Paradise season 2 review: Hulu's hit sci-fi show is becoming Lost, and not in a goody way
Polygon
by Jake KleinmanFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Paradise season 2 delves deeper into its enigmatic sci-fi premise, expanding beyond the confines of its titular underground bunker while maintaining a sense of intrigue that keeps viewers hooked. The series, created by Dan Fogelman and starring Sterling K. Brown as Secret Service agent Xavier Collins, shifts from a post-apocalyptic narrative to a sprawling, interconnected world where nothing is quite as it seems. With its layered mysteries and expansive storytelling, the show risks becoming overly complex, yet it manages to balance tension with compelling character development.
The season opens with the death of the U.S. president, played by James Marsden, setting off a chain reaction of secrets and conspiracies. As Collins investigates, he uncovers a hidden network beneath the bunker, revealing that the world as seen in the pilot is just the tip of the iceberg. The show’s pacing accelerates, introducing new characters and locations while keeping its central mystery intact. While this expansion adds depth, it also introduces potential plot threads that could overwhelm viewers if not handled carefully.
For fans of gaming and interactive entertainment
Verticals
gamingentertainment
Originally published on Polygon on 2/20/2026