Paradise has inspired some surprising theories about time travel — and Alex’s identity — ahead of the season 2 finale.
The hit Hulu series, which premiered in January 2025, initially appeared to be set in a serene and wealthy community forced to face the realities of a shocking murder. But creator Dan Fogelman‘s political thriller featured a twist when Paradise was revealed to be an underground bunker housing the world’s most prominent individuals after an apocalyptic event destroyed the rest of humanity.
The cast previously spoke to Us Weekly exclusively about how they kept the show a secret before its premiere.
“The biggest lengths [we had to go through to keep the twist secret] are happening now when we’re actually talking to people about it,” Julianne Nicholson shared at the time. “When we were on set, everybody knows what’s up, so we don’t have to be that secretive.”
She continued: “But now the trick is how do you grab people’s attention and assure them that this is something different without giving away any of the details? But we’re very excited for people to get on the ride with us.”
Sterling K. Brown, meanwhile, recently reflected on holding onto so much information about the show.
“I like knowing [what will happen on my projects]. But I feel like it’s a question you only ask in TV. Because if you’re doing a film or play, you know the beginning, the middle and the end,” he told Us in February. “The idea that you don’t have to know or have it spoiled for you … it is also like I get a chance to help craft the arc of where it ultimately goes to. So I don’t mind knowing.”
Keep scrolling for a guide to the biggest fan theories about the Paradise season 2 finale:
Time Travel
The largest concept making the rounds is Paradise finding a way to introduce time travel into the mix. The biggest clue was Link seemingly having a connection to Sinatra’s son, which has made some wonder if they are one person. More importantly, the concept of time travel came up with either Link or Sinatra knowingly getting him involved.
Hulu’s hit series Paradise is returning after shocking cliffhangers and onscreen deaths — but which stars are and aren’t reprising their roles? This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman‘s political thriller originally premiered in January 2025 under a shroud of mystery. Paradise was teased as a show “set in a serene, wealthy community inhabited by some […]
Who Is Alex?
From a real person to an idea to a computer, there are endless ideas about who Alex could be. The best bet is probably something inanimate but only time — and the finale — will tell who exactly Sinatra has been relying on so closely.
Freezing Time
Speaking of a close connection, there are questions about whether Alex allowed Sinatra to freeze or slow down time. This would explain some of the behavior in the bunker, which would open up more possibilities for season 3.
