Dan Fogelman created the eight-episode drama, which co-stars James Marsden and Julianne Nicholson and isn't exactly the series it initially seems to be.

The actor and creator tried something much less weepy this time: a sci-fi thriller. Still it was “a homecoming on so many levels,” Brown said.

This Is Us' creator Dan Fogelman pulled off a surprise twist in the series premiere of Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden's mystery show 'Paradise'

Brown tells PEOPLE what it was like reuniting with the pro of suprising premieres, 'This Is Us' creator Dan Fogelman, for their new series, 'Paradise'

Hulu surprised subscribers by dropping the first episode of Sterling K. Brown's new political thriller Paradise two days early.

Disney is throwing the full weight of its portfolio behind Sterling K. Brown and "This Is Us" creator Dan Fogelman's new Hulu series "Paradise."

UPDATED, 1/16: Hulu has released a second trailer for Paradise, Dan Fogelman ‘s upcoming drama series that stars Sterling K. Brown as the lead of the Secret Service detail charged with protecting the President (James Marsden).

Watching Hulu’s new thriller Paradise is a bit like eating a hot fudge sundae served on top of a chocolate cake: It’s a little messy and almost too much at times… but it’s hard to deny that it’s pretty damn delicious,

Hulu has made the first episode of Paradise available on the platform. The surprise drop comes two days before the triller was supposed to premiere.

"Paradise," Hulu's latest thriller series, isn't quite heaven on earth. You may want to tune in for powerhouse performances from the likes of Sterling K. Brown, or to see what emotional devastation "This Is Us" creator Dan Fogelman has up his sleeves this time.

Your TV GPS, a look at the week ahead in television, appears every Monday morning on BostonGlobe.com. Today’s column covers Jan 28-Feb 2.