In the autumn of 2004, ABC broadcast a fresh, experimental thriller series, loosely influenced by the popularity of the reality program Survivor. Titled simply Lost, what started as a narrative about a group of individuals striving to recover following a plane crash gradually evolved into a story centered on exploring the peculiar rules of their new environment—even if it meant putting themselves at risk.
Though Season 1 was an engaging story, it concluded with a major unresolved question: what lies inside the hatch? What solidified Lost’s place in TV history is how Season 2 addressed this query—by calmly depicting the daily routine of Desmond, the hatch’s occupant, set to a cheerful Cass Elliot tune.
Nearly 22 years later, history is repeating. In 2025, Paradise gradually built a dedicated fanbase with a narrative that began as a political mystery but transformed entirely upon the revelation that the entire pilot episode unfolded in a massive subterranean city functioning as a fallout shelter. Much like Lost before it, Season 2 of Paradise, streaming on Hulu on February 23, elevates itself from good to exceptional by refocusing its attention. This time, however, the focus isn’t on someone inside a hatch—it’s on someone outside of it.
Season 1 of Paradise tracked Secret Service agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) as he probed the murder of long-serving President Cal Bradford (James Marsden). Through a sequence of new developments and flashbacks, we gradually uncovered the reason survivors fled to a Colorado bunker: a massive weather event in Antarctica threatened nuclear annihilation, prompting President Bradford to instead deploy a series of EMPs, disabling every electrical panel worldwide. While this set society back by centuries, it also meant survivors—such as Xavier’s wife, Teri—could realistically survive. In the closing moments of Season 1, Xavier departed by plane, determined to locate his wife, wherever she might be.
But Season 2 doesn’t pick up there. Instead, the new season centers on Annie (Shailene Woodley), a former medical student who was working as a tour guide at Graceland when the crisis struck. Like the King before her, she took refuge in the estate and lived a quiet existence until a group of raiders arrived, gradually winning her over—particularly the dreamy-eyed “Link” (Thomas Doherty.)
There’s an almost Basil E. Frankweiler-esque charm to this episode, as Annie defends herself with Elvis’ gold-plated pistol, dons outfits from Priscilla’s closet, and ventures out on the stables’ horses. Eventually, her path intersects with Xavier’s, and their two missions gradually converge into one.
Annie is easily the highlight of Season 2, as her storyline resolves numerous questions, yet the bunker remains far from secure. “Sinatra” (Julianne Nicholson), the billionaire founder of Paradise, now rules with an iron fist, while rebels like Cal’s son Jeremy (Charlie Evans) and Xavier’s daughter Presley (Aliyah Mastin) seek ways to spread the truth. Jane Driscoll (Nicole Brydon Bloom) emerges as a key figure in Season 2, with a backstory glimpse that nearly evokes sympathy—nearly.
Yet whether the narrative focuses on Paradise or the above-ground happenings, all threads are converging toward a central mystery that may surpass even the wildest imaginations. The eighth and final episode of Season 2 wasn’t made available to critics, but the cliffhanger preceding it ranks among the most ambitious TV episodes I’ve encountered in years. I think I can anticipate its direction, but I’m certain this show will deliver surprises and set the stage for something even grander.
Though over two decades have passed since Lost redefined what a sci-fi series could be, Paradise may achieve the same with a post-apocalyptic twist. In the age of Fallout and The Last of Us, that’s precisely what’s needed.
Paradise Season 2 premieres on February 23 on Hulu.