20 Best Mystery TV Shows on Paramount Plus 2026
Explore mystery-packed Paramount Plus series, from The Twilight Zone and Twin Peaks to Dexter, Yellowjackets, and Evil, with picks for every mood.
If you’re searching for the best mystery TV shows on Paramount Plus, this lineup gives you a mix of classic twists, modern crime cases, and supernatural intrigue. You can start with The Twilight Zone for eerie, self-contained stories, then move into the small-town secrets of Twin Peaks or the darker psychological edge of Dexter. Fans of procedural tension will find plenty to explore in NCIS, Criminal Minds, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, FBI, and Cross. If you want something stranger, Yellowjackets, Evil, School Spirits, and Under the Dome bring mystery into horror, fantasy, and sci-fi territory.
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01
The Twilight Zone
Won 3 Emmys 8 nominations
drama · fantasy · horror · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
An anthology series containing drama, psychological thriller, fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and/or horror, often concluding with a macabre or unexpected twist.
Why watch: If you like short, twist-driven stories that blend mystery with horror, fantasy, and sci-fi, this anthology is an easy place to start. Its format works well if you want variety from episode to episode.
Directed by John Brahm, Douglas Heyes, Buzz Kulik, Lamont Johnson, Richard L. BareCast Rod Serling, Robert McCord, Jay Overholts, James Turley, Vaughn TaylorParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
02
Twin Peaks
Won 2 Emmys 2x Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series · 18 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
The body of Laura Palmer is washed up on a beach near the small Washington state town of Twin Peaks. FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper is called in to investigate her strange demise only to uncover a web of mystery that ultimately leads him deep into the heart of the surrounding woodland and his very own soul.
Why watch: If you enjoy a mystery that leans into crime, drama, and thriller energy, this is a strong pick. It suits viewers who like a strange small-town setting and a case that opens into something bigger.
Directed by David Lynch, Lesli Linka Glatter, Caleb Deschanel, Duwayne Dunham, Tim HunterCast Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Mädchen Amick, Dana Ashbrook, Richard BeymerParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
03
NCIS
3 Emmy nominations
action · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, a team of special agents investigates any crime that has any connection to Navy and Marine Corps personnel, regardless of rank or position.
Why watch: If you prefer an ongoing procedural with crime and thriller elements, this is a dependable choice. The premise points to case-of-the-week investigation mixed with military-related stakes.
Directed by Dennis Smith, Terrence O'Hara, Tony Wharmby, James Whitmore Jr., Thomas J. WrightCast Sean Murray, David McCallum, Mark Harmon, Brian Dietzen, Rocky CarrollNetflixHuluParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
04
Yellowjackets
10 Emmy nominations 2x Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
drama · mystery · thriller
This equal parts survival epic, psychological horror story and coming-of-age drama tells the saga of a team of wildly talented high school girls soccer players who become the (un)lucky survivors of a plane crash deep in the remote northern wilderness. The series chronicles their descent from a complicated but thriving team to savage clans, while also tracking the lives they’ve attempted to piece back together nearly 25 years later.
Why watch: If you want a mystery with drama and thriller tension, this one fits well. Its survival setup and psychological angle may appeal if you like stories that keep shifting between past and present.
Directed by Ben Semanoff, Eva Sørhaug, Daisy von Scherler Mayer, Jeffrey W. Byrd, Bart NickersonCast Melanie Lynskey, Sophie Nélisse, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sophie Thatcher, Samantha HanrattyNetflixAmazon Prime VideoParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
05
Dexter
Won 4 Emmys Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (2010) · 25 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter pattern analyst for the Miami Metro Police also leads a secret life as a serial killer, hunting down criminals who have slipped through the cracks of justice.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to crime stories with a darker personal angle, this is a good match. The mystery and thriller mix makes it a fit for viewers who like investigations with a sharp edge.
Directed by John Dahl, Steve Shill, Keith Gordon, Marcos Siega, Ernest DickersonCast Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas, James Remar, C.S. LeeParamount PlusMore details on IMDb →
Not quite it? Ask WattaWatch for mystery on Paramount Plus →
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06
CIA
action · adventure · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
Follows a partnership between a CIA Case Officer & an FBI Special Agent who work together on a clandestine taskforce to prevent domestic terrorism in New York.
Why watch: If you like action-driven mysteries with crime and thriller elements, this may be worth a look. The CIA and FBI partnership suggests a fast-moving, high-stakes setup.
Directed by Ken Girotti, Jon Cassar, Ludovic Littee, Norberto Barba, Jean de SegonzacCast Tom Ellis, Nick Gehlfuss, Natalee Linez, Necar Zadegan, Jonathan Randell SilverParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
07
Criminal Minds
3 Emmy nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
An elite team of FBI profilers analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again. The Behavioral Analysis Unit's most experienced agent is David Rossi, a founding member of the BAU who returns to help the team solve new cases.
Why watch: If you enjoy profiling-based crime shows, this is a solid option. The mystery and thriller blend suits viewers who like teams working to anticipate suspects before the next crime happens.
Directed by Glenn Kershaw, Félix Enríquez Alcalá, Rob Bailey, Edward Allen Bernero, Matthew Gray GublerCast Kirsten Vangsness, A.J. Cook, Matthew Gray Gubler, Joe Mantegna, Thomas GibsonAmazon Prime VideoHuluParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
08
Blue Bloods
1 Emmy nomination
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
A drama about a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement. Frank Reagan is the New York Police Commissioner and heads both the police force and the Reagan brood. He runs his department as diplomatically as he runs his family, even when dealing with the politics that plagued his unapologetically bold father, Henry, during his stint as Chief.
Why watch: If you like family drama wrapped around police work, this series may be a fit. Its mystery and thriller side works well for viewers who enjoy law-enforcement stories with ongoing personal stakes.
Directed by David Barrett, Ralph Hemecker, Alex Zakrzewski, Robert Harmon, John BehringCast Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan, Will Estes, Len Cariou, Tom SelleckAmazon Prime VideoParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
09
FBI
2 Emmy nominations
action · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
The New York office of the FBI brings to bear all their talents, intellect and technical expertise on major cases in order to keep their city and the country safe.
Why watch: If you prefer a modern FBI procedural with action, crime, and thriller energy, this is a straightforward pick. It should appeal to viewers who like major-city cases and a team-oriented format.
Directed by Alex Chapple, Jean de Segonzac, Carlos Bernard, Milena Govich, Jon CassarCast Missy Peregrym, Zeeko Zaki, Jeremy Sisto, Alana De La Garza, John BoydParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
10
Evil
crime · drama · horror · mystery · thriller
Skeptical forensic psychologist Kristen Bouchard joins priest-in-training David Acosta and technology expert Ben Shakir as they investigate supposed miracles, demonic possessions, and other extraordinary occurrences to assess for a scientific explanation or if something truly supernatural is at work.
Why watch: If you want mystery with horror and a supernatural question at its center, this is a strong choice. It may suit you if you like stories that leave room for both skepticism and the unexplained.
Directed by John Dahl, Robert King, Peter Sollett, Nelson McCormick, Fong-Yee YapCast Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, Maddy CroccoParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
11
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Won 1 Emmy 2 nominations
animation · action · adventure · family · fantasy · mystery
In a war-torn world of elemental magic, a young boy reawakens to undertake a dangerous mystic quest to fulfill his destiny as the Avatar, and bring peace to the world.
Why watch: If you enjoy fantasy adventures with mystery woven into the quest, this series stands out. It’s a good fit for viewers who like a coming-of-age journey in a richly imagined world.
Directed by Oh Seung-hyun, Giancarlo Volpe, Ethan Spaulding, Lauren MacMullan, Dave FiloniCast Dee Bradley Baker, Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack De Sena, Dante BascoNetflixParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
12
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Won 6 Emmys 3x Outstanding Drama Series · 39 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
A Las Vegas team of forensic investigators are trained to solve criminal cases by scouring the crime scene, collecting irrefutable evidence and finding the missing pieces that solve the mystery.
Why watch: If you like forensic investigation and evidence-led crime stories, this is an easy recommendation. The mystery and thriller mix suits viewers who enjoy following the clues step by step.
Directed by Kenneth Fink, Richard J. Lewis, Alec Smight, Danny Cannon, Brad TanenbaumCast George Eads, Eric Szmanda, Robert David Hall, Paul Guilfoyle, Jorja FoxHuluParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
13
The Good Wife
Won 5 Emmys 2x Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series · 43 nominations
crime · drama · mystery
Alicia Florrick boldly assumes full responsibility for her family and re-enters the workforce after her husband's very public sex and political corruption scandal lands him in jail.
Why watch: If you want a character-driven drama with a mystery backbone, this is a smart pick. It may appeal if you like legal and political complications that build tension around the central case.
Directed by Rosemary Rodriguez, Michael Zinberg, Brooke Kennedy, James Whitmore Jr., Félix Enríquez AlcaláCast Julianna Margulies, Matt Czuchry, Christine Baranski, Archie Panjabi, Alan CummingParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
14
Sabrina the Teenage Witch
2 Emmy nominations
action · adventure · comedy · drama · family · fantasy · horror · mystery · romance · sci-fi
On her sixteenth birthday, Sabrina Spellman discovers she has magical powers. She lives with her 600-year-old aunts Hilda and Zelda as well as talking cat Salem in the fictional town of Westbridge, Massachusetts.
Why watch: If you like mystery mixed with comedy, fantasy, and family-friendly storytelling, this series offers a lighter change of pace. Its magical setup gives the mystery elements a playful edge.
Directed by Gary Halvorson, Kenneth R. Koch, Brian K. Roberts, Linda Day, Peter BaldwinCast Melissa Joan Hart, Nick Bakay, Caroline Rhea, Beth Broderick, Nate RichertHuluParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
15
Under the Dome
drama · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
A small town is suddenly and inexplicably sealed off from the rest of the world by an enormous transparent dome. While military forces, the government and the media positioned outside of this surrounding barrier attempt to break it down, a small group of people inside attempt to figure out what the dome is, where it came from, and when (and if) it will go away.
Why watch: If you enjoy sci-fi mysteries built around a strange premise and a trapped community, this one may click. It’s a good choice for viewers who like uncertainty to drive the story.
Directed by Jack Bender, Peter Leto, David Barrett, Sergio Mimica-Gezzan, Kari SkoglandCast Mike Vogel, Rachelle Lefevre, Alexander Koch, Colin Ford, Mackenzie LintzParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
16
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
animation · action · adventure · comedy · crime · family · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
Four turtles fall into the sewers and are befriended by Hamato Yoshi a Japanese man sent to New York who was forced to live in the sewers. One day he sees a strange green glow which transforms the four turtles into human-like creatures. Hamato (now Master Splinter) changes into a giant rat from the green glow and teaches the turtles the skills of the ninja as they team up with news reporter April O'Neil to battle against Yoshi's arch enemy Shredder and Krang, an alien warlord from Dimension X.
Why watch: If you want an animated series that blends action, comedy, and mystery, this is a fun option. It works well for viewers who like adventure stories with a sci-fi twist.
Directed by Bill Wolf, Tony Love, Mike Stuart, Bruno-René Huchez, Reg LodgeCast Cam Clarke, Townsend Coleman, Barry Gordon, Renae Jacobs, Peter RenadayParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
17
Sacrifice
drama · mystery & thriller
Follows a highly sought-after entertainment lawyer as she navigates the nefarious lives of her rich and famous clients.
Why watch: If you prefer a more adult, character-focused mystery, this one may suit you. The drama and thriller mix suggests a story centered on complicated relationships and high-pressure decisions.
Directed by Mary Lou Belli, Oz Scott, Jill Carter, Crystle Roberson Dorsey, Kenny LeonCast James Trevena, Juan Antonio, Nelson Bonilla, Reg Rob, Paula PattonParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
18
Dexter: New Blood
crime · drama · mystery
10 years after Dexter went missing in the eye of Hurricane Laura, we find him living under an assumed name in the small town of Iron Lake, New York. Dexter may be embracing his new life, but in the wake of unexpected events in this close-knit community, his Dark Passenger beckons.
Why watch: If you liked the original Dexter and want a follow-up with crime and mystery at its core, this is the obvious companion piece. It should appeal to viewers who enjoy small-town tension and a central character with a troubled past.
Directed by Marcos Siega, Sanford BookstaverCast Michael C. Hall, Jack Alcott, Julia Jones, Johnny Sequoyah, Alano MillerAmazon Prime VideoParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
19
Cross
action · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
TV series based on James Paterson's Alex Cross novels. Alex Cross uses forensic psychology to analyze killers' minds, delving into victims' psyches to identify murderers and bring them to justice
Why watch: If you like forensic-psychology angles in your crime shows, this is a natural fit. The action, thriller, and mystery blend suggests a tense investigation-driven series.
Directed by Stacey Muhammad, Craig Siebels, Nzingha Stewart, R.T. Thorne, Director XCast Alona Tal, Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Samantha WalkesAmazon Prime VideoParamount PlusFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
20
School Spirits
drama · fantasy · mystery
Maddie, a teen stuck in the afterlife investigating her own mysterious disappearance, goes on a crime-solving journey as she adjusts to high school purgatory, but the closer she gets to discovering the truth, the more secrets and lies she uncovers.
Why watch: If you want a teen mystery with a fantasy element, this is a strong pick. It may appeal to viewers who like ghostly stakes and a puzzle about what really happened.
Directed by Hannah Macpherson, Brian Dannelly, Max Winkler, Oran Zegman, Craig JohnsonCast Peyton List, Kristian Ventura, Spencer Macpherson, Kiara Pichardo, Sarah YarkinParamount PlusMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
Whether you want a long-running procedural, a supernatural puzzle, or a story built around hidden motives, this list makes it easy to find your next watch. The range here runs from The Good Wife and Blue Bloods to genre-heavy picks like Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Twilight Zone, so there’s something for different moods and tastes. Bookmark this page and come back when you want another mystery-heavy recommendation. It’s updated regularly to help keep your watchlist fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
Do I need a Paramount Plus subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Paramount Plus. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these mystery shows ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the mystery titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.