Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin

Two decades after a wave of tragedies rocked the blue collar town of Millwood, life trudges on but the past keeps tugging at the present. In the current day, a diverse group of teenage girls becomes the target of a nameless tormentor who makes them answer for sins their parents hid years ago along with their own secrets. The pressure mounts as whispered threats, creeping clues, and dangerous rumors push the girls toward decisions that could cost them dearly. The town’s history bleeds into today, drawing a line between loyalty and self defense. Without spoiling the twists, the show sets a tight rhythm of suspense and misdirection. The opening scenes hint at a costumed presence and a haunting sense of dread.

Created by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Lindsay Calhoon Bring, the series extends Pretty Little Liars universe and is based on Sara Shepard's characters. It premiered on HBO Max in 2022 with Bailee Madison, Chandler Kinney, Maia Reficco, Zaria, and Malia Pyles.

The show marks a darker take on the franchise and feeds online chatter about secrets and accountability. Its stylish look, compact episodes, and young ensemble invite comparisons to other streaming mysteries, while highlighting the strength of female friendships in the face of danger.

Reception has been mixed but generally positive, with critics praising mood and performances while noting rough edges in pacing. The central themes center on guilt, intergenerational secrets, and the costs of keeping truth buried, alongside the pressure to choose between loyalty and honesty.

Awards: The series has not secured major nominations at the big awards shows to date, though it has drawn praise from critics for its atmosphere and cast performances. Some viewers see potential for future recognition if the season expands its tonal and narrative ambition.