Hulu’s “Paradise” Review: A Twist-Filled Drama Worth Watching
James Marsden and Sterling K. Brown in Paradise
Heads up: Spoilers ahead.
Let’s talk about Paradise, Hulu’s new original series that quietly dropped and instantly pulled me in. I started the first episode thinking I was in for a grounded political thriller. You know—suits, secrets, maybe some scandal. But by the end of the episode? Totally different story. Paradise takes a sharp left turn in the best way.
Not What I Expected… In a Good Way
Without giving away every detail, episode one ends with a reveal that completely changes the tone of the show. What starts as West Wing-adjacent suddenly shifts into post-apocalyptic territory. And as someone who loves a good end-of-the-world survival story, that surprise twist was a pleasant one.
The series centers around a massive underground bunker where the last remnants of society are living in a carefully controlled environment after a global disaster. The politics, the tension, the sense that something’s not quite right—it all builds into this layered, slow-burn mystery that keeps you coming back.
The Cast Delivers
Sterling K. Brown as Agent Collins in Hulu’s Paradise.
Sterling K. Brown leads the way as Xavier Collins, a former Secret Service agent navigating the new rules of this not-so-perfect utopia. He brings a lot of emotional weight to the role, which helps ground the show even as it starts peeling back its sci-fi layers.
The only casting choice that made me pause was James Marsden as the President. Don’t get me wrong—he plays the role really well. He just looks a bit young for the part, especially in a show with such a heavy tone. It’s a minor thing, but it stuck with me more than I expected.
Always Leaves You Wanting More
One of the things Paradise does really well is pacing. Every episode ends with either a cliffhanger or a plot thread that leaves you itching to know what’s next. It’s not a flashy show, but it knows how to build tension and keep you invested in its characters and world.
The central mystery—what actually happened to the outside world—is still largely unanswered, and that question looms large over everything. The show gives just enough to make you speculate, but not so much that it loses its intrigue.
The good news? Paradise has already been renewed, and filming is reportedly underway. That’s great news, because this first season feels like just the beginning. There’s so much more of this world to explore, and I’m genuinely curious how far they’ll go with it.
Quick Facts:
• Created by Dan Fogelman (This Is Us)—so expect character-driven drama mixed with big questions.
• Filmed in Los Angeles with a highly detailed underground set that adds to the claustrophobic tension.
• The show blends genres—political drama, sci-fi, mystery—and somehow makes it all work.
My Final Take:
Paradise surprised me in all the right ways. It’s well-acted, well-paced, and full of intriguing ideas. The world they’ve built is one I want to see more of, and if you’re into shows that keep you guessing while exploring human nature under pressure, this one’s worth your time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5 stars)
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