Hulu's political thriller Paradise has emerged as one of 2025's breakout hits, capturing the attention of audiences and critics alike. Created by Dan Fogelman, known for his acclaimed series This Is Us, the show has not only topped streaming charts but has also secured its future with the announcement of a second season.
Set against the backdrop of the fictional small town of Paradise, the narrative revolves around President Cal Bradford, played by James Marsden, who is found dead under mysterious circumstances. This shocking twist is unveiled by top Secret Service agent Xavier Collins, portrayed by Sterling K. Brown. The political tension and dramatic storytelling have captivated viewers, leading to overwhelming success.
Since its release just weeks ago, Paradise climbed to the #1 spot on Hulu's streaming charts. Despite experiencing a notable dip to #10 shortly thereafter, the series managed to regain traction and currently holds the #3 position, demonstrating its resilience and broad appeal. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the series boasts impressive ratings, earning 81% from critics and 83% from audiences, signaling strong approval from both sides.
The collaboration between Marsden and Brown adds another layer of intrigue to the show, as both actors are familiar faces within the Marvel Universe, previously starring in notable franchises. Marsden is recognized for his role as Scott Summers, or Cyclops, from the X-Men series, whereas Brown made his mark alongside Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan in Black Panther. This crossover of popular talents has likely contributed to the show's immediate recognition and interest.
Fans were recently thrilled by Hulu's announcement confirming the renewal of Paradise for a second season, just days before the highly anticipated season 1 finale airs on March 4, 2025. This early renewal is not commonplace and reflects the platform's confidence in the show's quality and its engagement with the audience.
But the excitement doesn't end there. Paradise, having made quite the splash on Hulu, is set to expand its reach with plans for its first season to begin airing on ABC. This move will expose the political thriller to new audiences, significantly broadening its viewership potential. "Paradise's first season will begin airing on ABC on Monday," reported by The Hollywood Reporter, indicating the network's push for more mainstream engagement.
Indeed, the success of Paradise speaks volumes about the changing dynamics of television, where streaming services and traditional networks can work hand-in-hand to promote content. With its gripping premise, character depth, and high-stakes drama, Paradise signifies the growing appeal of political thrillers, especially as audiences seek more complex narratives during uncertain times.
Overall, the combination of strong writing, dynamic performances, and insightful commentary on politics and society has set Paradise apart from the plethora of offerings available today. The show stands as a notable example of quality entertainment able to garner both commercial success and positive acclaim, paving the way for future projects within the same genre.
James Marsden and Sterling K. Brown have successfully breathed life and depth to characters caught in the complex web of politics, intrigue, and tragedy. With season 2 on the horizon and its initial season finding new life on mainstream television, it seems audiences will have plenty more Paradise to look forward to.