AceShowbiz - On March 19, Paramount+ viewers demonstrated a clear preference for familiar television content, as the long-running procedural NCIS climbed two spots to reach the #2 position on the U.S. streaming charts. This rise in ranking highlights a trend where audiences gravitate toward shows they can easily jump into, favoring comfort and consistency over newer releases.

Meanwhile, the western-themed series Marshals, a spin-off with ties to the popular Taylor Sheridan universe, slipped one position to #4 on the same chart. Despite carrying the intense modern western vibe associated with Sheridan’s style and continuing the storyline where Yellowstone left off, Marshals has yet to secure a solid fanbase. Among existing Yellowstone fans, opinions about the series remain mixed, which may be contributing to its lower streaming rank.

At the top of the Paramount+ charts, the #1 spot remains firmly held by South Park, which has maintained its position without fluctuation. This further underscores the staying power of established, beloved series in the streaming landscape.

The enduring success of NCIS can be attributed to several factors: its vast episode library, easily understandable stakes, and characters viewers can quickly connect with. These qualities make it ideal for repeated viewing and binge sessions, a formula that has kept the CBS procedural relevant for decades. Unlike Marshals, which is still carving out its niche, NCIS benefits from its reputation as a dependable streaming staple requiring little introduction.

Beyond the head-to-head between these two shows, the Paramount+ U.S. Top 10 TV chart on March 21, 2026, reveals clear viewing habits favoring legacy shows and familiar franchises. Other notable movements include Everybody Loves Raymond climbing to #5 and SpongeBob SquarePants holding steady at #6, confirming the appeal of comfort viewing in comedy and family programming.

Additionally, newer series continue to attract attention, with The Madison securing the #3 spot, nestled between Marshals and NCIS, and Tracker maintaining a solid presence at #9. These titles demonstrate that while legacy shows dominate, fresh content with loyal followings can still perform well.

When it comes to movies on Paramount+, the trend favors catalog titles. The action film The Running Man leads at #1, having been on the chart for 65 days, followed by Roofman at #2 with an impressive 99-day run. Comedy films also feature prominently, with Scary Movie at #3 and its sequel at #9. The biggest movie mover is Due Justice, which jumped to #4, while 21 Jump Street slid to #6, indicating viewers’ preference for revisiting familiar titles over chasing new releases.

Subscribers interested in deeper insights into streaming trends and chart movements can sign up for a specialized newsletter offering expert analysis on platforms like Paramount+. This service explains why legacy procedurals like NCIS continue to thrive, identifies rising shows, and decodes the significance of shifts in Top 10 rankings.

As of now, NCIS remains a streaming powerhouse on Paramount+, firmly holding its position near the top. Fans and industry watchers alike should stay tuned for further updates on the evolving streaming landscape.