Dan Fogelman and Sterling K. Brown are back, but they’ve traded family drama for a high-stakes government conspiracy. Here’s everything you need to know about Hulu’s new hit series, Paradise.
Just when you thought you had Dan Fogelman figured out, the creative mind behind the tear-jerking family saga This Is Us has thrown a curveball that’s leaving audiences breathless. His new series, Paradise, reunites him with Emmy-winning actor Sterling K. Brown, but this time they’re diving headfirst into a dark, twisted world of murder, secrets, and government conspiracies. The show has quickly become a streaming sensation on Hulu, and if you’re not watching, you’re missing out on one of the most talked-about thrillers of the year.
Forget the heartwarming Pearson family moments; Paradise is a gritty, high-stakes mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Brown stars as Special Agent Xavier Collins, a man whose life is turned upside down after a shocking murder occurs in his seemingly perfect, elite community. The series has drawn praise for its complex characters, intricate plot, and a tone that’s a world away from Fogelman’s previous work. In short, this is the show everyone will be talking about around the virtual water cooler.
Caption: Official poster for Paradise featuring Sterling K. Brown as Special Agent Xavier Collins Credit: IMDb/Disney+/Hulu Source: IMDb
What Is ‘Paradise’ About?
At its core, Paradise is a murder mystery set in a serene, exclusive community that’s home to some of the world’s most powerful and influential people. But when a shocking murder shatters the tranquility, a high-stakes investigation begins, and it quickly becomes clear that nothing is as it seems. The official synopsis from Hulu teases a story where “this tranquility explodes when a shocking murder occurs and a high-stakes investigation unfolds.”
Sterling K. Brown’s character, Special Agent Xavier Collins, finds himself at the center of the storm. He’s a government agent who is interrogated after one of his neighbors is killed, and as the investigation deepens, he’s forced to confront dark secrets about his community and himself. The series masterfully blends the personal stakes of a man trying to protect his family with the larger-than-life intrigue of a government conspiracy, creating a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and relentlessly suspenseful.
A ‘This Is Us’ Reunion Like No Other
One of the biggest draws of Paradise is the reunion of creator Dan Fogelman and star Sterling K. Brown. After their incredible success with This Is Us, expectations were sky-high, and they’ve delivered in a way that no one saw coming. Fogelman has proven that he’s not a one-trick pony, swapping heartfelt monologues for tense interrogations and shocking plot twists. He described Paradise as his “darkest project yet,” and it’s a testament to his versatility as a writer and creator.
For Brown, the role of Xavier Collins is a powerful showcase of his immense talent. He brings the same depth and nuance that earned him an Emmy for his portrayal of Randall Pearson, but channels it into a character who is constantly on edge, fighting for his life and his family. The transition from beloved family man to a government agent caught in a conspiracy is a testament to Brown’s range as an actor and a key reason why Paradise is such a compelling watch.
Much like how Severance Season 2 has dominated streaming charts with its workplace thriller elements, Paradise is carving out its own niche in the government conspiracy genre.
Caption: James Marsden as President Cal “Wildcat” Bradford in Paradise Credit: Esquire/Disney+/Hulu Source: Esquire
An All-Star Cast for a High-Stakes Thriller
Beyond the powerhouse duo of Fogelman and Brown, Paradise boasts an incredible ensemble cast that brings the story’s complex characters to life. James Marsden, fresh off his meta-comedy hit Jury Duty, takes on a more serious role as President Cal “Wildcat” Bradford. His portrayal of the nation’s leader adds another layer of intrigue to the government conspiracy at the heart of the show.
Joining them is Julianne Nicholson, who won an Emmy for her stellar work in the detective drama Mare of Easttown. In Paradise, she plays Samantha “Sinatra” Redmond, a character who is sure to be a key player in the unfolding mystery. The cast also includes Sarah Shahi (The L Word), Nicole Brydon Bloom (The Gilded Age), and Percy Daggs IV, all of whom contribute to the show’s rich, multi-layered narrative.
The ensemble approach mirrors what we’ve seen work so well in other recent thriller series, where multiple storylines and character perspectives create a more immersive viewing experience.
Paradise’s Streaming Success Story
Paradise premiered on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally on January 28, 2025, with a three-episode launch. The remaining five episodes of the first season are being released weekly, ensuring that the suspense builds with each new installment. The show has already made a significant impact, attracting 7 million viewers globally in its first nine days and securing a top spot on Hulu’s Top 15 list.
While Disney has described the initial numbers as “rather tepid,” the buzz surrounding the show continues to grow, and it’s clear that Paradise is a series that will have a lasting impact. The multi-platform release strategy, which included surprise early drops and cross-platform availability on ABC and FX, demonstrates Disney’s confidence in the series’ potential.
Why ‘Paradise’ Stands Out in Today’s TV Landscape
In an era where streaming platforms are flooded with content, Paradise manages to distinguish itself through several key factors. First, the creative pedigree of Dan Fogelman brings immediate credibility and audience trust. His track record with This Is Us proves he can craft emotionally resonant stories that connect with viewers on a deep level.
Second, the series benefits from perfect timing. Government conspiracy thrillers are having a moment, and Paradise delivers the genre with the production values and storytelling sophistication that modern audiences expect. The show doesn’t rely on cheap thrills or gratuitous violence; instead, it builds tension through character development and plot intricacy.
Finally, Sterling K. Brown’s performance anchors the entire series. His ability to convey vulnerability and strength simultaneously makes Xavier Collins a compelling protagonist who viewers can root for even when the stakes seem impossible.
What’s Next for Paradise?
With a three-season arc already planned by Fogelman, now is the perfect time to dive in and get caught up in the mystery. As Fogelman himself has said, he’s not a fan of shows that “titillate and keep you guessing… but then don’t give you the answers.” With Paradise, you can be sure that the journey will be as satisfying as the destination.
The series represents a bold creative risk that’s paying off, proving that audiences are hungry for intelligent, well-crafted thrillers that respect their intelligence. Whether you’re a fan of This Is Us curious to see Fogelman’s darker side, or a thriller enthusiast looking for your next binge-watch, Paradise delivers on all fronts.
Don’t sleep on this one – Paradise is the kind of series that will have everyone talking, and you’ll want to be part of the conversation from the beginning.
Sources:
- https://www.imdb.com/news/ni64950753/
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/paradise-everything-to-know-about-sterling-k-brown-s-excellent-thriller-series/ar-AA1yczlC
- https://www.imdb.com/news/ni65111660/
