Ever since it premiered on 26 January 2025, Paradise has kept audiences hooked with its intriguing premise. Now that season 1 has ended, fans are eager to uncover the truth behind all of its thrilling mysteries. So, check out our Paradise season 1 ending explained piece to unravel the show’s mysteries and discover the identity of the main killer.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where the survivors of a doomsday event live in an underground bunker in Colorado, the Hulu TV series follows Agent Xavier Collins (portrayed by Sterling K Brown) as he tries to uncover the truth behind the President’s death.
Riddled with layers of narratorial puzzles and emotional sequences, the show also offers a commentary on class consciousness, the absolute power of the state and climate change.
But before we decode the ending of Paradise season 1, let us look at its cast, plot and more.
All about Paradise season 1
Who is in the cast?
This is Us and Black Panther (2018) fame Sterling K Brown plays the role of Agent Xavier Collins, the protagonist. Along with him, James Marsden stars as President Cal Bradford, Julianne Nicholson as Samantha Redmond aka Sinatra, and Krys Marshall as Nicole Robinson.
Other supporting cast includes Sarah Shahi as Dr Gabriela Torabi, Jon Beavers as Agent William, and Nicole Brydon Bloom as Jane Driscoll.
How many episodes are there in Paradise season 1?
The Hulu TV series has eight episodes in season 1.
A look at the plot of Paradise season 1
The plot of Paradise season 1 uses a non-linear approach to unfold its narrative for the audience. Juxtaposing flashbacks and scenes from the present, the show sets up a thrilling synopsis — a murdered president, an underground post-apocalyptic society and a sinister plot to maintain power at the top.
Apart from its thriller and mystery elements, Paradise season 1 explores the divide between the wealthy and the less fortunate during catastrophic events. It shows how common people are often sacrificed so the rich and powerful can live a comfortable life.
It is this theme of the radicalised common man that becomes the catalyst in explaining the ending of Paradise season 1, as detailed below.
Spoilers ahead!
Paradise season 1 ending explained: Who is behind the President’s murder?
After Sinatra tells Collins that the DNA found on the President’s body came from outside the compound, Xavier decides to visit the crime scene again. There, he finds a mixtape made by Bradford and some clues that lead him to the library.
As Collins picks up the book The Man Who Kept the Secrets, which is also the title of the last episode, he is attacked by the librarian, Trent (portrayed by Ian Merrigan). When Collins gains consciousness, Trent reveals that he was the one who killed the President in his bedroom by bludgeoning him.
But what was Trent’s motivation?
Well, the final episode of Paradise season 1 starts with a flashback from the perspective of a project manager (portrayed by Ian Merrigan) of the construction of the underground bunker. The show, through him, offers the point of view of the common man who seems to be a pawn in the power play of the state.
As the project manager spends time at the construction site, he begins bonding with the workers, particularly Adam. But soon he finds a toxic residue that could potentially compromise the health of all workers. When he tries to report it and get the project to shut down, he is promptly dismissed, and the workers are asked to continue.
Radicalised, he begins collecting data and information to uncover the truth. In the process, he also attempts to assassinate the President but is caught and sentenced to jail in Colorado.
It is later revealed that when disaster struck, he escaped prison under the guise of a police officer, killed the real librarian Trent and his wife, and from there assumed his identity.
Following that, Trent encountered a young woman whom he persuaded to take the identity of Maggie (Trent’s wife). With that, they both entered the bunker under false names by faking a panic attack.
Trent admits that he spent years in the bunker getting comfortable living his new life until he saw President Cal, and his need for revenge spurred again.
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Paradise season 1 ending explained: What’s next for Xavier Collins?
When Xavier goes back to meet Sinatra to unveil the identity of the killer and rescue his daughter, Sinatra alludes that his daughter is no more. Even though she mentions she didn’t intend to go this far, Collins is overcome with grief and a thirst for revenge. As he kills Sinatra’s bodyguards and proceeds to shoot her, too, Jane shoots her first — citing that Sinatra is no use to her dead.
The finale leaves several character arcs on a cliffhanger. As Xavier proceeds to leave the bunker in search of his wife and other survivors, Sinatra is shown alive albeit in a coma, hooked on machines.
Jane is seen playing her beloved Wii, and Jeremy (played by Charlie Evans), the President’s son is seen listening to his father’s message — urging him to fix his mistakes and make the world (the bunker) a better place.
Will there be a season 2 of Paradise?
There’s some great news for fans of the show as Paradise was officially renewed for a second season by Hulu in February 2025.
Watch Paradise season 1 here
Hero and feature image: Courtesy: IMDb/Paradise (2025), Photo by Brian Roedel/ Disney – © 2024 Disney. All rights reserved.