The political thriller series Paradise, which follows Secret Service agent Xavier Collins as he navigates the fallout from the assassination of President Cal Bradford, has captivated audiences and critics alike since its premiere on January 26, 2025, on Hulu. The show’s first season, filled with twists and political intrigue, wrapped up its eight-episode arc on March 4, 2025, leaving viewers with explanations for some long-standing mysteries, yet teasing even more questions to be resolved as the plot evolves.
Set within the confines of an underground community, the series was created by Dan Fogelman, who previously worked on This Is Us. Paradise begins with Collins, portrayed by Sterling K. Brown, thrusting himself headfirst to discover the truth surrounding the president’s murder and the ensuing conspiracy implicates the very foundations of the bunker where they reside. The series has garnered significant attention, drawing approximately 7 million viewers in its first week, thanks to building word-of-mouth buzz and complex character arcs.
Paradise’s finale unfolded surprisingly well, resolving many questions but also propelling the narrative forward with fresh avenues to explore. Within the finale, audiences uncovered not only the identity of the president’s killer but hints about broader conspiracies and plans for the second season, which is expected to premiere sometime in 2026.
Dan Fogelman shared his excitement about the upcoming season, noting, “Scripts are written. We go to production in four weeks.” His eagerness to create another engaging chapter reflects the series’ fast-paced development after its early February 2025 renewal.
Fogelman has revealed his intention to craft the show across three seasons, each intricately plotting new territory within the same universe of characters. Yet as viewers become accustomed to the tension between survival and power struggles, the focus is on Collins’ imminent expedition beyond the bunker. He embarks on this endeavor fueled by hope; his wife, Teri Rogers-Collins, presumed dead, now appears to be living beyond the bunker’s confines.
“We know what the billionaires and the people of power did. They built a city, right? We found out… there’s still breathable air,” explained Brown during interviews, indicating the potential for rich storytelling outside the steel walls of Paradise.
Characters left at loose ends from Season 1 are expected to reappear, but under new dynamics. Julianne Nicholson's character, Samantha “Sinatra” Redmond, was seen at the end of Season 1 recovering from near-fatal injuries, which will undoubtedly influence the politics of the future episodes, as she embodies both the role of antagonist and potential ally.
Henry Baines, played by Matt Malloy, has stepped up to fill the void left by the president’s death and Sinatra’s incapacitation, yet viewers are left to wonder how trustworthy he truly is. The power dynamics are constantly shifting, promising engaging conflict as Collins ventures out.
Initial viewer analysis indicates interest will center not just on who is alive outside the bunker but on how the established characters adapt when confronted with the realities of the world above. Fogelman suggests Season 2 will encompass Xavier’s search for Teri alongside moments spent with residents of Bunker City.
Beyond characters, Fogelman hinted at the storytelling style, stating, “There are twists and turns throughout the season. We’ll expand on the genre we’ve set up, combining thriller elements alongside hopeful narratives. This doesn’t end with simplistic solutions,” signaling fans can anticipate unexpected developments.
Looking back on Season 1, the narratives transformed mundane characters, such as Jane Driscoll, played by Nicole Brydon Bloom, from cliffhangers to complex figures filled with intentions. Jane's obsession with obtaining mundane objects like gaming consoles reveals the depths of her character’s unpredictable motives. “It remains to be seen if Jane is playing three-dimensional chess here or just batsh*t crazy,” Fogelman joked, indicating the unpredictability of her future actions.
Inevitably, the show is not without its questions about the ethical ramifications of life within the bunker and the conditioning of the survivors who have been removed from the world, which offers fruitful ground for exploration.
Hulu’s quick renewal reflects confidence not only from networks but also from fans seeking content infused with rich characters and layered plots. The promise of Season 2 arrives with great anticipation, as Paradise continues to attract viewers seeking enthralling narratives punctuated with dark humor.
Fogelman wraps it up perfectly: “We hope to have Paradise back on the air as soon as possible, aiming for 2026 within the same season timing as earlier,” setting high expectations as audiences prepare for the next chapter.