Read our review to find out what we loved about season 2 of Dan Fogelman’s Paradise, now available to stream on Disney+.
Prestige Rating: 3.5/5
Genre: Political thriller, post-apocalyptic, science fiction
Cast: Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Aliyah Mastin, Percy Daggs IV, James Marsden, Shailene Woodley, Thomas Doherty
Created by: Dan Fogelman
Release date: February 23, 2026, episodes releasing every Monday until March 30, 2026
Plot: In season 2 of his post-apocalyptic political thriller, creator Dan Fogelman brings viewers back to the surface as Sterling K. Brown’s Xavier Collins sets out in search of his wife. This season also sheds some light on life on the surface in the immediate days following the apocalypse, showcasing humanity’s plight and the ends to which men will go to ensure their survival in a chaotic world.
What we liked: The inaugural first season of Paradise introduced viewers to key characters and concepts, highlighting life in the fictional Colorado bunker and the politics of power. Turning the concept on its head, season 2 delves deeper into the concept of survival, pitting morality versus necessity in a time of need. Creator, writer, and director Dan Fogelman brings viewers to the surface of post-apocalyptic America, offering perspectives from those left behind — the un-chosen. This poignant shift further enhances the script, further expanding on Fogelman’s world-building prowess and helping viewers to further immerse themselves into the storyline as it unfolds with gripping subtlety.
This review of Paradise season 2 may contain mild spoilers. Proceed with caution if you do not wish to be spoiled.
Humanity, morality, and survival
In its quieter moments, season 2 of Paradise plays out like a love letter to humanity. Scenes unfurl with a poignant quietude, carefully and expertly juxtaposed alongside moments of deep depravity and violence — two sides of the same coin that showcase the depth and nuance of sentient existence.
Joining the cast this season, Shailene Woodley forms part of the network of new characters that come together to portray layers of intimacy. The dance of connection interwoven into the greater storyline betrays one resounding truth — it is human, and inevitable, to crave community and kinship. The best among us are compelled to participate in the social construct; to share, and to perform acts of service for the people we love. The very worst are guided by the same — but led by stray instincts and the ever-pervading thread of selfishness.
Chief in demonstrating this juxtaposition of motives: Sinatra’s lofty aspirations are presented as overwhelmingly selfless. She is out to ‘save humanity’; but deeper within, it is clear she has personal motives of a more sinister nature. Given the series’ propensity for turning the narrative on its head, however, this may yet be corrected. However, Sinatra’s ability to navigate the grey fog of anti-heroism is commendable, and credited to creator and writer Dan Fogelman, whose previous work — Only Murders in the Building, This Is Us among others — is reflected in the depth and complexity of Paradise.
Holding a mirror to real life
As it has since season 1, Paradise is the perfect example of art imitating life. While there are stark differences in the events of Paradise versus that of the real world, Fogelman nevertheless draws striking parallels. Key among them, the ever-increasing role of billionaires in American politics, which in recent years have sparked global concerns over lobbyists from high-powered tech industries and an increasingly plutocratic White House. One cannot help but to think of Elon Musk’s doomed Department of Government Efficiency, as well as the striking imagery of tech billionaires from Mark Zuckerberg to Jeff Bezos taking centre stage at the 2025 inauguration of President Donald Trump.
There is, in the series as in real life, the pervading sense that dollars run the political world, and Paradise does not shy away from the comparison, instead alluding to the inequity that can arise when those in power look out only for themselves. It’s an uncomfortable reality check, but one that hits hard and close to home.
Haunting the narrative
In season 2, we’re given a glimpse into Xavier’s life prior to the devastating loss of his wife. Haunting the narrative throughout season 1, Teri (Enuka Okuma) and Xavier’s relationship is expanded upon in a charming, almost rom-com-esque segue, highlighting the nuances of human relationships, how love grows, and how caring is reflected in actions. We are shown, rather than told, of their bond, and why it has endured long years of separation, stress, and world-ending chaos.
Recurring characters whose deaths rattled viewers in season 1 — notably Jon Beavers’ Billy Pace and James Marsden’s President Cal Bradford likewise return in flashbacks, imbuing scenes with a pleasing continuity that adds to the narrative, rather than distracting. The first three episodes also expands on storylines surrounding psychotherapist Gabriela Torabi (Sarah Shahi), special agent Jane Driscoll (Nicole Brydon Bloom), and Samantha “Sinatra” Redmond (Julianne Nicholson), who kicks off the season newly-recovered from being shot in the season 1 finale.
While only three episodes have been released as of today, season 2 of Paradise is already shaping up to rival its predecessor in engaging storytelling. New episodes are slated to drop every Monday, with the eighth and final episode of the season scheduled for release on March 30, 2026.
Season 2 of Paradise is now available to stream on Disney+.
This article first appeared here
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.