8 Best Showtime Original Series to Binge These Weekend
If you're looking for a new show to obsess over, these Showtime originals might be right up your alley.
I know how overwhelming it can be to search for the next show, only to end up rewatching your comfort series yet again. And while that's perfectly fine and understandable, sometimes you just need something new to keep you entertained. Here are 8 Showtime originals that deserve your attention this weekend and beyond.
1. ‘Homeland’ (2011-2020)
- On Rotten Tomatoes, Homeland has 85% from critics and 86% from the audience.
- On IMDb, Homeland is rated 8.3/10.
Who it's for: anyone who enjoys yelling "I KNEW IT!" at their TV when a conspiracy theory turns out to be true.
The series follows a brilliant yet unstable CIA agent who thinks a formerly captured American soldier has been corrupted by terrorists and is plotting to attack the United States.
Available on: Hulu, Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV.
2. ‘The Chi’ (2018-Present)
- On Rotten Tomatoes, The Chi has 64% from the audience.
- On IMDb, The Chi is rated 7.5/10.
Who it's for: viewers who appreciate a story that can be both realistic and heart-warming.
The streets of South Side Chicago come alive in this drama that's as much about a place as it is about its people. The cast gives consistently strong performances and the stories keep you hooked from the first episode.
Available on: Paramount+ with Showtime, fuboTV, Spectrum On Demand, Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV.
3. ‘Californication’ (2007-2014)
- On Rotten Tomatoes, Californication has 57% from critics and 78% from the audience.
- On IMDb, Californication is rated 8.3/10.
Who it's for: fans of comedies that do not shy away from serious topics and complex characters.
Despite its provocative title and numerous sex scenes, Californication has a surprisingly sweet core. Beneath the chaos is a story about a man desperately trying to fix his broken family while dealing with his worst enemy: himself.
Available on: Paramount+ with Showtime, fuboTV, Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV.
4. ‘Penny Dreadful’ (2014-2016)
- On Rotten Tomatoes, Penny Dreadful has 91% from critics and 90% from the audience.
- On IMDb, Penny Dreadful is rated 8.2/10.
Who it's for: literature lovers and horror fans who appreciate slow-burning stories.
This gothic horror series brings together some of literature's most terrifying characters in Victorian London. With stunning visuals and Eva Green's performance, it's a dark treat for horror fans.
Available on: Paramount+ with Showtime, Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV.
5. ‘Kidding’ (2018-2020)
- On Rotten Tomatoes, Kidding has 88% from critics and 91% from the audience.
- On IMDb, Kidding is rated 8.0/10.
Who it's for: viewers who appreciate dark comedy with an emotional center and anyone who wants to see Jim Carrey in a more dramatic role.
Jim Carrey stars as Jeff, a children's television personality known to millions of children as Mr. Pickles. After experiencing a tragedy, Jeff begins to question his worldview, which creates a disconnect between his public persona and his private struggle.
Available on: Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV.
6. ‘The Affair’ (2014-2019)
- On Rotten Tomatoes, The Affair has 85% from critics and 76% from the audience.
- On IMDb, The Affair is rated 7.9/10.
Who it's for: viewers who appreciate complex relationship dramas.
The show explores the emotional and psychological effects of an affair between a novelist, and a young waitress who is recovering from a personal tragedy.
Available on: Paramount+ with Showtime, fuboTV, Spectrum On Demand, Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV.
7. ‘Shameless’ (2011-2021)
- On Rotten Tomatoes, Shameless has 82% from critics and 82% from the audience.
- On IMDb, Shameless is rated 8.5/10.
Who it's for: viewers who enjoy dark comedy and dysfunctional family dynamics.
Shameless follows the lives of the Gallagher family, led by their deadbeat, alcoholic father, Frank. Their eldest daughter, Fiona, takes on the responsibility of raising her siblings. Despite their challenging circumstances, the Gallaghers remain resilient and always maintain their dark sense of humor.
Available on: Netflix, Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV.
8. ‘Billions’ (2016-2023)
- On Rotten Tomatoes, Billions has 87% from critics and 67% from the audience.
- On IMDb, Billions is rated 8.3/10.
Who it's for: those fascinated by power dynamics, financial crime, and cat-and-mouse games.
Billions centers on the battle between a brilliant hedge fund king and a U.S. Attorney set on bringing him down. Billions excels at making complex financial concepts accessible without dumbing them down.
Available on: Paramount+, fuboTV, Spectrum On Demand, Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV.
