The highly anticipated second season of Paradise is set to premiere on ABC on 2026, bringing back its stellar ensemble cast for another gripping chapter of secrets, redemption, and emotional turmoil. Picking up where the explosive first season left off, Season 2 delves deeper into the lives of the Collins family and the enigmatic newcomers who disrupt their fragile peace. With Sterling K. Brown and Julianne Nicholson leading the charge, the new season promises even more twists, betrayals, and heart-wrenching moments set against the sun-soaked backdrop of a town that hides as much as it reveals.
This season explores the fallout from last year’s shocking revelations, testing loyalties and unearthing buried truths. New alliances form, old wounds reopen, and the arrival of unexpected faces—including James Marsden’s mysterious Cal Bradford—shakes the foundation of Paradise. With its signature blend of family drama, simmering tension, and powerhouse performances, Paradise Season 2 is poised to be one of the most talked-about shows of the year.
Paradise Season 2: Star Cast
1. Sterling K. Brown as Xavier Collins
Sterling K. Brown returns to deliver another Emmy-worthy performance as Xavier Collins, the morally complex patriarch whose carefully constructed world continues unraveling in Season 2. Brown masterfully portrays Xavier’s desperate attempts to maintain control while facing devastating health issues and shocking betrayals from those closest to him, including a heart-wrenching confrontation with his children that showcases Brown’s incredible emotional range. The actor brings new layers to Xavier this season as he’s forced to confront his past misdeeds while trying to protect his family from looming threats, creating television’s most compelling antihero.
This season explores Xavier’s complicated relationship with his estranged brother (played by a surprise guest star) through flashbacks that reveal the traumatic childhood events that shaped both men. Brown’s scenes with James Marsden crackle with tension, particularly in Episode 5’s explosive confrontation that changes the power dynamics in Paradise forever. The actor’s ability to convey both ruthless determination and profound vulnerability ensures Xavier remains the show’s magnetic center.
2. Julianne Nicholson as Sinatra
Julianne Nicholson’s enigmatic Sinatra becomes even more fascinating in Season 2 as her mysterious backstory is finally revealed through haunting flashbacks to her time as a military medic in Afghanistan. Nicholson delivers a quietly devastating performance as Sinatra forms an unexpected bond with Dr. Torabi while secretly working to expose Paradise’s darkest secrets, showcasing the actress’ unparalleled ability to communicate volumes through subtle glances and restrained delivery.
The chemistry between Nicholson and Sarah Shahi becomes one of the season’s highlights, particularly in their emotionally charged scenes running an underground clinic that serves Paradise’s marginalized communities. Nicholson’s portrayal of Sinatra’s gradual emotional thawing – culminating in a shocking act of violence that changes everything – stands as one of television’s most nuanced character arcs this year.
3. Sarah Shahi as Dr. Gabriela Torabi
Sarah Shahi’s Dr. Torabi faces professional and personal crises in Season 2 as her medical license comes under threat while she becomes dangerously involved with Sinatra’s vigilante justice mission. Shahi brings fierce intelligence and raw emotion to Gabriela’s journey, particularly in Episode 3’s breathtaking sequence where she performs emergency surgery during a blackout with only Sinatra’s assistance.
The actress shines in Gabriela’s evolving relationships – her forbidden attraction to Xavier, her mentorship of young Presley Collins, and her morally complex partnership with Sinatra. Shahi’s powerful performance peaks in Episode 7 when Gabriela must choose between her oath as a healer and her desire for justice, delivering one of the season’s most unforgettable monologues.
4. Nicole Brydon Bloom as Jane Driscoll
Nicole Brydon Bloom’s investigative reporter Jane Driscoll becomes a formidable force in Season 2 as her digging into Paradise’s corruption puts her directly in Cal Bradford’s crosshairs. Bloom perfectly captures Jane’s transformation from ambitious journalist to desperate fugitive after she uncovers evidence of a human trafficking ring with connections to the town’s elite.
The actress shares electric chemistry with James Marsden, particularly in their tense Episode 4 confrontation where Jane outmaneuvers Cal in a psychological game of cat-and-mouse. Bloom’s portrayal of Jane’s resourcefulness and resilience – especially during her harrowing underground hideout scenes – makes her one of the season’s standout characters.
5. Aliyah Mastin as Presley Collins
Aliyah Mastin delivers a breakout performance as Presley Collins, who evolves from rebellious teen to formidable young woman after discovering shocking truths about her family’s legacy. Mastin shines in Presley’s emotional journey, particularly in Episode 2 when she confronts Xavier about his lies during a powerful rain-soaked argument that showcases the young actress’ remarkable range.
Presley’s romantic subplot with Mike Garcia (Eddie Diaz) provides touching moments of normalcy amidst the chaos, while her growing friendship with Dr. Torabi leads to compelling scenes about generational trauma. Mastin’s most devastating moment comes in Episode 6 when Presley must make an impossible choice that changes her relationship with her brother James forever.
6. Percy Daggs IV as James Collins
Percy Daggs IV takes James Collins to thrilling new depths as the golden boy heir apparent becomes entangled in Paradise’s criminal underworld. Daggs expertly portrays James’ moral descent, from his initial reluctance to his frightening competence in handling his father’s shady business dealings, culminating in a chilling Episode 5 scene where he outmaneuvers a rival crime family.
The actor’s scenes with Sterling K. Brown grow increasingly tense as James begins challenging his father’s authority, particularly in their explosive confrontation in Episode 8 that leaves the Collins family forever changed. Daggs also delivers poignant moments showing James’ vulnerability, especially in his tender yet complicated relationship with sister Presley.
7. James Marsden as Cal Bradford
James Marsden makes a sensational series debut as the charming yet terrifying Cal Bradford, whose sunny demeanor masks a ruthless criminal mastermind with deep ties to Paradise’s history. Marsden steals every scene with his unpredictable performance, particularly in Episode 3’s shocking reveal of Cal’s connection to the Collins family that changes everything viewers thought they knew.
The actor’s chemistry with Sterling K. Brown creates television magic, especially in their extended face-off in Episode 7 that plays like a western standoff. Marsden also delivers unexpected pathos in flashbacks showing Cal’s traumatic childhood, adding disturbing layers to the character’s villainy.
8. Krys Marshall as Robinson
Krys Marshall’s Robinson emerges as Season 2’s breakout character – a former special forces operative whose loyalty to Xavier Collins is tested when Cal Bradford arrives in Paradise. Marshall brings physical intensity and emotional depth to Robinson’s conflict, particularly in Episode 4’s breathtaking hand-to-hand combat sequence filmed in one continuous take.
The actor’s nuanced portrayal shines in quiet moments too, especially Robinson’s mentorship of James Collins and his unexpected romantic subplot with a local bartender that reveals surprising vulnerability beneath his tough exterior.
9. Matt Malloy as Henry Baines
Matt Malloy’s Henry Baines becomes far more than comic relief this season as the character’s dark past with Cal Bradford comes to light. Malloy delivers his finest performance yet in Episode 5’s emotional flashback sequence revealing how Henry and Xavier first met, adding profound context to their friendship.
The actor’s heartbreaking portrayal of Henry’s struggle with early-onset dementia creates some of the season’s most tender moments, particularly his deteriorating relationship with Robinson and final confrontation with Xavier in Episode 8.
10. Richard Robichaux as Carl
Richard Robichaux’s Carl evolves from minor character to major player this season as Cal Bradford’s right-hand man, with the actor relishing the chance to showcase Carl’s unpredictable brutality. Robichaux is terrifying in Episode 2’s interrogation scene, then surprisingly sympathetic in Episode 6 when Carl’s tragic backstory is revealed.
The actor’s physical transformation – including learning authentic butchery skills for his character’s meatpacking plant scenes – adds disturbing realism to Carl’s violent profession and makes him one of Season 2’s most memorable antagonists.
11. Eddie Diaz as Mike Garcia
Eddie Diaz brings warmth and authenticity to Mike Garcia, Presley Collins’ love interest who gets drawn into the Collins family drama against his will. Diaz shines in Mike’s emotional arc, particularly when his character must choose between protecting Presley and maintaining his own family’s safety in Episode 7’s tense standoff.
The actor’s natural chemistry with Aliyah Mastin makes their romance one of the season’s most grounded elements, while his Episode 4 action sequence – where Mike single-handedly defends his garage from Carl’s goons – showcases Diaz’s impressive physicality.
