'Tell Me Lies' Surprise Cancellation Has Left Me With 9 Burning Questions

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Grace Van Patten as Lucy in the 'Tell Me Lies' series finale.

Published Feb 27, 2026, 9:31 AM EST

Michael Block is a 14 time GLAM Award nominated writer, producer, and host of the podcast Block Talk. Throughout his time in the entertainment industry, he has worked on and off Broadway as a stage manager, written several produced plays, critiqued hundreds of theatrical performances, drag and cabaret shows, and has produced events randing from drag competitoons to variety concerts!
On Block Talk, he interviews nightlife personalities, covers the wide world of entertainment through features, ranking episodes, and recaps ALL of Drag Race, as well as Dragula and Survivor. He has interviewed hundreds of RuGirls that span the globe at DragCon NYC, DragCon LA, and DragCon UK.
In his free time, he makes one-of-a-kind jewelry and gift baskets with his mom. He is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Spoiler Alert: This list contains spoilers for Tell Me Lies Season 3 finale.After three twisted seasons, the hit Hulu series Tell Me Lies has concluded, shocking audiences in the process. Not because of what happened; more so of what didn't. Show creator Meaghan Oppenheimer has stated in many of her post-series interviews that she wanted the show to have a "natural conclusion," and this, for her and her team, was the way to do so. For viewers, though, it left a world of unanswered questions in its wake.

Based on the novel by Carola Lovering, the series tells the story of the toxic relationship between Lucy Albright (Grace Van Patten) and Stephen DeMarco (Jackson White). Unfolding after meeting at Baird College, their romance is told over the course of eight years across two timelines. As we witness their highs and lows, we see just how messy their friend group is as they endure their own trials and tribulations. From the first episode, we always knew the wedding would not end well. And let's just say, playing "Toxic" by Britney Spears as the world came crumbling down, was perfection. But in lieu of a perfect moment, we were left with a world of burning questions the series will never answer. And we want them!

1 Who Wins in the End: Stephen or Lucy?

Grace Van Patten as Lucy in 'Tell Me Lies.'

In almost any situation, asking which partner "won" is toxic. But when it comes to Lucy and Stephen, we have to talk about them in that way because their relationship was essentially a game. Well, maybe more so for Stephen than Lucy, but she, too, began to play him as their time together went on. So, let's start with the final moment to determine who landed the victory. At the start of the series, we knew that Lucy had anticipatory anxiety seeing Stephen, her ex, at the wedding, and after watching the series, we understand why. After Stephen goes postal on the mic, dropping bombshell after bombshell, Bree (Catherine Missal) tries to convince them that they can all get through their past mistakes. But once again, Lucy must make a decision: it's either the fractured friend group or the toxic Stephen.

In typical Stephen fashion, he convinces her to come away with him. Despite her initial no, she ends up in his car, riding off into the sunset. That is, until they reached the gas station at the truck stop. In a brilliant button, when Lucy returns, she finds her purse at the pump, and Stephen is gone. Lucy laughs at the situation. Why? Likely because she's free. Stephen is the type of person who needs to cut the cord. In his mind, that's what he did. But Lucy let Stephen believe he had won the game. In reality, Lucy no longer has to deal with him. She got the clarity she always needed but refused to see.

"She’s always subconsciously looking for a sliver of an opening to go back to him, and she did, and she got that confirmation she needed. That’s why I love that she laughs at the end, because you think she might cry, and then it’s like, 'Oh, my God. I see it perfectly now,'" Van Patten told Variety. "There’s freedom in that, relief in that. I like to hope that it’s exactly what Lucy needed to start a new chapter of her life." As Oppenheimer put it, the ending was inevitable. "One of the themes of this season, for me, was inevitability and the consequences of these actions during this time of your life where you think nothing is that permanent and nothing is that serious, and then actually finding out that it is. The consequences can really matter," she said. "I really wanted to show the serious stakes of what happened to Lucy and making these decisions around Stephen, because I think it is a little bit of a cautionary tale."

2 Are Stephen and Lucy Finally Done?

Grace Van Patten as Lucy and Jackson White as Stephen in 'Tell Me Lies.'

Now that we have determined the winner, is it safe to assume that Stephen and Lucy are finally done? I think it's an affirming yes, absolutely. The wedding became the official breaking point for this friend group. There is nothing left for Stephen to pull out of anyone, and therefore, he didn't need those people. Lucy made it clear that she was going to choose Stephen, so when he left her at the gas station, she was alone, for good. They both got what they needed from each other, and this chapter has officially closed.

The show has served as a cautionary tale of how toxic cycles are near impossible to break. Lucy and Stephen were stuck. He trapped her. He manipulated her. She knew it, and yet she couldn't escape it. He got her to become the person she was not, in a way to make himself feel better about himself. But she was not innocent either. As a reactionary figure, his flaws became part of her. Those negative traits started to trickle out of her, hurting others in the process. The reality is that, without Stephen in the picture, Lucy and the entire group would likely not have been as horrid as they were. His influence held immense power over everyone's evolution. Perhaps Stephen's nuclear needle drop moment at the wedding was the best for everyone involved.

3 Will There Ever Be Repercussions About Macy's Death?

Jackson White as Stephen at the Wedding in 'Tell Me Lies.'

Let's kick it back to the beginning. The entire first season centered not only on the development of Stephen and Lucy but also on the aftermath of Macy's (Lily McInerny) death. The car crash was the inciting incident that set off an avalanche of action. The truth was that Stephen was driving the car, swerving when Drew (Benjamin Wadsworth) was coming head-on. Given the complete manipulation of the situation, which had damaging effects on everyone involved, one would think it would have been brought up in the future. But so many other catastrophic events happened after, so, as sick as it sounds, it was merely just a blip in their lives.

We almost saw accountability when Lucy had a chance to bring out the truth by warning a Yale representative that Stephen was dangerous and present the night Macy died. But once again, Stephen covers his own butt and prevents this moment from ever happening. And thus, Macy's death is still in the past, never being avenged. It's unfortunate that it was essentially diminished from other storylines. While Stephen would never take responsibility, there were so many moments when he could be taken down. But he got away scot-free.

4 Are Bree and Wrigley Officially an Item?

Spencer House as Wrigley and Catherine Missal as Bree in 'Tell Me Lies.'

Beginning at Bree and Evan's (Branden Cook) engagement party, it is revealed that Bree and Wrigley (Spencer House) had been having an affair. After reconnecting, the two ignited a spark that had always been there. There had been some sweet moments that showcased their connection, including chemistry in the photography class, their bus stop conversation, and the rom-com-worthy pool scene, so it shouldn't have been a surprise that there was always something untapped. When Stephen ends their physical affair, they seemingly have the freedom to pursue the romance they truly want. Though it's only implied, it's one of the more obvious burning questions answered with a single glance. If you needed further proof, Oppenheimer officially confirmed their relationship to The Hollywood Reporter.

Oppenheimer revealed that Wrigley and Bree would be her endgame. Part of why? An interview that House had done about a year prior to her writing the season. She wanted him to win, and in many ways, he did. Though he did get the girl, who was flawed in her own way, Wrigley was the only one to defeat Stephen. As the one who spoke up to Yale, anonymously, about Stephen's online harassment, sending pornographic images of his ex, Diana (Alicia Crowder). It's a moment that avenged many, as it's also revealed in Season 3 that Diana declined Yale because Stephen would be there. The grasp that man has on these people!

5 Why Wasn't Alex at Bree's Wedding?

Costa D'Angelo as Alex and Catherine Missal as Bree in 'Tell Me Lies.'

One of the greatest additions to the cast came in Costa D'Angelo as Alex. As everyone's favorite drug dealer at Baird, we learned he shared a very close connection with Bree. Having trauma bonded while being in foster care, surviving an abusive foster system situation. Alex was always a hero, having a protective essence toward Bree. It's only with him that we see Bree have a sense of peace and safety, unlike when she must tiptoe around every other individual at Baird. Drug dealer or not, he's a great guy. And, perhaps aside from Max (Edmund Donovan), who is too good for Lucy, Alex could have been the one for her.

Oppenheimer shared that Bree likely wanted to "separate the darker parts of her past," saying that he only served a purpose for her when they came back together in college. Oppenheimer believes they likely fell out of touch and thus received no invite to the nuptials. It seems like an easy out, especially seeing the closeness the two shared during Season 2. That said, the guest list was a bit wacky, so his absence was unsatisfying. Stephen had to be invited, not just for Evan but because we wouldn't have a show otherwise! If Alex had shown up, it likely would not have led to Lucy departing with Stephen, when there was a much better option right in front of her.

6 Between Pippa and Diana and Stephen and Lydia, How Did They Even Get Together?

Alicia Crowder as Diana and Sonia Mena as Pippa in 'Tell Me Lies.'

Because of the timeline of events and the central story, we dip in and out, only seeing key moments of our characters. That means certain bonds and relationships, both platonic and romantic, aren't shown in completion. For certain couples, like Pippa (Sonia Mena) and Diana and Stephen and Lydia (Natalee Linez), we don't get to see the full story. So, how did these pairs begin?

Though it's not explicitly revealed, it appears that Diana got closer to Pippa after her sexual assault, serving as a support system for her. Being a source of comfort and stability, they grew closer. By the time we reached the 2015 timeline, they were in a full-fledged relationship. How did that happen? Both Mena and Crowder stated previously that they found their way back to each other. We just don't know when or why. Oppenheimer told The Hollywood Reporter that Pippa and Diana had to be the most stable couple to walk out of the wedding together. "Because Diana doesn’t hang out with this group, she already has that layer of sanity," she said. "She's only with them because Pippa is still talking to them. So yes, they have a happy ending."

As for Stephen and Lydia, Oppenheimer revealed that the clue was always present at the end of Season 2. After Lydia had been ripping on Lucy for being a dick, Stephen mentioned to her that he would see her around. And, as Stephen did, he sought her out, since they had a shared enemy in Lucy after the expulsion. This is all part of Stephen's game and obsession with winning. When he believes that Lucy was part of the reason he didn't get into Yale, he needs to get one up on her by having someone validate his displeasure with a shared perceived villain.

7 Did Bree Ever Find Out About Evan's Lie Regarding Her Mom?

Emily Meade as Mary and Branden Cook as Evan in 'Tell Me Lies.'

Bree had a rough go around, though if she is with Wrigley, I suppose she got her happy ending. One of the biggest moments of the season was the revelation that it was Bree who released the tape of Lucy's lie about being raped. Why? She found out about Evan having cheated on her with Lucy. As much as Evan had been the most neutral in the chaotic chart, he was no angel. Especially to Bree. Evan sabotages Bree's photography exhibit by purposely getting her mom, Mary (Emily Meade), drunk. In an effort to prove her mother unreliable and him being the sole person she could lean on, Evan's action turned him into a manipulative villain, marking the most drastic character shift.

"He is someone who prioritizes what he wants and is used to getting what he wants, just in his family. But he also feels like he needs to be the good guy," Oppenheimer to The Hollywood Reporter. "By season three, he gets really sick of seeing other people not follow the rules and get away with things he doesn’t get away with." As she put it, it became an "if I can't beat them, I'm going to join them" mentality. Now, will Evan be taking this secret to his grave? Oppenheimer told Variety that Bree will likely never learn the truth. She will maintain that this moment was a betrayal from her mother. She further noted that it was a conscious decision to turn Evan into a villain. Why? He just simply hung out with Stephen too much. The way this man truly manipulated and molded these people. Poor Evan!

8 Did Oliver and Marianne Really Get Away With Blackmail?

Gabriella Pession as Marianne and Tom Ellis as Oliver in 'Tell Me Lies.'

The amount of gaslighting in Tell Me Lies was mindblowing, but I suppose it was meant to reflect modern relationships. As much as we wish it were not the case. But the sick part is the gaslighting didn't stop with the young adults. Even the perceived "mature" adults in the room were in on it. Namely, married couple Marianne (Gabriella Pession) and Oliver (Tom Ellis). Walking into a complete ambush, Bree is summoned by her mother, Oliver, Marianne, and Amanda (Iris Apatow). Both Bree and Amanda, who was 17 at the time, had an affair with Oliver, but it's Bree who is about to learn that she's the loser of the situation. Offering revisionist history as the out, they force Bree to believe that the affair never happened, with Amanda also backing up the lie without faltering.

Oliver perfectly crafted the affair, ensuring nothing incriminating was ever sent between them. By carefully playing safe, it would be his word against hers. But when Marianne hurls the threat of academic punishment, Bree's forced to take the situation. To make matters worse, her own mother claims she didn't back her up simply to prevent her daughter from making a mistake. Another adult is hurling a fabrication to pull Bree apart. As far as Mairanne, watching her choose this man over her own dignity and the safety of other women is infuriating. But sometimes this is the heartbreaking reality of our world. In her chat with Variety, Oppenheimer believes they did get away with it, but pointed out that "he's gonna get #MeToo'd." Why didn't we see it? She believed the show hadn't reached that time period yet. She also pointed out that she did not think Oliver and Marianne made it to 2015, as they, too, had a toxic relationship.

9 Was Chris Held Accountable for the Sexual Assault?

Jacob Rodriguez as Chris and Sonia Mena as Pippa in 'Tell Me Lies.'

One of the biggest plotlines that engulfed the second and third seasons was Chris (Jacob Rodriguez) and the rape. Chris sexually assaulted Pippa, but because she refused to press charges initially, he was not held accountable immediately. Lucy was deadset that if she made up her own allegation, it might lead to Chris being held accountable. If only it were that easy. In swoops Stephen, who convinces Lucy to record a tape, confessing that she falsely accused Chris of sexual assault. Of course, this became a major turning point in Lucy's life when Bree leaked the tape, which ultimately got Lucy expelled from Baird. Thanks to all the chaos that ensued, Chris escapes with charges dropped.

When asked whether he got #MeToo'd, Oppenheimer adamantly said that he probably didn't. Van Patten believes he got away with it. If we go with the creator, her reasoning was, "I know so many men that are living their best lives right now. They’re probably wondering when it’s gonna happen, but they’re fine. And they shouldn’t be. So I think a lot of people get away with things." The sad thing is, in this Tell Me Lies universe, the men seem to come out on top more than they should. It's unsurprising if Chris isn't held accountable. It's just how this show worked.