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...

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

I almost gave up on this show after two episodes. I liked the concept, but something in the way the plot unraveled 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. This series will likely get renewed, and probably resolve itself within 3 or 4 years. Well worth the watch.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Paradise had the potential to be an exciting and engaging series, but its fundamental premise is so far-fetched that it completely undermines the story. The idea that a small town with just 25,000 inhabitants, isolated from the rest of the world and with no external threats, would have its own president-one who is constantly under surveillance by the Secret Service-just doesn't hold up. It's an interesting concept, but one that lacks internal logic. Even in a science fiction setting, there has to be a level of realism that allows the audience to suspend their disbelief. Otherwise, the world-building crumbles, and the story loses its impact.

One of the biggest issues with Paradise is that it seems unsure of what kind of world it wants to depict. On one hand, it presents itself as a small, isolated town, almost like a dystopian society cut off from the outside. But at the same time, it has elements that feel far too exaggerated to fit within that setting. A president in a town of 25,000 people makes no sense. In most democratic societies, even cities with millions of residents don't have their own "president"-they have a mayor. The presence of a full-scale Secret Service watching over this president is even more absurd. Who are they protecting him from? If there are no external enemies, no outside forces threatening the town, then what is the purpose of such an extreme security detail? It feels like an unnecessary attempt to inject drama into a story that could have found more organic ways to create tension.

Another strange aspect of the show is the portrayal of everyday life in this town. The world-building is inconsistent. Take the supermarket, for example-it's filled with plastic-wrapped products, just like any modern-day store. But if this town is truly cut off from the rest of the world, where does all this plastic-packaged food come from? Who is producing it? Who is supplying the goods? If the town is meant to be self-sufficient, wouldn't they have developed their own supply chains, relying more on local production? These are the kinds of small details that, when overlooked, make the world feel less authentic. Science fiction works best when it feels grounded in a set of believable rules. Even in the most imaginative worlds, there has to be an internal consistency that allows the audience to engage with the story without constantly questioning its logic.

And that's the real shame about Paradise-because there is a lot of potential here. The actors do a great job with what they've been given. The performances are strong, and there are moments when the show hints at something deeper, something that could have been truly compelling. But the forced and illogical setting keeps getting in the way. Had the series placed its story in a real-world environment rather than trying to create a fictional town in a hole, it could have been far more impactful. Imagine if the same story had taken place in an actual small town, dealing with real-world political or societal issues. That alone would have added layers of complexity and tension without needing to rely on an artificial and unconvincing premise.

Ultimately, Paradise is a show that frustrates because it has the right ingredients but doesn't use them effectively. The acting is good, the cinematography is solid, and there are some interesting ideas at play. But the world it tries to build doesn't hold up under scrutiny, making it difficult to fully invest in the story. With better world-building and a setting that felt more authentic, this could have been a fantastic series. Instead, it ends up feeling like a missed opportunity-one that had the potential to be great but was held back by its own implausibility.

This review avoids plot spoilers and doesn't talk about it. I think that's important because you want to go into this blind.

This is a full review of season 1.

It's been a very enjoyable ride to the world building, the intrigue and mystery that Paradise has given us.

It has a very good way of peeling back layers to reveal more and more without giving the whole thing away.

Reminds me a lot of LOST.

In fact, it's the flashbacks. There are many instances of it. And they all play a part. Showing the audience more of the characters or the situations involved.

Every episode ends with a new revelation which makes you sit up and pay attention. Meaning, you are looking forward to the next one. The twists and turns are intelligently worked and honestly most of them I did not see coming. A testament to the writing.

And as new things are revealed, more questions abound. But it's not like it leaves you hanging. Questions get answers which in turn give you faith that the outstanding ones will also be answered.

The acting from the main leads, especially Sterling Brown and Jullianne Nicholson, is extremely good. The nuances, facial expressions and feelings of how they deliver the words ring true.

As the audience, you can connect with them and therefore connect with the journey being played out. Your questions become their questions.

There is plenty of mystery in the drama. Plenty of intrigue.

It isn't a fast paced thriller.....more an engaging, slow evolving mystery. The twists are very good. I didn't expect any of them.

Having now watched all 8 episodes, I have to say it's really good.

It has me hooked.

If you liked LOST, or are a fan of mysteries with twists and turns, you're gonna like this.

I just hope that when the whole thing is said and done, it ends in a better place than the meandering LOST eventually did.

But we'll only know that in time and I am supremely confident there will be a season 2.

With season 1 wrapping up the mystery that it gave us and ending with what is next, I can't wait.

Till then buckle up (nod and a wink to those who have already watched this).

This is great television.

It is a good show worth watching since it contains fairly moderate content of sexual and nudity. There is also limited content of violence which makes it suitable for family viewing. It does not promote the abuse of alcohol and drugs. On the other hand I find it very captivating maybe it because of the fact that I love continuous shows. The story line is interesting and the theme of the show is good. The sound is good and so is the video quality. However for viewers who are used to fast paced movies with high degree of violence ,nudity ,alcohol fast paced cars ,they might find it not worth viewing.