Hulu’s “Paradise” Delivers Political Intrigue and Sci-Fi Suspense in a Thriller Packed with Twists
To be honest, I’m usually not a big fan of D.C.-based dramas that revolve around the President and political maneuvering. (Spoiler alert) When my husband and I started watching the first episode of Paradise, I turned to him and said, “I love all of these actors—I just wish this was some sort of apocalyptic movie instead.” Little did I know, I was about to eat my words in the best way possible.
Hulu’s latest series Paradise, created by This Is Us mastermind Dan Fogelman, is anything but a typical political drama. What starts as a high-stakes thriller set in Washington D.C. quickly takes unexpected turns, throwing viewers into a labyrinth of conspiracy, power struggles, and (without giving too much away) a reality far more twisted than your average White House scandal.
At the heart of Paradise is Sterling K. Brown, who delivers yet another powerhouse performance as Xavier Collins, a Secret Service agent caught in a spiraling mystery after the sudden and suspicious death of President Cal Bradford, played by the ever-charismatic James Marsden. Brown’s portrayal of Xavier is gripping, capturing the character’s initial skepticism, growing unease, and ultimate desperation as the truth begins to unravel.
Julianne Nicholson adds depth as Samantha Redmond, a tech mogul whose influence over the government raises more questions than answers, while Sarah Shahi’s role as Dr. Gabriela Torabi further complicates the web of secrets tying everything together. The supporting cast—including Nicole Brydon Bloom, Aliyah Mastin, and Percy Daggs IV—delivers equally compelling performances, making sure every twist lands with impact.
Since its premiere on January 28, 2025, Paradise has been dominating Hulu’s “Top 15 Today” list and was the most-streamed series in the U.S. during its debut week. Viewership numbers soared, with Disney reporting seven million global streams within the first nine days, plus a successful ABC broadcast drawing 1.4 million viewers.
What truly sets Paradise apart is how it keeps audiences guessing. Just when you think you have a handle on where the story is going, another twist hits—and it’s never predictable. Critics have been raving about the show’s ability to blend a fast-paced thriller with rich character development. Amy Amatangelo of Paste rated the series 9 out of 10, calling it “one of the most unexpectedly thrilling shows of the year,” while The Guardian described it as “a highly entertaining, thought-provoking rollercoaster.”
For anyone hesitant about diving into another political drama—trust me, I get it. But Paradise is anything but conventional. It’s a show that constantly reinvents itself, keeping viewers on edge from start to finish. And if you think you know where it’s headed? Think again.
PARADISE — “Paradise” is set in an upscale community inhabited by some of the world’s most prominent individuals. But this tranquility explodes when a shocking murder occurs and a high stakes investigation unfolds.(Courtesy of Disney)