In a surprising move amid intense industry competition, Netflix has secured a major licensing deal with Paramount Global. This agreement brings approximately 20 popular Paramount series to the streaming giant’s platform for the first time. The partnership expands Netflix’s library with high-profile titles, including a standout Taylor Sheridan drama, the acclaimed reboot of Matlock, and several other fan-favorite shows.
Announced as part of Netflix’s Q4 2025 earnings report (released in early 2026), the deal highlights Netflix’s strategy to bolster its licensed content offerings. While Netflix continues to invest heavily in originals, adding proven series from other studios helps attract and retain subscribers by providing more variety.
Why This Netflix-Paramount Deal Matters
The streaming landscape in 2026 is highly competitive. Services like Netflix, Paramount+, Disney+, and others vie for viewer attention. Licensing deals like this one allow platforms to fill content gaps without producing everything in-house.
This collaboration is particularly notable given recent tensions between Netflix and Paramount. Both companies have been involved in bidding wars, including efforts surrounding Warner Bros. Discovery assets. Despite those rivalries, they’ve struck this content-sharing agreement, showing that business pragmatism often prevails in Hollywood.
For Netflix subscribers, the addition of these Paramount shows means access to critically praised dramas, procedurals, and comedies that were previously locked behind Paramount+ or other networks. For international viewers, the deal opens up even more options, with certain classics becoming available outside the U.S. for the first time on Netflix.
Key Shows Coming to Netflix from Paramount
The deal introduces a diverse lineup. Here are some of the most prominent titles confirmed so far:
- Mayor of Kingstown (Taylor Sheridan drama): This intense crime thriller stars Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky, who navigates corruption and power struggles in a Michigan city dominated by the prison industry. Created by Taylor Sheridan (known for Yellowstone), the series has built a dedicated following for its gritty storytelling and complex characters. With its final season airing recently on Paramount+, bringing Mayor of Kingstown to Netflix gives a broader audience the chance to binge the entire run. It’s one of the biggest gets in this package, marking the first time a Taylor Sheridan series appears on the platform.
- Matlock (2024 reboot): Starring Kathy Bates in the lead role, this modern take on the classic legal drama reinvents the iconic character as Madeline “Matty” Matlock. A brilliant attorney who returns to work at a prestigious firm to uncover corruption, the show blends sharp wit, courtroom intrigue, and social commentary. Bates’ performance has earned widespread praise, making Matlock a breakout hit. While primarily available internationally on Netflix through this deal, it represents a major addition for procedural fans worldwide.
- SEAL Team: A long-running military action series following an elite unit of Navy SEALs on high-stakes missions. The show combines intense combat sequences with personal drama, exploring the toll of service on soldiers and their families. With multiple seasons already acclaimed, it’s a strong draw for action enthusiasts.
- Watson: A contemporary procedural inspired by Sherlock Holmes’ trusted ally, Dr. John Watson. This CBS series reimagines the character as a brilliant diagnostician solving complex medical mysteries. It offers a fresh twist on detective storytelling with strong character development.
- The King of Queens: A beloved sitcom classic starring Kevin James as a delivery driver navigating life with his wife and eccentric father-in-law. This long-running comedy remains a comfort-watch favorite, and its inclusion (especially internationally) will appeal to nostalgia-driven viewers.
These titles form the initial wave, with more from the 20-show package expected to roll out gradually. Netflix has indicated that 2026 will see an expanded focus on licensed content, making this Paramount partnership a key part of that push.
The Bigger Picture: Netflix’s Licensed Content Strategy
Netflix has historically prioritized original programming, but recent years show a shift toward smart licensing. Adding established hits reduces risk while appealing to audiences seeking familiar favorites.
This Paramount deal follows other licensing moves, such as partnerships for Universal films and other catalogs. By diversifying beyond originals, Netflix counters subscriber churn and competition from ad-supported tiers on rival platforms.
For Paramount, licensing select titles to Netflix generates revenue without diluting its own streaming service too much. Paramount+ retains core exclusives, while offloading library shows frees up resources.
What Viewers Can Expect Next
Exact release dates for these shows on Netflix haven’t been fully detailed yet, but announcements suggest they will arrive progressively throughout 2026. U.S. viewers will gain immediate access to Mayor of Kingstown, SEAL Team, and Watson, while international markets benefit from broader availability, including Matlock and The King of Queens.
This deal could pave the way for more cross-studio collaborations. As streaming matures, exclusive content wars may give way to strategic sharing, benefiting consumers with richer libraries.
Stay tuned for updates on specific premiere dates and additional titles from the Paramount package. Whether you’re a fan of intense dramas like Taylor Sheridan’s work, clever procedurals, or classic comedies, Netflix just got a lot more exciting.
In conclusion, Netflix’s acquisition of 20 Paramount shows—including the gripping Taylor Sheridan drama Mayor of Kingstown, the fresh Matlock reboot, and more—marks a significant win for subscribers. This licensing agreement not only diversifies Netflix’s offerings but also underscores the evolving nature of streaming in 2026. With high-quality content now more accessible than ever, viewers worldwide stand to gain the most from this unexpected partnership.
