10 Best Shows Like Paradise

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Ever since its premiere this year, I’ve been utterly captivated by Hulu’s latest sensation, “Paradise.” This gripping series unfolds within an underground bunker in Colorado, where it masterfully weaves together elements of drama, suspense, and mystery. Created by Dan Fogelman and graced with the charm of Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, and James Marsden, the story follows Secret Service agent Xavier Collins as he finds himself under suspicion for President Bradford’s death. He not only fights to clear his name but also embarks on a quest for the truth.

Paradise, unlike many other thrillers, distinguishes itself through its breathtaking visual style, strong ensemble chemistry, and a captivating blend of secrets and deceit. Although the series on Hulu has been renewed for a second season, it’s not the only one that grips viewers with character-centric narratives. Numerous other shows delve into similar themes and components, each offering its own distinctive flavor. The following 10 shows are likely to captivate fans of Paradise.

10
‘Jericho’ (2006 – 2008)

Jericho is an engaging post-apocalyptic action drama, taking place in a tranquil Kansas town that transforms into a hotbed of mystery and survival after a sequence of nuclear explosions annihilate the United States. The narrative centers around Jake Green, the rebellious offspring of a Mayor, who arrives back home moments before disaster strikes. As the town grapples with dwindling supplies and social unrest, they strive to reconstitute a society that’s far from ordinary.

Small-Town Survival Drama

Engrossing and character-centric, the series “Jericho” delves into multiple intriguing mysteries, maintaining an air of suspense that grips viewers from beginning to end. The strong ensemble cast, led by impressive performances from Skeet Ulrich, Ashley Scott, and Lennie James, lends depth to the story’s turmoil. Unfortunately, “Jericho” was initially terminated after a single season due to poor viewership ratings, but it was reinstated following a fan-led campaign, only to be canceled once more after its second season.

9
‘Prime Target’ (2025 – Present)

A captivating thriller series debuted on Apple TV+ this year, comprising eight intricately designed episodes. Titled “Prime Target“, the story revolves around Edward Brooks, a gifted mathematician from Cambridge University, who is tirelessly working to solve the prime number theory. His potential breakthrough could potentially jeopardize global cybersecurity, thus drawing the interest of mysterious entities intent on halting his progress.

Conspiracy and Global Intrigue

As a movie enthusiast, I’d put it this way: Dive headfirst into the pulse-pounding world of “Prime Target”, where I, as Brooks (familiar from “One Day”, “The White Lotus”, and “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy”), find myself entangled in a complex web of NSA secrets, global assassins, and an enigmatic institution. Initially pursued by NSA operative Taylah Sanders, portrayed by Quintessa Swindell, I soon join forces with her. Brady Hood directs this masterpiece, while Steve Thompson pens its intricate narrative that mirrors the geopolitical depth of “Paradise”.

8
‘House of Cards’ (2013 – 2018)

Amidst the political landscape of America, House of Cards narrates the story of Frank Underwood, a cold-blooded Democratic Majority Whip, and his equally ambitious spouse, Claire. After being overlooked for the role of Secretary of State, Frank’s unyielding desire for power sparks him to initiate an intricate scheme to seize the presidency.

Ambitions Leading to Deception

Regardless of Kevin Spacey’s unsettling portrayal as the main character, “House of Cards” stands out among political thriller TV shows due to its exceptional narrative and intricate characters. The character of Frank is ruthless in his pursuit of ambition, employing tactics such as blackmail, betrayal, and assassination. Similar to the series “Paradise,” “House of Cards” excels not just in its compelling storytelling but also in the morally ambiguous characters that create an undercurrent of tension and sophistication. Additionally, it offers surprising plot twists that keep viewers hooked for six seasons.

7
‘The Night Agent’ (2023 – Present)

Following the gripping novel penned by Matthew Quirk titled “The Night Agent“, I found myself immersed in a heart-stopping television series. As a mere FBI agent manning an emergency phone line for covert operatives, I answered a call that set my world ablaze – it hinted at a mole within the White House. In a bid to safeguard our nation, I embarked on a perilous pursuit to unmask the traitor, with each step edging me closer to danger.

Driven by Action and Suspense

From the very first episode to the last, this Netflix series turned out to be an unexpected success, captivating viewers from start to finish. It mirrors Paradise’s fascination with espionage, mysteries, political machinations, and morally complex characters. The series delves deeply into the personal costs of working in counterintelligence through its gripping narrative and thrilling action sequences. Moreover, Gabriel Basso delivers a compelling performance as Peter, while Luciane Buchanan portrays Rose, a cybersecurity expert, adding depth and tension to the overall atmosphere.

6
‘Designated Survivor’ (2016 – 2019)

Designated Survivor begins with an unexpected chain of events. During the State of the Union address, a devastating attack on the Capitol Building eliminates everyone in the presidential succession except Tom Kirkman, a minor cabinet member. With this sudden promotion to President of the United States, Kirkman must rebuild the country while uncovering the truth behind the attack.

National Leadership and Political Chaos

This ABC/Netflix show is a must-see for fans of “Paradise” seeking a gripping, character-focused drama that delves into the intricate realms of politics, power struggles, and leadership. The plot weaves together suspenseful mysteries, political maneuvers, and hidden agendas with the emotional turmoil and vulnerabilities of the characters. Kiefer Sutherland’s portrayal as the resolute yet hesitant Kirkman serves as the series’ core.

5
‘Severance’ (2022 – Present)

In 2022, the series “Severance” made its premiere on Apple TV+ and has sparked much debate among viewers. This gripping drama unfolds within a puzzling corporation named Lumon Industries, which has devised a unique process called “severance,” enabling employees to maintain two separate identities – one for their professional lives and the other for their personal ones. One of the workers, Mark Scout, starts uncovering troubling facts about the company’s hidden objectives.

Unpredictable and Genre-Defying

In essence, “Severance” and “Paradise” vary significantly in their settings, yet they both delight in intricate storytelling and chilling surprises. The former offers an eerie allure through its atmospheric direction, striking visuals, and dystopian landscape, pulling audiences into a bizarre yet captivating realm. Performances by Adam Scott, Patricia Clarkson, and John Turturro, among others, serve as the narrative’s foundation.

4
‘Homeland’ (2011 – 2020)

Originating from the minds of Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa for Showtime, Homeland represents an extended political suspense series that artfully integrates aspects of espionage and psychological narratives. The narrative revolves around Carrie Mathison, a CIA operative who demonstrates exceptional intelligence yet struggles with her bipolar disorder, often leading to conflicts with her intuition. She is assigned the task of scrutinizing Nicholas Brody, a former prisoner of war, whom she suspects is plotting a significant terrorist act.

Explore War, Terror, and Personal Sacrifice

Homeland offers a complex, maze-like storyline filled with terrorism, political deceit, and global conspiracies. Following its intricate developments across eight seasons can feel both confining and exhilarating. Given its intense game of cat and mouse, fans of Paradise might find the show captivating. Additionally, noteworthy performances by Claire Danes and Damian Lewis, who grapple with personal demons, add depth to their characters’ lives.

3
‘Silo’ (2023 – Present)

After a catastrophic event renders Earth’s surface uninhabitable, approximately 10,000 humans seek shelter in a colossal underground sanctuary. The narrative unfolds around Juliette Nichols, an engineer on a quest to unravel the enigma surrounding her predecessors’ untimely demises. Simultaneously, hidden truths about the silo’s function and a government operating without rules emerge.

A Tale of Dystopian Rebellion

In “Silo,” a tangled net of dishonesty and treachery is skillfully spun, although enveloped in the genre of science fiction, it’s the thought-provoking storyline that makes it an essential watch. Despite portraying a grim world, the immersive visuals make even the individual conflicts and complex conspiracies captivating. The dystopian puzzle is further heightened by Rebecca Ferguson’s impressive portrayal of Juliette, top-notch production quality, and profound depth.

2
‘The Recruit’ (2022 – 2025)

On streaming giant Netflix, The Recruit, masterminded by Alexi Hawley, unfurls a tale about Owen Hendricks, a greenhorn lawyer and novice CIA operative. In an unforeseen twist, he’s plunged into the realm of global espionage when he accidentally discovers a plot to blackmail a former asset. This secretive figure confides in him with confidential data. Despite his lack of experience, Owen employs his talents to maneuver through this high-risk assignment and unveil the truth behind the plot.

Lighthearted Spy Themes and Intense Action

Much like Paradise, this action-comedy-thriller blend stands out for its knack in escalating tension and mystery over the course of two seasons. The character interactions are gripping, with Noah Centineo (known from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Black Adam) giving a remarkable portrayal of Owen, a character who is clumsy yet surprisingly adept. The series manages to strike a harmonious blend between humor and peril, making it a delightful innovation within the genre. Regrettably, Netflix has decided not to renew The Recruit for further seasons.

1
‘The Diplomat’ (2023 – Present)

The Diplomat is a Netflix series that currently boasts two seasons, and it’s been announced that there will be a third season. Unlike some shows, this one has already secured an extension. The story revolves around Kate Wyler, a talented and driven diplomat who takes on the role of U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. With a global crisis looming, she must ensure smooth international relations while juggling her personal life and marriage to another career diplomat, Hal Wyler.

Fresh and Engaging Political Drama

The series The Diplomat is linked to Paradise through its skillful portrayal of blending individual conflicts with far-reaching global political consequences. Characters similar to those in Paradise, such as Russell’s resilient Kate, are compelled to face their personal flaws and biases while maneuvering through a challenging terrain of diplomacy, treachery, and corporate desires. This captivating show is admired for its stunning visuals, subtle narrative structure, and intricate storylines, earning it praise from critics and positioning it as one of the top modern political dramas.

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2025-03-25 04:02