Created by John Logan and produced by Showtime, the series earned a loyal following for its rich storytelling, lush visuals, and literary mash-up of characters like Frankenstein’s monster, Dorian Gray, and Dracula. But fans looking to revisit the show recently discovered that Penny Dreadful has quietly vanished from many streaming libraries.
So why did Penny Dreadful disappear, and more importantly, where can you watch it now?
A Cult Classic in Disappearance
Penny Dreadful may not have been a mainstream ratings juggernaut, but it carved out a niche audience that appreciated its unique blend of psychological horror, period drama, and supernatural themes. Its three-season run offered a complete—if sudden—arc, culminating in a controversial but narratively intentional finale.
For years, the series was readily available on multiple streaming platforms, including Netflix (in some regions), Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Showtime’s own digital app. But beginning in late 2022 and continuing into 2023, Penny Dreadful began to vanish quietly from several of these services. No major announcements were made, which left fans confused and frustrated. The removal became even more noticeable during the Halloween season—peak time for horror viewership.
Licensing Expiration: The Primary Reason
The primary reason Penny Dreadful has disappeared from streaming platforms is the expiration of licensing agreements. When a show is made available on a streaming platform, it’s often under a time-limited contract negotiated between the content owner and the service. In this case, Showtime (now under the umbrella of Paramount Global) owns the rights to Penny Dreadful.
For several years, Showtime had licensed the series out to third-party platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in various territories. But as streaming companies began consolidating their content to keep viewers within their own ecosystems, many of these deals were allowed to lapse. This trend, driven by the so-called “streaming wars,” is common practice today.
In short, Penny Dreadful didn’t disappear because it was unpopular—it was pulled back by its owners as they restructured how and where their content is distributed.
Paramount’s Strategic Shift
One major factor behind the show’s removal from external streaming platforms is Paramount’s strategic shift toward centralizing content on its own services. As Showtime merged more closely with Paramount+, many titles that were once scattered across the digital landscape began migrating to this single platform.
In early 2023, Paramount announced plans to consolidate Showtime’s programming into the Paramount+ platform under a new premium tier. This meant original Showtime series—including Penny Dreadful, Dexter, Ray Donovan, and The Affair—would be rehomed exclusively within the Paramount+ ecosystem.
This shift effectively explains why Penny Dreadful vanished from other streaming platforms: it was reclaimed by its parent company to support its in-house service.
Where You Can Watch Penny Dreadful Now
As of 2025, here are the most reliable ways to watch Penny Dreadful:
1. Paramount+ (U.S. and Select Regions)
If you’re in the United States or select other countries where Paramount+ is available, Penny Dreadful is now part of the Showtime section on Paramount+. You’ll need to subscribe to the premium tier to access Showtime content.
This is currently the most complete and legitimate source for watching all three seasons, including bonus content and behind-the-scenes features.
2. Amazon Prime Video (Purchase Only)
While Penny Dreadful is no longer free to stream with a Prime subscription, the series is still available for purchase per episode or by season. This is a useful option for viewers who don’t want to subscribe to another platform but are willing to own the series digitally.
3. Apple TV and Google Play
Much like Amazon, Penny Dreadful is available for purchase through digital marketplaces like Apple TV and Google Play. Prices vary by region and occasionally go on sale.
4. DVD and Blu-ray
For collectors or fans who prefer physical media, Penny Dreadful is widely available in box sets. The complete series is sold in both DVD and Blu-ray formats, often including featurettes and commentary tracks not available on streaming platforms.
International Availability
Outside the U.S., availability varies significantly. In the UK and some parts of Europe, Penny Dreadful has appeared intermittently on services like Sky Atlantic, NOW TV, and Amazon Prime. However, because of regional licensing complexities, the show may not be available at all times. Checking a region-specific platform like JustWatch can offer real-time availability data.
It’s worth noting that in countries where Paramount+ has not yet launched or is limited, Penny Dreadful may still be available through local broadcasters or digital rental services.
What About Penny Dreadful: City of Angels?
The 2020 spin-off, Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, had a very different tone and setting—1930s Los Angeles, as opposed to Victorian London. It was canceled after one season and received mixed reviews. This series, too, has largely disappeared from major streaming platforms following its cancellation.
Like the original show, City of Angels is now hosted on Paramount+ in most regions and available for digital purchase elsewhere.
Will Penny Dreadful Return to Other Platforms?
It’s possible—but unlikely in the near future. As long as Paramount continues investing in its own streaming service, the incentive to license content like Penny Dreadful to competitors is minimal. The trend across the industry is clear: content consolidation is the norm.
However, if viewership on Paramount+ doesn’t meet expectations, the company could re-license titles selectively to generate extra revenue. Until then, Paramount+ remains the central hub.
Why This Matters for Streaming Audiences
Penny Dreadful’s disappearance highlights a growing challenge in the streaming world: content fragmentation. Viewers are increasingly required to juggle multiple subscriptions or make digital purchases to access shows they once enjoyed freely.
For fans of genre television, particularly horror and gothic drama, this can be frustrating. Penny Dreadful wasn’t just another show—it offered a rare blend of literary horror, emotional depth, and high production value. Losing easy access to it feels like losing access to a cultural artifact.
Penny Dreadful didn’t vanish because it was forgotten or failed—it vanished because of shifting corporate strategies and evolving digital rights management. The good news is that the series is still available to watch, primarily through Paramount+ Premium, and through purchase on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
For fans who appreciate dark, intelligent storytelling, it’s worth seeking out—whether for the first time or for a haunting rewatch.