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Arts & Culture
28 January 2025

Hulu's Paradise Drops Pilot Early Amid High Hopes

Fans eager for more episodes following the surprising early release of the thrilling new series.

Hulu’s latest political thriller, Paradise, made waves on January 26, 2025, when it surprised fans by releasing its first episode earlier than expected. Originally slated for two days later, the show’s pilot, titled "Wildcat Is Down," debuted to great anticipation. Viewers are now left wondering how many episodes remain after this initial drop and when they can expect more content to come.

After the release of Episode 1, Paradise has seven episodes left for viewers to enjoy. Episode 2, titled "Sinatra," along with Episode 3, known as "The Architect of Social Well Being," are both set to premiere on January 28, 2025, as previously scheduled. Following this, fans can look forward to weekly releases every Tuesday, leading up to the finale on March 4, 2025.

The new series, directed by This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman, has garnered attention not just for its plot but also for its star-studded cast. Sterling K. Brown leads the ensemble as Secret Service Agent Xavier Collins, who is tasked with protecting President Cal Bradford, played by James Marsden. The cast also features Julianna Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, and others, all adding depth to this intriguing narrative.

Despite only having aired its first episode, Paradise has received positive early reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a fresh rating of 79%, indicating approval from critics, and it has earned a favorable Metacritic score of 68. With such metrics, Paradise seems poised to add itself to the list of must-watch shows for the year.

Critics and viewers alike can expect the subsequent episodes to build upon this initial foundation. By intertwining personal stories with larger political conclusions, the show presents itself as not just entertainment but as thought-provoking content. Brown’s character, grappling with the unexpected murder of the president he is charged to protect, digs deep both personally and professionally as he seeks to unravel the conspiracy surrounding the murder.

Paradise is set against the backdrop of its serene, wealthy community, which quickly spirals out of control following this shocking turn of events. The tension escalates as Collins finds himself under suspicion, breaking protocol to conduct his own investigation alongside dealing with the pressures of his personal life.

The unexpected early release of the pilot harmonizes well with the promotional strategy, which has closely mirrored the hype surrounding Apple TV+’s Severance. Excitement is palpable on social media, keeping the buzz about Paradise thriving. Viewers are eager to see whether this series will become one of the top shows streaming across platforms.

Looking at the series’ release schedule, viewers can anticipate Episode 4 to be available on February 4, followed by Episodes 5, 6, 7, and the season finale on March 4. The intrigue around the characters, storylines, and the ultimate resolutions to their arcs keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

For those living outside the U.S., Paradise can be streamed on Disney Plus, released on the same date as the Hulu debut, ensuring global access to the thriller. Following its premiere, streaming services are capitalizing on its unique storyline. With the combination of high-profile production and engaging narrative content, Paradise looks set to become one of Hulu’s standout offerings.

New viewers, as well as loyal fans, are encouraged to catch up on the series early, as initial reactions have painted it as one of the first must-watch dramas of 2025. With its layered storytelling and emotional depth, Paradise appears to have the ingredients for success as it launches itself on the competitive streaming stage.

But will it impress long-term? Only time will tell as audiences tune in weekly to follow the twists and turns presented by Collins and other characters as the mystery unrolls. The stakes are high, and the tension is tangible, making this thriller not just another entry but potentially one of the premier titles to watch this year.