User reviews

This is how you set up a series and hook the audience in. A deliberate slow pace start with a clever story structure, a few mysterious elements and plenty of suspects on the offering table. Plus there is no rush to reveal too much in the first episode, but enough to keep you hanging in there for answers. But it's the big surprise twist at the end that will definitely have you coming back for more, in what seems to be shaping up as a modern sci-fi thriller. To top it all of is the intense presence of Sterling K. Brown that really draws you in, with his silent facial expressions more powerful than words. So I guess this nerdish reviewer is excited...

Finally a SMART engrossing show with strong actors in strong parts. Well written and detailed oriented. They took several plot points from other shows and movies and crafted a smart, edge of the seat mystery. The acting is first rate and the cast is well adept to the roles and 100% believable. I went in with no expectations and the mega twist at the end of the first episode had me sold. Luckily I have Hulu and have seen the first 3 episodes and sorry, no spoilers here but it is a great payoff for those watching with enough plot twists to keep me engaged. Well done to the show runners and actors and hopefully the 3rd act isn't a let down but the way the first 3 episodes ran, I doubt it will fizzle out. Well worth the watch.

Overall, I'm impressed! "Paradise" is an engaging thriller that leaves you eager for more. While I'm not particularly fond of the flashbacks, I do appreciate their role in providing a necessary backstory. The writing is exceptional, and I'm eager to see how the story unfolds.

The cinematography is striking, effectively setting the mood and enhancing the tension throughout each episode. I find the performances particularly compelling, as the actors embody their characters with depth and authenticity, making it easy to invest emotionally in their journeys.

As the storyline unfolds, new layers of intrigue are revealed, and I appreciate how the show runners have added subtle nuances that enrich the plot.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the character arcs develop and what unexpected twists lie ahead!

A political drama, murder mystery, and sci-fi thriller all rolled into one. When the President is found murdered in his residence, his Secret Service detail gets right on it, and one of his top agents quickly becomes Suspect Number One. A show like this is only as good as its premise, and the premise here is terrific; and it can only maintain suspense as long as the Big Questions go unanswered, and right from the start the head-scratchers "Paradise" asks are endlessly intriguing. Who DID kill the President? WAS it the agent? What did the agent have against the President? Exactly what happened to the agent's wife? What about the "extinction level event" that's mentioned? And is the town they're all living in real, or is it the "Truman Show"-type safe haven it appears to be? Some questions are answered immediately and others aren't, but that's the show's strength; layers are peeled away, little by little, until all the various truths have slowly been revealed and we know as much as the characters do. Low-key and leisurely paced (but never dull)--with a complex plot that will leave you wondering, "Where is all this going?"--"Paradise" is a show that not only demands to be watched, but watched attentively. (Losing a plot thread here and there would be disastrous.) Shifting in time from the present to the past and back again--there's a lot of that--it's one giant jigsaw puzzle, and it's up to us to piece it together even as the characters attempt to do the same. Exactly how will it look when it's finally finished? Can't wait to find out.

Sterling K Brown and James Marsden are great (as usual), but Julianne Nicholson is incredible.

I remember her being good from Mare of Easttown, which is a terrific show - but she brings another level to her character here.

The scene in episode 2 with her therapist was a masterclass of pent up emotion of a woman who has clearly been broken by her past.

The story is a little odd (IMHO) as it is billed as a thriller, but feels a bit more like SciFi - which is fine but maybe not for everyone.

Looking forward to seeing how it develops but as long as Julianne gets plenty of screen time, it will be worth it.

Update, after watching all of Season 1: Some scenes have outlandish dialog and the transitions are either clunky or too speedy. Here's what I've decided: I'll try to approach certain scenes in a similar way as I would a comic book. If there are things which don't echo traditional "reality", I'll attempt to keep moving forward.

Original review: I almost gave up on this show after two episodes. There was something in the way the plot unraveled which felt a bit overwrought. I'm glad that I stuck with it, and the writing seems to be getting better, or maybe I was in a less receptive mood when I first watched. The entire cast is well placed, with standout performances from Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, James Marsden, and Aliyah Mastin (as the daughter of Brown's character). Gerald McRaney gives his role gravitas and interesting twists. Marsden as the president has a complexity which I did not expect. While I've seen him in other productions, this one stands out. The effective soundtrack is sometimes subtle, and the set design is more than apt. My prediction is that this series will resolve itself within 3 or 4 years. Overall, this series is worth a watch.

Sterling K. Brown's performance here, although restrained, is nuanced and intense. I've been watching him since he was on "Army Wives" almost twenty years ago, and he never disappoints.

It's challenging to talk about the plot without spoilers, but in this series, he is the lead Secret Service agent protecting James Marsden, the former POTUS. The story flashes back back five years a number of time, to give background on their relationship. There are a number of plot twists just in the pilot - the first of two mysteries is revealed early in the pilot, and another is revealed at the end.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the story and the characters develop, and can't wait until tomorrow to see episodes 2 and 3.

The pilot episode was one of those that left you thinking about the show afterwards and eager for more.

Writing about it has to start with characters. The main character is a solid, interesting to watch, pretty classical action movie hero with some depth that promises more to discover as the show goes on. The president however was such a surprise. The setup of his character was almost dismissing him as an a-hole. However, the way his character is spun towards a likeable guy within a few scenes really felt quite fresh and interesting. While nothing to write home about, the dialogues are gritty, sometimes actually funny and along with enjoyable acting, glue the characters together in a fitting way.

The promise the show made with how it seems to handle characters really makes you want to stay with it to see more. Having said that, I don't feel too intrigued by the immediate whodunnit mystery of the show, but I do stay open to be more invested in it as more is revealed. What I'm worried about is the world presented in the show. It's beyond ambitious to present what they need to present, and to keep it believable, with as little "how silly is that" moments as possible. I really hope they will pull that of, however it does feel there's some margin to be forgiven if the other aspects remain as solid as they seem to be so far.

Wow!!! This series gives me 2016-2019 vibes with the storytelling as well as the music. Each episode leave me wanting MORE!!!! I wish this was a 24 episode series I definitely can see this tv show getting renewed for a season 2. The acting is amazing I usually don't like mystery series but this show is different. Wow just wow the best thing is that this show isn't predictable they did a great job with the trailer not showing to much because it gave me a chance to go into this was no expectations and curiosity. With the show just starting I already gave it a high rating due to the fact that this show is promising.

Haven't had a good show to sink my teeth into since COVID ended, and Paradise has finally filled that gap! From the very first episode, I was completely hooked by its gripping storyline, strong character development, and unexpected twists. The pacing keeps you engaged without feeling rushed, and the world-building is immersive. I also loved the mix of suspense, drama, and action-it keeps you on edge, constantly guessing what's coming next.

One of the biggest surprises for me was seeing James Marsden again. I hadn't watched him in anything since X-Men, so it was a pleasant surprise to see how much he has evolved as an actor. His performance is nuanced and compelling, adding another layer of intrigue to the show. The entire cast does a phenomenal job of bringing their characters to life, making every scene feel authentic and emotionally charged.

Overall, Paradise is a breath of fresh air in today's TV landscape. It offers a unique and thought-provoking premise, great performances, and enough mystery to keep viewers coming back for more. I can't wait for the next episodes-this is definitely a must-watch!

Well what can I say?

Three episodes in, Paradise is shaping up to be a mesmerizing and intriguing watch. The storytelling masterfully blends past and present, creating a seamless narrative that enhances character development. The cinematography is stunning, adding depth and beauty to the mystery unfolding. With a captivating plot and well-crafted atmosphere, this show keeps you hooked. Looking forward to seeing where it leads!

If you're a film junkie like myself then you'll appreciate the time and effort that Dan Fogelman and everyone else put in to make this happen.

I enjoyed it. Not my place to say where it could have been improved. It is what it is.

Thank you.

So far, this is a very good show. Very promising. However, I dont know the plan of the showrunner, but I hope they have a complete story with a clear ending in mind. And hopefully, not too long. Ideally I would like a conclusion within one season.

This is however seems like it might be a show that is built on the same premis that so many other shows have: there is a good idea for a show, they may have an idea of an ending, but will drag it on until the show loose the plot completely and eventually get cancelled, or they need to tell the ending in a rushed way, which likely will be an anticlimax. This happens too often, which makes me reluctant to engage in certain shows.

Hopefully, this is not the case here. But if this is a show where the season ends with some annoying cliffhanger, I will quit. Just tell the story and move on to something different. At least give an idea on how long you think it will take to tell the story. I wont bother to engage in a show if the plan is to just go on, and on, and on and then die with a whimper.

I have followed James Marsdens career and Im glad he has a chance to shine in a more dramatic role. He plays this role really well. What can you say about Sterling K . Brown he is an amazing actor.

I like the premise of the show. I think too many people are overly critical analysing every little thing. I think the show started strong and it keeps you guessing. I think it has alot of different character story line that could take it in different directions. I think when you have good actors it comes down to the writing and direction.

I was most impressed with Julianne Nicholson she is just an incredible actor. I love her work and she plays this role so well. One minute you think she is a mad genius, the next you are emotional over her family.