Tell Me Lies
Tell Me Lies (2022) is an American psychological drama series, adapted from Carola Lovering's novel, that delves into the intricacies of a tumultuous eight-year relationship between college freshman Lucy Albright and older student Stephen DeMarco. Set initially at a fictional New York college, the series explores their addictive and toxic dynamic, characterized by manipulation, gaslighting, emotional abuse, and infidelity. The narrative extends beyond their central romance to entangle their group of friends in a web of secrets and unhealthy choices. Aimed at a mature audience, the show navigates complex themes related to young adulthood, consequences of choices, and the lasting impact of destructive relationships.
Concerns
Romance and Sexual Content
HighThe series is characterized by frequent and explicit romantic and sexual content, including scenes with nudity and discussions of sexual acts. The portrayal of sexuality often intertwines with the show's themes of toxicity and emotional manipulation.
Most episodes contain sex scenes or discussions about sex, with the opening of Season 1, Episode 1 featuring two characters engaging in sex with sounds and movements, and some later scenes including nudity. In Season 3, Lucy's relationship with a new love interest, Alex, becomes 'darker' as she asks him to degrade her during sex, which he complies with, highlighting her mental state. Furthermore, Bree explores her sexuality through private activities like watching porn in Season 1.
Profanity
HighThe series features frequent and strong offensive language, contributing to its mature rating. Harsh expletives are used regularly by characters throughout the episodes.
There is frequent offensive language used throughout the series, including terms such as 'f*ck,' 'sh*t,' 'c*nt,' 'asshole,' and 'bitch'. The consistent use of these strong curse words by various characters is noted as a descriptor for the show's mature content rating.
Substance Use
HighSubstance use, particularly alcohol and marijuana, is frequent and often depicted with negative consequences, including misuse of prescription medication and a character's death by overdose. Drug dealing is also a plot point.
Characters are frequently shown engaging in marijuana use, and discussions about cocaine use occur, though the act itself is not depicted. The misuse of prescription medication, specifically painkillers mixed with alcohol, is shown to be a part of the characters' behavior. Tragically, Drew dies by overdose after consuming too many of Wrigley's pills in Season 3. Additionally, Alex, Lucy's new love interest in Season 3, is depicted as selling drugs on the side.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe series contains highly intense and psychologically distressing content due to its focus on toxic relationships, manipulation, and emotional abuse. These themes can be triggering and lead to significant discomfort for viewers.
The core of the show explores themes of lying, manipulation, gaslighting, emotional abuse, and cheating, which are portrayed in a way that can be 'distressing or upsetting' for viewers. Several Reddit users have described the show as 'extremely triggering,' particularly for those who have experienced narcissistic relationships, with one user reporting an 'actual f*cking panic attack' from a specific voicemail scene. The psychological torment caused by the central toxic relationship between Lucy and Stephen is a continuous and intense element throughout the series.
Disrespect & Rebellion
HighDisrespect and rebellious behavior are central and pervasive themes, driven by the characters' engagement in toxic relationships, constant lying, manipulation, and infidelity. These actions highlight a disregard for trust, boundaries, and healthy social norms.
The relationship between Lucy and Stephen is fundamentally built on manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional abuse, demonstrating consistent disrespect for each other and those around them. Instances of infidelity are rampant, such as Evan cheating on Bree, and Pippa cheating on Wrigley, showcasing a rebellious attitude toward monogamy and commitment. Lucy also engages in significant deception by publicly lying about being a victim of sexual assault to protect Pippa, a profound act of rebellion against truth and integrity, even if intended to help a friend.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe series features LGBTQ+ representation through supporting characters, specifically focusing on a lesbian relationship that evolves in later seasons. While not central to the main plot of Lucy and Stephen, this queer storyline is presented as an authentic and emotionally impactful element of the show.
Pippa and Diana form a 'queer power couple' that is introduced in Season 2 and further explored in Season 3, with the backstory of how they became a couple in college being developed. A reviewer notes this relationship as feeling 'real' and being 'the most honest emotional arc' in the series, particularly in Season 3. The show mentions at least one lesbian character and two bisexual characters within its ensemble, although it lacks explicit male gay, transgender, or nonbinary representation.
Violence
MediumViolence in the series is primarily implied or discussed rather than graphically depicted, focusing on the emotional aftermath and psychological impact. It includes character deaths and physical altercations that are significant to the plot.
A central plot point in Season 1 involves the death of Macy Peterson in a car accident, which is not shown on screen but is consistently discussed and causes distress among the characters, with Stephen later revealed to be the drunk driver. In Season 3, Stephen is physically beaten up by Leo after Stephen provokes him, but Stephen intentionally refuses to fight back as a manipulative tactic towards Lucy. Another instance of violence involves the death of Drew by overdose from Wrigley's pills in Season 3.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no discernible content related to witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or other supernatural elements within the series.
The storyline focuses exclusively on realistic interpersonal drama and the psychological aspects of human relationships, with no instances or mentions of supernatural or occult themes found across its seasons.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThere is no explicit content in the series that mocks, insults, or depicts sacrilegious acts against Christian beliefs, symbols, or figures. The narrative does not focus on religious themes.
The series' thematic focus remains entirely on secular relationship dynamics, personal struggles, and college life. No characters express anti-Christian sentiments, nor are there any plotlines or visual elements that could be construed as opposing or disrespecting Christian faith.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
18+ due to pervasive adult themes including explicit sexual content with nudity, frequent strong profanity, extensive substance use, and intense psychological manipulation within toxic relationships.
Additional Notes
The series evolves across its seasons, particularly with the development of the LGBTQ+ storyline involving Pippa and Diana in later seasons. The intensity of sexual content also escalates with 'darker' themes in Season 3. The show is adapted from a novel, and while the series maintains the core toxic relationship, it reportedly omits some aspects present in the book, such as Lucy's eating disorder. The show is frequently described as 'addictive' but also 'triggering' due to its realistic portrayal of dysfunctional relationships.
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