Hulu's 7-Part Mystery Thriller Is Officially One of Its Greatest Shows

Published Mar 11, 2026, 6:20 AM EDT

'Pretty Little Liars' Is Timeless and Addictive in Its Dark Mystery From the Start

Whether you're new to Pretty Little Liars or an old fan, the show is timeless in its mystery and outlook on teenage life. The investigation into A's identity is at the forefront, where the narrative twists and turns after every episode, keeping you on your toes. Even if you know who A is, re-watching the show alerts you to new clues you would have definitely missed before. Despite being targeted towards teenagers, the show actually veers into some genuinely dark and twisted places, especially as it never ignores the adults in the show and drags them into the increasingly heart-pounding mystery. From suicide to creepy dolls, there are plenty of reasons for you to feel undeniable tension, particularly in the Season 5 finale, "Welcome to the Dollhouse." The episode title says it all.

Beyond the central mystery that will easily consume your attention is the hyperbolic yet authentic way Pretty Little Liars represents the high school experience. It dramatizes the very real way high school seems to entrap a teenager, where emotions and drama feel larger-than-life, while adding the intrigue and darkness of death. Between these rampant emotions is the heavy reliance on friendships for one's self-worth and general emotional support, as well as the distrust of authority figures like teachers or parents. As an adult revisiting the series, you also get an opportunity to chastise your teenage self for fawning over Aria's romance. (Who knew you could ever side with the parents?) It's high school escapism that validates the overwhelming nature of adolescence — timeless and disturbingly relatable.

'Pretty Little Liars' Set the Stage for Brilliant Breakout Performances

Pretty Little Liars didn't only deliver an addictive show, but also acted as a stage for some breakout performances by actors we would constantly return to. The four women at the forefront are the best examples, as their performances evolved as the seasons progressed, growing in nuance and talent. Hale boasted her affinity as a romantic lead as Aria (despite Aria's controversial romance), and would later dazzle us with the likes of The Hating Game or Which Brings Me To You. Meanwhile, Mitchell's Emily, who grew from a "nice girl" to someone with a powerful presence, would later flaunt her ability to demand attention in You or The Possession of Hannah Grace.

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But it is Bellisario's performance that really formed the basis of the show's grit and intensity, as she showcases a wide range of visceral emotions, from terror to arrogance. Spencer is arguably the beating heart of the show, where her sharp wit, intelligence, and naturally suspicious attitude drove the mystery forward, while her slightly askew moral compass and increasingly ominous family made for some dark scenes. Bellisario herself would later gravitate towards grittier roles in Feed or, more recently, On Call, all stemming from her mesmerizing performance in Pretty Little Liars.

It may be a show that many dismiss as a typical teenage romp of its era, but Pretty Little Liars is powerful in its own right. It united a whole generation of teenage girls on the hunt for A's identity with a twisted mystery that still holds up today, while capturing the underbelly of emotions of the high school experience. If you watch it as your secret guilty pleasure, even better. In the words of Alison DiLaurentis, "friends share secrets, it's what keeps us close."