What to Expect from Dan Fogelman’s Twisty Drama
In the increasingly competitive streaming landscape, Hulu has made a definitive statement about one of its newest offerings.
The political thriller Paradise, created by This Is Us mastermind Dan Fogelman and starring Sterling K. Brown, has officially been renewed for a second season.
Hulu announced the renewal on February 20, 2025, with production set to begin this spring.
The news comes as the show nears the conclusion of its eight-episode first season, with the finale dropping March 4.
The Apocalyptic Hit That Defied Expectations
Initially marketed as a straightforward political thriller, Paradise quickly revealed itself to be something far more ambitious.
The series is set in a serene community inhabited by the world’s most prominent individuals who are living in a bunker following an apocalyptic event.
The peaceful existence of this sanctuary is shattered when President Cal Bradford (James Marsden) is murdered, and his head Secret Service agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) must uncover who killed him and why.
What’s particularly notable about Paradise has been its unique release strategy.
After surprising viewers with an early drop of its first episode on Hulu on January 26, the series launched its first three episodes on Hulu on January 28.
The show expanded its reach when the series premiere episode aired on ABC on January 29 and FX on February 1, showcasing Disney’s cross-platform promotional muscle.
This strategic multi-network rollout helped drive the show’s impressive viewership numbers.
The show premiered to impressive numbers, garnering 7 million views in its first week across Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally.
According to Disney, Nielsen projections indicate the series will likely land on the streaming top 10 originals chart for the week of January 27 – February 2.
Fogelman’s Three-Season Vision
Dan Fogelman, who previously captivated audiences with the emotional journey of This Is Us, has revealed that he has mapped out a three-season plan for Paradise.
In interviews, he’s hinted at how the show will evolve.
“I have a plan for three seasons of the show. Without giving away too much, each season of the show is a slightly different show, within the same show with the same characters,” Fogelman explained.
He promises that all questions raised in the first few episodes will be answered by the finale, with new questions emerging to propel the narrative into season two.
The seventh episode appears to be particularly significant, with Fogelman describing it as “kind of a standalone episode.”
As for the transition to the second season, he teases a “pivot” that will take the story in a new direction while remaining accessible to viewers.
The Cast of Paradise (2025 TV Series): A Stellar Ensemble
The cast of Paradise (2025 TV series) represents one of the most compelling ensemble lineups in recent television.
Led by Sterling K. Brown as Xavier Collins, the series features James Marsden as the ill-fated President Cal Bradford.
Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi (who plays psychotherapist Dr. Gabriela Torabi), Nicole Brydon Bloom, Jon Beavers, Krys Marshall, Charlie Evans, Aliyah Mastin, Percy Daggs IV, and Enuka Okuma round out this formidable group of performers.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Shahi mentioned conversations she’s had about her character’s development for season two, suggesting her role may expand in the upcoming episodes.
The chemistry among the cast of Paradise (2025 TV series) has been particularly praised by critics, with the dynamic between Brown and his on-screen children (played by Mastin and Daggs) offering some of the show’s most emotionally resonant moments.
The executive production team includes Fogelman, Brown, John Requa, Glenn Ficarra, John Hoberg, Jess Rosenthal, and Steve Beers. The Hulu Original is produced by Disney’s 20th Television.
What’s Next for Paradise?
Following the conclusion of its streaming run, Paradise will air its entire eight-episode first season on ABC beginning April 7 at 10 p.m. ET.
This broadcast network run represents another example of Disney’s strategy to maximize viewership across its multiple platforms.
For those who have been following the twisty narrative of Paradise, the season finale on March 4 promises resolution to the central mysteries established thus far, while simultaneously setting up new questions that will drive the second season.
What remains to be seen is whether Fogelman can replicate the emotional resonance and narrative complexity that made This Is Us such a cultural phenomenon.
Early indicators suggest he’s well on his way to creating another compelling television experience that blends genre elements with profound character exploration.
As production gears up for season two this spring, Paradise appears poised to cement itself as one of Hulu’s flagship dramas in an increasingly competitive streaming environment.
