A new reality series that pulls back the curtain on the lives of brothers Jake and Logan Paul, and their families is now streaming. "Paul American" premiered today on Max with one episode that follows the influencers, entrepreneurs, and sports stars. Logan is a WWE champion and the co-founder of PRIME, while Jake fought and beat Mike Tyson in a high-profile boxing match on Netflix in December 2024.
In a press release announcing the series, the Paul brothers said, "We’ve built our lives in front of the world, but PAUL AMERICAN is the raw, unfiltered truth behind everything you think you know about us. It isn’t just about the headlines or the viral moments — it’s about the journey that got us here. For the first time, our fans will get to see the real people who shape our lives: our mom, dad, Jutta, Nina, and everyone else in our inner circle." The series will dive into their personal lives, exploring "the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s real and honest, showing the world a side of us they’ve never seen."
If you’re reading this, you can stream Episode 1 of "Paul American" on Max now! The series premiered on Thursday, March 27, and will drop weekly on Thursdays through May 15. Season 1 of "Paul American" will have eight episodes that come out weekly on Thursdays. Here’s a look at the release schedule:
- Episode 1: Thursday, March 27
- Episode 2: Thursday, April 3
- Episode 3: Thursday, April 10
- Episode 4: Thursday, April 17
- Episode 5: Thursday, April 24
- Episode 6: Thursday, May 1
- Episode 7: Thursday, May 8
- Episode 8: Thursday, May 15
To watch "Paul American," you’ll need a Max subscription, which starts at $9.99/month with ads. Sling TV is among the best value for money among live TV streaming services thanks to some great offers. You’ll need Sling’s Blue plan with a Max add-on to watch HBO live. And when you subscribe to Max through Sling, the money-saving never stops! You’ll get 50% off your first month, plus $5 off your bill every month after that.
Just when you thought you’ve had enough of the global sports and entertainment superstars Jake and Logan Paul, they’re introducing their next project: a family reality TV show. "Paul American" is available to stream now exclusively on MAX. New episodes will drop every Thursday on the streaming service.
The series follows the Pauls through the various small triumphs and petty humiliations of trying to find their place in the entertainment world. Both have been the subject of various criticisms over the years, from Logan’s streaming from Japan’s so-called "suicide forest" and broadcasting the image of a dead body to allegations against Jake ranging from sexual assault to crypto fraud. (Jake has denied the former and settled with the Securities and Exchange Commission for over $400,000 regarding the latter, according to Variety).
The brothers have always done a good job of not letting "being canceled" affect their image or careers, and this show is an inside look at how they continue to live their lives even in the midst of chaos. For those who don’t know Jake or Logan Paul, Jake is a professional boxer, influencer, and actor whose career began on Vine in 2013. Logan is a professional wrestler for the WWE, influencer, entrepreneur, boxer, and actor. Logan has over 23 million subscribers on his YouTube Channel and has ranked on the Forbes list for the highest-paid YouTube creators in 2017, 2018, and 2021.
USA TODAY Sports viewed the first four episodes, and at times found the series endearing, entertaining, funny, and dull. The bottom line: If you’re fans of Jake Paul, the 28-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer, and Logan Paul, the 29-year-old YouTuber-turned-pro wrestler, their reality show will be mandatory viewing. If you’re not fans, however, the show probably won’t change your opinion of them. Although some Paul critics might develop an appreciation, if not affection, for the brothers who rocketed to fame via social media.
The divorced parents of the Paul brothers add a nice touch to the show. But "Paul American" is at its best when the brothers are interacting with their significant others. Logan is engaged to Nina Agdal, a Danish model who was on the 50th anniversary cover of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue in 2014. Jake recently got engaged to Jutta Leerdam, a Dutch speedskater, who clearly adores him but in one scene shows a flash of annoyance as Jake starts hamming it up for the cameras. "You’re in your character a lot," Leerdam says. "This is reality, so snap out of it."
Trying to discern how much of this show is "reality" is part of the challenge. Episode 1 of "Paul American" is described as being about as entertaining as the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight. You might even find yourself briefly rooting for buffering issues. The episode focuses on the Paul brothers pitching the reality show to Hollywood producers while simultaneously engaged in a fight meant to underscore their sibling rivalry. It’s not convincing. Logan calls Tyson old during a podcast. Jake angrily accuses Logan of undermining the fight. Hostility spikes as they’re trying to sell a reality show! Soon enough they reconcile and are pitching the show on a joint phone call and celebrating news that they’ve landed a deal. It’s some of the least compelling content in the first four episodes.
But it’s useful as a means of introducing their parents and their dad’s hunting knife to the TV audience, along with Agdal and Leerdam, who establish themselves as pivotal to the show's success. Agdal, for example, has a surprise for Logan. A surprise that should help keep viewers tuned in to episodes 3 and 4 when the series picks up steam.
Leerdam says Jake’s a romantic. Outrageous? Well, it appears to be undeniably true, despite his relieving himself near the table during their one-year anniversary dinner. For years, Jake has ranted that his critics don’t know "the real" Jake Paul. This is his chance to present that person. The show takes us behind the scenes during Jake’s preparation for a fight against Mike Perry on July 20. Perhaps there is a piece of the real Jake, engaged in meditation, breathwork, and a spiritual ceremony as the fight approaches. You might not know the "real" Jake better than the bombastic YouTuber-turned-boxer, but you’ll probably feel like you know him better.
If there’s a sense of true "reality," it’s Leerdam, who comes across as the most authentic person in the show. Although it's not entirely clear how much Agdal and Jake's mother, Pam, approve of her. Perhaps that'll become clearer as the show progresses and the Pauls wrestle with something that feels real. "Views and followers and subscribers is a very lethal drug," Jake Paul says at one point. "It’s the YouTuber disease. ... The cameras are always around."
