, starring Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, and Nicole Brydon Bloom in this tense political thriller set in a post-apocalyptic underground bunker.){kind=link}
Created by Dan Fogelman
“Paradise” (2025) premiered on Hulu in the United States on January 26, 2025.
Distributed by Hulu in the United States.
Series Review
Paradise is a gripping political thriller that balances intense action with deep emotional storytelling.
Led by the always compelling Sterling K. Brown as Secret Service agent Xavier Collins, the show dives headfirst into the chaos of an unexpected assassination—when the President is killed in front of him, and he’s left holding the smoking gun.
What follows is a web of conspiracies, betrayal, and family bonds tested in the heat of crisis.
The writing is sharp and layered, offering complex character arcs without losing momentum.
From Julianne Nicholson’s morally ambiguous tech mogul to James Marsden’s magnetic (and tragically short-lived) President, every performance feels grounded and urgent.
The pacing is tight, the direction cinematic, and the emotional stakes remain high throughout all eight episodes.
Paradise doesn’t just thrill—it questions loyalty, identity, and truth in a fractured America.
It’s smart, stylish, and surprisingly intimate.
Ratings:
• Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
• IMDb: 7.9/10
• Google Audience Rating: 74% liked this show
Paradise (2025) Actors
Sterling K. Brown as Xavier Collins
DOB: April 5, 1976
Bio: A Stanford and NYU alumnus whose Emmy‑winning turns on This Is Us and American Crime Story cemented him as one of TV’s finest actors.
Sterling blends emotional authenticity with a commanding presence, whether in blockbuster films (Black Panther) or prestige dramas.
He also serves as an executive producer on Paradise.
Role: Secret Service agent Xavier Collins, the devoted father and protector who discovers the President dead and suddenly becomes both suspect and savior.
Episodes: All 8 episodes
What to Expect: A masterclass in restrained panic—his grief, guilt, and determination drive the show’s emotional core.
Favorite Things: Early‑morning runs, deep character study, quiet family dinners.
Notable Works: This Is Us, Black Panther, Our Idiot Brother, The Suspect.
James Marsden as President Cal Bradford
DOB: September 18, 1973
Bio: Veteran actor with breakthrough roles in X‑Men (Cyclops), The Notebook, Enchanted, and Dead to Me. Known for a charismatic presence and range across genres.
He’s equally at home in high‑concept blockbusters and sharp, dialogue‑driven TV (Westworld).
Role: The nation’s charismatic President, whose shocking on‑screen assassination in Episode 1 sets the series’ mystery in motion.
Episodes: Flashbacks across all 8 episodes
What to Expect: A layered portrait of a leader—warm, idealistic, and tragically human.
Favorite Things: Charismatic speeches, roles that straddle heart and heroism.
Notable Works: X‑Men franchise, The Notebook, Enchanted, Westworld, Dead to Me, Paradise.
Julianne Nicholson as Samantha “Sinatra” Redmond
DOB: July 1, 1971
Bio: An Emmy‑nominated powerhouse from Boardwalk Empire and Mare of Easttown, Julianne has a knack for making morally grey characters feel utterly human.
Her blend of toughness and vulnerability makes her a go‑to for complex, driven women.
Role: Tech mogul turned political kingmaker—her savvy inventions and hidden agendas make her both ally and suspect.
Episodes: All 8 episodes
What to Expect: Calculated charm hiding ruthless ambition; expect plenty of “Did she or didn’t she?” moments.
Favorite Things: Cutting‑edge gadgets, unraveling conspiracies, late‑night strategy sessions.
Notable Works: Masters of Sex, I, Tonya, Mare of Easttown.
Sarah Shahi as Dr. Gabriela Torabi
DOB: January 10, 1980
Bio: A former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader who channelled that discipline into acting, Sarah made her mark on The L Word and Sex/Life.
She brings warmth and intelligence to every role, often playing characters who hold strong moral compasses.
Role: The Collins family’s grief counsellor and tech team’s in‑house psychologist—she probes trauma, loyalty, and the limits of trust.
Episodes: All 8 episodes
What to Expect: Calm insight that cuts through chaos—watch her gently unravel the lies everyone’s telling themselves.
Favorite Things: Deep‑dive therapy sessions, exploring human resilience, her dog, Pepper.
Notable Works: Sex/Life, Black Adam, Alias.
Nicole Brydon Bloom as Agent Jane Driscoll
DOB: March 23, 1994
Bio: A rising talent seen in The Gilded Age and We Were the Lucky Ones, Nicole brings fresh energy to every scene.
Her on‑screen sincerity and off‑screen curiosity make her a standout newcomer.
Role: The eager rookie on Xavier’s detail—she’s resourceful but idealistic, often wide‑eyed at Washington’s darker side.
Episodes: All 8 episodes
What to Expect: Moments of comic relief and sudden bravery as she adapts to life‑and‑death stakes.
Favorite Things: Fieldwork, learning from veterans, impromptu fact‑checking.
Notable Works: The Gilded Age, The Affair.
Krys Marshall as Agent Nicole Robinson
DOB: January 20, 1989
Bio: First seen keeping NASA on course in For All Mankind, then fighting villains on Supergirl, Krys combines physicality with emotional authenticity.
She’s known for making sci‑fi feel grounded.
Role: Xavier’s secret‑service partner and old friend of the President—her divided loyalties become a driving tension.
Episodes: All 8 episodes
What to Expect: Steely determination shaken by personal ties—and a few explosive action beats.
Favorite Things: Midnight stakeouts, mentoring younger agents, vinyl jazz.
Notable Works: For All Mankind, Supergirl.
Aliyah Mastin as Presley Collins
DOB: N/A
Bio: Cast after a nationwide search, Aliyah brings natural charisma to Presley, balancing precocious wit with heartfelt vulnerability.
Role: Xavier’s teenage daughter, whose bond with her father is tested by secrets and shifting truths.
Episodes: 7 of 8 episodes
What to Expect: Scenes of quiet heartbreak and fierce loyalty, anchoring the story’s family stakes.
Favorite Things: Late‑night talks on the phone, sibling pranks, sketching her family’s memories.
Notable Works: Paradise (debut).
Percy Daggs IV as James Collins
DOB: c. 2014
Bio: Young actor making his mark as Xavier’s little boy, Percy brings innocent warmth and sharp instincts to each scene.
Role: Presley’s younger brother—his confusion and playfulness contrast with the series’ darker undercurrents.
Episodes: 7 of 8 episodes
What to Expect: Heart‑melting moments of childhood wonder and sudden poignancy.
Favorite Things: Building forts, comic books, asking “Why?” about everything.
Notable Works: Never Let Go, Undone.
Jon Beavers as Agent Billy Pace
DOB: May 21, 1984
Bio: Once a musical‑theater kid in The Fresh Beat Band, Jon pivoted to screen in Licorice Pizza and Bel‑Air.
He’s got quick reflexes and an easy smile.
Role: The ex‑special‑ops member of Xavier’s team—his calm under fire is tested by the conspiracy swirling around them.
Episodes: 5 episodes
What to Expect: Tactical expertise laced with dry humor and moments of inner conflict.
Favorite Things: Cross‑training drills, vintage guitar shredding.
Notable Works: Licorice Pizza, Bel‑Air.
Charlie Evans as Jeremy Bradford
DOB: January 1, 2004
Bio: A newcomer cast to play the President’s teenage son, Charlie brings authentic teenage attitude and raw grief to Jeremy.
Role: The First Son, struggling with public scrutiny and personal loss after his father’s death.
Episodes: 5 episodes
What to Expect: Angsty confrontations, subtle character growth, and sibling solidarity.
Favorite Things: Skateboarding, social‑media deep dives, late‑night snacks.
Notable Works: Keep Paradise (debut), Leave the World Behind, and Everything’s Gonna Be Okay
Gerald McRaney as Kane Bradford
DOB: August 19, 1947
Bio: Emmy winner from This Is Us and veteran of Major Dad, Gerald blends warmth with a hint of gravitas.
He’s played everyone from military officers to sitcom dads.
Role: Kane, the former President and grieving grandfather—his mind drifts in and out of past glories.
Episodes: 4 episodes
What to Expect: Tender flashbacks, generational wisdom, and heartbreaking vulnerability.
Favorite Things: Old vinyl records, fishing trips, reciting family lore.
Notable Works: This Is Us, Simon & Simon.
Enuka Okuma as Dr. Teri Collins
DOB: September 20, 1976
Bio: A Canadian favorite from Street Legal and Rookie Blue, Enuka brings strength and empathy to law‑and‑order roles.
Role: Xavier’s wife, thought dead, whose mysterious survival in flashbacks fuels the show’s central mystery.
Episodes: 2 pivotal episodes
What to Expect: Emotional reunions, big reveals, and the power of hope.
Favorite Things: Medical dramas, family photo albums, quiet resilience.
Notable Works: Rookie Blue, Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye, Impulse, Workin’ Moms, The Sleepover.
More Actors
• Matt Malloy as Vice President Henry Baines
• Richard Robichaux as Carl
• Eddie Diaz as Mike Garcia
• Darin Toonder as Rainey
• Rafael Cabrera as Malone
• Laith Wallschleger as Symanski
• Ian Merrigan as Trent
• Cassidy Freeman as First Lady Jessica Bradford
• Michelle Meredith as Maggie
• Michael Hogan as Mark Donnelly
• Scott Lawrence as General Curtleigh
• Kristin Carey as Cheryl
• Roberta Hanlen as Judge Mendel
• Angela Lin as Agent Kim
• Miguel Nájera as Hector
• Jonathan Tanigaki as Agent Liu
• Geoffrey Arend as Andrew Peck
• Amy Pietz as Debra Vance
• Patrick Cavanaugh as NSA Tech
• J.D. Hall as Reverend Wilson
• Kate Godfrey as Teen Witness
• Carlos Sanz as Secretary Rivera
• Tuc Watkins as Martin
• Benjamin Koldyke as Security Chief Nolan
• David Aaron Baker as Senator Ken Lee
• Chibuikem Uche as Langston
• Glynn Turman as Pastor Elijah
FAQ – Paradise TV Series
How many episodes are in Season 1?
There are 8 episodes, each blending intense flashback storytelling with current-day political intrigue.
Is this show similar to This Is Us?
Yes. Like This Is Us, Paradise uses flashbacks to enrich character backstories, creating emotional layers despite its political-thriller setup.
Where can I watch it?
Season 1 is streaming exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., and on Disney+ in select regions.
Has Paradise been renewed for a second season?
Yes! Hulu officially renewed it in February 2025, before Season 1 even finished airing.
Production began in March–April 2025, with scripts fully ready and filming speeding ahead. PEOPLE
Will James Marsden return?
Yes, he’s expected to appear in flashback scenes, maintaining the narrative connection to Season 1 events.
Conclusion
Paradise (2025) delivers a tightly woven, emotionally charged political thriller that stands out for its strong performances and smart storytelling.
With a standout lead in Sterling K. Brown and a powerhouse supporting cast, the series explores themes of loyalty, family, power, and sacrifice in a high-stakes world of conspiracy.
It balances character-driven drama with thrilling action sequences, making it both a thought-provoking and entertaining watch.
Whether you’re drawn to political intrigue or personal redemption stories, Paradise offers a compelling blend of both.
It’s a limited series that leaves a lasting impression—and might just spark conversation long after the credits roll.