Sterling K. Brown leads “Paradise,” Hulu’s political thriller
Sterling K. Brown leads “Paradise,” Hulu’s political thriller
From the creator of “This Is Us,” comes the story of a Secret Service agent caught in a deadly web of lies.
Hulu is throwing its hat into the ring of political thrillers with its new show, “Paradise.” Dropping with the first three episodes on Tuesday, Jan. 28, the new series teams up Sterling K. Brown and “This Is Us” creator Dan Fogelman for a wild ride. Brown plays Xavier Collins, a Secret Service agent assigned to protect President Cal Bradford (played by James Marsden). But when Collins finds Bradford dead, he’s suddenly at the center of a deadly investigation where he’s the prime suspect. Here’s everything you need to know about “Paradise” before its premiere.
Everything you need to know about ‘Paradise’:
What is ‘Paradise’ about?
Previously titled “Paradise City” during its production phase, “Paradise” is an eight-episode political thriller TV series that stars Emmy-winner Sterling K. Brown, bringing his signature mix of intensity and vulnerability to the character of Secret Service agent Xavier Collins. His life takes a shocking turn when former President Cal Bradford, played by James Marsden, is murdered and Collins is the one to find him. From the trailer, it’s clear Collins becomes the prime suspect, forcing him to fight not only to clear his name but also to uncover the truth behind the murder and the secrets hiding in plain sight.
The show promises a mix of suspenseful action and emotional depth, focusing on Collins’ race to expose the real conspiracy. He’s navigating a world of privilege and power, where betrayal lurks behind every corner and no one can be fully trusted. While “Paradise” should keep thriller fans engaged, it also teases a closer look at Collins’ personal struggles as he balances duty, survival, and justice in a world designed to crush anyone who steps out of line.
Fans of Apple TV+’s “Prime Target,” ShowTime’s “The Agency,” and Netflix’s “The Diplomat” should have this one on their radar. With its blend of political intrigue, mystery, and character-driven drama – with incredible actors to boot – “Paradise” looks ready to deliver all the twists and turns you could hope for.
Paradise
The tranquility in a serene, wealthy community inhabited by some of the world’s most prominent individuals explodes when a shocking murder occurs and a high stakes investigation unfolds.
What time will episodes of ‘Paradise’ come on Hulu?
“Paradise” is set to premiere on Hulu on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. The first three episodes will drop immediately, probably around 12:01 a.m. ET, with new episodes releasing weekly on Tuesdays after that. Hulu subscribers can stream “Paradise” with any plan as episodes become available on demand.
Here’s the tentative release schedule for the eight-episode series:
| Release Date | Episode Number |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, Jan. 28 | 1–3 (Premiere) |
| Tuesday, Feb. 4 | 4 |
| Tuesday, Feb. 11 | 5 |
| Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 6 |
| Tuesday, Feb. 25 | 7 |
| Tuesday, Mar. 4 | 8 (Finale) |
Hulu
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Who are the main characters of ‘Paradise’?
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Xavier Collins – Sterling K. Brown plays Xavier Collins, the head of security for former President Cal Bradford. A devoted father of two, Collins finds his life upended when Bradford is murdered, and he becomes the prime suspect. As he fights to clear his name, he finds out that not everything is as it seems.
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President Cal Bradford – James Marsden takes on the role of Cal Bradford, the former President whose murder sets the story in motion. While Bradford’s body is discovered early, the series promises to explore his character through flashbacks, giving us a look at his backstory and the secrets that could be tied to his death.
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Julianne Nicholson – While Julianne Nicholson’s (“August: Osage County,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”) role hasn’t been revealed yet, she’s expected to be an important character.
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Sarah Shahi – Based on the trailer, Sarah Shahi plays a sharp interrogator who appears tied to the case. While questioning Collins, she discretely presses him to admit that a part of him is happy Cal is dead… the “why” will sure to be revealed over the course of the show.
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Nicole Brydon Bloom – Nicole Brydon Bloom’s role has not been publicly detailed, but she is part of the “Paradise” cast.
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Aliyah Mastin – Aliyah Mastin joins the cast in an undisclosed role.
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Percy Daggs IV – Percy Daggs IV’s character details are under wraps so we’ll have to wait for the premiere to understand his role.
Who is the creator of ‘Paradise’?
Dan Fogelman is the creator of “Paradise,” and he’s no stranger to crafting hit TV shows. Best known as the mastermind behind the critically acclaimed “This Is Us,” Fogelman has built a reputation for delivering emotional, character-driven stories. He wrote the excellent Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling led rom-com, “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” and created the TV series “Galavant,” a fairytale musical, and “Pitch,” about the first female pitcher to play in Major League Baseball. He’s also executive produced 40 episodes of the hit show, “Only Murders in the Building.” With “Paradise,” Fogelman steps into the world of political thrillers, bringing his knack for complex characters and great storytelling to this high-stakes drama.
Here’s how to watch some of the other shows Dan Fogelman has worked on:
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This Is Us
September 20, 2016Follows the lives and families of three adults living and growing up in the United States of America in present and past times. As their paths cross and their life stories intertwine in curious ways, we find that several of them share the same birthday - and so much more than anyone would expect.
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Crazy, Stupid, Love.
July 29, 2011Cal Weaver is living the American dream. He has a good job, a beautiful house, great children and a beautiful wife, named Emily. Cal’s seemingly perfect life unravels, however, when he learns that Emily has been unfaithful and wants a divorce. Over 40 and suddenly single, Cal is adrift in the fickle world of dating. Enter, Jacob Palmer, a self-styled player who takes Cal under his wing and teaches him how to be a hit with the ladies.
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Galavant
January 4, 2015Once upon a time, the dashing hero, Prince Galavant lost the love of his life, Madalena, to the evil King Richard. Now, our fallen hero is ready to take revenge and restore his “happily ever after.” But it won’t be without a few twists and turns along the way in this fairytale musical.
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Pitch
September 22, 2016The dramatic and inspirational story of a young pitcher who becomes the first woman to play Major League Baseball.
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Life Itself
September 21, 2018As a young New York couple goes from college romance to marriage and the birth of their first child, the unexpected twists of their journey create reverberations that echo over continents and through lifetimes.
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Only Murders in the Building
August 31, 2021Three strangers share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one.
