User Reviews

An easy watch for the family that provides some good light entertainment. The plots are fairly predictable and provide a nice balance of comedy and action. I look forward to watching the next season and really enjoyed the unusual landscapes and scenery of the Philippines.

Set in the Philippine island of Cebu, the series follows Alex Walker (Christian Kane) a former DEA agent who's forced into retirement after a botched mission. Now collecting minuscule disability checks from the military, Walker tries to manage his elevated blood pressure by avoiding stressful situations and managing a gift shop. But when Walker accidentally stumbles into one of the Cebu police operations, he finds himself infrequently called back as a consultant and challenging his doctor ordered stress management.

Created produced by Dean Devlin through his company Electric Entertainment (The Librarians, Leverage, The Outpost), the series reunites Devlin with Christian Kane from Leverage. The show touts itself on being the first major TV production set and filmed in the Philippines, and while the setting may be new, the format is familiar but well done.

Almost Paradise is a light hearted PI type show that harkens back to TV staples such as The Rockford Files and Magnum P. I., it's definitely well trodden ground in the TV space, but while the show is made from familiar parts it uses them to good effect. Despite being a very "American" show in terms of format and production value, the show does incorporate its unfamiliar locale to great effect with some nice establishment of Cebu and a predominantly Filipino cast who give good performances and have good chemistry with lead Christian Kane.

In terms of character, Alex Walker makes for a fun hardscrabble protagonist who just wants to run his seaside gift shop in peace, but has to deal with trouble either finding him or his friends and having no choice but to deal with it. Samantha Richelle as Detective Kai Mendoza is quite good as one of Walker's confidants and associates and the two have some great back and forth in the show. Arthur Acuña as Ernesto Almares, Kai's partner, is certainly a good physical presence in the show, but he can come off kind of stiff in certain scenes. Granted the character is supposed to be sort of a "strong silent type" but when he does speak it can sometime come off a little stilted.

The format of the show will be very familiar to people who are fans of this type of show, particularly those familiar with Matt Nix shows like Burn Notice or The Good Guys where old TV formats are refurbish by adding in more overarching character stories. While Almost Paradise doesn't have all the espionage elements from Burn Notice, it does adhere very closely to the established framework and doesn't break the mold. With that said it uses the established framework quite well, but your overall enjoyment of this show will depend on your forgiveness for familiarity.

Almost Paradise is a fun but familiar action/adventure private investigator series. With a charismatic lead, unique locales, and a (mostly) strong supporting cast, Almost Paradise takes familiar elements and still manages to create a fun if not particularly substantive escapist show.

As a fan of Christian Kane since the days of Angel, I find this show to be both funny and thrilling at the same time. The cast works extremely well together, the writing is spot on, and the scenery is beautiful.

I can see so many possibilities for a new season, and I think it would be great if his "daughter" is included in new episodes.

I don't want to give anything away so if for some reason you missed it the first time, give it a try, watch reruns, if you can get them where you are, or find someone who recorded them. I really think you will enjoy it. And with the networks pulling shows without letting them get up some steam, I would hate to see this one get cancelled. I myself had seen no commercials for this show and caught it by chance. I'm glad I did!

I didn't think it was possible for this great show to get even better, but I was proven wrong. Season 2 was so much better and more fun and nail biting than before. The critics might draw similarities to other shows, but quite frankly, I don't think the fans care. The fact that it has an awesome cast, and is filmed in the Phillipines is what makes this show so much fun and reminds me of the the shows like "Rockford Files"! I refuse to give out spoilers, because each person should decide for themselves. It would be a total mistake to not film a Season 3. It's time to listen to your fans, guys! We love it!

I never understand people who rate movies based on reality versus expected. No, this show isn't realistic (the American airbase closed 10 years ago and guns aren't played with in PI like they are in the USA)

But it's fun and the lead character Christian Kane is extraordinary. And the detective chick is hot (mama the bikini scene!), the sidekick is a martial arts guru, and the scenery is beautiful. It's a silly little show but succeeds wildly as enjoyable, even if completely unbelievable.

I'm a fan of many Dean Devlin shows and Almost Paradise is no exception. Are there plot holes? Yes. Is it predictable? Often. Do I still deeply enjoy this show? Absolutely!! The cast is fantastic; the setting beautiful; the story is the perfect blend of action, comedy and heart. This is a great show and I REALLY REALLY hope Almost Paradise gets many more seasons!

I've been a fan of Christian Kane since Leverage and Second Hand Lions. This series is very refreshing. I wish I could see in person those scenery. The action is not bad. Recommended.

Almost Paradise sneaked in with Christian Kane as strangely over heated ex DEA agent trying to retire and relax in Philippines, but called back to action by local law enforcement. Nothing new, the formula works. It's fun, no brainer, which is what a TV action series supposed to be.

For action fans, good series to recommend. For those searching for serious storylines and deep thoughts, don't watch this. It's a Dean Devlin produced series, it's fun, period.

It seems to me that there is an increasing tendency to dilute procedurals with heavy doses of slapstick comedy played out by the protagonists. The reboot of Hawaii Five-0 would be a prime example of this. Can you possibly imagine wise cracking Detective Lennie Briscoe and any of his various partners on Law and Order engaging in any of the silly banter and stunts that we see in some modern day procedurals?

Attempting to balance comedic and dramatic elements is a difficult tightrope to walk. Few are successful. Alfred Hitchcock was one of the masters at achieving that balance. Amidst the most horrible of events Hitchcock could drop in a nugget of comedy tastefully and without distracting from the dramatic tension. If you don't believe me watch Frenzy.

Unfortunately, Almost Paradise doesn't achieve that kind of balance. While I thoroughly enjoyed Leverage and have enjoyed the acting work of Christian Kane, I can't give Almost Paradise a ringing endorsement.

1st episode was 40 minutes long and sure introduces all main persons. I must say I am quite impressed as its better than I hoped for. The plot is simple but to my surprise it's way better and not as shallow as most telenovelas we usually know from the philippines.

It was fun watching and its also fun to point out places I recognized in Cebu. Easy to explain who the bad guys and good guys were, and having the female lead in a bikini the first episode didn't hurt either.

Some actors act a bit stiff but hey it is not a Netflix or Hollywood production. Much better it has a good story that doesnt get boring and not too much of this Ninja style I fight them all bad guys action szenes. Action when needed is short and to the poin so no waste of other time.

Looking forward for the rest of this series and I hope it will be shown in the Philippines one day too.

This is a FUN SHOW!! It's a cop show, but with a fun twist - the location. There is quite a bit of humor thrown in-much of it cultural, which is quite hilarious. It's refreshing to see a show that is NOT based in New York or LA. Give this title a chance, you'll enjoy it! It's really too bad it didn't get renewed. I would have like to have seen where they would take it.

I too, am an American living in the Philippines, as a matter of fact, right here in Cebu. The US base in Mactan (Cebu) was shut down in 1991! It became a Philippine Air Force base. The one interviewer who said there are no American military here, WAS RIGHT! The only time they have been here since is during the US/Asian war games. Those have been cancelled. People who don't live here, really need to get their information from somewhere other than Falsebook! As for the show, it's ridiculously stupid. Guns everywhere, not likely. Most if not all gun shops were closed down when the new president was elected. And a foreigner with a gun, not a chance! That is at least a lengthy prison sentence, and at most, an instant ticket home. Beautiful women everywhere in bikinis, NO WAY! PDA isn't allowed here, let alone being half naked. There is an actual law against being "half naked", I kid you not! This is just another goof show aimed at the intellectually impaired. As to the review (Somebody misunderstood), if you click on his/her ID, you will see another one and done fake review.

This show is great! Christian Kane lays down his acting chops easily switching between comedy drama and action. It's easy to get lost in the scenery beautiful location. Dean Devlin is a master at bringing shows that just suck you in from the start. The commraderie between the characters just shows through in everything they do. Definitely give this show a chance. Forget the world around you and get lost in Paradise.

Excellent show Christian Kane showing his talent action n comedy. Beautiful scenery well written script, another hit for Dean Devlin

Dean Devlin and Christian Kane do it again. Amazing show and can't wait for the next episode. Hoping it is around for many seasons.

Citizen Kane it isn't, but fun it is!

Watch it for what it is, excellent entertainment.

I should add, whilst there is a lot of fun and comedy in this series, they are also making some good points about the exploitation of these small islands, by outsiders.

Actor/singer Christian Kane, a 20+ year veteran of TV and movies, finally hits his stride in this well-scripted and retro-feel crime drama which is set and filmed in the Philippines. Known more often for roles in which his emotions were kept in check, Kane displays a surprisingly raw vulnerability while delivering gut-wrenching lines that will tug at viewer heartstrings and make them reach for tissues. However, his wry humor and plenty of action/fight scenes will satisfy fans of his former works. Kane and talented co-stars Samantha Richelle and Art Acuna make Almost Paradise a destination that viewers will want to revisit again and again. I know I will.

Are the characters likeable? Yes. Are they all predictable? Completely. This show is your typical American cop show with doses of humour. Frankly, it's not bad but it's certainly not as good as many of the reviews have said. It doesn't quite grab you. But, if you need a mindless show that doesn't require effort to follow, this is certainly it.

These 10/10 reviews gotta be fake. I admit I fell for them as I figured I'd give it a shot based on some good comments despite the lowish rating, and was quite mistaken. Immediately pretty lame with cheesy Americanized bad guys and over-eager DEA can't-help-but-be-the-hero cliche. Blah.

The first episode was a little too dramatic but by episode 3 it settles in and has some really good episodes.

The show is light hearted and Christian Kane is not the strongest of actors although he is personable enough and love the stunts. The only really uncomfortable thing is most of the love interests are 20 years his junior and makes difficult watching. Love the supporting actors though, they are all strong and although it's very much tongue in cheek, it's a lighthearted, easy watching. I will continue watching but must admit to hoping they move aware from the ultra young women supposedly interested in a middle aged, economically poor and emotionally detached man. At least his hair is better in season two.

The show seems to be an over the top cliche riddled satire of action shows. I've watched 3 episodes and it's really dumb. Almost like the writers are aware of this. It's really dialogue heavy. The stories are believable but become absurd as the episode progresses.

I really think this is satire they can't be serious.

Compared to much of the schlock that is often passed off for scripted shows like Tommy or FBI Most Wanted. Almost Paradise was breath of fresh air as there was no hidden message trying to be force fed on the viewer. It was just a crime, drama, comedy show. While there is nothing new in this show, all the characters are fun to watch and have good interactions with each other. No it is not Law and Order, or the original Hawaii Five O but the good guys win in the end and it is pleasant way to spend an hour with some good action and some comedy mixed together.

This is an awesome new show that's definitely worth watching! I was definitely unprepared for the ice scene. The look and feel of the show is quite similar to Dean Devlin's other shows; however, this one has more of a suspense vibe. I can't wait to see how this season goes! I'm really excited about the setting too! I visited the area when I was in the Navy and it is even more beautiful than I remember.