The wait is finally over for fans of Hulu’s gripping post-apocalyptic political thriller. Paradise Season 2 made its highly anticipated debut on February 23, 2026, dropping the first three episodes at once and immediately expanding the world beyond the bunker. The premiere episode, titled “Graceland,” introduces viewers to a whole new survival story while cleverly connecting to the main narrative led by Sterling K. Brown.
The episode takes a bold storytelling risk by focusing almost entirely on a new character, Annie, played by Shailene Woodley. This fresh perspective allows the series to show what life has been like for people who did not make it into the secret Colorado bunker. Here is a complete look at the cast and characters who brought the Paradise Season 2 Episode 1 to life.
Shailene Woodley Joins the Cast as Annie
The biggest addition to the Paradise family in Season 2 is undoubtedly Shailene Woodley. Known for her roles in Big Little Lies and The Fault in Our Stars, Woodley steps into the apocalyptic world of Paradise as Annie, a former medical student who found herself trapped alone at Graceland when “The Day” destroyed the world .
The episode traces Annie’s journey from the moment the catastrophic event hits while she is working as a tour guide at Elvis Presley’s famous Memphis estate. Viewers watch her struggle through the early days of the apocalypse, first with a colleague named Gail, and then completely alone for nearly two years. Woodley’s performance captures the loneliness, fear, and quiet strength of a woman who has had to survive entirely on her own.
Annie’s world changes when a group of survivors led by Link arrives at her gates. Her cautious nature, developed through years of solitude, clashes with her desire for human connection. The character becomes a crucial piece of the larger puzzle when she discovers Xavier Collins after his plane crashes near Graceland, bringing the two separate storylines together by the episode’s end .
Thomas Doherty Plays the Mysterious Link
Thomas Doherty appears in the premiere as Link, the charismatic leader of a survivor group passing through Memphis. Link is not your typical post-apocalyptic tough guy. As the episode reveals, he and his companions were “nerds who outlasted the popular kids,” giving the group a relatable and unexpectedly gentle dynamic .
Link gets his nickname from the main character in The Legend of Zelda video games. He forms a quick bond with Annie during the group’s short stay at Graceland. The two share a quiet moment on the roof looking at stars, and Link later asks Annie for a private tour of the estate. Their connection turns romantic, and Annie briefly considers leaving with the group.
However, a throwaway comment from one of Link’s men reveals a darker purpose. The group is heading to Colorado to find a rumored bunker, but also to kill someone named Alex . This revelation plants the seed for what promises to be a major mystery throughout the season. Link leaves Annie behind but promises to return, leaving her both heartbroken and pregnant.
Michael McGrady Appears as Geiger
Michael McGrady joins the cast as Geiger, an older and more cynical member of Link’s survivor group. Geiger serves as the practical voice of reason, often poking fun at Link’s idealistic nature while still following his lead. He explains to Annie that their mission involves traveling across the country to safely shut down nuclear power plants, a cover story that becomes more suspicious as the episode progresses .
Geiger’s character adds depth to the group, showing that survivors come in all ages and personalities. His world-weary attitude contrasts nicely with Link’s youthful hope.
The Graceland Sequence Features Angel Moore as Gail
Before Annie’s long solitude, she shares her first days of the apocalypse with a colleague named Gail, played by Angel Moore. Gail is the security guard who first offers Annie the tour guide job after finding her crying in the Graceland parking lot. When the catastrophic event hits, it is Gail who follows Annie’s lead to gather supplies and hide in the basement.
Tragically, Gail injures her leg during the chaos. The infection from that wound eventually takes her life by Day 46 . Annie gives her friend a proper burial on the Graceland grounds, marking the beginning of her long years alone. Moore’s brief but powerful performance makes Gail’s death an emotional turning point in the premiere.
Sterling K. Brown Returns as Xavier Collins
Of course, the star of the show Sterling K. Brown returns as Xavier Collins, though his screen time in the premiere is limited to the final moments. After a mysterious plane crash, Xavier is found unconscious near Graceland by Annie. She brings him back to the estate and handcuffs him to a bed while deciding whether to trust him .
The episode cleverly sets up Xavier’s storyline for Episode 2, titled “Mayday,” which promises to explore his journey topside as he continues searching for his wife, Teri. Brown’s Emmy-nominated performance remains the emotional core of the series, and his eventual meeting with Annie creates an exciting dynamic for the episodes ahead.
Familiar Faces Await in Subsequent Episodes
While the premiere focuses almost entirely on the new Graceland storyline, viewers can expect the return of the full ensemble cast in the following episodes. Julianne Nicholson is back as Samantha “Sinatra” Redmond, recovering from being shot at the end of Season 1 and still guarding her secret project. James Marsden returns as the late President Cal Bradford, likely appearing in flashbacks that continue to unravel the mystery of his death.
Sarah Shahi is back as Dr. Gabriela Torabi, while Krys Marshall returns as Nicole Robinson. Enuka Okuma also appears in flashback sequences as Teri, Xavier’s wife whose fate remains a central mystery of the season.
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The Mystery of Alex Drives the Plot Forward
One of the most intriguing elements introduced in the premiere is the repeated mention of someone named Alex. Link’s group mentions needing to kill Alex, and later in Episode 3, Sinatra asks her mysterious maid about how Alex is doing .
Early theories suggest Alex could be a code name for a secret project, possibly related to the bunker’s power reserves or even a hidden location. Others believe Alex might be a person, potentially connected to Henry Miller (played by Patrick Fischler), whose dying wife and mysterious business partner were introduced in the third episode. The show has set up this mystery carefully, promising answers as the season progresses.
Where to Watch Paradise Season 2
Paradise Season 2 is available exclusively on Hulu in the United States. The first three episodes dropped on February 23, with new episodes releasing every Monday until the finale on March 30, 2026 . International viewers can watch the series on Disney+ through the Star content hub.
For new viewers, Season 1 is still available on Hulu, providing all the background needed before diving into the expanded world of Season 2.
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