Sarah Shahi Wants Her Character to Go Unhinged in Hulu’s ‘Paradise’ Season Two

LOS ANGELES, March 6, 2025 — Sarah Shahi, who plays Dr. Gabriela Torabi in Hulu‘s gripping apocalyptic series ‘Paradise,’ shared her hopes for her character’s progression in the upcoming second season.

‘Paradise’ has captivated audiences with its blend of murder mystery and deep psychological themes, making it one of Hulu’s breakout hits. The show has been renewed for a second season following its successful eight-episode debut, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

In an interview after the season finale, Shahi reflected on her role as a therapist who aided in creating an underground city for 25,000 survivors. ‘She’s a very moral person with a lot of trauma,’ Shahi said. ‘She talks about her tragic past—both parents died when she was young, leading her down a path of drinking and gambling. Therapy became a way to cope, yet she harbors significant guilt and experiences profound loneliness.’

Shahi explained that her character’s depth contributes to the show’s appeal, stating, ‘Instead of addressing her problems, she distracts herself. I do that, too.’ This relatable struggle resonates with viewers, reflecting their own life challenges.

When discussing why audiences are drawn to darker themes, Shahi highlighted a connection between fiction and reality. ‘These are fantastic stories with outstanding writing. Audiences demand sophisticated narratives, and the writing is essential,’ she noted. ‘In ‘Paradise,’ this mix of escapism and stark reality creates an engaging experience.’

The series showcases a seemingly idyllic community disrupted by a violent murder, unraveling a dangerous mystery that reveals the truth behind its façade. The juxtaposition of wealth and survival in ‘Paradise’ mirrors contemporary societal themes, a fact not lost on Shahi. ‘We’re witnessing real-life intersections where power dynamics in society often decide who thrives.’

‘Paradise’ quickly became a conversation starter, with parallels drawn to successful series like HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ and Netflix’s chart-topping shows. Shahi believes viewers find comfort in these narratives amid global uncertainty fueled by pandemics and political discord.

While discussing her journey to ‘Paradise,’ Shahi recalled her early admiration for Dan Fogelman, the show’s creator. ‘I wrote him an email a decade ago, expressing how much his writing resonated with me,’ she said. Although she received no response at the time, Shahi eventually landed a role in Fogelman’s previous series. ‘When I finally auditioned for ‘Paradise,’ he recalled my email. I was surprised he remembered!’ she laughed.

Shahi also shared her experience auditioning alongside Sterling K. Brown, who had recently earned an Oscar nomination. ‘I expected him to be conceited, but he was the most humble person I’ve ever met. He’s remained kind and generous throughout our journey,’ she remarked.

As fans eagerly await season two, Shahi expressed excitement about exploring deeper aspects of her character. She mentioned, ‘There’s so much about her that we don’t yet know. I want to see Gabriela’s darker side emerge—it’s going to be dramatic.’

In addition to her acting, Shahi is preparing to launch her book, ‘Life Is Lifey: The A to Z’s on Navigating Life’s Messy Middle,’ coming later this year. ‘It offers humorous insights into my life inspired by my journey on ‘Sex/Life,’ she explained.

As ‘Paradise’ continues to enthrall audiences, Shahi is poised to bring new depth to a character that has captured viewers’ hearts.