Critic Raves About Addictive Political Thriller 'Paradise'

Standout performances and twist-filled storytelling make the Hulu series a must-watch, says reviewer.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered glass surface reflecting a dim, moody light, conceptually representing the tense, high-stakes political thriller elements of the 'Paradise' TV series.The high-stakes political intrigue and mystery at the heart of the 'Paradise' series is evoked through this abstract close-up of a damaged, reflective surface.Memphis Today

Credentialed critic Lauren Bradshaw praises the Hulu series 'Paradise' as the best show you're probably not watching, noting its clever blend of political thriller and mystery elements, as well as standout lead performances from Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson, and Shailene Woodley. Bradshaw encourages viewers to avoid spoilers and dive into the series, which takes unexpected turns in both its first and second seasons.

Why it matters

As a political thriller-mystery with high-caliber acting, 'Paradise' is generating buzz as a potential breakout hit that could attract a wide audience looking for an addictive, twist-filled viewing experience.

The details

The series focuses on Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown), a Secret Service agent tasked with protecting the president (James Marsden). But when the president is found murdered and Xavier was the last person to see him alive, questions arise, especially from the powerful and influential Samantha 'Sinatra' Redmond (Julianne Nicholson). Season two shifts the focus to Annie (Shailene Woodley), a medical student-turned-Graceland tour guide, who crosses paths with Xavier during a time of peril, leading to an unexpected intersection of the two storylines.

  • Season two of 'Paradise' is now starting on Hulu.
  • The first season of 'Paradise' premiered in 2025.

The players

Sterling K. Brown

An acclaimed actor known for his roles in 'This Is Us' and 'The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story', he stars as Secret Service agent Xavier Collins in 'Paradise'.

James Marsden

The veteran actor, known for films like 'X-Men' and 'Westworld', plays the president in 'Paradise'.

Julianne Nicholson

An Emmy-winning actress, she portrays the powerful and influential Samantha 'Sinatra' Redmond in the series.

Shailene Woodley

The 'Big Little Lies' star takes on the role of Annie, a medical student-turned-Graceland tour guide, in season two of 'Paradise'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Paradise' is the best series you're probably not watching. With season two now starting on Hulu, I want to highlight this as a must-watch show that is equal parts political thriller and mystery, with a lot of entertaining and exhilarating moments sprinkled in.”

— Lauren Bradshaw, Critic

“Throughout these first two seasons, it also has masterful lead performances from Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson, and Shailene Woodley, all of whom know how to command the screen in every scene they are in.”

— Lauren Bradshaw, Critic

What’s next

Viewers can start watching the second season of 'Paradise' now on Hulu.

The takeaway

With its clever blend of political intrigue and mystery, plus standout performances from a talented ensemble cast, 'Paradise' is emerging as a must-watch series that could attract a wide audience looking for an addictive, twist-filled viewing experience.