the average quality level often being very poor over the past 12 months. Netflix original movies have a deserved reputation for being mostly skippable.

HBO Max and Apple TV are the two standouts; both deliver some of the finest original television shows around. HBO is known for regularly dropping essential series, but Apple TV is really giving it some competition, and its commitment to variety hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Disney+ ensures Marvel and Star Wars fans are never lacking for anything to watch between theatrical releases, but Hulu deserves some recognition as well, for originals like “Alien: Earth,” “Only Murders in the Building” season 5, “The Shards,” and “Paradise” season 2 over the past year.

Prime Video is also starting to find a niche in buzzy teen dramas like "Off Campus," "The Summer I Turned Pretty," and “Sterling Point.” Meanwhile, Peacock is basically a required subscription for anybody who takes reality TV seriously. After all, it is the streaming home of “The Traitors.” Finally, Paramount+ has had a poor 12 months, unless you’re a “South Park” fan.

Interface

To be frank, every streaming service has an interface that is only tolerable at best. There’s a reason the highest grade we awarded in this category was Apple TV with a passable B. Each has quirks and annoyances that you have to deal with. There’s no truly great interface out there.

They pretty much all take the same fundamental form, rows of movies/shows presented in a “tile” format, so there’s not a huge degree of difference between them. It really comes down to the individual pain points of each platform, because some are easier to tolerate than others

Prime Video and Paramount+ ranked last. Amazon’s streamer is disorganized and presents you with PVOD content and add-on channel packages that you have to purchase separately. There’s nothing worse than seeing a movie you really want to watch on Prime Video, only to be frustrated when you discover it’s not on Prime Video and must be rented.

Paramount+ is similarly unintuitive to navigate, and, if I can offer a personal anecdote, I’ve faced a persistent problem with the mobile app. The season select button doesn’t work. So, I can watch season 1 of a show or nothing. And a quick web search tells me others have faced the same problem.

Also, and this goes for all the streaming services graded, we’re in an era where A.I. is getting ever smarter (and probably coming for our jobs), yet none of these platforms can implement a recommendation algorithm that reliably surfaces content similar to what you’ve watched. Do better!

Live Content

Live content is an area that most major streaming services are rapidly expanding. It makes sense. For millions, live content (typically live sports) is the only reason they still watch traditional broadcast television, so it’s an area that holds plenty of value for viewers.

Looking at the past 12 months, Peacock wins in the live sports arena by a landslide. It was the home of the 2026 Winter Olympics and had Spanish-language broadcasts of the recent World Cup 2026. Beyond these special events (Which only come around every four years), it’s home to Sunday Night Football, NBA and WNBA games, and Premier League soccer.

Prime Video has been making impressive moves in this area with Thursday Night Football and NBA and WNBA games. Netflix is making similar waves with “WWE Raw,” select NFL games, boxing and its first-ever live MLB events in 2026. Apple TV isn’t getting left behind with MLS a major part of the service, and most importantly, comprehensive Formula 1 coverage.

HBO Max has 72 regular-season NHL games per year and the Stanley Cup Final, but no NFL or NBA (WB’s deal with the NBA concluded after the 2024-25 season), which hurts its grade. While Disney+/Hulu blocks most of its sports behind an ESPN-shaped paywall.

The other big winner here is Paramount+, which competes with Peacock, thanks to the NFL, UFC, UEFA Champions League, Serie A, Carabao Cup and even some college football. If you have Paramount+ Premium, you also get some PGA Tour events and WNBA games.

Outside of sports, Hulu has the annual Academy Awards (but even as an Oscar nut, I know this is hardly a major draw), and Netflix has experimented with special broadcasts, such as “Skyscraper Live” back in January. These are nice extras, but for most subscribers, when we talk about live content, it’s all about sports, sports, sports.

Note: This is just an evaluation of the live programming on offer in the U.S. Live programming varies by market.

Overall Grades

If you can only subscribe to one streaming service in 2026, we’d suggest HBO Max. While it didn’t receive the highest grade in every single category, overall it offers a practically unrivaled library, several original shows worth sticking around for, and a few live sporting events of note.

Netflix will presumably always be the most popular choice, and it scores respectable, even if its original movie output is disappointing.

Disney+/Hulu offers great value, and a breadth of content that will keep the whole family entertained. Apple TV puts quality over quantity, and there’s merit in that approach. Peacock is often neglected but might be worth considering, though its grade this time is significantly helped by major events (Olympics/World Cup) that aren’t annual.

Paramount+ and Prime Video round out the report card, two services that have plus points, but just as many caveats. Hopefully, over the next 12 months, they can beef up their original lineup and come back swinging, ready to take on the pack we’ve graded above them in 2027.

Overall, there is no perfect streaming service. Each platform has its strengths and areas for improvement. Subscribing to 2-3 is perhaps the best way to get most of what appeals to you. However, returning to our survey results, nearly 30% of respondents subscribe to 7 or more platforms, which definitely seems excessive. My advice: you should cancel a few.

We’re already beginning to evaluate each of these streaming services for our next series of streaming service report cards in 2027, so watch this space; the winners and losers could change.

More from Tom's Guide

• The best streaming services in 2026 to subscribe to right now
• How to get Netflix for free — here are 3 ways
• Tom's Guide streaming survey 2026 — full results

Paramount+ is regularly adding new shows to binge-watch. This weekend is no exception. The streaming service releases new episodes of hit shows every week. Sometimes, even entire seasons at once. It just added over 120 new movies and shows on September 1 alone. It even has some live sporting events, including all major events from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

This weekend, let's start with "The Varnell Hill Show" season 1, which just dropped its two-episode premiere this week. Once you're caught up on that "Martin" spin-off, check out "The Program: Texas Tech," which takes you behind the scenes of the Red Raiders football program ahead of this college football season. Finally, if you're not caught up on "Lioness" season 3, there's still time. Just know that this past week's episode has some fans questioning showrunner Taylor Sheridan's creative choices.

Here are the three new to Paramount+ shows you need to binge-watch this weekend. If you need more recommendations, check out everything new on Paramount+ in September 2026 for more options.

'The Varnell Hill Show' season 1

Genre: Workplace comedy series

What it's about: Tommy Davidson portrayed larger-than-life talk show host Varnell Hill in the iconic sitcom "Martin." Now, more than three decades later, he's back and fighting to stay relevant in the ever-changing landscape of late-night television.

Why you should watch it: Fans of "Martin" will certainly want to check this out, as Davidson seems as hilarious as ever in the trailer. Plus, it looks like we'll get a Martin Lawrence appearance during the season, which is also a win. If you're looking for a new comedy show to stream, "The Varnell Hill Show" is worth checking out.

Watch the two-episode premiere of "The Varnell Hill Show" season 1 on Paramount+ now

'The Program: Texas Tech'

Genre: Sports docuseries

What's it about? Football is everything in Texas, and college football is no exception. But while Texas and A&M dominate the conversation, in West Texas it's all about the Texas Tech Red Raiders. In "The Program: Texas Tech," you'll go behind the scenes as the Red Raiders prepare for 2026, including exclusive interviews with head coach Joey McGuire, former quarterback Brendan Sorsby and more people associated with the program.

Why you should watch it: Texas Tech may not be as big as Texas or Texas A&M, but they're coming off a Big 12 Championship-winning season and a College Football Playoff appearance. Unfortunately, their offseason has also been rocked by the Brendan Sorsby gambling scandal, something this four-part docuseries promises to dive into.

Watch all four episodes of "The Program: Texas Tech" on Paramount+ now

'Lioness' season 3

Genre: Spy thriller series

What's it about? "Lioness" stars Zoe Saldaña as CIA operative Joe McNamara. She runs the Lioness program, a woman-led initiative that inserts female operatives undercover in the war on terror. Once embedded, they take down enemy targets by getting close to the women around them and exploiting the target from there.

Why you should watch it: "Lioness" season 3 has Joe dealing with deadly operations and enemy combatants abroad, and betrayals close to home. Critics have been largely positive about it, and audiences initially seemed to really love it. But after an eyebrow-raising fifth episode, it's now just 79% fresh among audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, a notable drop from the 91% it had been at to start the season.

Stream the first five episodes of "Lioness" season 3 on Paramount+ now. Episode 6 premieres on September 6

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• Netflix just added 41 new movies and shows — here are the 5 you need to stream right now

Paramount+ is a great streaming service if you're building a weekend movie marathon. It adds dozens of movies to the platform each month. It just added over 120 new movies and shows on September 1 alone. Many of these are beloved classics or more modern hits. A few times a month, you also get brand-new movies from Paramount Skydance Studios.

This week, I'm highlighting one brand-new movie that just debuted on Paramount+, plus two other incredible films from the 2010s. Let's start with the new film though, which is "Scary Movie" (2026). Don't get it confused with "Scary Movie," which is now 26 years old. Once you're done streaming that, let things get a bit more serious and hit play on "Argo," an excellent political thriller set during the Iranian hostage crisis. Finally, "Dunkirk" was just added to Paramount+ on the first of the month, and it's one of the greatest movies of all time, let alone the 2010s. Make sure to watch it this month before it eventually leaves.

Here are the three new to Paramount+ movies that you need to be streaming this weekend. If you need more recommendations, check out our full guide to everything new on Paramount+ in September 2026.

'Scary Movie' (2026)

Genre: Parody horror comedy movie

What's it about? This latest edition of the "Scary Movie" franchise is also dubbed "Scary Movie." That's not confusing at all, given the first movie was also called "Scary Movie." But it is intentional. This movie is considered a spiritual sequel to the first two "Scary Movie" films, and follows Cindy Campbell (Anna Faris), Ray Wilkins (Shawn Wayans) and the Meeks siblings, Shorty (Marlon Wayans) and Brenda (Regina Hall), as they reunite to stop the masked killer from the original "Scary Movie," who has suddenly resurfaced.

Why you need to watch it: Look, I'm not going to pretend "Scary Movie" (2026) is a masterpiece. By most accounts, it's not even good, though audiences were far more positive than critics according to Rotten Tomatoes. But it is new theatrical release from this year just-added to Paramount+, so it'd be malpractice to leave it off this roundup.

Watch "Scary Movie" (2026) on Paramount+ now

'Argo' (2012)

Genre: Political thriller movie

What's it about: "Argo" is set in 1979, when Iranian revolutionaries stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. The embassy workers were taken hostage, except for six that managed to escape. Upon learning this, CIA Officer Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) creates a fake movie production, titled "Argo," with the premise that it would film in Iran. Once he lands in Iran, he'll set up the six Americans as Canadian filmmakers, supposedly scouting filming locations until they can get on a plane and get home.

Why you should watch it: This movie is supremely rewatchable. It's well-paced, and Ben Affleck hits the mark both as an actor and a director. While he didn't win, or even get nominated for Best Director (considered a major controversy still to this day), he ultimately won Best Picture and got the last laugh.

Watch "Argo" on Paramount+ now

'Dunkirk' (2017)

Genre: War movie

What's it about? Set around the evacuation of British troops from Dunkirk, France, this World War II movie is told in three timelines. First, are the men on the beaches escaping the Nazis, a storyline that takes place over one week. Then, there's the fleet of civilian boats sent by the U.K to get the soldiers off the beaches at Dunkirk, told over the course of one day. Finally, there's a crew of Spitfires, led by Tom Hardy, who provide air support for the evacuation. Their story takes place over just one hour.

Why you should watch it: "Dunkirk" is a technical masterpiece. The practical effects, the sheer size of the action set pieces, the use of historical seacraft, etc., all combine for a visual marvel. The sound design is literally stunning, and I still hesitate at the prospect of seeing this movie outside IMAX because it was so impressive in theaters. Plus, the performances are good, provided you can get your head around the interwoven timelines. Tom Hardy, in particular, should have gotten an Oscar nomination, despite only saying a few words the entire film.

Watch "Dunkirk" on Paramount+ now

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• Paramount+ just added 121 new movies and shows — here are the 5 I'm streaming first
• Missed it in theaters? Here's every movie finally arriving on streaming in September 2026
• Netflix just added 41 new movies and shows — here are the 5 you need to stream right now

Paramount+ just added 121 new movies and shows to start September 2026. The first of the month is typically when the streaming service adds the majority of its new movies and shows, and the dozens that were just added should be more than enough for you to try and watch in a single month.

In fact, there might be so many choices that it overwhelms you. Don't worry, though: I've already looked through everything coming to Paramount+ in September, and I know exactly which of these movies and shows are a must-watch.

This month, I went with a list of movies from the past few decades that are truly must-watches. I think everyone needs to see every movie on this list at least once. "Argo" is an excellent political thriller about the Iranian hostage crisis, worthy of its Oscar wins. While "Creed" didn't win its lone Oscar nomination, it's possibly the best movie in the "Rocky" franchise aside from the original. "Dunkirk" is the best movie on this list, and still the best movie of Christopher Nolan's career (sorry, "The Odyssey"). Its Best Picture loss to The Shape of Water is still baffling.

Speaking of Oscars, Marisa Tomei won hers for her role in "My Cousin Vinny," which arrives on Paramount+ this month. And while "Seven" only got one Oscar nomination for Film Editing, it might be some people's favorite movies on this list.

So, without further delay, let's dive into the five newly added to Paramount+ movies and shows that I think you need to be streaming right now.

5 Paramount+ movies and shows to stream right now

'Argo' (2012)

Genre: Political thriller movie

What's it about: In 1979, Iranian revolutionaries stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. Many embassy workers were taken hostage, but six managed to escape. Enter CIA Officer Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck). He's told, under no uncertain terms, to get these six out of Tehran. So he creates a fake movie production, "Argo," filming in Iran, with the six Americans posing as Canadian filmmakers scouting filming locations until they can get on a plane and get home.

Why you should watch it: This movie is excellent. It's well-paced, and Ben Affleck excels as both an actor and a director in this two-hour thriller. But my favorite performances are probably Alan Arkin and John Goodman as Lester Siegel and John Chambers. They're the people running the fake film production in Hollywood, and they're key to the movie's most pivotal moment.

Watch "Argo" on Paramount+ now

'Creed' (2015)

Genre: Sports drama movie

What's it about? Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) is an amateur boxer hoping for his shot at the championship belt that his father, Apollo (Carl Weathers), once held. He gets his shot: a fight against World Light Heavyweight Champion "Pretty" Ricky Conlan (Tony Bellew). But if he wants a chance at winning, he'll need to train with his father's old rival, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone).

Why you should watch it: Is this movie very similar to "Rocky"? Yes, especially the final boxing match. But it's technically impressive, and might still be one of the three best movies director Ryan Coogler has made to date. It's certainly among Michael B. Jordan's best performances, even if it's Stallone who gets the Oscar nomination from this movie.

Watch "Creed" on Paramount+ now

'Dunkirk' (2017)

Genre: War movie

What's it about? "Dunkirk" is set around the evacuation of British troops from Dunkirk, France, during World War II. It's told in three timelines, all woven together throughout the movie. There are the men on the beaches escaping the Nazis, told over one week. Then, there's the fleet of civilian boats sent to get the men off the beaches, told over the course of one day. Finally, there's a crew of Spitfires providing air support for the evacuation, told over one hour.

Why you should watch it: "Dunkirk" is a technical marvel. The practical effects, the sheer size of the set pieces, the use of historical craft, etc., all combine for a visual masterpiece. The sound design is stunning; I'm still hesitant to see this movie outside IMAX because the sound was so impressive in theaters. And the performances are good, if you can wrap your head around the interwoven timelines. Tom Hardy, in particular, is incredible, despite only saying a few words the entire movie.

Watch "Dunkirk" on Paramount+ now

'My Cousin Vinny' (1992)

Genre: Legal comedy movie

What's it about? Bill Gambini (Ralph Macchio) and Stan Rothenstein (Mitchell Whitfield) are two New York teenagers on their way to college. But they're quickly arrested and put on trial in Alabama for a murder they didn't commit. To defend them, they've called in Gambini's cousin, Vinny (Joe Pesci), but it's his first case, so the odds are stacked against them. It also doesn't help that Vinny and his fiancée, Mona (Marisa Tomei), have a New Yorker sensibility that clashes with the Southern surroundings.

Why you should watch it: Simply put, this movie is funny. And it's largely reliant on Pecsi and Tomei. That's not a problem in this case; both are at their peaks in this movie and the more time spent listening to them talk, the better.

Watch "My Cousin Vinny" on Paramount+ now

'Seven' (1995)

Genre: Crime thriller movie

What's it about? "Seven" stars Morgan Freeman as a cop on the brink of retirement. But those plans are put on hold when he and his new partner (Brad Pitt) are tasked with stopping a serial killer committing murders based on the seven deadly sins.

Why you should watch it: This movie is dark. It's gripping. It features good performances from Freeman and Pitt, as well as Kevin Spacey. But it's the story and its pacing that keep your attention in director David Fincher's bleak, unnamed, crime-ridden city. And if you don't already know "What's in the box?" then the twist ending hits like a hammer.

Watch "Seven" on Paramount+ now

Everything just added to Paramount+

Here's the full list of all 121 movies and shows that were just added to Paramount+:

• "21 Jump Street"
• "22 Jump Street"
• "300"
• "300: Rise of an Empire"
• "A Perfect Murder"
• "Afflicted"
• "Along Came A Spider"
• "Area 51"
• "Argo"
• "Ask The Dust"
• "Asylum"
• "Below"
• "Blindness"
• "Case 39"
• "Changing Lanes"
• "Cheech & Chong’s Still Smokin’"
• "Creed"
• "Creed II"
• "Creed III"
• "Deep Impact"
• "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story"
• "Double Jeopardy"
• "Dracula III: Legacy"
• "Drunk Wedding"
• "Dunkirk"
• "Edge of Tomorrow"
• "Event Horizon"
• "Every Breath You Take"
• "Fist Fight"
• "Free Birds"
• "Frida"
• "Galaxy Quest"
• "Ghost"
• "Godzilla"
• "Gone Baby Gone"
• "Haunter"*
• "Homestead"*
• "House at the End of the Street"
• "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"
• "Jacob’s Ladder"
• "Joe Dirt"
• "Just Go with It"
• "King Kong"
• "Like Water for Chocolate"
• "Love and Monsters"
• "Machete Kills"
• "Mimic"
• "Mimic 2"
• "Mimic 3: Sentinel"
• "My Cousin Vinny"
• "Nancy Drew"
• "Patriot Games"
• "Pet Sematary"
• "Pet Sematary" (2019)
• "Pet Sematary II"
• "Phantoms"
• "Proof"
• "Prophecy"
• "Red Eye"
• "Regarding Henry"
• "Restoration"
• "Roadracers"
• "Rocky"
• "Rocky Balboa"
• "Rocky II"
• "Rocky III"
• "Rocky IV"
• "Rocky V"
• "Rumpelstiltskin"
• "Russell Mulcahy’s Tale of the Mummy"
• "Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse"
• "Seven"
• "Shutter Island"
• "Smart People"
• "Spell"
• "Spontaneous"
• "Stephen King’s Graveyard Shift"
• "Stephen King’s Silver Bullet"
• "Stephen King’s Thinner"
• "Sweetness"*
• "Tales From the Darkside: The Movie"
• "The Babysitter"
• "The Brothers Grimm"
• "The Butcher’s Wife"
• "The Core"
• "The Crossing Guard"
• "The Crow"
• "The Crow: City of Angels"
• "The Crow: Wicked Prayer"
• "The Dead Zone"
• "The Devil Inside"
• "The Ghost and the Darkness"
• "The Gift"
• "The Haunting"
• "The Heart Specialist"*
• "The Last Exorcism Part II"
• "The Monster Squad"
• "The November Man"
• "The Prophecy"
• "The Prophecy 3: The Ascent"
• "The Prophecy II"
• "The Prophecy: Forsaken"
• "The Prophecy: Uprising"
• "The Relic"
• "The Ruins"
• "The Stepford Wives"
• "The Ten Commandments"
• "The Uninvited"
• "The Varnell Hill Show" season 1
• "The Woman in Black"
• "Three Wishes"
• "Tommy Boy"
• "Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"
• "Up In The Air"
• "Vindicta"
• "Welcome to Sarajevo"
• "Wes Craven Presents Dracula II: Ascension"
• "Wes Craven Presents: Dracula 2000"
• "Wes Craven Presents: They"
• "What Lies Beneath"
• "Whitney"

*Title is available only to Paramount+ Premium subscribers.

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Paramount+ is a contender for best streaming service. But if we're being honest, it's not considered a top-tier streaming service. Or at least, not by most people. When people think of Paramount's streamer, they think of Taylor Sheridan ... and that might be it. Even worse, you probably think of "Yellowstone," which isn't even on Paramount+ — that's on Peacock.

However, that's probably a harsh assessment of Paramount's streaming service. Yes, Sheridanverse shows are a big draw. But so is the NFL and UEFA Champions League. And if you like South Park, it's the home for that iconic series too.

Tom’s Guide’s streaming team is constantly checking out the latest movies and TV shows. That means we're also constantly using and evaluating the various streaming services those movies and shows reside on. So in an effort to share our experience —and to make it so you don't have to test every service yourself — we’ve put together report cards for the biggest streaming services in the U.S., including Paramount+. We've graded each across the most important categories over the past 12 months, including pricing, overall library, original content, and more.

So, without further ado, let's put Paramount+ under the spotlight. And, just as importantly, let's see if it's a streaming service for more than just Taylor Sheridan shows and live sports.

Paramount+: Pricing

Paramount+ comes in just two flavors: Essential and Premium. Both come with 40,000+ episodes and movies, concurrent streaming on three devices, NFL and UEFA Champions League livestreams and UFC fights.

For $8.99 a month, you get Essential, which includes all that plus a few Showtime shows and plenty of ads. For an extra $5 a month, you can upgrade to Premium, ditch the ads, and add 4K streaming, a livestream of your local CBS channel, every Showtime show and movie and you can download shows and movies for offline viewing.

Annoyingly, both of these prices were cheaper 12 months ago. Paramount+ got a price hike back in January 2026. But despite that, it's still one of the cheapest streaming services at just $8.99 a month. Arguably, Netflix (Standard w/ ads) is the only streaming service that offers that much at that price. So Paramount+ still gets points for affordability.

Grade: B

Paramount+: Library

Paramount+ boasts a library of 40,000+ episodes and movies. Many of these have been produced by Paramount over its 114-year history. The media giant produces shows and movies through Paramount Studios, CBS and Skydance, giving it a fairly robust offering on paper.

In practice, though, there's a real chance you don't care about the shows and movies Paramount+ offers.

If you like some older movies, Taylor Sheridan shows and "South Park," then you'll have a great time and have plenty to watch. Ditto for those who like network television comedies and dramas, or reality series such as "Survivor" or "The Challenge." But despite the inclusion of Showtime, it lacks the caliber of newer TV shows that HBO Max and Hulu have to offer, and many older favorites are, unfortunately, on other streaming services when it comes to TV.

Paramount+ also lacks major franchises. This is arguably more a knock against its original content (more on that shortly), but it still hurts the score of its overall library. Disney+, by comparison, at least has Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel to pull from. Paramount+ has "Top Gun" and "Star Trek," and unfortunately, "Star Trek has been more hit than miss lately.

Grade: C+

Paramount+: Originals

When it comes to Paramount+ originals, they largely boil down to a few different categories: Taylor Sheridan shows, "Star Trek," "South Park," Paramount Skydance movies, reality TV and former BET shows (often from Tyler Perry). Most of the original content that the streaming service offers fits in one of those buckets.

Do those work for you? Then great! If you think "Landman" is a masterpiece, loved "Dutton Ranch," and can't wait for more, then you probably feel Paramount+ originals are great. If you love the prolific showrunning talents of Tyler Perry, you're similarly excited that BET+'s shows are now on Paramount+.

There are some shows outside those categories worth checking out, though few and far between. Personally, I love "The Agency," but over the past 12 months, it's one of the few non-Sheridan series I can think of that I watched on Paramount+. Well, that and "Colin from Accounts."

So clearly, Paramount+ knows its audience, gives it what it wants, and not much else. But what about original movies?

Unfortunately, the past 12 months have been rough for Paramount in terms of quality. Normally, being the streaming home to Paramount's new movies would be a positive. However, since Aug. 1, 2026, the best movie it can claim is probably "The Naked Gun." Aside from that, it's been a lot of movies that range from fine to forgettable to even downright bad.

Grade: C

Paramount+: Interface

If you use streaming services even half as much as I do, you have probably come to realize they all have some degree of a terrible user interface. No service gets it totally right. Our highest-rated UI among all the streamers over the past 12 months was Apple TV, and even it only scored a B.

That said, Paramount+ might have the worst interface of the lot. Things start good, for what it's worth. When you log on, you get offered new and trending content, followed quickly by some personalized recommendations and a continue watching bar. All good things.

But then, when you try to watch the show or movie of your choice, that's when things become a problem. Toggling between seasons is a nightmare, especially on a web browser or mobile device. You cannot always fast-forward or rewind either; a truly head-scratching choice.

Grade: D-

Paramount+: Live content

Most streaming services now offer some level of live programming. Netflix, Prime Video and Peacock all offer NFL games, as does Paramount+. But Paramount doesn't stop there.

Right now, if you go to Paramount+, you can watch a robust selection of live sports. NFL, UFC, UEFA Champions League, Serie A, Carabao Cup and even some college football. If you have Paramount+ Premium, you also get some PGA Tour events and WNBA games.

Overall, that's a pretty good selection, especially for the price. NBA games are probably the biggest omission, but getting three of the premier soccer competitions in the world in the form of the Champions League, Serie A and Carabao Cup more than makes up for it. And for those who don't care for soccer, there's still the other kind of football, as well as every UFC event.

Note: This is just an evaluation of the live programming on offer in the U.S. Live programming varies by market.

Grade: A-

Paramount+ overall grade: C+

Overall, Paramount+ is a decent value. At $8.99 a month, it's more affordable than most streaming services, and it doesn't hide much of its content away at that price point.

For most people, though, deciding whether or not to sign up for Paramount+ is going to come down to whether or not you like the shows, movies and live sports on it.

Are you a UFC fan? Then signing up for Paramount+ is a no-brainer. Ditto for those who watch every Taylor Sheridan series with religious fervour. But if you're just looking for one streaming service to rule them all, that you can just log into and replace your cable with, then Paramount+ probably doesn't offer enough to accomplish that goal.

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This week’s slate of new movies across the best streaming services offers a strong mixture, with fresh arrivals on the most popular platforms including Netflix, HBO Max, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV and Paramount+. Whatever your tastes, there’s (almost certainly) a movie for you.

Arguably the biggest new movie is the Disney+ debut of the latest “Star Wars” adventure, “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” but I encourage you not to skip the “smaller” stuff like “Fuze,” an overlooked action-thriller with a neat twist heading over to HBO Max. Other top picks include an acclaimed drama on Netflix, an action-thriller on Prime Video and a buddy-cop adventure flick on Apple TV starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh.

There are plenty of options this week, so to save you from spending your time scrolling through streaming service libraries, I’ve collected this week’s most noteworthy new movies below. Plus, we also have a guide to the top new TV shows this week.

‘I Want Your Sex’ (PVOD)

As the name implies, “I Want Your Sex” isn’t shy about its provocative intentions. Described as an “erotic comedy-thriller,” this movie explores BDSM practices, alongside dipping into an exploration of power dynamics and eventually murder. Director Gregg Araki is not above going for shock value. However, the filmmaker's first new feature in 12 years has the substance to back up its provocativeness, with critics rating it 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.

When Elliot (Cooper Hoffman) lands a coveted job as the assistant for a renowned artist, Erika Tracy (Olivia Wilde), his fantasies come true when she also takes him on as a sexual partner. But the fresh-faced Elliot finds himself out of his depth when Erika brings him into an unfamiliar world of experimental bedroom activities, which eventually leads to obsession, betrayal and even murder. Let’s just say this movie isn’t one for the family!

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting September 1

‘The Runner’ (Prime Video)

Prime Video is closing out its summer original slate with “The Runner,” a new British action-thriller that stars Gal Gadot. Based on the trailer, it doesn’t appear to be trying anything especially new in the genre, but it should be good for 85 minutes of adrenaline-spiking action, and it’s always great to get more female-fronted thrillers. I’m not convinced of its quality (yet), but I’m pretty confident it’ll run straight into the Prime Video top 10.

Maia Marten (Gadot) is a successful attorney living in London. What should have been an ordinary day becomes a frantic race against the clock when her son is abducted. A mysterious caller (Damian Lewis) gives her a series of cryptic commands, and Maia has to race across the city in a desperate bid to save her son. It all sounds as generic as its name, but perhaps “The Runner” will be a pleasant streaming surprise to kick off September.

Watch on Prime Video starting September 2

‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ (Disney+)

The first big-screen “Star Wars” movie in seven years arrives on Disney+ this week, and there’s a certain irony, because I’d argue “this is the way” the Mandalorian movie should be experienced. “The Mandalorian and Grogu” never felt quite at home in theaters, playing out like a condensed fourth season of “The Mandalorian” show. So, if you skipped it in cinemas, you didn’t really miss out; this movie feels made for watching on streaming.

Set between “Return of the Jedi” and “The Force Awakens,” the Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and his adorable ward, Grogu (aka Baby Yoda), take on a mission for the New Republic to rescue Rotta the Hutt (Jeremy Allen White), son of the infamous crime lord Jabba. Naturally, what was supposed to be a simple rescue job becomes a sprawling adventure in this feature-length continuation of the popular Disney+ original show.

Watch on Disney+ starting September 2

‘The President’s Cake’ (Netflix)

If review sites like Rotten Tomatoes determine your watchlist, and you want to know which new streaming arrival this week has the highest score, I’ll cut to the chase: it’s “The President’s Cake.” This Arabic-language drama scores a near-perfect 99% rating with RT’s Critics Consensus labeling it “a tenderly crafted, often devastating portrait of childhood in rural Iraq.” It’s been praised for its complex themes and rich characters.

Set during the Gulf War, where aerial bombardments are a daily occurrence for the Iraqi people, 9-year-old Lamia (Baneen Ahmad Nayyef) and her class are selected to prepare a cake for the upcoming birthday of the country’s leader, Saddam Hussein. In a country gripped by fear and with resources scarce, Lamia sets out to a nearby city to find ingredients.

Watch on Netflix starting September 3

‘Scary Movie’ (Paramount+)

“Scary Movie” returned this year, and the horror-spoof series hasn’t matured with age. It remains as lowbrow as ever. Its sights are set on lampooning modern horror trends, such as legacy sequels that drop the number in their titles (hence why this isn’t called “Scary Movie 6). Targets this time include recent genre hits like “Weapons,” “Sinners,” “Get Out” and “The Substance,” alongside poking fun at the series favorite target, “Scream.”

2026’s “Scary Movie” also marks the return of the Wayans, who originally left the franchise after 2002’s “Scary Movie 2.” Also back are stars Anna Faris and Regina Hall. The plot is simple, as you would expect from the franchise, and is merely a vehicle to cram in as many parodies and references as possible. In 2026, “Scary Movie” feels a little outdated, but those who long for the days when parody movies were released regularly might see this as a fun throwback.

Watch on Paramount+ starting September 3

‘Fuze’ (HBO Max)

Director David Mackenzie, the filmmaker behind last year’s excellent thriller “Relay,” is back in the genre already with “Fuze.” This crime-thriller doesn’t reach the same heights, but with an audacious heist at its core, it’s a movie that will keep you hooked. Plus, if you’re the type of person who demands shocking twists, I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I can confirm there’s a big reveal in “Fuze” that totally flips the script.

Set in present-day London, a portion of the city is forced to evacuate when an unexploded World War II bomb is discovered on a construction site. Among the military squad called in to defuse the bomb is Major Will Tranter (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). However, in the chaos, a group of criminals led by Giorgos "George" Karalis (Theo James) uses the evacuation as a distraction to pull off a bank heist. But as the authorities circle, alliances are questioned and morals tested.

Watch on HBO Max starting September 4

‘Mayday’ (Apple TV)

Apple TV has earned a reputation for quality original series in recent years, but it’s yet to find the same success with its direct-to-streaming movies. Perhaps “Mayday” could be the start of a hot streak in this area, as this Apple original movie features a solid pairing of Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh. At the very least, it can’t be as bad as “Ghosted,” right?

Apple is labeling “Mayday” a “genre-bending, action-packed buddy comedy that flips the spy thriller on its head,” which reads like marketing buzzword bingo. In this Apple original, Reynolds plays a hotshot U.S. Navy pilot, assigned to a top-secret mission in Russian territory during the height of the Cold War. When the mission goes wrong, he’s stuck behind enemy lines, but finds an unexpected ally in an ex-KGB agent (Branagh), who is obsessed with American culture.

Watch on Apple TV starting September 4

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September is when the streaming calendar starts to get busy again. New seasons arrive, fall premieres begin rolling out, and there’s suddenly a lot more to watch. But that doesn’t mean every subscription deserves a permanent spot on your monthly bill.

A Tom’s Guide survey about streaming habits found that readers are spending more than $60 a month on seven or more streaming services. With subscriptions adding up so quickly, it makes more sense to think of streaming services as a rotating lineup rather than a collection you keep year-round. Cancel the ones that have gone quiet, then resubscribe when they have something you actually want to watch.

For September 2026, Paramount+ and the Hulu/Disney+ bundle are the two services I’d be most comfortable canceling. Both have plenty of recognizable franchises and occasional must-watch hits, but this month’s lineups don’t quite make the case for another recurring charge. Here’s why they’re the streaming services to cancel right now.

Why I'd cancel Paramount+

Paramount+ is one of those streaming services that can be surprisingly easy to love. Between its expanding lineup of original dramas (including "Yellowstone" spinoffs), comedies and movies, there’s usually plenty of good stuff to justify keeping it around. September, however, is looking a little parched.

The biggest draw is "MobLand" season 2, which brings back Tom Hardy, Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan for another round of ruthless gangster family drama. New episodes arrive weekly starting Sept. 18, making it the clear standout of Paramount+’s September lineup.

The only other notable drops are "Colin From Accounts" season 3 and the streaming premiere of the new "Scary Movie." But it's hard to argue that those offerings are worth another month of subscription fees.

The NFL is another big reason people might be tempted to keep Paramount+. But if you’re mainly there for CBS’s Sunday games, you can watch those broadcasts for you can watch for free the old-fashioned way — with a TV antenna. Same goes for CBS shows, though the network’s regular fall lineup doesn’t really get rolling until October; the earliest major return is "Survivor" season 51 on Sept. 23.

Why I'd cancel Disney+

If you're a parent, Disney+ feels like one of those subscriptions you have to keep paying for. There’s Bluey, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and enough Disney movies to keep kids occupied for approximately the next 400 years. But September is also when school starts, schedules get hectic and free time becomes limited. If your family isn’t actually sitting down to watch Disney+ regularly, this may be a good month to cut it loose.

The standalone Disney+ lineup isn’t exactly making a compelling case to stay. The biggest new addition is "LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian," a cute animated special arriving Sept. 2. "Dancing With the Stars" also returns Sept. 22, giving reality-TV fans a weekly appointment to keep. But beyond that, there isn’t much on the Disney side of the service that feels essential this month.

There is one very important caveat: this recommendation is really for standalone Disney+ subscribers. If you get Disney+ as part of a bundle with Hulu, it's a slightly different story. Hulu has more going on in September, including the continuing seasons of "The Shards" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "Chad Powers" season 2 and "American Horror Story" season 13, among other titles.

But if you’re paying for Disney+ on its own and the kids are back in school, ask yourself how much use you’re realistically going to get from it this month.

How much you'll save by canceling Disney+ and Paramount+

Disney+ and Paramount+ both offer several pricing tiers, so your exact savings will depend on which plans you have. But if you're paying for the standard ad-supported plans, canceling both for one month can save you roughly $19. If you have the ad-free plans and get rid of them, you're looking at around $33.

That might not seem like a lot, but if you could cut around $30 a month from your streaming bill, that adds up to $360 for the year. That's a nice chunk of change you can put toward the holidays, a trip or just some peace of mind.

And remember: You don't have to give up these services forever. The whole point is to take advantage of the flexibility of streaming. Skip a month when the lineup is thin, then resubscribe when a show you actually want to watch makes it worthwhile.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to get Netflix for free
• What streaming costs in 2026
• Best free streaming services

Paramount+ is regularly adding new shows to binge-watch. This weekend is no exception. The streaming service releases new episodes of hit shows every week. Sometimes, even entire seasons at once. It added over 80 new movies and shows on August 1 alone. It even has some live sporting events, including all major events from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

This weekend, let's start with "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" season 4, which just dropped its sixth episode of the season on Thursday. Then, check out "Average Joe" season 2, which stars Deon Cole as a plumber whose dad secretly worked for the Russian mob. The latest season just debuted last week. Finally, this Saturday morning is UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs. Song. It kicks off at 6 a.m. ET, so make sure to set your alarm.

Here are the three new to Paramount+ shows you need to binge-watch this weekend. If you need more recommendations, check out everything new on Paramount+ in August 2026 for more options.

'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' season 4

Genre: Science fiction series

What's it about? Anson Mount stars as Christopher Pike in "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds." In this prequel show, he's the captain of the iconic USS Enterprise and he's joined in this series by some familiar names. There's a young Spock (Ethan Peck), Number One (Rebecca Romijn), Montgomery Scott (Martin Quinn) and several other characters who have appeared in previous "Star Trek" movies and shows.

Why you should watch it: Season 4 covers the fourth year of the Enterprise's five-year mission. It's been a largely well-received show through its first three seasons. Season 4 is no exception and is currently rated an impressive 86% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Be warned, though. There's an episode with puppets, and it's set off the "Trek" fanbase.

Watch the first six episodes of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" season 4 on Paramount+ now

'Average Joe' season 2

Genre: Dark comedy-drama fiction series

What's it about? "Average Joe" stars Deon Cole as Joe. He's an ordinary (some would say average) plumber. His father, though, it turns out, was not average. Instead, he stole $10 million from the Russian mob, and now the gangsters are hunting Joe to get it back. In season 2, that hunt leads Joe to Africa to learn more about his father's shocking past.

Why you should watch it: This show is one of several BET+ originals that came over to Paramount+ when the two streaming services merged. I hadn't heard of this show before seeing the season 2 trailer, but it did catch my eye. Catch up on season 1 now, then check out the first three episodes of season 2 so far.

Watch the first three episodes of "Average Joe" season 2 on Paramount+ now

UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs Song

Genre: Live sports event

What's it about? In this UFC live event, No. 3-ranked bantamweight fighter Umar Nurmagomedov takes on No. 6 Song Yadong in Song's home nation of China. Despite the home octagon advantage, though, expect the Dagestani Nurmagomedov to take the win. He's only ever lost once in his career.

Why you should watch it: Live sports such as UFC included in your subscription are a major perk for having Paramount+. So, no. Technically, this is not a show you can binge. But it's closer to a show than a movie, so I'm putting it on this list.

Watch UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs Song on Paramount+ starting at 6 a.m. ET on August 29

More from Tom's Guide

• 3 new to Hulu movies you need to stream this weekend (Aug. 28-30)
• New on Netflix in September 2026: 5 best movies and shows to stream, plus full release list
• Peacock just raised prices again — here's how it stacks up against Netflix, Paramount+ and more

The end of summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start preparing for the colder months ahead. For those who love everything about fall, September is when cozy season really starts to take shape. And September is only the beginning.

Paramount+ has another solid lineup of new movies, shows and returning favorites arriving this month, giving subscribers plenty to look forward to as we head into autumn.

The biggest releases in September include the latest “Scary Movie,” which brings the beloved horror parody franchise back to the screen with a new generation of characters. Also arriving are new seasons of “Mobland” and “Colin From Accounts.” So, we’ve rounded up the top picks worth streaming this month, along with every new show and movie hitting the platform.

New releases on Paramount+ in September 2026: Top picks

‘Scary Movie 6’ (September 3)

“Scary Movie,” frequently referred to as “Scary Movie ,” is the triumphant, unhinged comeback for horror-comedy’s most famous spoof series. The defining feature of the film is its return to the crude, boundary-pushing, hard-R humor that made the original two movies iconic. This new film skewers the modern era of “requels” and elevated horror, taking hilarious shots at modern “Scream” films, “Smile,” “Talk to Me,” “Megan,” “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” and A24-style psychological thrillers.

Cindy Campbell and her friends are pulled back into danger when a new masked killer begins targeting them. Twenty-six years after their original encounter with a mysterious murderer, the group is forced to reunite and figure out who is behind the latest attacks. The film brings back Marlon Wayans as Shorty, Shawn Wayans as Ray, Anna Faris as Cindy and Regina Hall as Brenda, alongside a new generation of characters.

Premieres September 3 on Paramount+

‘Colin From Accounts’ season 3 (September 10)

The third season of “Colin From Accounts” brings the beloved, critically acclaimed Australian romantic comedy to its official finale. Real-life married creators and stars Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall chose to conclude the series with Season 3, stating that three seasons felt like the natural creative peak to say goodbye to the characters. The show heads into its final lap after sweeping major honors, including multiple AACTA and Logie Awards, and establishing itself as a global cult comedy hit.

Season 3 picks up after Gordon’s (Patrick Brammall) disastrous proposal to Ashley (Harriet Dyer) at their friends’ wedding. Determined to move past the awkward incident, the pair attempt to continue with their separate lives, but their connection proves difficult to leave behind. Ashley becomes involved with a new boyfriend, while Gordon deals with changes at his brewery and complications involving his friends and family.

Premieres September 10 on Paramount+

‘Mobland’ season 2 (September 18)

One of Paramount’s biggest releases this month is “Mobland,” a crime thriller series that pulled in 2.2 million viewers for its first season, breaking the record for Paramount+’s biggest global series launch ever. Season 2 continues Guy Ritchie’s slick, violent and darkly comic take on the British criminal underworld. Tom Hardy returns as the weary but formidable fixer Harry Da Souza, alongside screen legends Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren, who lead the powerful Harrigan crime syndicate.

In the aftermath of recent bloodshed, the Harrigan syndicate faces imminent collapse as internal power struggles fracture the family from within. Sensing vulnerability, rival syndicates and ambitious newcomers move to dismantle North London’s reigning criminal empire and seize territory. Caught in the middle, street-smart fixer Harry Da Souza (Tom Hardy) must diffuse violent feuds to protect his family and keep the syndicate operational.

Premieres September 18 on Paramount+

New shows on Paramount+ in September 2026

September 1

• The Varnell Hill Show

September 8

• The Daily Show (Season 31)
• Let’s Make a Deal (Season 17)

September 9

• PAW Patrol (Season 12)

September 10

• Colin From Accounts (Season 3)

September 13

• 60 Minutes (Season 59 Premiere)

September 14

• The Drew Barrymore Show (Season 7)
• Ghosts Australia (Season 1)

September 16

• Golden Axe
• Route 187

September 17

• South Park (Season 29 Premiere, next-day on Paramount+ in US, CA, AUS)

September 18

• MobLand (Season 2)

September 19

• The Greatest @Home Videos (Season 6)

September 23

• Survivor (Season 51 Premiere)

September 24

• Team Moms: Baseball

September 30

• Sacrifice (Season 2)
• The Amazing Race (Season 39, two night premiere event)

New movies on Paramount+ in September 2026

September 1

• 21 Jump Street
• 22 Jump Street
• 300
• 300: Rise of an Empire
• A Perfect Murder
• Afflicted
• Along Came A Spider
• Area 51
• Argo
• Ask The Dust
• Asylum
• Below
• Blindness
• Case 39
• Changing Lanes
• Cheech & Chong’s Still Smokin’
• Creed
• Creed II
• Creed III
• Deep Impact
• Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
• Double Jeopardy
• Dracula III: Legacy
• Drunk Wedding
• Dunkirk
• Edge of Tomorrow
• Event Horizon
• Every Breath You Take
• Fist Fight
• Free Birds
• Frida
• Galaxy Quest
• Ghost
• Godzilla
• Gone Baby Gone
• Haunter*
• Homestead*
• House at the End of the Street
• Invasion of the Body Snatchers
• Jacob’s Ladder
• Joe Dirt
• Just Go with It
• King Kong
• Like Water for Chocolate
• Love and Monsters
• Machete Kills
• Mimic
• Mimic 2
• Mimic 3: Sentinel
• My Cousin Vinny
• Nancy Drew
• Patriot Games
• Pet Sematary
• Pet Sematary (2019)
• Pet Sematary II
• Phantoms
• Proof
• Prophecy
• Red Eye
• Regarding Henry
• Restoration
• Roadracers
• Rocky
• Rocky Balboa
• Rocky II
• Rocky III
• Rocky IV
• Rocky V
• Rumpelstiltskin
• Russell Mulcahy’s Tale of the Mummy
• Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse
• Seven
• Shutter Island
• Smart People
• Spell
• Spontaneous
• Stephen King’s Graveyard Shift
• Stephen King’s Silver Bullet
• Stephen King’s Thinner
• Sweetness*
• Tales From the Darkside: The Movie
• The Babysitter
• The Brothers Grimm
• The Butcher’s Wife
• The Core
• The Crossing Guard
• The Crow
• The Crow: City of Angels
• The Crow: Wicked Prayer
• The Dead Zone
• The Devil Inside
• The Ghost and the Darkness
• The Gift
• The Haunting
• The Heart Specialist*
• The Last Exorcism Part II
• The Monster Squad
• The November Man
• The Prophecy
• The Prophecy 3: The Ascent
• The Prophecy II
• The Prophecy: Forsaken
• The Prophecy: Uprising
• The Relic
• The Ruins
• The Stepford Wives
• The Ten Commandments
• The Uninvited
• The Varnell Hill Show | Season 1 | Paramount+ Original Series
• The Woman in Black
• Three Wishes
• Tommy Boy
• Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• Up In The Air
• Vindicta
• Welcome to Sarajevo
• Wes Craven Presents Dracula II: Ascension
• Wes Craven Presents: Dracula 2000
• Wes Craven Presents: They
• What Lies Beneath
• Whitney

September 3

• Clash of the Thundermans
• Scary Movie (2026)
• Scary Movie (2026) - Extended Cut

September 9

• The Death of Stalin

September 11

• Daughters of 9/11 (CBS Entertainment Special)

September 15

• Show Dogs

September 16

• Furlough

September 27

• 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs)

September 29

• Comics Unleashed 20th Anniversary (CBS Special)

Live sports

• September 4 - Barclays WSL: London City vs. Manchester United
• September 4 - PBR Team Series
• September 5 - Serie A: Inter vs. Napoli
• September 5 - Big Ten on CBS: Boise State @ Oregon*
• September 5 - UFC Fight Night: Parnasse vs. Hooker
• September 5 - PBR Team Series
• September 6 - Barclays WSL: Brighton vs. Arsenal
• September 6 - Serie A: Juventus vs. MIlan
• September 6 - NWSL: Denver Summit FC vs. Gotham FC*
• September 6 - NWSL: Portland Thorns FC vs. Washington Spirit*
• September 8-10 - UEFA Champions League: League Phase Matchday 1
• September 11 - PBR Team Series
• September 12 - Serie A: Lazio vs. Milan
• September 12 - SailGP*
• September 12 - Big Ten on CBS: Mississippi State @ Minnesota*
• September 12 - College Football on CBS: Texas Tech @ Oregon State*
• September 12 - Zuffa Boxing: Garcia vs. Benn
• September 12 - Noche UFC: Rodriguez vs. Silva
• September 12 - PBR Team Series
• September 13 - Barclays WSL: Manchester United vs. Chelsea
• September 13 - NFL ON CBS Week 1 Doubleheader (check local listings)
• September 16-17 - UEFA Europa League: League Phase Matchday 1
• September 16 - US Open Cup Semifinal: Columbus Crew vs. Orlando City SC
• September 16 - US Open Cup Semifinal: Colorado Rapids vs. St. Louis CITY SC
• September 18 - PBR Team Series
• September 19 - Barclays WSL: Arsenal vs. Manchester United
• September 19 - Serie A: Roma vs. Inter
• September 19 - WNBA: Phoenix Mercury @ Dallas Wings*
• September 19 - Big Ten on CBS: USC @ Rutgers*
• September 19 - College Football on CBS: BYU @ Colorado State*
• September 19 - UFC 331: Van vs. Pantoja 2
• September 20 - SPFL Premiership: Celtic vs. Rangers
• September 20 - Serie A: Juventus vs. Atalanta
• September 20 - NFL ON CBS Week 2 (check local listings)
• September 22-23: UEFA Women’s Champions League: League Phase Matchday 1
• September 26 - NWSL: Kansas City Current vs. Denver Summit FC*
• September 26 - Big Ten on CBS*
• September 26 - Zuffa Boxing 11
• September 26 - UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos
• September 27 - Barclays WSL: Chelsea vs. Arsenal
• September 27 - NFL ON CBS Week 3 Doubleheader (check local listings)
• September 30-October 1 - UEFA Women’s Champions League: League Phase Matchday 2
• Throughout September - English Football League competition
• Throughout September - Serie A competition
• Throughout September - Coppa Italia Frecciarossa competition
• Throughout September - Scottish Professional Football League competition
• Throughout September - Concacaf Caribbean Cup competition
• Throughout September - Concacaf Central American Cup competition
• Throughout September - Barclays Women’s Super League competition
• Throughout September - UEFA Women’s Champions League competition
• Throughout September - UEFA Champions League competition
• Throughout September - UEFA Europa League competition

More from Tom's Guide

• Everything new on Apple TV in September 2026
• 5 best Paramount+ comedy shows with a lot of seasons
• Everything new on Netflix in September 2026

Paramount+ is a great streaming service if you're building a weekend movie marathon. It adds dozens of movies to the platform each month. It added over 80 new movies and shows on August 1 alone. Many of these are beloved classics or more modern hits. A few times a month, you also get brand-new movies from Paramount Skydance Studios.

This week, I'm giving you a classic, a more modern movie with Ryan Gosling and a brand-new horror flick. Let's kick things off with "You've Got Mail," a Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan rom-com that probably needs no introduction. Then, let's shift gears into "Blue Valentine," another romance movie but one loaded with drama. It's not on Paramount+ until Sunday, though, so while you're waiting, check out "Passenger." It debuted on Paramount+ just last week, so there's a good chance you haven't watched it yet

Here are the three new to Paramount+ movies that you need to be streaming this weekend. If you need more recommendations, check out our full guide to everything new on Paramount+ in August 2026.

'You've Got Mail' (1998)

Genre: Romantic comedy movie

What's it about: Meg Ryan stars in "You've Got Mail" as Kathleen Kelly. She runs a children's bookstore, which is how she connects with Joe Fox (Tom Hanks), who runs the bookstore around the corner and is running her out of business. They hate each other, but don't realize they've also secretly fallen for each other as anonymous email pen pals.

Why you should watch it: This is actually a remake of the movie "The Shop Around the Corner." In this version, Nora Ephron simply swapped the original movie's love letters for emails. It's an incredible time capsule of the '90s internet, but it's also an incredible romantic comedy.

Watch "You've Got Mail" on Paramount+ now

'Blue Valentine' (2010)

Genre: Romantic drama movie

What's it about: "Blue Valentine" stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams as Dean and Cindy. The film chronicles them across two timelines, jumping back and forth from the start of their relationship to the toxic end of their marriage as they struggle to raise their daughter, Frankie (Faith Wladyka)

Why you should watch it: This movie is a heartbreaker. Honestly, maybe watch "You've Got Mail" as a palate cleanser once you're done, because "Blue Valentine" will definitely mess with your emotions. It's worth it, though, to see Gosling and Williams on screen together.

Watch "Blue Valentine" on Paramount+ Premium starting August 30

'Passenger' (2026)

Genre: Supernatural horror movie

What's it about? Lou Llobell stars in "Passenger" as Maddie. She and her fiancee, Tyler (Jacob Scipio), are living out of their van on the road. But their lives take a turn one night when they see a man crash his car. He's killed by an unseen force while trying to get free, and they come to learn this force is a figure known as the "Passenger." Unfortunately for them, because they stopped to see the crash, they are now likely to be haunted next.

Why you need to watch it: This movie got mixed reviews from critics and fans on Rotten Tomatoes, but it has a seriously creepy trailer. If you're a horror fan, risk the poor reviews and check it out for yourself.

Watch "Passenger" on Paramount+ now

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• Peacock just raised prices again — here's how it stacks up against Netflix, Paramount+ and more
• New on Netflix in September 2026: 5 best movies and shows to stream, plus full release list
• How to watch Premier League 2026/27 with Sling

Paramount+ is regularly adding new shows to binge-watch. This weekend is no exception. The streaming service releases new episodes of hit shows every week. Sometimes, even entire seasons at once. It added over 80 new movies and shows on August 1 alone. It even has some live sporting events, including all major events from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

This weekend, let's kick things off with a new season of television. "Average Joe" season 2 dropped its first two episodes on Paramount+ this week, and if you haven't seen this show about a plumber on the run from the Russian mob, now is the perfect time to catch up. It's also the perfect time to catch up on "The Challenge: Cutthroat" season 42, which is just four episodes into its quest to make someone $500,000 richer.

Finally, "MobLand" season 1 isn't technically new to Paramount+. However, the first three episodes are newly free to watch on the streaming service. No login required. With seaosn 2 coming next month, it's the perfect time to check out this Tom Hardy-led crime drama.

Here are the three new to Paramount+ shows you need to binge-watch this weekend. If you need more recommendations, check out everything new on Paramount+ in August 2026 for more options.

'Average Joe' season 2

Genre: Dark comedy-drama fiction series

What's it about? This series stars Deon Cole as Joe. He's an ordinary plumber who, it turns out, had an extraordinary father. That father also stole $10 million from the Russian mob, and now they're hunting Joe. In season 2, that hunt leads Joe to Africa to learn more about his father's past.

Why you should watch it: I hadn't heard of this show before seeing the season 2 trailer. It's one of the BET+ originals that came over to Paramount+ when the two streaming services merged, but this is the first one to really catch my eye. Catch up on season 1 now, then check out the two-episode premiere that arrived earlier this week.

Stream the two-episode premiere of "Average Joe" season 2 on Paramount+ now

'The Challenge: Cutthroat' season 42

Genre: Reality competition series

What's it about? Fans of "The Challenge" will be excited to see the return of this classic format. In "Cutthroat," 24 veterans and rookies are dropping into Thailand and are split into three teams. To win $500,000, the entire team has to cross the finish line. But the team captains are the ones who decide how the money gets divided, and nothing is stopping them from keeping it all.

Why you should watch it: "The Challenge" is arguably closer to a live sporting event than a reality show at this point. The competitors are more athletic; the line between this show and "Survivor" has seriously begun to blur. However, CBS's flagship competition show still cannot match "The Challenge" in terms of hookups and messy drama.

Stream the first four episodes of "The Challenge: Cutthroat" season 42 on Paramount+ now

'MobLand' season 1

Genre: Crime drama series

What's it about? "MobLand" is set around the Harrigan crime family. Led by patriarch Conrad (Pierce Brosnan), matriarch Maeve (Helen Mirren) and second son Kevin (Paddy Considine), the show largely focuses on Harry (Tom Hardy), the family's fixer. He cleans up all their messes, including an imminent gang war with the Stevensons after Richie Stevenson's (Geoff Bell) son, Tommy (Felix Edwards), goes missing after being last seen with Conrad's grandson, Eddie (Anson Boon).

Why you should watch it: "MobLand" season 1 ended with a stunning finale, despite some ups and downs getting there. The first three episodes are free to stream right now, and season 2 is coming September 18. Now is the perfect time for a binge-watch to catch up.

Stream all 10 episodes of "The Challenge: Cutthroat" season 42 on Paramount+ now (first three episodes free)

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• Peacock just raised prices again — here's how it stacks up against Netflix, Paramount+ and more
• 'Lanterns' premiere review: Rumors of James Gunn's demise have been greatly exaggerated — this is must-watch HBO
• How to watch Premier League 2026/27 with Sling

"The Run For a Million" is a the most prestigious and lucrative event in the horse-reining world so get your spurs at the ready.

Read on, and we'll show you how to watch "The Run For a Million" online from anywhere in the world using a VPN and potentially for free.

Cowboy king Taylor Sheridan is the executive producer and star announcer of "The Run For a Million", a huge event which will see 16 elite horseriders converge on the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center in Las Vegas to strut their stuff.

From cutting and working cow horse, to youth reining and breakaway roping, there are a whole host of challenges and contests to sink your teeth into as the annual event returns. Naturally, anyone who is into their cowboy content (especially "Yellowstone") will be keen to see what the real-life wranglers get up to. And, with $1 million in prizes up for grabs, it's sure to be an intense competition.

If you want to see how it all plays out live on the night, here's to watch the "The Run For a Million" online from anywhere in the world.

How to watch 'The Run for a Million' 2026 for free

You can watch 'The Run for a Million' on CBS at 8 p.m. on August 22.

Don't have cable? Use the YouTube TV free-trial to access to CBS broadcasts.

The event will also be available the following day on Paramount Plus.

Pro tip: there's a sneaky way to get Paramount Plus Essential for free with the Walmart Plus 30 days for $1 trial.

Abroad when the event takes place? Use NordVPN to unlock your bargain stream of the big show.

How to watch the 'The Run for a Million' from anywhere

If you’re traveling and find that your usual streaming apps stop working outside your home region, a VPN (virtual private network) can help. It lets your device connect via a secure server back home, so you can use your existing subscriptions as normal.

Tom’s Guide has tested a wide range of services, and NordVPN is the one we favor.

Using a VPN is straightforward; follow these steps.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As noted, NordVPN is our preferred option.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.K. and want to view an American service, you'd select U.S. from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to Paramount+ and stream the "The Run for a Million" online

How to watch ‘The Run for a Million' in the U.S.

You have a few options when it comes to watching "The Run for a Million" in the U.S..

The event will air live on CBS on Saturday, August 22 at 8 p.m. ET through to 10 p.m. You'll need a cable package that has CBS or try a cord-cutting option. Our favorites include the likes DirecTV Stream, Fubo and YouTube TV.

You can also access the event via Paramount+ and depending on your package, you might be able to watch live. Customers with the Premium package can stream live TV and will get to see the "The Run for a Million" on the night. However, if you only have the Essential plan, you may have to wait for coverage to drop on the platform.

Paramount+ subscriptions will cost you $8.99 per month ($89.99/year) for the Essential plan or $13.99 per month ($139.99/year) for the Premium package.

Away from home right now? Get NordVPN to watch your regular stream as normal.

How to watch 'The Run for a Million' in Canada

To watch "The Run for a Million" in Canada, you'll need a Paramount+ subscription.

This will set you back a minimum of CA$7.99/month.

Not in Canada right now? A VPN can help you access your usual Canadian streaming services when you’re overseas. We recommend NordVPN for its speed, reliability, and ease of use.

Can you watch ‘The Run for a Million' in Australia?

In Australia, "The Run For a Million" is not available to watch via Paramount+ at present.

Away from home? Use one of the best VPN services to log into your usual streaming platforms from overseas. We recommend NordVPN for its speed, reliability, and trusted security features.

Can you watch 'The Run For a Million' in the U.K.?

It's a similar story in the U.K. with no broadcast or streaming drop lined up for "The Run For a Million".

In the U.K. on vacation right now? We recommend NordVPN so you can bypass geo-restrictions, with the service rated highly for its speed, reliability, and trusted security features. Then you can watch your regular streams as normal.

'The Run For a Million' - need to know

What is 'The Run For a Million'?

Billed as the biggest event in the rodeo circuit, "The Run For a Million" is a four-day celebration of all things cowboy.

It's a prestigious event aimed at showcasing the best horses and the best horse-riders, and it began way back in 2019. The event has grown in stature since then, and it's now a massively popular time of the year for those with a love for equine sports.

There is a total of $1 million on offer, with a whopping $500,000 for the ultimate winner of the event.

The key challenge is horse reining, in which contestants are required to run a pre-selected, approved pattern. That run will include moves such as small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, 360-degree spins done in place, and sliding stops.

You can find out more about it all here.

Why is Taylor Sheridan involved?

As well as being the man behind Paramount's incredible selection of cowboy shows like "Yellowstone" and "Dutton Ranch", Taylor Sheridan is also a keen horserider in real life.

He actually co-founded "The Run For a Million" in 2019 and serves as host and producer of the event. As part of this, he also has another show on Paramount, a reality-contest called "The Last Cowboy".

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch ‘Dutton Ranch’ online — stream the new 'Yellowstone' spin-off from anywhere
• How to watch 'CMA Fest' 2026 online
• 5 new to Paramount+ movies I'd stream in August 2026 with 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Need a bit of a laugh? Paramount+ has just what the doctor ordered. The streamer has one of the widest selections of sitcoms you'll find out there, mostly because three separate libraries are combined under one subscription: CBS, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central. That's why you get 28 seasons of "South Park," 15 seasons of "SpongeBob SquarePants" and 11 seasons apiece from a trio of sitcoms that basically defined their respective decades.

If you love to binge-watch your comedies, that's good news for you. You can settle in for a few hundred episodes of characters you already like, which is exactly what most of us want out of a comedy rewatch anyway. And some of these shows are still running as well, so you can watch new episodes when you finish what's on the platform.

So I've gone through the streamer's catalog and pulled out the five best Paramount+ comedy shows with a lot of seasons.

'South Park'

"South Park" has been on Comedy Central since August 1997, and as of August 2026, Paramount+ is the only place to stream it. Trey Parker and Matt Stone signed a five-year, $1.5 billion deal that moved the entire back catalog off HBO Max and put new episodes on the service the day after they air.

Everything's there — at least, what's available to watch currently. All 28 seasons, the movie, and the streaming specials like "Post Covid" and "The End of Obesity." The recent seasons are short, around five episodes each, so the bulk of your watching will be the 1997-2023 run. Season 29 premieres September 16. If you want to get caught up, you probably want to go ahead and get to speed-watching right now.

Stream now on Paramount+

'Cheers'

"Cheers" aired on NBC from 1982 to 1993 and produced 275 episodes, all of which are on Paramount+ right now. And you've probably already memorized all the lyrics to its iconic theme song, no matter how old you are if you've watched any classic TV. Ted Danson plays Sam Malone, a former Red Sox relief pitcher who owns a Boston bar and mostly stands behind it talking to the same handful of regulars.

The show changed leads partway through, when Shelley Long left after season five and Kirstie Alley took over as Rebecca Howe. But that doesn't change its sincere humor and heartfelt regulars that you'll absolutely love getting to know over the seasons, all 11 of them.

Stream now on Paramount+

'SpongeBob SquarePants'

To be fair, "SpongeBob SquarePants" is a cartoon for kids, yes. But it's also extremely funny, with plenty of content aimed at its adult viewers, of which there are plenty, with even more every day thanks to the show's memetastic lasting appeal. Seasons 1 through 15 of SpongeBob SquarePants are on Paramount+, with season 16 still airing on Nickelodeon.

Stephen Hillenburg's show debuted in 1999 and has produced more than 300 episodes, most of them 11-minute segments paired two to a slot, which makes it about the easiest thing on this list to watch in whatever increments you have. The early Hillenburg-era seasons are some of the best for a rewatch, and they're all here. One episode, "Mid-Life Crustacean," was pulled from circulation years ago and isn't on the service, but for the rest of the show, this is the best stop.

Stream now on Paramount+

'Frasier'

Can't get enough of "Cheers"? There's a spinoff, and you may not have even known. It's "Frasier"! It aired from 1993 to 2004 for 264 episodes, and Kelsey Grammer played Frasier Crane for 20 years across both shows. Frasier won 37 Primetime Emmys, including five straight for Outstanding Comedy Series, a record it held until "Game of Thrones" passed it in 2016.

It's still charting on Paramount+ two decades after it ended, cracking the top 10 in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. this year. The 2023 revival is on the service too, though Paramount+ cancelled it after two 10-episode seasons in January 2025. But if you love Frasier's sardonic humor and yet another iconic theme song about the blues a-callin', you'll love sifting through 11 seasons of this memorable series.

Stream now on Paramount+

'Happy Days'

Sunday, Monday, "Happy Days!" This happy-go-lucky '50s sitcom aired 257 episodes between 1974 and 1984, all of which are on Paramount+. Garry Marshall's show follows the Cunningham family in 1950s Milwaukee, with Tom Bosley as hardware store owner Howard and Henry Winkler as Fonzie, who started as a minor character and took over the show.

It's the oldest series here by a decade, and the laugh track and three-camera staging sort of make that obvious in the first five minutes. So it's extremely "of the time", but it's well worth jumping into and having some easy laughs with a show that essentially defined the decades it aired as well as the one it aimed to portray. And you can get through all 11 seasons without complaining about Fonzie jumping the shark.

Stream now on Paramount+

Paramount+ is a great streaming service if you're building a weekend movie marathon. It adds dozens of movies to the platform each month. It just added over 80 new movies and shows on August 1. Many of these are beloved classics or more modern hits. A few times a month, you also get brand-new movies from Paramount Skydance Studios.

This week, I'm keeping things horror, sci-fi and (for a change of pace) sci-fi horror. That's because "Passenger" debuts on Paramount+ this week, making it a must-watch for those who missed it in theaters. Once you're done with that new movie, check out a modern classic: "Blade Runner 2049." Finally, last week I recommended the found-footage monster movie, "Cloverfield." So this week I'm recommending its 2016 follow-up, "10 Cloverfield Lane."

Here are the three new to Paramount+ movies that you need to be streaming this weekend. If you need more recommendations, check out our full guide to everything new on Paramount+ in August 2026.

'Passenger' (2026)

Genre: Supernatural horror movie

What's it about? "Passenger" stars Lou Llobell as Maddie. She's living the van life with her fiancee, Tyler (Jacob Scipio), but one night they see a man crash his car, killed by an unseen force while trying to get free. They learn this force is a figure known as the "Passenger," and because they stopped to see the crash, they are now likely to be haunted next.

Why you need to watch it: This movie got mixed reviews according to Rotten Tomatoes, but it has a seriously creepy trailer. If you're a horror fan with Paramount+, I'd risk the poor reviews and check it out for yourself this weekend.

Watch "Passenger" on Paramount+ now

'Blade Runner 2049' (2017)

Genre: Science fiction movie

What's it about? "Blade Runner 2049" takes place thirty years after its legendary prequel. The story is set around LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling). He's a Blade Runner, which means he's also a replicant, aka a bioengineered humanoid. His job is to hunt down rogue replicants, but when he finds Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), it opens up a conspiracy with massive implications for this futuristic world.

Why you should watch it: "Blade Runner 2049" is every bit the classic the original "Blade Runner" was. It's also right up there with Denis Villeneuve's other sci-fi masterpieces: "Arrival" and the two "Dune" movies.

Watch "Blade Runner 2049" on Paramount+ now

'10 Cloverfield Lane' (2016)

Genre: Sci-fi horror movie

What's it about: This isn't really a sequel. It's more accurately a companion piece to "Cloverfield." It stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Michelle, a young woman who wakes up in an underground bunker following a car crash. There, she discovers two men (John Goodman and John Gallagher Jr.) who, to her shock, insist that the Earth's surface is no longer inhabitable.

Why you should watch it: There are just three people in this movie. It's almost entirely set in a bunker. And yet, you never feel like it needs more. You're far too engaged. This is a definite must-watch this weekend..

Watch "10 Cloverfield Lane" on Paramount+ now

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We’re in the mid-August lull now, and that’s clearly being reflected in this week’s line of new movies across the best streaming services. The biggest players like Netflix and Prime Video are taking the week off, but this gives HBO Max and Paramount+ a chance to pick up the slack. So even if the options are more limited this week, there are still new movies to watch.

My pick of the week comes on premium streaming with the digital release of “Toy Story 5.” Pixar’s latest animated adventure is pure joy and proves this franchise still has that beloved spark even after all this time. But if you’re craving something less family-friendly, there's an overlooked Anne Hathaway drama on HBO Max, and Paramount+ has a new horror.

I’ve combed through the most noteworthy new arrivals across streaming services to help you spend more time watching and less time scrolling. Also check out our guide to the top new TV shows this week.

‘Toy Story 5’ (PVOD)

Let me take this opportunity to apologize to Pixar. I was one of many who felt that “Toy Story 5” was a totally unnecessary sequel with the franchise ready to retire. I should have had more faith in the folks over at Pixar because their most consistent series delivers yet again in this fifth outing. Focusing on Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack), it’s another family-friendly ride stuffed with humor and enough heart to make you tear up a little.

In “Toy Story 5,” it’s “toys vs. tech” as Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) is gifted a tablet device called Lilypad (Greta Lee) and quickly becomes screen-obsessed. Concerned about the impact this new gadget is having on Bonnie, all your favorite toys, including Jessie, Buzz (Tim Allen) and Woody (Tom Hanks), team up to save playtime. Along the way, Jessie is also forced to face her past and accept that letting go is part of life. It all builds to one of the franchise’s most emotionally charged moments.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting August 18

‘Rose of Nevada’ (PVOD)

There are a few overlooked movies heading to streaming this week, but none of them are rated as highly on Rotten Tomatoes as “Rose of Nevada.” This sci-fi drama holds a mighty impressive 92% score, so if you put stock in RT ratings, you’ll definitely want to consider streaming this British movie. It pairs together George MacKay and Callum Turner, who you can currently see in theaters in the rom-com “One Night Only.”

Set in a Cornish fishing village battling against economic downturn, the legend of the Rose of Nevada, a vessel that mysteriously disappeared at sea three decades earlier, still grips the town. When the long-lost boat suddenly reappears in the harbor, Nick (MacKay) and Liam (Turner) join its new crew and, on their maiden voyage, find themselves transported back in time to 30 years previously. It’s a salty sci-fi adventure with lots of heart.

Watch on Apple TV (buy/rent) starting August 18

‘Passenger’ (Paramount+)

When “Obsession” and “Backrooms” were hogging the horror spotlight in theaters, another chiller was also battling for attention: “Passenger.” It definitely didn’t manage to compete with two of the year’s buzziest flicks. Maybe that’s because it’s quite a generic scary movie, but it does have a few spooky moments. Plus, it effectively uses the inherent fear of driving on a dark road in the middle of the night. Just expect lots of jump scares.

A young couple, Tyler (Jacob Scipio) and Maddie (Lou Llobell), have recently quit their jobs and taken up the van life lifestyle. Swapping everyday mundanity for a life of living on the open road. When they witness a gruesome accident on an isolated highway, something sinister begins to follow them. Hearing tall tales of a demonic presence known as the Passenger, they must rid themselves of this specter before it’s too late.

Watch on Paramount+ starting August 20

‘Mother Mary’ (HBO Max)

Ann Hathaway is having a record year at the box office. Cumulatively, her movies have grossed more than $2 billion worldwide, with “The Odyssey” and “The Devil Wears Prada 2” the standouts. However, “Mother Mary,” a psychological drama starring the popular actress, didn’t quite manage to make the same sort of splash. Which is a shame, as my colleague Malcolm McMillan notes that Hathaway “stuns” in this David Lowery project.

Hathaway plays the eponymous Mother Mary, a globally successful pop star who is preparing for a comeback after an on-stage accident derailed her career. With the pressure mounting, she seeks out her estranged best friend and former costume designer, Sam Anselm (Michaela Coel). This opens old wounds and a reckoning with the past. Part drama, part thriller, part romance, and even part concert movie, “Mother Mary” is a fascinating mix, even if it doesn’t quite manage to blend all its elements perfectly.

Watch on HBO Max starting August 21

‘The Fence’ (AMC+)

Claire Denis’ new movie is an adaptation of the play “Black Battles with Dogs” by Bernard-Marie Koltès. This drama stars Isaach de Bankolé, Matt Dillon, Mia McKenna-Bruce and Tom Blyth. I’m particularly interested in this one due to the latter two names. Tom Blyth, who you might recognize from “The Hunger Games” franchise, was excellent in “Wasteman” earlier this year, and Mia McKenna-Bruce completely blew me away in 2023’s devastating British drama “How to Have Sex.” Consider me intrigued!

Set on a construction site in West Africa, the site’s supervisor, Horn (Dillon), shares a cabin with a young engineer, Cal (Tom Blyth). Horn’s new bride, Leone (McKenna-Bruce), arrives for a visit, while at the same time a man named Alboury (de Bankolé) appears demanding the body of his brother, who died earlier that day on site. What follows is a very long night, as Alboury refuses to leave quietly, and Leone is caught in the middle.

Watch on AMC+ starting August 21

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Paramount+ is regularly adding new shows to binge-watch. This weekend is no exception. The streaming service releases new episodes of hit shows every week. Sometimes, even entire seasons at once. It added over 80 new movies and shows on August 1 alone. It even has some live sporting events, including all major events from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

This weekend, let's kick things off with some "Star Trek." Specifically, "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" season 4, which just dropped its third episode of the season on Thursday. Then, it's time to catch up on "Lioness" season 3. Whether you're a fan of Taylor Sheridan or not, this spy thriller is still worth a watch. Finally, this Saturday night there's live UFC fighting once again. This time, it's a UFC Welterweight Championship bout between current titleholder Islam Makhachev and challenger Ian Machado Garry. UFC 330: Makhachev vs. Machado Garry kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, so make sure your popcorn is ready in advance.

Here are the three new to Paramount+ shows you need to binge-watch this weekend. If you need more recommendations, check out everything new on Paramount+ in August 2026 for more options.

'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' season 4

Genre: Science fiction series

What's it about? "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" stars Anson Mount as Christopher Pike. He's the captain of the USS Enterprise and he's joined in this series by some familiar names. There's Spock (Ethan Peck), Number One (Rebecca Romijn), Montgomery Scott (Martin Quinn) and several others who have appeared in previous "Star Trek" movies and shows.

Why you should watch it: Season 4 covers the fourth year of the Enterprise's five-year mission. It's been a largely well-received show through its first three seasons. Season 4 is no exception and is currently rated an impressive 92% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Stream the first four episodes of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" season 4 on Paramount+ now

'Lioness' season 3

Genre: Spy thriller series

What's it about? "Lioness" stars Zoe Saldaña as Joe McNamara. She is a CIA operative who runs the Lioness program. This woman-led initiative inserts female operatives undercover in the war on terror. Once in, they take down enemy targets by getting close to the women around them and exploiting the target from there.

Why you should watch it: "Lioness" season 3 has Joe dealing with deadly operations and enemy combatants abroad, and betrayals close to home. Critics have been largely positive about it, but audiences seem to really love it. It's currently rated 91% fresh by audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.

Stream the first two episodes of "Lioness" season 3 on Paramount+ now. Episode 3 premieres on August 16

UFC 330: Makhachev vs Machado Garry 

Genre: Live sporting event

What's it about? UFC 330 will see UFC Welterweight Champion (and former UFC Lightweight Champion) Islam Makhachev defend his title against challenger Ian Machado Garry. Each of them has lost just one fight in their professional careers, so someone is adding another tally to the loss column for just the second time. My money is on Makhachev taking this one, given his only loss was back in 2015. That's four years before Machado Garry's career even started.

Why you should watch it: Obviously, you can't binge a live sports event. But live sports such as UFC included in your subscription are a major perk for having Paramount+. Especially when it's a fight with a title belt on the line..

Stream UFC 330: Makhachev vs. Machado Garry on Paramount+ starting at 9 p.m. ET on August 15

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Paramount+ is a great streaming service if you're building a weekend movie marathon. It adds dozens of movies to the platform each month. It just added over 80 new movies and shows on August 1. Many of these are beloved classics or more modern hits. A few times a month, you also get brand-new movies from Paramount Skydance Studios.

This week, I'm taking things back to the 2000s. Kicking things off is "A.I: Artificial Intelligence," one of Steven Spielberg's several beloved science fiction films. Once you've finished that, let's keep things sci-fi adjacent with the found footage monster movie, "Cloverfield." That flick might leave you on edge, though. So once the credits roll, end your movie marathon with "The Hangover" and a laugh.

Here are the three new to Paramount+ movies that you need to be streaming this weekend. If you need more recommendations, check out our full guide to everything new on Paramount+ in August 2026.

'A.I. Artificial Intelligence' (2001)

Genre: Science fiction

What's it about? This movie is set in a futuristic society and centers around David (Haley Joel Osment). He's an artificial child programmed with the ability to love. Intended as a surrogate son for Monica (Frances O'Connor) and Henry (Sam Robards), things get complicated once their real son (Jake Thomas) is unexpectedly cured of a possibly terminal disease.

Why you need to watch it: "Disclosure Day" has come and gone. So if you're looking for another Steven Spielberg sci-fi movie, check out "A.I.: Artificial Intelligence." It holds a unique place in Spielberg's canon; it was originally intended to be a Stanley Kubrick film until the iconic director handed it off to Spielberg in 1995.

Watch "A.I.: Artificial Intelligence" on Paramount+ now

'Cloverfield' (2008)

Genre: Found footage monster horror

What's it about? "Cloverfield" takes place on May 22, 2008. On that fateful day, a monster, later dubbed "LSA" (Large-Scale Aggressor) by the U.S. Department of Defense, attacked New York City. Using video found on a personal camcorder, this found-footage film recreates the night of the attack and centers itself around six friends as they attempt to flee the city.

Why you should watch it: "Cloverfield" is in the conversation for the best found-footage movie ever. It's a relic of its time, but the tension this movie creates and then executes on is brilliantly crafted. I'd probably still give the crown to "The Blair Witch Project," but this 2008 film has a serious case to make.

Watch "Cloverfield" on Paramount+ now

'The Hangover' (2009)

Genre: Comedy

What's it about? "The Hangover" stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis as Phil, Stu and Alan. They've taken their friend, Doug (Justin Bartha), to Las Vegas for his bachelor party. There's just one problem: they wake up the next day with no Doug and no memory of the previous night, and the wedding is set for later that day.

Why you should watch it: I think I saw this movie five times in theaters the year it came out, which was the summer before I went to college. I don't know that I've seen it since. It's time to rectify that this weekend.

Watch "The Hangover" on Paramount+ now

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August is the last month of summer. Of course, it doesn’t really end until the middle of September, but these are the final few weeks I can embrace the sunshine before I go into full fall mode. Paramount+ is clearly getting into that mood with its lineup for the month, which includes plenty of movies perfect for watching on a colder evening with a warm drink. To me, there’s just no better feeling than that.

With plenty of new movies arriving on Paramount+ this month, finding something worth watching can be easier said than done. So, I’ve worked my way through the August 2026 lineup and selected seven movies that stand out from the crowd, each boasting a Rotten Tomatoes score of at least 90%. While a high score isn’t necessarily a guarantee that you’ll love a movie, it’s a good indication that critics were largely impressed.

Here are five of the best movies currently streaming on Paramount+ this August, with every pick earning a Rotten Tomatoes score of 90% or above.

The best movies to stream on Paramount Plus in August 2026

‘Dead Man Walking’ (1995)

“Dead Man Walking” is an Oscar-winning crime drama directed, written, and co-produced by Tim Robbins. Based on Sister Helen Prejean’s non-fiction book of the same name, the film stands as one of the most celebrated and balanced cinematic examinations of capital punishment and human redemption. Robbins avoids preachy melodrama, instead telling a restrained story that asks audiences to confront both the horror of violent crime and the complicated reality of the death penalty.

Sister Helen Prejean (Susan Sarandon) is a nun who agrees to visit Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn), a convicted murderer awaiting execution on death row. Poncelet has been sentenced to death for killing a young couple and asks Sister Helen to help him appeal his sentence. As his execution date approaches, she becomes his spiritual adviser and begins visiting him in prison, while also meeting with his family and the relatives of his victims.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%
Watch "Dead Man Walking" on Paramount+ now

‘Escape From Alcatraz’ (1979)

Most people have probably heard of the classic “Escape From Alcatraz.” This neo-noir prison thriller is based on the true story of the famous 1962 escape from the supposedly inescapable federal penitentiary, and the film is widely regarded as one of the definitive movies in the prison escape genre. Adapted by Richard Tuggle from J. Campbell Bruce’s 1963 account, the screenplay maintains a near-documentary commitment to the real-life timeline and details of the escape.

Frank Morris (Clint Eastwood) is a convicted bank robber with a history of escaping prisons, and is transferred to Alcatraz, the notorious maximum-security prison on an isolated island in San Francisco Bay. After arriving, Morris begins studying the prison’s layout and security measures, eventually discovering a possible route out of his cell. He secretly recruits fellow inmates Clarence (Jack Thibeau) and John Anglin (Fred Ward) and Charley Butts (Larry Hankin) to help him put together an escape plan.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%
Watch "Escape From Alcatraz" on Paramount+ now

‘Gravity’ (2013)

If you were to ask me to name some of the best space movies ever made, “Gravity” would definitely be on my list. This sci-fi thriller was a huge critical and commercial success when it was released in 2013, earning ten Academy Award nominations and taking home seven wins, including Best Director. The movie was widely celebrated for its groundbreaking visual effects and sound design, with legendary director James Cameron even praising its technical achievements and describing it as the movie he had been waiting to see for years.

Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is a medical engineer on her first space mission, working alongside veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) during a routine spacewalk. Their mission goes catastrophically wrong when a cloud of high-speed debris destroys their shuttle, killing the rest of the crew and leaving Stone and Kowalski stranded in orbit. With their spacecraft destroyed and communications with Earth lost, the pair must find a way to reach a nearby space station before their oxygen runs out.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%
Watch "Gravity" on Paramount+ now

‘10 Cloverfield Lane’ (2016)

“10 Cloverfield Lane” is a critically acclaimed psychological thriller and sci-fi mystery directed by Dan Trachtenberg in his feature directorial debut. Produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions, the film operates as a “spiritual successor” and blood relative to the 2008 hit “Cloverfield,” pivoting from found-footage chaos to locked-room psychological tension. Kept entirely under wraps during production, the film surprised the industry when its first trailer dropped just two months before its theatrical release.

After surviving a car crash, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) wakes up inside an underground bunker with two men, Howard (John Goodman) and Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.). Howard claims that a catastrophic attack has made the outside world uninhabitable and insists that staying underground is their only chance of survival. As Michelle learns more about the bunker and the events outside, she begins to question Howard’s story and his increasingly disturbing behavior.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%
Watch "10 Cloverfield Lane" on Paramount+ now

‘Million Dollar Baby’ (2004)

We have another Clint Eastwood film to round off this list, and that’s “Million Dollar Baby.” This critically acclaimed sports drama was adapted by Paul Haggis and is widely regarded as one of the defining cinematic masterpieces of the 2000s. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. “Million Dollar Baby” probably isn’t the first movie that springs to mind when you’re deciding what to watch this weekend. It’s an undeniably heavy watch, and while that won’t be for everyone, there’s no denying that it’s a film that leaves a lasting impression.

Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) is a veteran boxing trainer who reluctantly agrees to coach Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank), a determined waitress who dreams of becoming a professional boxer. Despite initially refusing to train her, Frankie is soon impressed by Maggie’s natural ability and dedication. With help from his longtime friend and gym assistant Eddie “Scrap-Iron” Dupris (Morgan Freeman), Frankie guides Maggie through a rapid rise in the boxing world, where she begins taking on increasingly difficult opponents.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%
Watch "Million Dollar Baby" on Paramount+ now

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Paramount+ is regularly adding new shows to binge-watch. This weekend is no exception. The streaming service releases new episodes of hit shows every week. Sometimes, even entire seasons at once. It added over 80 new movies and shows on August 1 alone. It even has some live sporting events, including all major events from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

This weekend, I've got a new season from Taylor Sheridan, a 20-episode bingable docuseries and a returning competition that's a must-watch. "Lioness" season 3 is first up on the list. Fans of Sheridan will probably have already seen the premiere by now, but the rest of you should use the weekend to catch up. Once you're done, check out "Special Ops: True," a docuseries that examines secretive U.S. military operations from Somalia to Afghanistan. Finally, you'll want to check out "The Challenge: Cutthroat" season 42 this weekend. This competition series has 24 people competing for $500,000, and someone could steal it all at the last second.

Here are the three new to Paramount+ shows you need to binge-watch this weekend. If you need more recommendations, check out everything new on Paramount+ in August 2026 for more options.

'Lioness' season 3

Genre: Spy thriller series

What's it about? Joe McNamara (Zoe Saldaña) is a CIA operative who runs the Lioness program. This initiative inserts female operatives undercover in the war on terror. Once in, they take down enemy targets by getting close to the women around them.

Why you should watch it: "Lioness" season 3 has Joe dealing with deadly operations and enemy combatants abroad, and betrayals close to home. If you're a fan of Saldaña or showrunner Taylor Sheridan, you should definitely catch up with "Lioness" this weekend if you haven't already.

Stream the "Lioness" season 3 premiere on Paramount+ now

'Special Ops: True' seasons 1-2

Genre: Docuseries

What's it about? "Special Ops: True" takes a deeper look into the untold stories from the U.S. military's most dangerous and secretive missions.

Why you should watch it: This show examines operations from Somalia to Afghanistan. Some of which have been immortalized already in dramatic shows and movies. If you're a military history fanatic, this docuseries is definitely worth binging.

Stream all 20 episodes of "Special Ops: True" on Paramount+ now

'The Challenge: Cutthroat' season 42

Genre: Reality competition series

What's it about? "The Challenge: Cutthroat" brings back a classic format to the reality series, which is moving from MTV to Paramount+. 24 veterans and rookies are dropping into Thailand and are split into three teams. To win $500,000, the whole team has to cross the finish line. But each team's captain is the one who decides how the money gets divided, and nothing is stopping them from keeping it all.

Why you should watch it: "The Challenge" is a reality show mainstay. It's arguably closer to a live sporting event than a reality show at this point, and as the competitors get more athletic, the line between this show and "Survivor" begins to blur. However, CBS's flagship competition show cannot match "The Challenge" in terms of hookups and messy drama. I'll be watching this season like I do every other: eagerly.

Stream the two-episode premiere of "The Challenge: Cutthroat" season 42 on Paramount+ now

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Paramount+ is a great streaming service if you're building a weekend movie marathon. It adds dozens of movies to the platform each month. It just added over 80 new movies and shows on August 1. Many of these are beloved classics or more modern hits. A few times a month, you also get brand-new movies from Paramount Skydance studios.

This week, I've selected a few classics. Well, one of them might just be a classic to me, but I digress. First up, I'm recommending "Blade Runner 2049," a sequel to "Blade Runner" that's arguably as good as the original. Then, you'll want to check out "From Dusk Till Dawn," which is kind of like "Sinners," but without any of the poignancy about life in Jim Crow South. Instead, you get George Clooney killing vampires and Quentin Tarantino with Selma Hayek's foot in his mouth. Finally, I'm wrapping things up with "The Score," a wonderful heist thriller with a stunning cast.

Here are the three new to Paramount+ movies that you need to be streaming this weekend. If you need more recommendations, check out our full guide to everything new on Paramount+ in August 2026.

'Balde Runner 2049

Genre: Science fiction movie

What's it about? Set thirty years after "Blade Runner," this sequel stars Ryan Gosling as LAPD Officer K. As a blade runner, he's a replicant, aka a bioengineered humanoid. His job is to hunt down replicants that go rogue. But that leads him to Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) and opens up a conspiracy with massive implications for this futuristic world.

Why you should watch it: "Blade Runner" is a classic, but "Blade Runner 2049" is right up there with it. If "Arrival" heralded director Denis Villeneuve as a sci-fi master, this movie cemented it, as have his subsequent "Dune" adaptations. If you've never seen it, it's a must-watch.

Watch "Blade Runner 2049" on Paramount+ now

'From Dusk Till Dawn' (1996)

Genre: Crime action-horror movie

What's it about? "From Dusk Till Dawn" stars George Clooney as bank robber Seth Gecko. He and his murderous brother (Quentin Tarantino) have just knocked over a bank, leaving death in their wake. They spot Jacob Fuller (Harvey Keitel) and his motor home, and, holding him and his family hostage, they head to Mexico to escape the law. But things go from bad to worse when they arrive at an all-night strip club in the desert that's a haven for vampires.

Why you should watch it: This is not the greatest movie ever made. But it is a blast to watch. "Sinners" clearly draws some influence, though it executes the vision far better and with a much deeper story. This is also a rare Tarantino movie he didn't direct.

Watch "From Dusk Till Dawn" on Paramount+ now

'The Score' (2001)

Genre: Heist thriller movie

What's it about? Nick Wells (Robert De Niro) is a safe cracker who is ready to retire with his girlfriend Diane (Angela Bassett) and run his jazz club in Montréal. But when Brian, revealed to really be aspiring master criminal Jack Teller (Edward Norton), comes to Nick with a plan to steal a priceless sceptre, Nick eventually agrees to join, but only if he's in total control.

Why you should watch it: Robert De Niro, Edward Norton, Marlon Brando and Angela Bassett. All in the same movie. That's 22 combined Oscar nominations in acting categories, with four wins (two for De Niro and two for Brando). You'd be hard-pressed to find a more loaded cast in any movie ever made.

Watch "The Score" on Paramount+ now

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• What to watch tonight: Every new movie and show added to Netflix, Paramount+, Prime Video and more streaming services
• I review TV shows for a living and these are the 10 shows from 2026 I’d actually recommend streaming right now
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Edward Norton is often praised for his iconic role in "Fight Club," and it's exciting to see his name popping up for his role in Olivia Wilde’s hit indie comedy "The Invite." Yet, there is another film that I consider one of his finest hours: "Primal Fear." Shockingly, his turn as the accused killer Aaron Stampler marked his feature acting debut — a performance so powerful it even earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

If you have missed or overlooked this film, it is beyond worth queueing up. Norton shines alongside Richard Gere in this riveting psychological thriller, delivering a spellbinding performance that keeps you guessing right up until the very end.

Woven together with clever red herrings and relentless tension, "Primal Fear" is simply unforgettable. In fact, it is one of those rare movies I wish I could wipe from my memory entirely, just to have the thrill of watching it again on Paramount+ for the first time. It really is that good.

What is 'Primal Fear' about?

The film opens with a sharp focus on Martin Vail (Richard Gere), an arrogant but wildly successful defense lawyer who graces legal magazine covers and stays on friendly terms with his criminal clients. After establishing his razor-sharp swagger and his tense dynamic with ex-lover and prosecuting attorney Janet Venable (Laura Linney), Vail is drawn to his next big headline.

A beloved local figure, Archbishop Richard Rushman, is viciously murdered, and a terrified young choir boy covered in blood, Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), is caught running from the scene. Smelling a high-profile case, Vail takes on the seemingly vulnerable, stammering young man pro bono, confident that he has the entire legal strategy mapped out with zero surprises ahead.

However, as the trial commences and Vail pushes for answers, a shocking truth emerges: Stampler has a dark, hidden personality named Roy. A court-appointed psychologist (Frances McDormand) diagnoses him with a dual personality disorder, even as dark secrets about the victim begin to surface. As the case unravels, it's fascinating to watch Vail juggle the complex legal drama while Stampler bafflingly looks on, confused as to what will happen next. At least... it sure seems that way.

Why I recommend you stream 'Primal Fear'

What makes "Primal Fear" such a powerful film isn't just its iconic, shocking ending — although that's admittedly one of the biggest reasons I love it — but the outstanding acting across the board. Edward Norton shines, brilliantly balancing the dual personalities of an innocent, easily exploited youth and a deceptive, cunning psychopath. It's no surprise he was nominated for an Academy Award; he played both sides with absolute conviction.

However, he isn't alone in bringing serious acting chops to the table. Richard Gere, already a film veteran with numerous accolades to his name, was the perfect choice for the arrogant attorney. Whenever Gere and Norton share the screen, the movie crackles with pure energy.

The supporting cast is equally stellar. Laura Linney gives a captivating performance as the confident prosecuting attorney, while Alfre Woodard commands the courtroom as the judge. Add in John Mahoney as the crooked state's attorney and Andre Braugher as Vail's sharp investigator, and there isn't a single actor in this film who doesn't do incredible work.

Combined with a haunting score and sweeping shots of Chicago, "Primal Fear" is a masterclass in suspense that you won't soon forget.

Stream "Primal Fear" on Paramount+

Paramount+ just added over 80 new movies and shows to start August 2026. The first of the month is typically when the streaming service adds the majority of its new movies and shows, and the dozens that were just added should be more than enough for you to try and watch in a single month.

Settle in and claim your spot on the couch, because these three picks I have ready for you have almost nothing in common. But you'll appreciate them just the same. One is "Disturbia", a teen thriller about a kid stuck on house arrest who becomes convinced the man next door is a serial killer. "Wild Wild West" is a $170 million steampunk Western with a giant mechanical spider and a completely straight face, famous now mostly as the movie Will Smith made instead of "The Matrix." And lastly, "You've Got Mail" is a Nora Ephron rom-com that turned dial-up email into a love story. Whether you're in the mood for suspense, spectacle or something romantic, you're in luck with these three picks.

So, without further delay, let's dive into three newly added to Paramount+ movies I suggest you should stream as soon as humanly possible.

3 Paramount+ movies and shows to stream right now

'Disturbia' (2007)

Genre: Thriller movie

What's it about: After his father dies in a car crash, 17-year-old Kale (Shia LaBeouf) comes apart. After he punishes his Spanish teacher he's sentenced to a summer of house arrest with an ankle monitor. His mom (Carrie-Anne Moss) cuts off his TV and video games, so a bored Kale starts watching the neighbors through binoculars instead. When a news report about a missing woman lines up with the actions of his quiet neighbor Robert Turner (David Morse), Kale becomes convinced the man is a serial killer, and he's stuck inside a 100-foot radius with no way to prove it.

Why you should watch it: "Disturbia" is basically "Rear Window" moved to the suburbs and handed to a teenager, which is exactly what the estate holding the rights to that Hitchcock classic argued when it sued the filmmakers in 2008. A judge threw the case out, ruling that one bored guy spying on a neighbor he thinks is a killer is too broad an idea for anyone to own. Lawsuit aside, this is the movie that proved Shia LaBeouf could carry one. Similarities aside, it's a fun thriller worth watching.

Watch "Disturbia" on Paramount+ now

'Wild Wild West' (1999)

Genre: Western movie

What's it about: It's 1869, and two agents have been charged with stopping a plot against the newly reunited United States. Jim West (Will Smith) is a fast-shooting Army captain who solves most problems with his fists. Artemus Gordon (Kevin Kline) is a gadget-obsessed U.S. Marshal. Their target is Dr. Arliss Loveless (Kenneth Branagh), a legless Confederate scientist kidnapping the country's best inventors to build steam-powered war machines, a scheme that ends with an 80-foot mechanical spider stomping across the desert.

Why you should watch it: Will Smith turned down the lead role in "The Matrix" to make this movie. He wanted to go back to his "Men in Black" director Barry Sonnenfeld, so Neo went to Keanu Reeves instead. What Smith got for the trade was one of the priciest films ever made at that point and five Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture, which the original TV show's star showed up to accept in person just to register how much he hated it. It's a fascinating iniquity with a great theme song, though.

Watch "Wild Wild West" on Paramount+ now

'You've Got Mail' (1998)

Genre: Romantic comedy

What's it about: Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) runs a children's bookstore on Manhattan's Upper West Side, the one her late mother opened. Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) is the heir to Fox Books, a chain superstore that opens around the corner and starts running her out of business. In person, the two of them can't stand each other. What neither knows is that they've already fallen for each other anonymously, as email pen pals who met in a chat room and have no idea they're trading messages with their real-life rival.

Why you should watch it: "You've Got Mail" is a remake of the 1940 Ernst Lubitsch film "The Shop Around the Corner," which is why Kathleen's store shares that name; Nora Ephron simply swapped the original's anonymous love letters for AOL email. That makes it a near-perfect time capsule of the late-'90s internet, and if you long for those simpler days, you'll fall in love with this gentle rom-com.

Watch "You've Got Mail" on Paramount+ now

Everything just added to Paramount+

Here's the full list of all 70 movies and shows that were just added to Paramount+:

• "Aeon Flux"
• "An Officer and a Gentleman"
• "Anthropoid"
• "Bad News Bears"
• "Big Night"
• "Boomerang"
• "Borg vs. McEnroe"
• "Carriers"
• "City of God"
• "City of Men"
• "Clifford the Big Red Dog" seasons 1-2
• "Clifford’s Puppy Days" seasons 1-2
• "Critical Condition"
• "Deepwater Horizon"
• "Down to Earth"
• "Everybody Wants Some!!"
• "Extract"
• "Fences"
• "Flight"
• "Focus"
• "Garfield and Friends" seasons 1-7
• "Gemini Man"
• "Glory"
• "Good Boys"
• "Good Morning, Vietnam"
• "Goosebumps" seasons 1-4
• "Grease 2"
• "Hacksaw Ridge"
• "Here and Now"
• "Imagine That"
• "Kiss The Girls"
• "Magic School Bus" seasons 1-4
• "Marathon Man"
• "Men, Women & Children"
• "Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life"
• "Nightwatch"
• "Out of the Furnace"
• "Overdrive"
• "Paw Patrol: Fire Rescue" (new special)
• "Rio"
• "Road Trip"
• "Serendipity"
• "She's All That"
• "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow"
• "Sleepy Hollow"
• "Steel Magnolias"
• "Super 8"
• "Super Duper Bunny League" seasons 1-2
• "The Commuter"
• "The Dutchman"*
• "The Expendables 2"
• "The Expendables 3"
• "The Expendables 4"
• "The Expendables"
• "The Island"
• "The Kid"
• "The Longest Yard"
• "The Machinist"
• "The Perfect Gamble"*
• "The Ring Two"
• "The Ring"
• "The Sum of All Fears"
• "The Untouchables"
• "Tremors"
• "Vacation"
• "War and Peace"
• "Win A Date With Tad Hamilton!"
• "Wuthering Heights"
• "xXx"
• "Young Adult"

*Title is available only to Paramount+ Premium subscribers.

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August is typically a quiet month in entertainment. Summer blockbusters have mostly come and gone, and fall TV hasn't arrived yet. That makes it the perfect time to take stock of which subscriptions you're actually using — and which are quietly charging your credit card every month.

A Tom's Guide survey about streaming habits revealed that our readers are spending over $60 a month on seven or more subscriptions. Streaming has become an increasingly expensive habit. Instead of treating platforms as permanent, it's often smarter to rotate them based on what's worth watching each month. You'll save money without coming close to running out of great shows and movies.

For August 2026, the two easiest services to hit pause on are Netflix and Peacock. Both have a handful of worthwhile titles, but neither offers enough must-watch programming to justify paying for another month. Here's why they're the best streaming services to cancel right now.

Why I'd cancel Netflix

Netflix is probably the most controversial pick on this month's list. In our survey, it was the streaming service people were least willing to cancel, easily beating every other platform. And it's not hard to see why: Netflix still has the biggest library, the most original programming and the broadest appeal.

But popularity doesn't automatically make it worth paying for every single month. Netflix is also one of the most expensive mainstream streaming services, especially if you want an ad-free plan, and August's lineup doesn't do enough to justify the cost.

The biggest title on deck is the return of "Outer Banks" for its fifth and final season on Aug. 20. The teen adventure mystery series picks up with the Pogues reeling from JJ's death and still chasing the Blue Crown in a desperate bid for revenge.

But let's be honest, "Outer Banks" is not everybody's vibe. And even if it is, season 5 drops late enough into the month that you could just practice a bit of patience and wait a couple of weeks to re-up Netflix.

The other most noteworthy releases are two original movies. "The Last House," arriving Aug. 7, is a sci-fi thriller with Greta Lee and Wagner Moura about a family trapped in a house by a mysterious force that won't let them out. Then, on Aug. 28, there's "The Whisper Man," a crime drama starring Robert De Niro, Adam Scott and Michelle Monaghan. When a crime novelist's son is kidnapped, he must turn to his estranged father, a retired police detective, for help.

Both movies look interesting, and I'll probably watch them — but I also don't need to right away. Neither seems like it would induce FOMO; it would be easy to wait until September and save a bit of money.

Why I'd cancel Peacock

Peacock had a surprisingly strong run earlier this summer thanks to two huge draws: the FIFA World Cup and another addictive season of "Love Island USA." But now that both have wrapped up, the service has lost momentum. While Peacock still has a solid back catalog and a few new arrivals in August, there's simply not enough fresh, must-watch programming to make the monthly fee worth it.

In fact, the only title that really stands out is the "Love Island USA" season 8 reunion ... and it doesn't even drop until literally the last day of the month, Aug. 31.

Peacock will be much more relevant in September, when fall TV brings back next-day episodes of NBC shows like "The Voice" and "The Traitors: New Blood" and Bravo shows like "The Real Housewives of New York." So, cancel now, then come back for your must-see favorites.

How much you'll save by canceling Netflix and Peacock

Canceling Netflix and Peacock for August can free up a meaningful chunk of your monthly entertainment budget, especially if you've been paying for both without getting much use out of them.

Netflix's Standard with Ads plan costs $8.99 per month, while the Standard ad-free plan is $19.99 and the Premium tier is $26.99. Peacock Premium with ads costs $10.99 per month, while Peacock Premium Plus is $16.99 per month.

That means pausing both services could save anywhere from about $19 to $42 each month, depending on which plans you have. It's an easy way to cut back without giving up streaming altogether, particularly if you rotate to another service with a stronger lineup this month. Over the course of a year, making subscription swaps like this whenever a platform hits a lull can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to get Netflix for free
• What streaming costs in 2026
• Best free streaming services

If you're anything like me, Friday night arrives way too fast — and suddenly you're 20 (or 40) minutes deep into scrolling Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu and every other streaming app instead of actually watching something. We spend all week rounding up the best new shows and movies worth your time, but even then, decision paralysis is real.

So we're trying something different this weekend. Instead of another list, we're handing out personalized streaming recommendations. Looking for a pulse-pounding thriller? A comfort-watch that'll make you forget the Sunday scaries? A comedy that'll actually make you laugh? Drop your question in the Live Q&A box below, and we'll point you toward your next binge. We'll answer every question we receive between now and Friday, July 31, at 5 p.m. ET.

Answering your questions is me, Kelly Woo, streaming managing editor with 20+ years of experience watching everything, with help from senior entertainment editor Rory Mellon, streaming editor Malcolm McMillan and senior streaming writer Alix Blackburn.

See a question you know the perfect answer to? Jump in. The best recommendations often come from fellow streamers, and we're all for crowdsourcing your next obsession.

Just keep the questions focused on what to watch, and drop them into the Live Q&A box above. We'll be here with recommendations through Friday, July 31, at 5 p.m. ET.

Not sure where to start? Take the quick Netflix quiz below for a personality-based recommendation. Then tell us: Did it nail your taste, or is the algorithm about to get roasted?

It goes without saying that we won't answer any questions with inappropriate or offensive language or photos. This Live Q&A is designed to be an open space for anyone looking for help, no matter how "silly" you think that question may be.

If you've never left a comment on our site before then you may need to sign up to post your first question. It's free to sign up and will unlock a host of other Tom's Club member benefits, such as exclusive rewards and savings, the ability to earn badges and enter giveaways, join in with popular conversations and all Live Q&As, and reveal hints for our quizzes and puzzles.

We can't wait to hear from you — let us know what you'd like help with now.

"Diarra From Detroit" is back for a second season, with Diarra delving deeper into Detroit's weird and wonderful underworld as she uncovers a new mystery.

Here's how to watch "Diarra From Detroit" season 2 online from anywhere with a VPN.

Diarra Kilpatrick returns as her crime-solving namesake and in season 2 she's investigating Chris' mother at a family BBQ, recovering stolen antiques, and finds herself dragged into gang warfare on the streets.

There are eight new episodes of the neo-noir mystery series to come, releasing weekly, and the good news is there's only one platform you need no matter where you are in the world.

Ready to dig deeper into the criminal underworld? Here’s our guide on how to watch "Diarra From Detroit" season 2 online from anywhere in the world.

How to watch 'Diarra From Detroit' season 2 from anywhere

If you’re traveling and find that your usual streaming apps stop working outside your home region, a VPN (virtual private network) can help. It lets your device connect via a secure server back home, so you can use your existing subscriptions as normal.

Tom’s Guide has tested a wide range of services, and NordVPN is the one we most often recommend for streaming thanks to its fast speeds and broad device support. You can also try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Using a VPN is straightforward; follow these steps.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As noted, NordVPN is our preferred option.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.K. on vacation and want to view your regular American service, you'd select U.S. from the list.

3. Sit back and binge. Head to Paramount+ and stream new episodes of "Diarra From Detroit" season 2 online.

How to watch ‘Diarra From Detroit’ season 2 on Paramount+

"Diarra From Detroit" season 2 will be broadcast on Paramount+.

'Diarra From Detroit' S2 FAQs

'Diarra From Detroit' — Cast

• Diarra Kilpatrick as Diarra Brickland
• Morris Chestnut as Francois 'Swa' Brickland
• DomiNque Perry as Aja Edwards
• Bryan Terrell Clark as Mr. Tea
• Jon Chaffin as Danger
• Shannon Wallace as Chris / Deonte Brooks
• Phylicia Rashad as Vonda Brooks
• Claudia Logan as Moni

'Diarra From Detroit' season 2 — Trailer

'Diarra From Detroit' season 2 - episode guide

We know a lot about the first two episodes of "Diarra From Detoit" season 2, but the rest of the season is a bit of a mystery...

• Episode 1 - Welcome Home Deonte: Diarra struggles to help Chris navigate the dynamics of a "Welcome Home" family BBQ while secretly continuing an investigation into his mother.
• Episode 2 - Mr and Mrs Ambien: Diarra and Chris take on the seemingly simple task of recovering a stolen antique for their landlord and find themselves in a world of trouble.

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• 5 underrated movies on Paramount+ that you need to add to your watchlist
• New on Paramount+ in August 2026: All the new shows and movies to watch
• How to watch 'Granite Harbour' season 3 online — stream the latest episodes of the hit detective series

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Over the past couple of years, between price hikes and shifting priorities, even the best streaming services have become more akin to cable TV with prices to match, especially at the higher "ad-free" tiers.

Almost every streaming service, save Apple TV, has multiple subscription tiers, including one with advertisements. These ad-supported memberships tend to be less expensive than the higher tiers and in some cases offer fewer features, like a lack of live sports or no downloads.

With that in mind, how often are advertisements interrupting your movies or TV shows? We tested seven of the major platforms to find out.

Tom's Guide testing process

We tested seven streaming platforms with the same process for both movies and TV shows.

These are the streamers I looked at:

• Disney+
• HBO Max
• Hulu
• Netflix
• Paramount+
• Peacock
• Prime Video

We tried to test out shows and movies of similar lengths within five minutes on either side. For movies, we watched films that were 2 hours long. For shows, we tried to find two episodes of about 60 minutes each, within five minutes.

We charted how many advertising breaks were inserted into the media, including starting ads. We also tracked how much added time the advertisements added to the overall runtime of the shows and movies.

Movie advertising

Surprisingly, how platforms break up their movies varies wildly between the number of breaks and how much added time they have.

If you want to avoid advertisements, Paramount+ and Peacock may be the way to go with only one ad roll at the start of the movies and nothing while it plays.

Here's how it broke down:

Netflix had the most ad breaks with nine, but those breaks were typically only 30 to 45 seconds with one or two commercials.

HBO Max had five ad breaks, but like Netflix, they only totaled two minutes. There were a couple of times during "Howl's Moving Castle" when I looked away and almost missed a couple.

The longest ads came from Prime Video, which only had four ad breaks but each one typically lasted around a minute and a half. It added over eight minutes to the process.

Disney+ was close behind with five ad breaks that added seven minutes and 45 seconds to "Fantastic Four: First Steps."

We're not doing winners and losers with these tests, but Paramount+ and Peacock waste your time the least and actually let you watch the movie.

TV show advertising

Unlike movies, most streaming services insert the same number of ad breaks in shows — between four and five, including ads that run before the show starts. The big difference lies in the added time.

For this test, we picked a series and watched the first two episodes of the show as long as they were in the 55- to 60-minute range.

Here's how it shook out:

Of the streaming platforms, Disney+ comes out the worst again.

I will note that I was only able to sign up for Hulu and Disney+ as a bundle. The Disney platform is a mess, and Hulu stuff is jumbled in with Disney content, which can be quite annoying when you're trying to find just Disney titles or just Hulu titles. Even clicking the Disney+ tab still sees Hulu shows or movies shoved into the different panels.

I specifically watched the Disney+ original series "The Punisher" for this test, and found between the first two episodes an average of over eight minutes of added runtime. Paramount+ was second worst with exactly eight minutes of added time between the two episodes of "Halo" I watched.

During the Paramount test, I got an error code during the second episode of "Halo," and the ads all disappeared. I did check out "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" and "Dutton Ranch" just in case and got similar results, though those shows' episodes don't exactly hit 60 minutes.

Netflix may be the best value at only two minutes added time per episode. While watching the recently canceled "The Boroughs," there were only four ad breaks, but they varied in length. One was a minute, but the shortest was a quick 15 seconds.

How much the ad-supported subscriptions costs

If you're considering downgrading or signing up for one of the ad-supported tiers, they cost about the same across every platform, save the Disney+ and Hulu bundle, which combines both for $12.99 a month.

Here's what watching all those ads will cost you:

Some services like HBO Max and Peacock offer annual subscriptions, which will save you a dollar or so per month. Plus, Amazon Prime Video comes with a Prime subscription if you subscribe to that for $139 a year or $14.99 per month.

Otherwise, beyond HBO, most platforms cost $8.99 for the ad-supported subscription. Peacock is the cheapest at $7.99 by itself.

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Here we are, sliding into the back half of summer. Now that August is almost upon us, you know the drill: a fresh stack of shows queued up on one of your favorite streaming platforms. Before you flip the calendar to fall, check out what's new on Paramount+ this month.

Leading the charge on Aug. 2 is "Lioness" season 3, where Zoe Saldaña’s CIA officer, Joe McNamara, faces a high-stakes threat that hits uncomfortably close to home. Next up is "The Challenge: Cutthroat" on Aug. 5, marking the franchise’s bold move off MTV for the first time in nearly 30 years. Rounding out the highlights on Aug. 19, "Average Joe" season 2 sends Deon Cole’s plumber-turned-reluctant-fugitive and his crew from Pittsburgh all the way to Cape Town.

There is plenty of great television to look forward to, even if it feels like the year is barreling by at breakneck speed. Check out the full breakdown below for everything new on Paramount+ in August 2026.

New releases on Paramoun+ in August 2026: Top picks

'Lioness' season 3

Joe McNamara (Zoe Saldaña) runs the CIA's Lioness program, which plants female operatives undercover to get close to targets in the war on terror. Season 2 ended with Joe's team pinned down in a firefight after a mission built around a kidnapped member of Congress. Season 3 puts Joe up against foreign operatives and betrayals that hit closer to home. And this time, both her husband and daughter become collateral damage.

Premieres August 2 on Paramount+

'The Challenge: Cutthroat' season 42

After nearly 30 years on MTV, "The Challenge" is leaving the network for the first time and moving to Paramount+. It's marking the occasion by reviving one of its meanest formats. Cutthroat drops 24 veterans and rookies into Thailand and splits them into three teams, where the whole team has to cross the finish line together to claim a piece of the $500,000. But here's the catch: each team's captain decides how the money gets divided, and nothing stops a captain from keeping the whole pile.

Premieres August 5 on Paramount+

'Average Joe' season 2

Season 1 of "Average Joe" turned a Pittsburgh plumber's life inside out. Joe Washington (Deon Cole) buried his father after learning the old man had stolen $10 million and a Lamborghini from the Russian mob. He then proceeded to spend ten bloody episodes trying to survive people who wanted it back. Season 2 doesn't let him off the hook. A new threat tied to the same mob puts his family in danger again, and the hunt for answers takes Joe and his crew out of Pittsburgh and all the way to Cape Town, where things aren't quite getting any better for anyone involved, but it's more of the same satisfying action if that's what you're looking for.

Premieres August 19 on Paramount+

Everything coming to Paramount+ in August 2026

ORIGINALS, EXCLUSIVES, PREMIERES & EVENTS

8/1: UFC Fight Night: Medić vs. Rodriguez
8/2: Lioness: Season 3 - Paramount+ Original Series
8/4: Special Ops TRUE - NEW Paramount+ Original Docuseries
8/5: The Challenge: Cutthroat: Season 42 - Paramount+ Original Series
8/8: UFC Fight Night: Gamrot vs. Salkilld
8/8: Zuffa Boxing 10
8/11: Dana White's Contender Series: Season 10 - Paramount+ Original Series
8/15: UFC 330: Makhachev vs. Machado Garry
8/19: Average Joe: Season 2 - Paramount+ Original Series
8/29: UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs. Song

New shows

August 2

Lioness | Season 3 | Paramount+ Original Series

August 4

Special Ops TRUE | Season 1 | Paramount+ Original Docuseries

Dana White Contender Series (Seasons 1-4)

August 5

The Challenge: Cutthroat | Season 42 | Paramount+ Original Series

August 11

Dana White’s Contender Series | Season 10 | Paramount+ Original Series

August 15

Bleed For This*

August 19

Average Joe | Season 2 | Paramount+ Original Series

August 22

The Run For A Million** (CBS Special)

The Harvest*

August 23

The Cured*

August 30

Blue Valentine*

New movies

August 1

• 10 Cloverfield Lane
• A.I. Artificial Intelligence
• As They Made Us*
• Babel
• Basic Instinct
• Best in Show
• Blade Runner 2049
• Body Cam
• Brave the Dark*
• Cloverfield
• Clue
• Coneheads
• Congo
• Cop Land
• Crawl
• Crawlspace
• Dead Man Walking
• Disturbia
• Don Jon
• Duplex
• Equilibrium
• Escape From Alcatraz
• For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada
• Frankie & Johnny
• From Dusk Till Dawn
• From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money
• From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman's Daughter
• Get Hard
• Gravity
• He's Just Not That Into You
• Hustle & Flow
• Indecent Proposal
• Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
• Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back
• Justin Bieber: Never Say Never
• Katy Perry The Movie: Part of Me
• Labor Day
• Machine Gun Preacher
• Million Dollar Baby
• My Boss's Daughter
• On the Line
• Organ Trail
• Overlord
• Risky Business
• Sabrina
• School Ties
• Shaft
• She's the Man
• Sliver
• Some Kind of Wonderful
• The Bodyguard
• The Doors
• The Hangover
• The Hangover Part II
• The Hangover Part III
• The Heartbreak Kid
• The Hunted
• The Lego Movie
• The Lovely Bones
• The Perfect Score
• The Saint
• The Sandlot
• The Score
• The Spiderwick Chronicles
• The Time Traveler's Wife
• The Vault*
• The Yards
• Vampire in Brooklyn
• Varsity Blues
• What Women Want
• Where The Wild Things Are
• Wild Wild West
• You're Dating a Narcissist!*
• You've Got Mail

Sports

• August 1 - WNBA: Las Vegas Aces @ Chicago Sky*
• August 1 - UFC Fight Night: Medić vs. Rodriguez
• August 1-2 - PGA Tour: Rocket Classic (Third and Fourth Round Coverage)*
• August 3 - BIG3 Basketball*
• August 7 - PBR Team Series
• August 8 - EFL Carabao Cup: Middlesbrough vs. Wrexham
• August 8 - WNBA: Las Vegas Aces @ Minnesota Lynx*
• August 8 - UFC Fight Night: Gamrot vs. Salkilld
• August 8 - Zuffa Boxing 10
• August 8-9 - PGA Tour: Wyndham Championship (Third and Fourth Round Coverage)*
• August 9 - BIG3 Basketball*
• August 12 - UEFA Super Cup: PSG vs. Aston Villa
• August 14 - PBR Team Series
• August 14 - EFL Championship: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Blackburn Rovers
• August 15 - BIG3 Basketball*
• August 15 - UFC 330: Makhachev vs. Machado Garry
• August 15-16 - PGA Tour: FedEx St. Jude Championship (Third and Fourth Round Coverage)*
• August 16 - EFL Championship: Burnley vs. West Ham United
• August 17 - EFL Championship: Cardiff City vs. Wrexham
• August 21 - PBR Team Series
• August 22 - BIG3 Basketball*
• August 22 - Serie A: Inter vs. Monza
• August 22-23 - PGA Tour: BMW Championship (Third and Fourth Round Coverage)*
• August 23 - Serie A: Torino vs. Milan
• August 28 - NFL ON CBS Preseason: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles
• August 28 - Serie A: Milan vs. Venezia
• August 29 - WNBA : Chicago Sky @ New York Liberty*
• August 29 - UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs. Song
• August 29-30 - PGA Tour: TOUR Championship (Third and Fourth Round Coverage)*
• August 30 - Major League Pickleball Finals*
• August 30 - Serie A: Napoli vs. Como
• Throughout August - English Football League competition
• Throughout August - Serie A competition
• Throughout August - Coppa Italia Frecciarossa
• Throughout August - Scottish Professional Football League competitio

• 5 best Paramount Plus miniseries to binge over a weekend
• 7 best Paramount Plus shows you're not watching

Paramount+ ranks as one of our best streaming services thanks to its strong library of binge-worthy TV shows and blockbuster movies. It’s the latter category that really draws my attention as a dedicated movie buff, and recently I’ve been combing through the catalog for hidden gems.

Fortunately, I didn’t need to look very hard, because Paramount+ is home to a host of great movies that I believe to be a little underrated. Whether that be because of their critical scores, because they struggled to break even at the box office, or just because they lack the name recognition of Paramount+’s most popular titles. These five films deserve some love.

That’s why I’ve put together this roundup of underrated Paramount+ movies to shine a spotlight on a collection of high-quality movies that you might not have streamed already.

‘The Island’ (2005)

Perhaps defending a Michael Bay movie will cost me some credit with the movie buff crowd, but I don’t care. This 2005 sci-fi action movie Starring Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson is a total guilty pleasure watch. Bay leans on his trademark penchant for explosions in the second half, but the openning portion offers an intriguing dystopian story, and there’s an entertaining mystery at the movie’s core. On a Bay scale, it’s pretty great.

Set in a futuristic 2019 (this released in 2005), “The Island” takes place within a slick facility due to the outside world being contaminated by a pathogen. The residents live by a strict set of rules, and each week one is chosen by random lottery to leave and go live on a luxury island. However, this facility is hiding some dark secrets, and when Lincoln (McGregor) discovers the truth, he teams up with Sarah (Johansson) to escape.

Watch "The Island" on Paramount+ now

‘Better Man’ (2024)

Musical biopics are all the rage right now; look at the recent box office success of “Michael” as the latest proof. So, I found it more than a little frustrating that “Better Man,” a wildly inventive drama focused on the life and career of British singer Robbie Williams, didn’t just struggle but outright bombed, grossing $22 million against a $100m budget. This fantastic movie, stuffed with Robbie’s earworm tracks, deserved better.

Perhaps it was the fact that Robbie’s fame has never quite translated to the U.S. market (he’s a superstar in the U.K., not so much Stateside), or maybe it was the oddball decision to cast Robbie as a CGI chimpanzee in this big-screen biopic (The real Williams voices the computer-created protagonist). Yes, this was a strange choice, but trust me, it works in the final movie, and this movie explores the perils of fame supremely well.

Watch "Better Man" on Paramount+ now

‘Mean Creek’ (2004)

Movies about bullying can often feel like a patronizing PBS afterschool special, so kudos to the filmmakers behind 2004’s “Mean Creek” for avoiding this pitfall and instead delivering a psychological drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This movie builds anxiety. In the first act, you'll have an uneasy feeling that something is going to go wrong. It all leads to a very tragic incident that changes the lives of its young cast.

In a small Oregon town, shy school kid Sam (Rory) and his older brother, Rocky (Trevor Morgan), invite stand-offish bully George (Josh Peck) to accompany them on a boating trip. However, their goal isn’t to make friends with George. They plan to humiliate him as revenge for a physical altercation with Sam. It’s a cruel scheme, and it rapidly backfires, forcing the adolescent characters to face very grown-up consequences.

Watch "Mean Creek" on Paramount+ now

‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ (2023)

Another example of a great movie struggling at the box office is “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.” This fantasy heist movie is based on the popular tabletop role-playing game, and pays respect to its source material, while ensuring that newcomers aren’t left behind. It’s a real popcorn movie, boasting charming characters, some surprisingly strong humor and plenty of big-budget action. It deserved way more attention in theaters.

Starring Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page and Hugh Grant, “Honor Among Thieves” spins a classic “Dungeons & Dragons” tale of an unlikely band of adventurers joining forces to embark on a dangerous mission to locate (and then steal) a lost relic. As all good D&D campaigns should, things don’t always go as planned, and watching the team adapt on the fly to each bump in the road is the real fun of this blockbuster.

Watch "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" on Paramount+ now

‘Mean Girls’ (2024)

2024’s “Mean Girls” never really got a fair shake. From its announcement, the necessity of a reimagining of Tina Fey’s classic 2004 teen comedy was questioned. But here’s the thing: This isn’t a cheap cash-in that just recycles the original. It’s actually an adaptation of the “Mean Girls” Broadway show. So, yes, it’s a full-blown musical. Packed with enjoyable show tunes and a great performance from Reneé Rapp as the iconic Regina George, we perhaps didn’t need a 2020s spin on “Mean Girls,” but I’m glad we got one. To borrow a phrase, it’s totally fetch.

The fundamental setup is the story you know. The formerly homeschooled Cady Heron (played by Angourie Rice) moves from Kenya to America, where she attends North Shore High School and discovers teenage social cliques are even more ruthless than the savanna plains. Invited to join the Plastics, a trio of the school’s most popular students, she gets a crash course in “Girl World” and hatches a plan to bring the Plastics down.

Watch "Mean Girls" on Paramount+ now