Fans of the Hulu series Paradise may enjoy Julianne Nicholson's Emmy-winning role in the HBO crime drama Mare of Easttown. The two shows share elements like suspenseful mysteries and the actress's compelling performances in supporting parts. Mare of Easttown stands out for its authentic portrayal of small-town life and sensitive personal struggles.
The Hulu series Paradise, created by Dan Fogelman, features Julianne Nicholson as Samantha Redmond, a wealthy and devious decision-maker who serves as a key antagonistic figure. In contrast, HBO's Mare of Easttown, written by Brad Ingelsby, casts her as Lori, the loyal best friend of lead detective Mare Sheehan, played by Kate Winslet. Nicholson received an Emmy nomination for her work in Paradise and won the award for Mare of Easttown.
Mare of Easttown centers on the investigation of a teen mother's murder in a fictional close-knit Pennsylvania suburb. Detective Sergeant Mare Sheehan takes on the case amid community unrest, having previously failed to solve the disappearance of a young girl a year earlier. Sheehan's personal challenges include a recent divorce, the suicide of her son, and a custody battle over the grandson she raises with family support. Lori provides emotional backing to Sheehan until she becomes entangled in the killings herself.
While Paradise evolves into a more complex narrative beyond a straightforward whodunit, both series build suspense through enigmatic plots and richly drawn characters. Mare of Easttown, a seven-episode miniseries, excels in capturing the nuances of small-town Pennsylvania, including local accents and everyday authenticity. It distinguishes itself in the crowded detective genre—alongside shows like The Killing, True Detective, and Luther—through top-notch performances and a realistic script.
The series thoughtfully addresses themes such as addiction, marital discord, and parental loss, integrating them into the crime story to offer insights into real-life issues. Ingelsby's follow-up series Task is also available on HBO Max. For viewers drawn to Paradise's intrigue and Nicholson's range, Mare of Easttown delivers prestige drama with depth and relevance.
