‘Paradise’ Season 2 Earns Strong Rotten Tomatoes Score Amidst Critical Debate

Hulu’s sci-fi thriller Paradise has returned for a second season, and initial reviews are in. As of February 21, 2026, Season 2 holds an 86% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 22 critic reviews. This score matches that of the first season, suggesting a consistently compelling viewing experience.

What Critics Are Saying

The critical reception of Paradise Season 2 is mixed, with reviewers highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. Some praise the show’s expansion of its world and compelling characters, while others express concerns about shifts in focus.

• Positive Reviews: Martin Carr of CBR awarded the season a 9/10, calling it a “satisfying slice of dystopian drama” that delivers numerous subplots and resolves unanswered questions. Jeanine T. Abraham, writing for VisAbleBlackwoman (Medium), gave it a 4.5/5 rating, praising the show’s employ of flashbacks and stellar acting. Dais Johnston of Inverse notes the show’s successful shift in focus, drawing comparisons to the series Lost. Michel Ghanem of TheWrap believes the season demonstrates the show “has plenty of gas left in the tank.”
• Mixed/Negative Reviews: Clint Worthington of RogerEbert.com expressed concern that new characters aren’t as compelling as those from the first season, while Nick Schager of The Daily Beast suggests the show has “lost its way.”

Season 2 Plot Details

Season 2 of Paradise follows a security service team tasked with protecting a former president, James Marsden, in the aftermath of an extinction-level event. The story expands beyond the underground bunker in Colorado, revealing the state of the world outside. A central plotline involves Sterling K. Brown’s character, Xavier Collins, leaving the bunker to search for his wife, Teri (Enuka Okuma), who he believes is still alive .

Episode Release Schedule

The first two episodes of Paradise Season 2 premiered on February 23, 2026, with subsequent episodes rolling out weekly on Hulu. Both episodes are titled “Graceland” and focus on the security team’s assignment to safeguard the former president .

Where to Watch

Paradise Season 2 is available for streaming exclusively on Hulu.