Paramount+ is broadening its content library this May with a mix of relationship and crime dramas to satisfy different viewer preferences. The streaming platform will feature shows ranging from intense interpersonal stories like “The Affair” to darker crime-focused series such as “Criminal Minds.”
The streaming service continues to position itself as a destination for varied content, appealing to viewers with different tastes in dramatic television. This programming strategy comes as streaming platforms compete for subscribers by offering diverse content libraries.
Relationship Dramas Take Center Stage
“The Affair,” one of the highlighted relationship dramas coming to the platform, explores the emotional and psychological effects of extramarital relationships. The series, which originally aired on Showtime, earned critical acclaim for its complex character development and nonlinear storytelling approach.
The show stars Dominic West and Ruth Wilson in the lead roles, with their performances receiving particular praise throughout the series’ five-season run. “The Affair” won the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama in 2015, establishing its credentials as a standout in the relationship drama category.
A Paramount+ spokesperson noted that relationship dramas continue to be popular among streaming audiences who enjoy character-driven narratives and emotional storytelling.
Crime Drama Offerings Expand
“Criminal Minds,” the long-running FBI procedural that follows the Behavioral Analysis Unit as they profile dangerous criminals, will also be available on the platform. The series ran for 15 seasons on CBS, building a dedicated fanbase drawn to its psychological approach to crime solving.
The show’s availability on Paramount+ comes as crime dramas maintain strong popularity across streaming platforms. Data from several audience measurement services indicates that crime-focused content consistently ranks among the most-watched genres in digital streaming.
The series features an ensemble cast that evolved throughout its run, with characters played by actors including Mandy Patinkin, Thomas Gibson, Joe Mantegna, Paget Brewster, and Matthew Gray Gubler.
Streaming Strategy in a Competitive Market
Paramount+’s May lineup reflects the platform’s broader strategy to compete in the crowded streaming market by offering content that appeals to different audience segments. By including both relationship-focused and crime-centered dramas, the service aims to attract and retain subscribers with varied interests.
Industry analysts point to content diversity as a key factor in streaming success, especially as consumers become more selective about which services they maintain subscriptions to. The addition of established series with proven track records helps platforms build value propositions for potential subscribers.
The streaming service has been expanding its content library across multiple genres in recent months, including:
- Drama series from various networks under the Paramount umbrella
- Original programming developed specifically for the platform
- Classic shows with established fanbases
- Films from the Paramount Pictures catalog
This programming approach aligns with parent company Paramount Global’s stated goal of building a streaming service that leverages its extensive content library while developing new offerings for digital-first audiences.
As May approaches, Paramount+ subscribers can look forward to these additions alongside other new content. The platform continues to evolve its offerings in response to viewer preferences and competitive pressures in the streaming marketplace, working to establish itself as a destination for quality dramatic television across multiple subgenres.
