One of Us Is Lying
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One of Us Is Lying is an American teen drama mystery television series based on Karen M. McManus's bestselling novel. The series follows five high school students who enter detention, but only four emerge alive after one student, Simon Kelleher, dies under suspicious circumstances. Simon was known for running a gossip app that exposed his classmates' deepest secrets, making the remaining four students — Bronwyn, Addy, Nate, and Cooper — prime suspects in his death. The narrative unravels their secrets, relationships, and attempts to uncover the truth behind Simon's demise while navigating the complexities of high school life and a murder investigation. The show explores themes of identity, social dynamics, and the consequences of hidden truths. It is targeted at a young adult audience but contains mature themes and content, including violence, sexual situations, strong language, and substance use, making it generally more appropriate for older teenagers and adults.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The series features prominent LGBTQ+ characters and themes. Cooper Clay is explicitly identified as gay and is in a relationship with a college student named Kris. Janae Matthews, Simon's best friend, is a lesbian, and her character in Season 2 is also explored as gender-fluid, using they/she/he pronouns. The showrunners aimed to portray LGBTQ+ issues realistically, including the challenges and acceptance within characters' lives.
Cooper Clay's storyline involves him being a closeted gay athlete, with his secret relationship with Kris being a central plot point. His girlfriend, Keely, is aware of his sexuality and acts as a 'beard.' Janae Matthews is openly lesbian and in Season 2, her character's gender identity is explored as gender-fluid, indicated by the use of they/she/he pronouns. Cooper also faces homophobia when his first boyfriend's brother attacks him, leading to Cooper's arrest.
Violence
The series contains significant violence, including a central murder mystery and depictions of physical altercations, suicide attempts, and threats with weapons. The narrative involves life-or-death situations and the psychological toll of severe bullying and secrets.
Romance and Sexual Content
The show features extensive romantic and sexual content, including discussions and depictions of infidelity, casual sexual encounters, and implied sexual activity. Teen relationships are central to the plot, often involving mature themes and unprotected sex.
Profanity
The series features frequent and strong profanity. Reviews indicate the use of explicit curse words and derogatory terms, reflecting casual and intense language among high school students.
Substance Use
Substance use is explicitly depicted and plays a significant role in character backstories and plot developments. This includes drug dealing, prescription drug abuse, and underage alcohol consumption.
Scary & Intense Content
The series features intense and suspenseful content centered around a murder mystery, including themes of death, suicide, and psychological manipulation. Characters are placed in dangerous situations, and the constant threat of exposure or further violence creates a high level of tension.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion are central themes, particularly through the use of Simon's gossip app, 'About That,' which thrives on exposing private information and undermining social norms. The teenage characters frequently defy authority figures and engage in secretive, often illicit, behaviors.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 16+ due to frequent strong language, explicit sexual content, underage substance use, violence, mature LGBTQ+ themes, and themes of suicide and mental health struggles. Christian parents may find the content, particularly the moral ambiguity and explicit sexual and LGBTQ+ themes, unsuitable even for adults.
Good to Know
The TV series deviates from the book's plot in its second season, introducing new storylines and character developments while maintaining the core premise of a teen mystery. The show frequently explores complex moral dilemmas and the consequences of actions, which can be a point of discussion for parents. The rapid pace and multiple twists may be intense for some viewers. The portrayal of mental health, including suicide and addiction, requires careful consideration.
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