TV’s Best Binge: The Hidden Gems of Paramount+

Popular series like Being Mary Jane; Everybody Hates Chris; and Key & Peele are some of the surprises you can find on Paramount+.

Photo: BET

Compared to the competition, Paramount+ doesn’t get a ton of attention. Yes, it has major franchises like Star Trek; Mission: Impossible; Transformers; and Indiana Jones, but it also has a large library of Black content because Paramount Global currently owns BET. There’s no telling what the status of these titles will be once the sale of BET Networks becomes final, but until that happens, we’ve discovered some hidden gems for you to check out. Note: These titles are all available with the Essential plan, which is $4.99 a month.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
New York County Ballot Lawsuit Sparks Election Integrity Firestorm on Social Media

Everybody Hates Chris

If you only know Tyler James Williams from Abbott Elementary, this is your chance to see him when he was learning the ropes from Tichina Arnold and Terry Crews.

Selma

Ava DuVernay’s brilliant film is more relevant now than ever. You can’t pretend history didn’t happen when it’s available to stream in your home.

Being Mary Jane

Photo: BET

Most of us already knew Gabrielle Union was a special talent, but for the last few people who couldn’t see it, Being Mary Jane is where she truly became a star.

Hit the Floor

If you’re looking for an unapologetically soapy drama that features hilariously over-the-top insults and fights, look no further than the ridiculously fun Hit the Floor.

Last Holiday

Last Holiday is Queen Latifah’s best rom-com and it’s not even close. It’s set during Christmas, but you absolutely do not need to wait until December to watch it.

Beverly Hills Cop

This ‘80s classic is Eddie Murphy at his best. Some of the jokes haven’t aged well, but this is a fantastic showcase of the brilliant talent he would become.

Jericho

This short-lived CBS drama following a small town in Kansas after a nuclear attack on the U.S. is still captivating, but it feels a little too real nowadays. Maybe take notes while watching.

Kenan & Kel

We will never be too old for Kenan & Kel’s shenanigans. You can also find their movie, Good Burger, on the platform.

Key & Peele

Sure, they’re award winners and big-time Hollywood stars now, but we will always remember Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key for their impression of President Barack Obama and his anger translator, Luther.

If Beale Street Could Talk

Nowadays people like to throw around the phrase “cinema.” However, look no further than If Beale Street Could Talk for the true definition. From top to bottom, it is a beautifully made piece of art, and should be seen by as many people as possible.

The New Edition Story

The group really gave their fans a love letter by allowing the miniseries to show the truth behind their many ups and downs. When they said warts and all, they meant every word. Plus, on streaming you can watch that “Can You Stand the Rain” scene as many times as you want.

Moesha

Sometimes you’re in the mood to go back and relive all the moments Frank was wrong and Moesha was right. He really was the worst.

Half & Half

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO9LdFoZZjE

Let’s be honest, the real stars of Half & Half are Telma Hopkins and Valarie Pettiford as Phyllis and Big Dee Dee. They steal every single scene they’re in.

Sister, Sister

Sometimes you need a serious dose of ‘90s nostalgia and no one does that better than Tia and Tamera Mowry.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

13 Black Female Artists Who Taught Women To Own Their Sexual Desires

13 Black Female Artists Who Taught Women To Own Their Sexual Desires

From Adina Howard’s “Freak Like Me” to Toni Braxton’s “You’re Making Me High” these women used bold lyrics, pleasure-centered storytelling, to reshape the way women claimed their power …
Tammi Terrell: The Ivy League Scholar Who Deserved Better than Motown’s Saddest Ending

Tammi Terrell: The Ivy League Scholar Who Deserved Better than Motown’s Saddest Ending

Tammi Terrell deserved so much more than the tragic life she lived, marked by abuse from James Brown and a fatal illness that ultimately took her. This Women’s History Month, and on the 56th anniversary of her passing, we share her heartbreaking story …
All About Nene Leakes Long-Awaited Return

All About Nene Leakes Long-Awaited Return

Nene Leakes in finally heading back to Bravo! And now, the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ alum is sharing her feelings about it …
What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

Usher was Justin Bieber’s mentor early on in his career, but now it seems like the two may not be in good-standing with each other. Let’s get into it! …
Chadwick Boseman's Widow Shares New Details About the Late Actor's Cancer Journey

Chadwick Boseman’s Widow Shares New Details About the Late Actor’s Cancer Journey

Simone Ledward Boseman is getting candid in a new interview about the late, beloved actor Chadwick Boseman and his health journey …
Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court's Backing

Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court’s Backing

For Cherise Doyley and Brianna Bennett, the battle for bodily autonomy played out at their hospital bedsides, where virtual court hearings allowed judges to prioritize the perceived health of their unborn children over their right to refuse C-sections …
New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

After nearly a decade since Jay-Z’s last album, rumors about new music are circulating from fans gearing up for his first performance in years …
Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand 'Uncle Nearest' Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand ‘Uncle Nearest’ Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

The Black-owned brand was cemented as the fastest growing whiskey company in the U.S. Now, the legacy is at risk …
Solange's Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s only child Julez Smith is opening up about his sexuality and sparking some discourse online! …
As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

Gasoline prices are up in every state since the Iran war begin and they’re expected to rise …
News of Chuck Norris' Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

News of Chuck Norris’ Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ star Chuck Norris’ shocking death is sparking some interesting responses from Black folks online. We’ll tell you why! …
How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

Fifty years prior to rumors of fascism circling President Trump, activist and philosopher Angela Davis made a spooky prediction about dictatorship in the U.S …
Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

La-Kebbia “Kiki” Wilson sued the city of Fresno after she became the subject of horrific discrimination from her supervisor …
Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Millions of Americans depend on USPS to receive medicines, cast mail in ballots and even pay bills. Now, that’s all at risk …
New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

Clips of a Tuskegee University coach handcuffed at Morehouse shocked the sports world; now, he’s making a move that could change everything …
5 Things You Didn't Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington's Films Over the Years

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington’s Films Over the Years

In honor of Spike Lee’s birthday, let’s take a look at a few fun facts about him and frequent collaborator Denzel Washington that you may not have heard about! …
New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

Gabrielle Henry, knowns as Miss Jamaica, suffered a frightening fall at the Miss Universe pageant in November 2025. And now we have major news on her condition …
Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is letting it be known she’s not here for Nicki Minaj’s alleged spread of misinformation. Now, the Barbz are responding! …
Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

After Shyne and Ma$e reminisce about 90s romance on the “It Is What It Is” podcast, Brandy shuts down the rumors and distances herself from her brother’s erratic behavior …
New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

First, Southwest took away free checked bags and open seating. Now, Black women are speaking out on a new seating policy that allegedly causes more harm than good …