Below are predictions for the three Paramount+ U.S.-based non-kids scripted originals, followed by an analysis. Let us know what you think in the comments!
Lioness
Formerly known as Special Ops: Lioness, this Taylor Sheridan-created series once again finds itself awaiting its fate for longer than expected. While this could in part be due to Sheridan’s busy schedule, it’s possible Paramount is also questioning just how many of his shows they need to produce to keep people subscribed to their service. With the others already renewed, Lioness could find itself as the odd show out.
However, Lioness is among Paramount+’s more popular series. In the first month since its Season 2 premiere, the series reached a reported 12.4 million viewers. It also remains in the Top 10 globally on Paramount+, though it’s fallen out domestically. Paramount+ is notorious for canceling popular series, as they did with Halo, making Lioness far from a safe bet for renewal. Still, it would be their first time outright canceling a Taylor Sheridan series, something that seems unlikely to happen with a series with objective popularity.
Happy Face
Paramount+’s true crime drama Happy Face premiered in March and wrapped up its eight-episode first season in early May. Executive produced by Paramount power duo Michelle and Robert King, Happy Face is based on a podcast and a preceding autobiography. Happy Face’s development cycle spanned over four and a half years. It was ordered to series back in October 2021, and first commissioned in September 2020, when the streaming service was going by CBS All Access. Casting, however, did not begin until early 2024.
Even though it’s only been a bit over two months since Happy Face’s first season finale, Paramount+ appears to have already all but moved on from the show. Its presence on the service is minimal, especially given it is one of just two new scripted originals to premiere so far in 2025. Even with Michelle and Robert King attached as executive producers, it would be rather surprising to see Happy Face score a renewal.
Ark: The Animated Series
Ark: The Animated Series spent even more time in development than Happy Face, with its development dating back to 2019, and ordered to series by CBS All Access in December 2020. While it is typical for animated series to need more time in development than live-action series, Ark’s premiere was still delayed by nearly two years past its initial scheduled release. The first six episodes received a surprise drop in March 2024, with the remaining six coming later in 2025.
Ark: The Animated Series has managed to muster a solid presence on Paramount+, something that could not be said shortly after it premiered. It’s still tough to envision a renewal, given how selective Paramount+ is on that front. The time to renew it would’ve been closer to the release of the first six episodes, so viewers wouldn’t have to wait years after the release of the second batch to get a second season. The fact it hasn’t been renewed by now arguably indicates they don’t have an intention on doing so.