Here at Sneak Peak, we don’t just write about the shows and movies you can stream on Paramount+, we watch the shows and movies you can stream on Paramount+. We find that this M.O. not only makes our jobs easier, it makes our lives richer! Literally! We get paid to watch Elsbeth! It is indeed a sweet gig. And with this privilege comes responsibility – a responsibility to give back, to tell you, our dear readers, about all the coof stuff we’re watching. In this way, we hope we’ll make your lives richer, too – albeit, not literally.
So, what is it we’re watching this month? Oh, what aren’t we watching? After reading our list, featuring recommendations from your Sneak Peak writers and editors, you’ll wonder how we have time to do anything besides watch Paramount+. We wonder that, too. But it’s a good problem to have. On with the picks!
Sonic the Hedgehog movies
A blue hedgehog with a loveable personality who is out to save the world with his superspeed is the premise of one of my favorite video games of childhood – and the live-action movies released this decade don’t disappoint. Now I can introduce a character I grew up with to my own family. Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 are action-packed, must-see family films that are faithful adaptations. The movies boast big names, too, including Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Idris Elba, and Keanu Reeves. Grab the popcorn, and get addicted to this hit franchise with sonic speed! And if you’re not in a rush (unlike, say, Sonic), then take the time to explore the Sonic the Hedgehog Collection on Paramount+. It’s your fast pass to Sonic movies and TV shows. — Stephanie Hartsell, Contributing Writer
WATCH NOW: Sonic the Hedgehog Collection
Landman
Landman has a star-studded cast where everyone delivers. I thoroughly enjoy Billy Bob Thornton constantly attempting to put out fires while trying to maintain his relationship with his family. While his Tommy Norris gives off annoyed, grumpy dad energy, he really does care. It would be remiss of me to not give a shout-out to Ali Larter. As Angela, Tommy’s on-again ex, Larter puts on a mesmerizing performance where she seems completely unhinged one moment, but grounded and vulnerable the next. Underneath the ruthless drama of the oil business is a show with heart. – Scott Francisco, Senior Designer
WATCH NOW: Landman
Elsbeth
I am obsessed with the unconventional, unique and brilliant attorney Elsbeth Tascioni. From her one-of-a-kind name to her unusual knack at solving crimes, Elsbeth‘s Elsbeth keeps me entertained with every jaw-dropping crime she investigates. Each episode has a killer guest star, and a bright and cheery wardrobe I can’t get enough of. It’s all a welcome change of pace to the whodunnit format. This CBS Original series, starring Carrie Preston as the singular character she played on The Good Wife and The Good Fight, too, has found the perfect balance of drama and comedy. If you are looking for a crime show that is light, smart, and funny, Elsbeth is the right show for you! — Stephanie Hartsell, Contributing Writer
WATCH NOW: Elsbeth
[Editor’s note: Elsbeth returns with new episodes on Feb. 26, 2026. Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ Premium plan can stream new episodes as they air live on their local CBS TV station. All Paramount+ subscribers can stream new episodes on the day after they air on CBS.]
School Spirits
I’m not a gal who’s usually into supernatural series or teen dramas, but this show’s got me completely under its spell. Peyton List plays Maddie, a high-schooler who mysteriously ends up in a limbo state between the lands of the living and the dead. Stuck on her school’s grounds with others who have died there, she collaborates with her fellow ghosts, as well as her corporeal pals, to figure out what’s happened to her. As the seasons progress – the series is now in Season 3 – Maddie learns more and more about the tragedies that have occurred at Split River High, and what’s caused so many to perish on the property. The mystery is compelling from the start, and manages to stay that way through, well, now. (I’m quite literally gnawing at my fingernails in anticipation of the next ep.) And as someone who grew up on TV shows where the teens looked 25, School Spirits gives us characters that play as real, awkward high-school students – albeit slightly better-looking, and armed with sharper quips than the average 17-year-old. – Joan Kubicek, Staff Writer
WATCH NOW: School Spirits
Criminal Minds and Criminal Minds: Evolution
As a fan of police procedurals, I love watching people catch criminals. But while some of these shows follow the investigators (FBI), or the scientists who use forensic techniques to solve crimes (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), the Criminal Minds franchise sets itself apart by focusing on the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, which uses psychological profiling – and, of course, good, old-fashioned investigating – to track down high-profile criminals.
The original Criminal Minds, which aired on CBS from 2005-2020, is a great episodic drama. And it’s fun to see the BAU team – and its returning stars, including Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez and Paget Brewster, operate in more serialized form in Criminal Minds: Evolution, the Paramount+ original drama series. The continuation of Criminal Minds premiered in 2022, and is still producing new, addicting stories. — Paul Semel, Contributing Writer
WATCH NOW: Criminal Minds and Criminal Minds: Evolution
[Editor’s note: To find episodes of the original Criminal Minds, navigate to the Criminal Minds: Evolution page on the Paramount+ app, or on ParamountPlus.com. There, you’ll find 18 seasons ready to stream. Seasons 1-15 are all the episodes of the original Criminal Minds; Seasons 16-18 are all the episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution. And, good news, more new episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution are on the way – the show has been renewed for Season 19.]
Geddy Lee Asks: Are Bass Players Human Too?
As someone who’s been a fan of the band Rush since he was 11, there was no way I was going to miss this four-episode series, in which Rush bassist (and singer, and keyboard player) Geddy Lee hangs out with other iconic bass players. This is especially true because three of the four guests – Primus’ Les Claypool, Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, and Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic – are from three other bands I love. Yes, it helps if you love their music, too, but it’s not a must, since all of the guest stars – including the fourth, Hole’s Melissa Auf Der Maur – are as interesting as people as they are skilled at playing bass. — Paul Semel, Contributing Writer
WATCH NOW: Geddy Lee Asks: Are Bass Players Human Too?
Behind the Music
Well, I’ve got a confession to make: Until just now, I’d never heard of Geddy Lee … But I’m going to make note of the above recommendation because Paramount+ doesn’t miss when it comes to music titles. The library of great docs is deep: June, Ozzy: No Escape From Now, The Carters: Hurts to Love You, etc. A recent watch: Behind the Music. If you remember the iconic VH1 series, or even if you don’t, this one’s a treat. The Paramount+ collection features a mix of OG episodes, updated episodes, and all-new, original episodes. Put them all together, and you’ve got profiles of artists from Ricky Martin to Boyz II Men, from Wolfgang Van Halen to Sinéad O’Connor (also the subject of the great SHOWTIME® doc, Nothing Compares). So many great stories, so many heartfelt tears. — Joal Ryan, Editor
WATCH NOW: Behind the Music
Halo
Some friends recently discovered Halo, so we’re rewatching, and digging it even more the second time. Totally a sucker for any sci-fi world that looks this real and complete, this full of orbiting assault fleets and energy swords. Also, can’t get enough of how massive, lived-in, and cinematic everything feels. Pablo Schreiber in that Master Chief armor brings the intensity, but the Paramount+ original can also be subtle: Halo sneaks under your skin, and proves there’s heart under those helmets, as in the bond between Chief and his AI buddy, Cortana (Jen Taylor). If you’re new to the Halo universe, stick with it. Season 2 goes bigger, with maybe three jaw-dropping moments we won’t spoil here. – Glenn Gaslin, Editor
WATCH NOW: Halo
