20 Best Shows on Discovery Plus 

With an option to watch 55,000+ episodes from over 2500 different shows under different genres, it’s never an easy task to choose the best shows to binge-watch on Discovery Plus.

However, to watch Discovery Plus, it’s unavailable in New Zealand to watch Discovery Plus in NZ, you need to use VPN. It helps to break the geo-restriction easily.

Even though it has a plethora of shows that could rank amongst the best across formats, we have made an attempt to compile a list of the 20 best shows on Discovery Plus for our viewers to save them the gargantuan effort, time, energy, and money because you can use its free trial to select a title for yourself.

Best Shows on Discovery Plus To Watch in 2023

You only know what you’re getting into, once you take the first step. And so, please allow us to give you a rundown on the best shows to watch on Discovery Plus in 2023 after our careful and thorough selection.

1.Expedition Unknown (2015 – Present)

Directors: Brea Tisdale Brumels, Douglas Segal, Steve Beim, Lee Farber.

Writers: Thomas Quinn, Douglas Segal.

Cast: Josh Gates, Evan Stone, Brian Weed.

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Watch the Expedition Unknown trailer on YouTube

Follow Josh Gates as he undertakes a vast and adventurous journey in Expedition Unknown spanning over 7 years and 10 seasons (so far) to unravel the most intriguing and fascinating of mysteries, myths and legends throughout the globe.

This show is sure to keep the viewers hooked and on their toes as Josh teams up with various experts from around to solve long-shrouded puzzles and events and find legendary artefacts. We highly recommend this show for those viewers who crave real-life lore and mystery, and investigative adventures. You can also watch more shows on CWTV in New Zealand.

2.Naked and Afraid (2013 – Present)

Director: Kyle Hunter, Ariel Shaffir.

Cast: Micheal Brown (narrator), Amanda Kaye, Laura Zerra.

IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

Watch Naked and Afraid trailer on YouTube

Naked and Afraid takes the survival-based reality shows a notch up and pairs two complete strangers who meet for the first time bare naked and are tasked to survive in the wilderness for a set period of 21 days, all on their own. They are required to build their own shelter, forage their own food and water for sustenance and make it to the extraction point on time to be rescued.

This reality tv show has aired 188 episodes in 14 seasons so far and has been acclaimed as one of Discovery Channel networks’ best works by several critics. The raw and real emotions and dangers vividly portrayed in this show countless times will be sure to keep our viewers piqued and on edge. Also, stream Dancing with the Stars on Disney Plus NZ.

3.Gold Rush (2010 – Present)

Director: Tom Whitworth, Jeremy Weiss, Edward Gorsuch.

Writer: Ginita Jimenez, David Lawrence.

Cast: Paul Christie, Parker Schnabel, Tony Beets.

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Watch the Gold Rush Show trailer on YouTube

One of the fan favourites, Gold Rush has been one of the top reality tv shows consistently since its peak initial years. The show, in its 12 seasons, follows local mining companies (mostly family-based) as they embark on the hunt to mine gold in various different locations in North America as well as South America.

The show has received critical acclaim and won several ASCAP Film and TV Music awards along with an Astra Award nomination as well as other nominations in the fan favourite category, so this one has a good potential to provide the bang for your buck.

4.90 Day Fiancé (2014 – Present)

Creator: Jessica Hernandez, Kevin Rhoades, Rogue Rubin.

Cast: Natalie Podiakova, Mike Youngquist, Nicole Nafziger.

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10

Watch the 90 Day Fiancé trailer on YouTube

Another American reality tv show, 90 Day Fiancé, brings a new twist to the genre by primarily targeting the intricate process of the K-1 visa to showcase various different exotic couples, all of who share one common factor only one of the partners is a US citizen.

This show lays bare all the emotional, financial, psychological and social aspects of two people making an attempt to wed within 90 days and settle down to start the most significant chapter of their lives. You’ve seen the posts, you’ve seen the memes, and now it’s time to actually watch the show to see what all the fuss is about. We highly recommend it. You can also watch more popular shows on the CWTV network.

5.Crikey! It’s the Irwins (2018 – Present)

Director: Steve Geddes

Writer: Jacqueline Chartres.

Cast: Terri Irwin, Bindi Irwin, Robert Clarence Irwin.

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Watch the Crikey! It’s the Irwins trailer on YouTube

Following in the footsteps of their father/husband, the Irwin family is back on screen for the die-hard wildlife and nature show lovers. This reality tv show closely follows the Irwin family as they have new adventures and workarounds everyday at the Australian Zoo with all the different animals under their care and supervision.

This one is for the rather nostalgic viewers who have been long time fans of Steve Irwin and his exploits as a crocodile hunter but it surely isn’t limited to any niche, anyone with a keen interest in wildlife documentaries will find this show to be a worthy binge-watching task.

If you are into family content, please check out Family Movies On Netflix NZ

6.Home Town (2016 – Present)

Director: Jim MacPherson, Jeff Uncapher, Patrick Mcmahill.

Writer:  Paulina Robak, Debra Felstead.

Cast:  Ben Napier, Erin Napier.

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Watch the Home Town trailer on YouTube

This American reality tv show focuses exclusively on a residential real estate developer couple who renovate, redesign and rebuild homes to improve their conditions and flip them back. Renovating old homes in rusty and meager conditions, the romantic duo bring in their individual specialized skills to revamp the whole estate into dream houses. Let us join the most gullible couple on their mission to make dreams come true for so many people. Also, check out our guide on how to get Dancing with the Stars Season 31 in New Zealand.

7.Naked And Afraid XL (2015 – Present)

Producer: Jim Morton.

Writer: Daniel Snyder.

Narrator: Micheal Brown.

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Watch the Naked And Afraid XL trailer on YouTube

Yes you read that right, it is time for a spin-off series. Naked and Afraid XL takes the mantle from the original series and comes out as bigger, better and badder than the original one. Being more than just a bit more extreme, the contestants this time around have been left stranded for an extended period of 40 days in contrast to the 21 days in the original show series.

The similarity being that the production crew are still not allowed to provide help unless extreme emergencies necessitate intervention and yes, contestants are still allowed to choose one or two handy items of their own choosing to help them survive in the wilderness.

8.Luda Can’t Cook (2021 – Present)

Produced: Nikki Cruz.

Editor: Eric Anderson.

Cast: Ludacris.

IMDb Rating: 5.3/10

Watch the Luda Can’t Cook trailer on YouTube

Luda Can’t Cook is a relatively short but very amusing and interesting tv show Discovery Plus has on offer. In this show we get the world famous actor/rapper Christopher Brian Bridges aka Ludacris making a rather challenging endeavor to learn and master the culinary arts and cuisines of various different cultures from across the world.

Whatever you may or may not notice and discover in this very unique show, you will definitely figure out that Luda actually can’t cook. Also, watch more interesting shows on NOW TV.

9.Generation Drag (2022)

Producers: Ollie Brack.

Editor: Austin Paterek.

Cast: Jameson, Vinny, Bailey.

IMDb Rating: 3.1/10

Watch the Generation Drag trailer on YouTube

Generation Drag is rather one of the most controversial picks on this list for the simultaneous praise and criticism it received from all the echelons of American society and foreign viewers alike.

This 6 episode American tv show features 5 very young contestants, along with their families, who display strong and resilient character to showcase their talent and personality on stage. Keeping the controversy aside, this show is almost guaranteed to deliver on the buzz and hype it has created only after 1 season on Discovery Plus.

10.I Am Jazz (2015 – Present)

Producer: Colin King Miller

Editor: Eric Johansen.

Cast: Jazz Jennings.

IMDb Rating: 4.2/10

Watch the I Am Jazz trailer on YouTube

Another one of the heartfelt and emotional journeys of a young transitioning teenager living in the USA, I Am Jazz does not come short on delivering an insightful, educational and yet entertaining and empathetic experience for all its viewers.

I Am Jazz follows the life of Jazz “Jennings” from 2015 till date spanning over 7 seasons, depicting how a young transgender teen has to struggle to find her ways through teenage to adulthood. This show enables viewers to experience the first hand POV of the struggling and rising minorities and teens in our societies.

11.Extraordinary Stories Behind Everyday Things (2021)

Producer: Laurie Brian.

Editor: Leslie Bolton.

Narrator: Carson Beck.

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Watch the Extraordinary Stories Behind Everyday Things trailer on YouTube

Extraordinary Stories Behind Everyday Things is one of the many interesting docuseries Discovery Plus has in its library. This one in particular lays emphasis on the classic and historical original American made products, their history, manufacturing then and now, and the people who invented them.

It is a very educational and thorough documentary series to watch with the kids and the family to stir discussion and interest about these various products from the olden times.

If these shows are not suitable for you, then you can check out the best movies on Discovery Plus.

12.The Prison Breaker (2021)

Producer: Jeremy Davis.

Editor: Anthony Corletto.

Cast: James McNair.

IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

Watch the The Prison Breaker trailer on YouTube

This documentary is sure to satiate the crime-thrilling and intriguing needs and demands of the subscribers of Discovery Plus. The Prison Breaker is an ongoing documentary that for the first time ever offers the story and depiction of the rise to infamy for the ever elusive Richard Lee McNair, who is hailed as one of if not the most cunning and evasive fugitives in American History.

This documentary is highly recommended for avid true crime stories lovers.

Check out the Best Thriller Movies to Watch in 2023.

13.How The Universe Works (2010 – Present)

Director: Mark Bridge.

Writer: Eleanor Grant.

Cast: Phil Plait.

IMDb Rating: 8.9/10

Watch the How The Universe Works trailer on YouTube

How can we make a list of the best shows to watch on Discovery Plus and not mention any scientific documentary series?

The series, which is aptly named How The Universe Works, has been one of the most sought and most viewed documentary shows on Discovery Channel Network since 2010 and is fully available on Discovery Plus for viewers to seek answers to the most pressingly curious of questions human beings have asked throughout history. Are we actually alone in the universe? Start streaming to find out!

14.Love Off The Grid (2022 – Present)

Producer: Matt Sharp.

Cinematographer: Tony Damos.

Cast: Jen Taylor, Charlie Moore.

IMDb Rating: 6.5/10

Watch the Love Off The Grid trailer on YouTube

Being one of the relatively newer shows on Discovery Plus 2023, Love Off The Grid tests the endurance and patience one has for love. This reality/romance show focuses on 4 couples who set off to settle down in the suburban wilderness, away from civilized urban rustling and bustling to discover and build on their relationship and romance.

This one is sure to raise debates and silly what-if questions for our viewers out there who have loving relationships with their better halves.

15.How It’s Made (2001 – Present)

Director: Gabriel Hoss.

Writer: Linda Boyle.

Narrator: Brooks Moore.

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Watch the How It’s Made trailer on YouTube

Another big Discovery Channel classic, How It’s Made is definitely one of the most recognised documentary tv series in American households. This show has enough content to keep viewers binge-watching for hours on end and still keep them wanting for more.

How It’s Made literally takes you through the intricate and meticulous production processes of products ranging from everyday household items to semi trucks and trailers. Even after decades, this show is still one of best to watch on Discovery Plus in 2023.

16.Selling The Hamptons (2022 – Present)

Producer: Natalie Munoz.

Editor: Daniel Mulhearn.

Cast: Peggy Zabakolas, Mia Calabrese.

IMDb Rating: 5.9/10

Watch the Selling The Hamptons trailer on YouTube

Another one the newest entry in 2023 for Discovery Plus, Selling The Hamptons is a documentary-style series which follows the drama and intrigue of healthy, aggressive and very competitive dealings and interactions of a team of 6 real estate agents working in the East End real estate market. Dealing with high profile clients, limited products, backstabbing and undercutting, will loyalty and friendship prevail or disintegrate into ashes really fast?

17.Serving The Hamptons (2022 – Present)

Producer: Robert Friedman.

Editing: Jon Endicott.

Cast: Samantha Crichton, Jillian Gough.

IMDb Rating: 5.2/10

Watch the Serving The Hamptons trailer on YouTube

For those specific viewers who want overwhelming and goosebump-inducing drama and shock, look no further than Serving The Hamptons. This docuseries, another latest 2022 addition to Discovery Plus, will provide insight and perspective on the internal politics, romance, drama and betrayal in the workplace of a restaurant.

Implicating everyone from the restaurant owner to staff members, this show has a lot of potentials to keep viewers coming back wanting for more.

18.Property Brothers (2011 – Present)

Director: Stephen Milne.

Writer: Maureen Boyton.

Cast: Drew Scott, Jonathan Scott.

IMDb Rating:  7.1/10

Watch the Property Brothers tour trailer on YouTube.

This duo of the twin brothers, Drew and Jonathan, take on the real estate market to make a huge impact and convert deteriorating and ghastly fixer-uppers into very attractive and beautifully set homes and to add a twist into the plot, they accomplish this along with the homeowners under strict time and budget limits.

The top rated home improvement show is considered one of the best shows to watch on Discovery Plus, bagging multiple awards and surging in ratings throughout the seasons.

19. Scream: The True Story (2022)

Producer: David Tomlin, Austin Porter.

Editor: Michael McHalffey.

Cast: Theresa Croft

IMDb Rating: 4.4/10 

Watch the Scream: The True Story trailer on YouTube

This next entry is not recommended for the faintest of hearts. Scream: TheTrue Story is a documentary based on the real life story of the serial killer Danny Rolling, more famously known as The Gainesville Ripper. The documentary takes a rather spiritual investigative approach to unravel and discover the conditions and environment of Rollings that led him to become the infamous Gainesville Ripper.

You can also check out Best Horror Movies on Amazon Prime.

20. Seeking Sister Wife (2018 – Present)

Producer: Tori Burnett, Jenna Cole.

Cinematographer: Ryan Rude, Adrian Stucker.

Cast: Garrick Merrifield, Danielle Merrifield.

IMDb Rating: 4.0/10

Watch the Seeking Sister Wife trailer on YouTube

And to write off our list of the best 20 shows on offer on Discovery Plus, we have chosen a reality tv show that presses a rather taboo practice and is very commonly frowned upon. Seeking Sister Wife sheds light into the lives of unique and special families that are actively working to establish polygamy within their households by bringing in new sister wives.

This show carefully addresses the processes, the challenges and the outcomes of bringing in a new sister wife for these families in a society somewhat hostile to the notion. If you want to watch other contents like anime then subscribe to Crunchyroll and watch best anime shows on Crunchyroll.

Other Shows to watch on Discovery+:

Conclusion:

Even though Discovery Plus has countless more special and unique shows and documentary series to offer its subscribers, these were our personal 20 best picks for shows on Discovery Plus in 2023. Please do share your thoughts and comments with us and let us know if we missed out on any shows you deem worthy of being in the top 20.

If you don’t like our recommended show, then you can cancel the subscription to discovery plus, or you can check out another streaming platform like Hulu in New Zealand.