Tell Me Lies (2022– ) User Reviews

How about a reivew from someone who watched it?

[nikkigassner · 8/10 · 19 September 2022]

Right, well it seems odd to me to negatively review a show because a) you're complaining about not being in the demographic it's geared toward, b) because this show isn't rewriting the wheel when it comes to television or c) because the actors are people in their early to mid 20's portraying college students. So first I would say, if you don't want to watch a show about college students dramas--then skip this one. This is what this show is about. There's a lot of sex and nudity, so thank God the actors aren't barely 18. Also, this is common practice and most of the actors are the same age as the Euphoria cast and some are younger. And yeah the main guy isn't super attractive to some, but he's actually not meant to be (watch the show and this is pointed out in the first or second ep). He looks sinister like he's supposed to. But he does have a great body just fyi.

Essentially this show is about how a young woman gets into a toxic relationship. Her personality, looks, home life, and sudden tragedy are all the perfect storm for this guy to swoop in and get her. It's a tense, dark show--it's not romantic. But it's entertaining.

There are side characters who have their own interesting dramas. Everyone is a good actor, the editing is great, and the story has kept me interested.

I like shows like this-- I am the target audience and I don't believe in hating on something just because I don't get it. This show is done well and I don't think the reviews here are accurately portraying that. If you want to compare it to other shows, go ahead, but I'm not sure what the point of that is. Someone compared it to 'You' and it isn't 'You', so they hate it? It's a different show! It's not gonna win awards, but that's fine! It's entertaining and feels disturbingly realistic at times. I've watched 4 eps and I binged them, so I could see how it could feel slow if you waited every week for a new one, but now that I'm 4-5 eps in, it has a lot going on and 1 a week will be enough. If not for you, wait til they're all out and then binge it. Or don't!

Bottom line: it's a toxic college drama with some elements I haven't seen before, and some I have. Also it's based on a book so there's direction. So yeah, definitely not a 2/3 star worthy show as some folks are saying. Watch it if you're into shows like this, I really think it has a lot going for it.

Cheers!

I hate it...but I also love it

[paulalbrecht · 7/10 · 26 October 2022]

7.1/10

If you don't want to rip your hair out and scream into your tv about college drama and relationships this show is not for you. Its hard for me to put words to paper about this show because while it was entertaining and a good watch pretty much every character is unlikable. Let alone the 2 main characters who might be 2 of the most unlikeable characters I've seen in a tv show. But I think it works?

This show does a very good job of portraying realistic college experiences and relationships. It feels like each character could be a person you may have known while you were away at school. This also may make this show hit home for many people as it follows the progression of an extremely toxic relationship and a manipulative, gas lighting narcissist.

Now lets talk about the countless sex scenes, a lot of them felt a bit forced and awkward but my biggest problem is that literally not a single one of them had foreplay. We just doing this dry now?

Lastly the music they used for this show was very nostalgic for me and I'm sure it will be for a lot of other 90's kids. It was always fun to subconsciously just start singing along as some classics started playing in the background. All in all I had fun watching this show each week. Its not going to win any Emmy's but that doesn't mean you should skip it.

Most toxic show ever, can't wait for season 2.

[Luce1417 · 7/10 · 30 October 2022]

The show starts as your typical college show with tons of nudity and parties. However is not that at all, it's about the most toxic relationship between 2 people.

At the beginning you think Stephen is the sociopath but by the end of the show you see that Lucy is as terrible as he is. The writing and acting for Jackson white and Grace Van is phenomenal as you hate both characters at the same time. I read that in the book he is much more worse and I can't think of disliking him even more because he is so unlivable already. It's the first time I don't root for any of the main leads, in the contrary I root for all their friends and how awful it must be to have people like this around you.

They casted great actors, not very known, also not A-listers but that's okay, it's great to see new faces. The editing is also great, it's fast paced and the story gets through. I will be obsessing about this show as It's extremely interesting.

I can't wait for season 2.

Accurate Representation of a Charming Narcissist

[Carpy-96811 · 7/10 · 24 September 2022]

If anyone has ever gotten involved with one of these charming, manipulative, and narcissistic guys at a young age, this show will be so relatable to you in every way. A very accurate depiction of what I went through with someone around the age of 19 and it brought back all of the feels. The show isn't amazing, and it's a bit slow at times, but it's interesting overall. A wonderful show for late teens/young adults to watch in order to learn the warning signs of these toxic "relationships" and how people can affect you for years or even a lifetime. A bad person with an immense amount of charm is dangerous.

SO GROSS

[noemi-jankovics · 6/10 · 14 March 2023]

I can't wrap my head around how disgusting Stephen is... the most unlikeable character in the history of tv shows... it's actually portrayed really well how damaged, self-centered, narcissistic he really is. Sad to see it on screen how gullible women can be when it comes to gaining the validation of a prick like him, acting like his presence is such an honor and so unattainable. I honestly have to vomit everytime he appears. Only a few episodes in and will continue to watch, it's definitely worth a run if you want to remind yourself to be self conscious in life and avoid this toxicity and self harm through engaging with such an unconscious, helpless, 'wounded by mommy but refusing to work on myself...so will dump my hurt into prescious women' kind of idiot.

I am in my 40s and can relate to this story!

[TheFirstAmendment · 9/10 · 29 September 2022]

I do not agree with the comment stating this show targets a specific demographic. I have dated in my 20s, 30s, & 40s. The toxicity of Steven and extreme gaslighting is far too familiar, regardless of the age of men. It is interesting to watch from a third person perspective and see it from the very beginning. The signs are always there, but new and fun creates those rose-colored glasses. I feel this show makes me realize how women should never dilute themselves for anyone, and never again allow a man's emotional issues affect you. The leading man in this show has zero emotional intelligence. He is a complete tool, and there are quite a few of those out there.

Good start but I don't know...

[MARBLELEMON · 6/10 · 7 September 2022]

I just finished watching the first episode and so far so good. I think Lucy's character is great and the actress portays it well. However, I don't think Stephens character is that well played. His character is a little weird and not in the mysterious way. I don't think he or Lucy has no chemistry whatsoever and I don't think the actor who plays Stephen is that great looking himself. There's just something about him that I don't like. I wish he was more mysterious. The loss of one of the room-mates does make it a better story line and since its the first episode, I'm going to give it a go. I'm hoping it goes get better but I guess we'll have to see.

Love this but I can see how this is not for everyone

[caglea-59487 · 9/10 · 18 September 2022]

I was hooked at episode 1 and absolutely love this series. I think the male lead is exactly who he is supposed to be, and is great. The obsession that comes from a toxic relationship is real and can last for years. If you have not been in a toxic relationship, you are lucky, but this is maybe not for you - I imagine you can't relate with the female leads at all. I can, and I am so happy to see a show where the girl can't and won't change the guy...you know like in real life. I have not read the books but I will after the series so I am not sure how closely it follows the written storyline. Can't wait for Ep 5.

The show is decent, leaving this review because...

[kysta · 7/10 · 10 September 2022]

I have not left a review in some time but wanted to here because felt it was worthy. Went into this series knowing very little, and much to my surprise i really enjoyed the first episode, my attention did not wavier. I like the feel of this. It's not entirely comfortable or at ease as some comments have suggested and that's literally because guess what...stuff is going to go down, so it succeeds in that without a doubt. These characters are not going to be entirely "normal" they have issues.

I don't know any of these actors so a quick google showed me that the male lead is 26yo, his casting to me atleast seems good, same with the others.

What appealed to me is the timeline and maturity of the story it's self. The older you get, hindsight is a great thing - you know that one person who destroyed your soul although swear it was true love. You know that lover who was not healthy for you...but would/could you go back for that fleeting feeling? The one that got away?

I see all that in this series and it's kinda cool, maybe if your living this age now the feels won't get you and it's written off as boring or people wrongly cast but my perspective - this more so about the perfect and imperfect of the world around us and how choices or wrong doing shape us into maturity. Don't forget the baggage that comes with those memories too.

I'm 100% going to finish the season and hopefully it keeps going the same direction as the Ep1.

Soft porn slash teenage drama slash absolute nonsense

[Bad_Penguin · 2/10 · 28 December 2022]

What is up with all the great reviews? Have we watched the same thing?

This show is an absolute car crash. ALL the characters are insufferable, the actors can't really act, the storyline(s) are so predictable and have been done a million times before (much better too) and there's just an absurd amount of gratuitous sex scenes that add NOTHING to the plot.

Also what is up with portraying young adults as being interested in one thing and one thing only (that thing being sex)? Sure they'll explore their sexuality in college, but can't they have other personality traits? Is that too much to ask for?

I have no patience for this buffoonery.

You feel one way in the beginning, and another towards the end!! Amazing!

[cateainsworth · 8/10 · 8 September 2022]

So far, this is the first show to portray an accurate depiction of dating/dealing with narcissism. I noticed that the other reviews stated that Stephen seems off and creepy. Yep, he is in the beginning. He wears many masks. He's charming, then rude, arrogant, etc. In the first episode, Lucy knows that something is off- you can see she has a gut instinct about him. (At the frat party) But he's persistent (love bombing, forward "compliments", calls, showing up etc), and she lets her guard down.

However, after watching the entire first season and then rewatching it, I have an expanded point of view now. Yes, Stephen has toxic traits. But I've come to realize that many of them were born out survival dealing with poverty, and his abusive mother. He also states in a internship interview, how he is good at observing what people need (and basically this is to protect himself from them and their reactions (like his mom). It takes awareness and a lot of therapy to break these traits; to not have to live in "survival mode" anymore, and to build truly healthy relationships.

It turns out, that Lucy is very toxic and self absorbed. And yes, she has her own family challenges that she deals with. I'm hoping they will be expanded upon in the second season.

Maybe this show will help people see how easy it is to get sucked into a complex toxic relationship.

Filling the gaps with sex scenes

[helal_sherry · 6/10 · 21 September 2022]

Apparently, this was a promissing tv show but the director was too lazy to put much more work on it!

Like there is a great conflict and the actors are pretty much cool. However, the rate of events is so boring and yet the fifth episod's closure I should feel more surprised but I did not. The crew failed in caputring this moment, nevertheless the soundtracks are not quite suitable or make me feel sth.

It is like an adaptation to Euphoria boldness, meanwhile without drama.

I won't lie that the first episode was captivating to watch the next but they could've done so much better with the death of the main character's friend.

Weak writing, annoying and unwatchable

[sdimcg · 1/10 · 6 October 2022]

Ridiculously weak writing and the two main characters are played by unbelievably annoying actors. There is nothing to draw you in and keep you watching. It's just bad dialogue, gratuitous sex scenes and most actors that look way older than 18-21 range they should be for college. Maybe the book was better but I haven't read it yet. I assume we are supposed to be captivated by Lucy & Stephen's relationship but I really just want to know more about the other characters like Bree & Pippa. Lucy & Stephen deserve each other and don't need another minute of screen time because oddly enough I wish the show wasn't even about them, I wish they would just go away. Stephen is particularly irritating but Lucy is just as bad.

Won't watch season two

[denise-larsson-usa · 6/10 · 24 March 2023]

In the beginning I was intrigued, but as I kept watching I started hating both main characters.

Honestly I liked the first episode and kept watching hoping it would continue being good, but sadly it just went downhill from there.

Their whole relationship is so freaking toxic I can't stand it. It doesn't make me root for them so I'm left wondering why I'm even watching, maybe I'm rooting for them to fail? In any case it's not something I want to waste my time on. And yes, I did finish the whole season, but it was a battle and I had a bit of a break before forcing myself to watch the last episodes.

I also found the twist predictable.

As they were both insufferable by the end, I'm not going to watch season two.

Not Entirely sure how I feel...yet

[ShastaHope · 7/10 · 11 September 2022]

This series is based on a novel written by Carola Lovering. I am a huge book reviewer and usually read the books before watching a new series. I took a dive because it looked like something I would enjoy. Its not that I don't enjoy it. I do. However, my entire verdict is still out. I do like the characters and the actors. Jackson White does seem a little bit more older than his character and that could be because of his legendary Mother. Thats where it ends with his Mom though. I think he is very mature in his craft and he is definitely someone who I will look further into and continue to see his future works. Regardless of his hotness. Jackson White is someone to watch!!!

Grace Van Patten? Still very undecided. She seems a little lost in her character of Lucy. Her growth throughout the series will help me get a better read on her.

The supporting characters are not really likeable, yet. I think the most interesting is Wrigley because of his tortured soul and insecurities. Thats usually my kryptonite when I enthrall myself in a new story. I honestly believe that Pippa is a little advanced and maybe to mature for him in some ways. This character is someone that needs more nurture and more exploration.

The entire concept is about College students and their ways of making it through their studies and their personal relationships. This gives the audience a view of how they see it through their eyes and Carola's words and imagination.

I am definitely looking forward to seeing the next Chapter and finsing my own complete opinion.

Really Good

[Astaroth22 · 8/10 · 10 November 2022]

First and foremost, this is not the type of thing I would normally watch. With this in mind, I was expecting a one and done type of venture. However, Grace Van Patten is not just a pretty face, rather, she is both beautiful and can act too which is a great combination. And frankly, Jackson White impressed me as well. I never wanted to punch someone in the face harder in my life. One cannot get a reaction out of me like that unless they are as convincing as he was.

Next, this is clearly underrated as I write this review [6.6]. I am guessing many of the scores come from those who did not finish the series and/or never gave it the time to allow the character development to play out. This series requires some investment, so if you are someone who seeks immediate gratification, you will probably bail early and hand it a low rating. But if you are willing to give it the time it deserves, you will not be disappointed. As one learns who the characters really are, you will be able to make certain predictions that come true, but also miss things you should have seen coming.

Kudos to the writers. That last episode was effing great!

Very much looking forward to Season 2.

Normal People-ish

[ZillyPutty · 6/10 · 12 October 2022]

This show is just as exhausting as Hulu's Normal People, but the acting is very good. The male and female lead are both extremely unlikable for different reasons: He is vicious, vindictive, and gaslighting and she is vicious, vindictive, and immature. Oh wait, maybe they aren't so different : ). White is Katy Sagal's real-life son. His acting is good, but the hobbling around really contradicts his ladykiller vibe. I think that we all know men who were not the most attractive but were still great at manipulating women, so I mostly find his "presentation" believable. The female protagonist simply has a major, major case of being d!ckmatized. He's the first guy to make her come and she has fallen under his spell. She rages with jealousy, he rages with jealousy over his ex. They're perfectly sour together.

I relived college

[richard-t-champion · 9/10 · 28 October 2022]

It's not perfect. There are some "no, I don't buy that" moments that annoyed me, but all in all it made me feel something. I kind of relived my college years in some ways. Let's face it; there's a lot of relationship drama (and otherwise) in college and this delivered - to my satisfaction.

The Stephen character I think is supposed to be a bit scary (no I didn't read the book) and I felt the actor portrays him well. If aloof and intense is what was called for, this guy delivered in spades. I thought he was the best part of the story. The actor who portrays Lucy was well cast also and the other female leads were adequate.

Started off good but now the main characters are just annoying to watch

[chsamanthaa · 6/10 · 24 October 2022]

The storyline started off good but midway through the series the main characters get annoying. It starts off like Lucy was the victim of this toxic relationship but it turns out her stupidity and behavior is just as bad as his so you don't even feel bad for her. They deserve each other so now whats the point of the show? They have chemistry in the sex scenes and that's what sucks you into the show but that's about it. The first episode is at a wedding where the friends reunite but throughout the series the friendship with the girls never really developed. There was no connection or bond. And perhaps the biggest issue with this show is why did they cast Stephen who looks like he could be 40 years old?! He doesn't have any sort of charm or appeal. He's very one note, more of a serial killer than a ladies man that it doesn't make sense why Lucy and Diana(miss popular) is even attracted to him.

The. Guy. Looks. 40

[dlwinoregon · 2/10 · 8 September 2022]

I mean, why not hire an actor who looks at least in his 20s or early 30s? The first episode, at the first appearance of the boyfriend, we thought, "Is it parents weekend at her college?" On top of that, he doesn't exude any charisma or the twisty, evil seductiveness I think he's supposed to possess. Another review mentioned how, for this type of series, an attractive bad-boy lead is absolutely key. They're totally right. The lead in this case, kills interest. (Also wasn't at all drawn in by the lead actress. We're continually told she's an "ice queen" yet she's pretty open and amiable to her new college friends. Didn't really get a sense of her personality much beyond that she doesn't like her mom.)

Better than the reviews suggest

[arod_85 · 8/10 · 21 October 2022]

I surprisingly really enjoyed this. Some may complain that it is slow or boring but in my opinion, it had a degree of maturity and complexity that you do not see in a lot of college dramas. The actors and situations are believable. They are all have their unlikable qualities, but also have different degrees of sympathetic qualities as well. The story follows a toxic relationship over time in college through adulthood. It is unique in depicting emotional abuse as most college shows choose to portray sexual or physical. You can see how a smart and strong individual gets sucked into the relationship that she knows is doomed for failure but just can't move on from. I hope there is a season 2.

Decent

[kdb-21459 · 7/10 · 19 October 2022]

The show story line is interesting enough to keep you watching. However, Stephen and Lucy are the most unlikeable characters. They both are annoying and full of themselves. I can barely get through a scene when it's just them two. Stephen is supposed to have charm and charisma, to be able to manipulate because of his good looks. Well, this actor is lacking in all categories. He comes off almost as a psychopath. Lucy is just annoying, who always thinks she's right and above all her "friends". The supporting characters(Bree, Pippa, Wrigley, and Stephens roommate, I forgot his name) are more interesting most of the time.

Nothing Special at All

[mlemmon-57694 · 2/10 · 8 September 2022]

Here we go, another tv show about a toxic college relationship with way too much pointless sex. Don't waste your time with this one because it's nothing special. The main characters are completely unlikable and flat in their acting- it's hard to care about them or their storylines because they are so unlikable. The main male character, Stephen, comes across as slimy and almost rapey at times and you have a hard time believing that the main female character, Lucy, is drawn to him, and Stephen and Lucy's chemistry is lukewarm at best. The writers go overboard to show how unappealing and toxic this character is almost to a laughable degree. The show lacks focus and is confusing to watch, almost making you wish it was already over. Moreover, it romanticizes toxic relationships, and to the demographic it is intended for, it sets a bad example for women as victims. Don't waste your time.

It's good - especially if you've been there

[BeccaD11 · 7/10 · 14 November 2022]

This isn't the best show I've ever watched, but it's good. If you've ever had the unfortunate luck of falling in love with a gaslighting sociopathic narcissist, this show hits home in ways that you didn't know were possible. I found myself sitting on my bed, shaking my head at both Stephen and Lucy at the end of nearly every episode. The acting is respectable, the storyline is interesting, and the soundtrack is GREAT. It's something fun to watch when you're cleaning the house or trying to multitask in some fashion - you can miss 10 minutes and not be like wtf just happened I need to rewind. I wish people would quit focusing on receding hairlines and moles on the actors and appreciate the show as a whole.

It's ok, a little lacklustre - Definitely not a standout drama.

[WhateverIWant29 · 6/10 · 16 March 2023]

It's ok, but I honestly can't recommend it. After watching the whole series I didn't feel like I wanted or needed more. It left me feeling a bit deflated, the show is full of toxicity to a fault. Most of the characters are incredibly unlikable with unredeemable qualities, and the ones that aren't unfortunately don't have much depth or screen time. There's a lot of gratuitous sex and I'm usually ok with it, but it's very out of place. It's not steamy, hot or titillating - it's awkward, cringey and uncomfortable most of the time and not in a way that's trying to portray reality, but more just random. Most of the relationship bonds lack real on screen chemistry and intensity, I didn't really feel that crazy type of lust/love that emits from some onscreen couples. There's not a lot of suspense or drama to keep the intrigue, it moves quite slowly and feels uncomfortably tense at times. I get that we make a lot of stupid relationship mistakes in college, but this has to be the worst of it all, one after the other. Also, not loving the female portrayals, certainly doesn't pass the bechdel test. Many of the women simply don't make sense, but I guess it is supposed to portray a time where a lot of people tend to be insecure and are finding themselves and it is a show about relationships. A lot of the show is centred around an incredibly narcissistic sociopath guy and his toxic girlfriend playing out an unhealthy relationship, not even one where you feel the passion/intensity/longing. It's where you're irritated and annoyed at how callous, cruel, manipulative, self serving and delicately horrid they are, but not even in an exciting Cruel Intentions way, but a more realistic depressing way. The last two episodes are probably the best, but still not enough to carry the show. I didn't feel satisfied with any of the storylines either. I normally live for these college/teen/young adult type dramas but this wasn't for me - although the characters and scenarios seemed real enough, it was too much doom, gloom, manipulation and continuous subtle and sometimes not so subtle, abuse.