The Best TV Shows on CNN+

Every CNN+ Show Ranked From Best To Worst

CNN+ has over 20 shows broadcast from as early as 1980 and as recent as 2023. Check out the most acclaimed shows on CNN+, with a catalog of over 20 series updated for June 2025. Highlighting CNN+’s quality programming, CNN Special Report and Real Time with Bill Maher stand out, premiering in 1980 and 2003.

  • Race for the White House
    Race for the White House (2016)7.8

    From executive producers Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti, CNN Original Series "Race for the White House" captures the drama of how a high-stakes presidential election can turn on a single issue and so much more.

  • Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
    Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013)7.7

    Bourdain travels across the globe to uncover little-known areas of the world and celebrate diverse cultures by exploring food and dining rituals. Known for his curiosity, candor, and acerbic wit, Bourdain takes viewers off the beaten path of tourist destinations – including some war-torn parts of the world – and meets with a variety of local citizens to offer a window into their lifestyles, and occasionally communes with an internationally lauded chef on his journeys.

  • How It Really Happened
    How It Really Happened (2017)7.2

    Jesse L. Martin takes an in-depth look at some of the most notorious crimes, mysteries, trials and celebrity tragedies of our time.

  • History of the Sitcom
    History of the Sitcom (2021)7.0

    This docuseries reunites audiences with the television friends, families, and co-workers they grew up with while introducing cutting-edge comedies that are sure to be your next binge-watch. Featuring over 180 original interviews with sitcom icons the series breaks down how sitcoms have helped generations of Americans navigate an ever-shifting cultural landscape.

  • The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper
    The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper (2023)7.0

    A collection of unique and immersive single subject, one-hour episodes from CNN’s longform storytelling team. The recurring weekly series showcases character-driven stories, special interviews, profiles, and investigative deep dives featuring reporting from CNN’s anchors and correspondents.

  • This Is Life with Lisa Ling
    This Is Life with Lisa Ling (2014)6.9

    Lisa Ling's investigative documentary series goes behind the scenes to discover the secret societies within the American society.

  • CNN Special Report
    CNN Special Report (1980)6.7

    In hour-long, in-depth explorations, CNN hosts examine extraordinary individuals, unexpected events and controversial subjects through interviews, stories, images and videos.

  • The Bush Years: Family, Duty, Power
    The Bush Years: Family, Duty, Power (2019)6.7

    Explore the Bush family’s internal dynamics: the influential matriarchs, sibling ambitions and unceasing competitive spirit which drove them to power. Through archival footage and interviews with historians, journalists, political figures and Bush family members, the series reveals a story of triumph, tragedy, heroism, faith, and an evolving conservatism.

  • The History of Comedy
    The History of Comedy (2017)6.6

    Explore what makes us laugh, why, and how that's influenced our social and political landscape throughout history.

  • The 2010s
    The 2010s (2023)6.3

    Audiences are invited to look back at The 2010s, a turbulent era marked by political and social upheaval, culminating in the single most dramatic year of the 21st century: 2020. It was a decade in which social media transformed society and streaming upended entertainment, resulting in genre-defying music and ushering in the era of "peak TV".

  • United Shades of America
    United Shades of America (2016)6.2

    Follow comedian and political gadfly W. Kamau Bell as he explores the far corners of our country and its various groups and subcultures.

  • Real Time with Bill Maher
    Real Time with Bill Maher (2003)6.0

    Each week Bill Maher surrounds himself with a panel of guests which include politicians, actors, comedians, musicians and the like to discuss what's going on in the world.

  • Inside Politics
    Inside Politics (2021)6.0

    Anchored by CNN Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash 'Inside Politics' features the top political stories sourced by the best reporters.

  • The Story of Late Night
    The Story of Late Night (2021)6.0

    A six-part docuseries that takes viewers on a journey through late-night television’s most memorable moments. Spanning a more than 60-year history of engaging with, adapting to and influencing our rapidly changing society, late-night television has grown into a thriving entertainment phenomenon and vitally important cultural institution.

  • First Ladies
    First Ladies (2020)5.3

    Blending in-depth interviews, rare archival footage, and cinematic recreations, this docuseries on the lives of America's most iconic First Ladies is a bold revision of each woman's traditional portrayal, revealing how they were impacted during their time in the White House, and how their achievements fundamentally shaped American and global history.

  • Anderson Cooper 360°
    Anderson Cooper 360° (2003)5.1

    Anderson Cooper goes beyond the headlines to tell stories from many points of view, so you can make up your own mind about the news.

  • At This Hour with Kate Bolduan
    At This Hour with Kate Bolduan (2014)5.0

    Weekday news and discussion airing at 11am Eastern.

  • Who's Talking to Chris Wallace?
    Who's Talking to Chris Wallace? (2022)3.7

    CNN anchor Chris Wallace, one of the most highly-respected journalists of our time, moves outside of politics to explore his wide range of interests across the spectrum of news, sports, entertainment, art and culture through candid conversations that are smart, sensible, and in-depth, guided by one of the best interviewers in the business. He seeks light, not heat.

  • The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer
    The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer (2005)3.0

    The command center for breaking news, politics and extraordinary reports from around the world. Patterned after the concept of the White House Situation Room, CNN's lead political anchor Wolf Blitzer hosts newsmakers and experts to discuss and analyze the stories that are driving today's news.

  • Piers Morgan Live
    Piers Morgan Live (2011)2.8

    Piers Morgan Live is a talk show on CNN, hosted by Piers Morgan. The show premiered on January 17, 2011 and filled the former Larry King Live timeslot. The theme music is written by Anthony James, composer and CEO of British company Music Candy, and his writing partner Yiorgos Bellapaisiotis, Music Candy's Director. Piers Morgan Live is recorded primarily in CNN's studios at the Time Warner Center in New York City.