It really wasn't anything like the original show. I expected it to be somewhat similar but the pilot just couldn't catch my interest enough. The acting is meh. The storyline is meh. It's a show you have on while you're folding laundry.
148 Reviews
I'm interested...
zdfjyrb28 July 2022
The pilot was all over the place. But I'll be honest, I am curious about how this is going to develop. The acting of the mothers in this series is so cringe. I'm sorry...we're there no better actors to choose from?
Movie Nerd girl and ALL THE FREAKIN REFERENCES got old real fast. No teen in reality would do that. We get it. She likes movies. So do I, but geez.
All in all, it's not a bad show. I've seen worse (the perfectionist). The plot is what has me continuing to watch. And as an OG PLL fan, I'm gonna be here til the end. Where I'm sure Marlene will piss us all off with a crappy ending, but we expect nothing less lol.
Movie Nerd girl and ALL THE FREAKIN REFERENCES got old real fast. No teen in reality would do that. We get it. She likes movies. So do I, but geez.
All in all, it's not a bad show. I've seen worse (the perfectionist). The plot is what has me continuing to watch. And as an OG PLL fan, I'm gonna be here til the end. Where I'm sure Marlene will piss us all off with a crappy ending, but we expect nothing less lol.
Yes, it is good
isaacalexandreaguiar29 July 2022
Okay, I see a lot of people complaining about how different the show is compared to the original. Let me say something to y'all: THATS THE POINT! A reboot means a new start, that's why we have new characters, new storylines and a new villain! In the original show, it was all about the drama and mystery. This one is about the horror and thriller. We have some nuances from PLL such as the villain called A and a b*tch blond girl beeing murder. So far the show has a unique way, and if you loved the creepier 'PLL' episodes or any of the specials, it's a must-watch for you!
PLL meets Scream meets Prom Night meets Jawbreaker
markboehm13-387-60770629 July 2022
If you've come here expecting the ABC Family / Freeform level mystery drama formula and are unwilling to accept something new, you'll hate this.
If you're a fan of the 70s-90s era slasher films, you'll feel right at home.
A is no longer a peer in the high school holding onto secrets and manipulating people. This A is large. Masked. Scary. ENRAGED.
Straight out the gate there's (2?) murders and it doesn't stop there. As bodies pile up in Millwood, the threat to these liars and their liar mothers elevates. The stakes have never been higher.
This show is probably better suited for fans of the Scream TV series than fans of the original PLL, but the texts and looming presence of a mysterious secret keeper still keep it within the realm of the PLL universe.
If you're a fan of the 70s-90s era slasher films, you'll feel right at home.
A is no longer a peer in the high school holding onto secrets and manipulating people. This A is large. Masked. Scary. ENRAGED.
Straight out the gate there's (2?) murders and it doesn't stop there. As bodies pile up in Millwood, the threat to these liars and their liar mothers elevates. The stakes have never been higher.
This show is probably better suited for fans of the Scream TV series than fans of the original PLL, but the texts and looming presence of a mysterious secret keeper still keep it within the realm of the PLL universe.
It's actually good.
calebamorgan29 July 2022
I'm seeing reviews judging before they even finish the first episode. Please just stop.
I had my doubts but they released the first 3 EPISODES for a reason and I suggest watching all 3 before judging. The first 2 episodes really focus on introducing and string the ground for the story. The tension and excitement start building especially in episode 3.
I'm so excited for what's to come!
I had my doubts but they released the first 3 EPISODES for a reason and I suggest watching all 3 before judging. The first 2 episodes really focus on introducing and string the ground for the story. The tension and excitement start building especially in episode 3.
I'm so excited for what's to come!
This was a little messy and overly woke, but despite the flaws it was often quite interesting and could be pretty entertaining.
Imme-van-Gorp24 September 2022
Season One: 7/10
Themes: Suspense, Mystery, High School, Sexual Assault, Suicide, Serial Killer, Drama, Bullying, Friendship, Drugs, Lying, Thriller, Revenge, Daddy Issues, Racism, Ballet, Mother-Daughter Relationships, Romance, Teenage Pregnancy, Lgbtq+, Scoliosis, Feminism, Movie References, Sports & Twins.
Review: This series was a little messy and overly woke, but despite the flaws it was often quite interesting and could be pretty entertaining. With this I mean to say that the plotline and characters felt a little superficial at times and it could all give off a rather awkward vibe, but somehow I was still invested enough to want to continue watching and see what would happen. And really, this series is not perfect by any means, and also not the most fun or emotional, but it was okay. It's a good watch for when you don't know what else to put on.
Top three characters: 1) Faran Bryant, 2) Kelly Beasley and 3) Imogen Adams.
Themes: Suspense, Mystery, High School, Sexual Assault, Suicide, Serial Killer, Drama, Bullying, Friendship, Drugs, Lying, Thriller, Revenge, Daddy Issues, Racism, Ballet, Mother-Daughter Relationships, Romance, Teenage Pregnancy, Lgbtq+, Scoliosis, Feminism, Movie References, Sports & Twins.
Review: This series was a little messy and overly woke, but despite the flaws it was often quite interesting and could be pretty entertaining. With this I mean to say that the plotline and characters felt a little superficial at times and it could all give off a rather awkward vibe, but somehow I was still invested enough to want to continue watching and see what would happen. And really, this series is not perfect by any means, and also not the most fun or emotional, but it was okay. It's a good watch for when you don't know what else to put on.
Top three characters: 1) Faran Bryant, 2) Kelly Beasley and 3) Imogen Adams.
The sins of the pArents fall upon the child!!
bhirschhoab21 August 2022
Going into this series, I had to keep remembering that we were in a new town, miles away from rosewood with no ties to the original show (Mostly). And I have to say from what I saw from these 10 episodes, it was a completely fresh reimagining of the world of Pretty Little Liars. What I loved most about this series was the mature themes that they adapted! It's just so refreshing to hear the characters curse like normal teenagers! I also love the addition to more gore and slasher/horror elements. This show actually made me fall in love with horror and slasher for real this time. Now I'm obsessed with the genre!!! Especially with the horrors of what teenagers, especially what young girls go through, it's something that I really enjoyed. I felt like they handled the topics that they talked about so well. Suicide, Rape, Assault, and Teen pregnancy, ITS PERFECTION! And the fact that HBO Max has a hotline call if anybody we know who might be going through these situations, it's just a text away to get them help! The actors are also perfect additions to the universe, as well as Bailee Madison. Her emotional devotion to the character of Imogen stands out to me the most and I cried every time she cried in the role! And the A reveal that was connected to a new mystery was refreshingly spot on. The mystery of Angela Waters hooked my interest from the first 5 minutes of the show! I loved the parallel of the moms mistakes being passed on to their kids and the Liars today nearly repeating their sins. But the main issues I had with Original Sin was it being too slow or even, surprisingly, too fast paced for those longer length episodes. Also some of the dialogue and acting could've been a smidge better and more constructive. But regardless, I had a wonderful time watching the series and theorizing about who A could be. I really hope this comes back for second season and maybe 1 or 2 more because I am not ready to say goodbye to Millwood!! Everyone watch the series if you love slasher or horror!!! This new generation of Little Liars will blow you away!!!!!
Close to original, bit more horror and unfortunately lots of cliche stereotypes
heckmanninbox31 August 2022
Everyone who liked PLL will like this, period. It's very bingable, time flies. As the original, not the most innovative concept ever, but it's good at being a mystery as you slowly connect dots and find out more. Let's see if this one actually has a long-term plan though.
One very annoying thing is the overuse of identity politics not just as a topic that's addressed but especially the way cliché buzzwords are just dropped 24/7. After five episodes they already talked about every possible minority topic that's in the book, culminating in a fight of words where a so-called toxic man gets put in his place by the (what he, or rather the writers want him to call her) black feminazi of the year... yes, that's the vocabulary constantly used in the show and it makes me wonder how the original filled so many episodes without being so unbearably cliché. Mysoginist, white privilige, transphobic, I can't even list all the buzzwords they used in such short time. I don't have a problem showcasing these issues, but there are more subtle and less cliché ways to display them, 13 reasons why is a good example of how to do it better.
One very annoying thing is the overuse of identity politics not just as a topic that's addressed but especially the way cliché buzzwords are just dropped 24/7. After five episodes they already talked about every possible minority topic that's in the book, culminating in a fight of words where a so-called toxic man gets put in his place by the (what he, or rather the writers want him to call her) black feminazi of the year... yes, that's the vocabulary constantly used in the show and it makes me wonder how the original filled so many episodes without being so unbearably cliché. Mysoginist, white privilige, transphobic, I can't even list all the buzzwords they used in such short time. I don't have a problem showcasing these issues, but there are more subtle and less cliché ways to display them, 13 reasons why is a good example of how to do it better.
Awkward Pacing, Recycled Material, Trying to Be too Many Things
jayneocnj19 August 2022
Difficult to follow and you pay more mind to thinking about all of the other shows it reminds you of, without actually know what is going on in THIS show. The series does a great job at telling versus showing (not a good thing) and the conflicts are forced. Whether you expect this to be a true continuation of PLL or even existing in the same world, it is hard to watch because it is unclear what the story is. It is equal parts PLL, Scream Queens, and Riverdale with callbacks to other well-known slasher flicks but fails in having its own identity.
The best since the original
ymrhqtrz27 July 2022
Having grown up with the original, this new show/reboot does an amazing job at following on the legacy that the original left behind. I love the fact that they have included a horror esque type of vibe to the show, as some of the reviewers stated the only thing that the original PLL needed more of was a horror element. I can't wait to see more of this show!!! Would highly recommend it :)
Awful writing. Awful acting.
beczayn-6599629 July 2022
Maybe I set expectations too high for this one. I was hoping it would take PLL and make it more dark since it is HBO and they can do more risky stuff, but did they? No. This show is off to a terrible start. I barely finished the first episode. I watched the other two episodes hoping it would draw me in. It did not.
The Karen thing is so dumb. Not funny or cute. The writing is so simplistic and has no original thought. Not one relatable character. Not one intriguing storyline.
Honestly, I'm just so disappointed. I was really hoping for a great show. Didn't have to be anything like OG PLL, just a good show. They just couldn't do it.
The Karen thing is so dumb. Not funny or cute. The writing is so simplistic and has no original thought. Not one relatable character. Not one intriguing storyline.
Honestly, I'm just so disappointed. I was really hoping for a great show. Didn't have to be anything like OG PLL, just a good show. They just couldn't do it.
Excited
emanuel_w28 July 2022
PLL was my whole life, but we all know how that turned out. To rate this a 10 would just not be appropriate. So, i have only seen the first episode so far and here's what I think: I love that this one is darker than the original (I missed that in the og, after a few years it was just toooo teenie for me) To be fair, I was afraid of the new cast but I already love most of them which is kind of relieving. My only fear is that this show wants to be too much of a slasher show without any meaning behind the deaths. I hope there will be more meaningful deaths. That's pretty much everything I have to say for now. I hope A will be someone we know from the very start and I am one of the people that hopes it's one of the main girls. Well, that's it, I look forward to finding out who A will be and hope it will make sense in the end without being some random guy.
Unlike the Original and not a good thing
arod_8528 July 2022
The verdict is still out on this one. Some points are interesting but the constant scare music with a brief flash back is so repetitive it became annoying. Not nearly as interesting as the original. The original was amazing in its early seasons. This one doesn't hook you in. The girls don't have secrets that can destroy their lives like the original so they don't live in constant fear of those secrets being exposed. The other one also had the very original and interesting factor of "A". This one feels more like Mike Myers in Halloween (High-school Edition). I also agree with another reviewer that kids do not speak like this. I haven't heard teens use terms like "gnarley" since almost ever. Also, obviously bullies still exist in highschools and there are always going to be the popular groups, but must all teen shows have the stereotypical mean girl in a mini skirt and cropped cardi outfit with the jock boyfriend on her arm in a letterman jacket. Do teens even dress like that anymore? No. They haven't for more than a decade, maybe even two. Would have been better and a neat twist if the teens were not introduced and the story focused on the adults after what happened in the 90s and left the teenage drama behind. They could have realistically introduced more adult themes. I'll hang in there a couple more episodes and see how it goes. So far HBO is struggling remaking the early 2000-2010 teen series because Gossip Girl and PLL are not great.
Worthy of Predecessor
zachywacky-4033125 July 2022
I am a PLL super fan, Stan, fanatic if you will, and I was worried about this honestly. I miss my girls and it's been a couple years since they tried with The Perfectionist which wasn't that bad just could have used more publicity. But for this, i'm glad i got to see it, waited a couple years but i'll wait to the end to see if it was 100% worth it. As of right now though, it was an amazing start, new town, new girls, new assailant. All around same vibe but different tactic of stress. And i did hear that it'd be more slasher focused and that their "A" has absolutely no remorse or will to stop because they have little to no humanity. I'm looking forward to the next episodes and possibly the next season. I do recommend for first time and past Liars.<3.
Love the horror/slasher vibes we're getting already!
carlos-8528228 July 2022
As a new viewer, I would say it's a pretty solid show with a great teenage slasher aspect to it. I feel like the haters of the show are just die hard fans of pll & can't get over it. You guys payed the spin-off dust & expect them to bring the whole cast back together? Just enjoy what we can get & if not, just let go of it all together. I personally have a love/hate relationship with reboots because it gives us a whole new perspective, but sometimes they fall out of line like the gossip girl reboot(that I don't really like), but this one is actually good.
Steals A LOT of themes from "Scream"
bergodec30 July 2022
At first I was caught off guard with the odd camera angles and corny tropes but on further watch it might be on purpose "camp" like James Won's most recent movie " Malignant" and like AHS season 9. Only 2 episodes in so I might be wrong n end up hating it but so far I think it knows exactly what it is and it isn't trying to be more.
First three episodes
Genti2628 July 2022
*Insert movie reference*
This show is clearly written by people who have no idea how kids talk or act. Shocking I know, yet another teen show written by out-of-touch adults.
*Insert movie reference* The "relationships" are all so incredibly dull that every second spent on these hollow boyfriends is a waste or life.
*Insert movie reference* None of the main characters are interesting either. There's so little worth paying attention to here. The killer is neither scary nor intriguing.
Oh and almost forgot, let me *insert movie reference* here so I can do the show justice. The character of Tabitha is one of the worst written teenagers ever put to screen.
*Insert movie reference* The "relationships" are all so incredibly dull that every second spent on these hollow boyfriends is a waste or life.
*Insert movie reference* None of the main characters are interesting either. There's so little worth paying attention to here. The killer is neither scary nor intriguing.
Oh and almost forgot, let me *insert movie reference* here so I can do the show justice. The character of Tabitha is one of the worst written teenagers ever put to screen.
I Love it!!
yunan-6859929 July 2022
Ok I'm talking about the first episode for now,
Better than expected, look interesting to me the concept, the acting is not perfect but its good at least!! (especially for a young actresses) Not a bad start at all I'm really looking forward to it.
If they're destroying it later it's ok at least as a first review I liked it so much.
If they're destroying it later it's ok at least as a first review I liked it so much.
It's not a 10, but it's definitely not a 1 either.
fkahdz3 August 2022
This show is around a 7 or 6. This show has NOTHING to do with any of the story lines as this story line is happening at the same time as the OG.
The cast is very diverse, a little bit of everything.
For those who are comparing the previous shows, and all that. There is no comparison, you can't compare a show that is happening at the same time as the other show.
This show caters to an older audience, that audience is the same audience that has now grown up from the OG PLL.
It's on HBO, not Disney anymore. So you will hear curse words, nudity, drug use, blood, etc. It hits more of a slasher film, than anything. The new A is terrifying, whoever they are.
Give the show a chance. I think it has potential.
The cast is very diverse, a little bit of everything.
For those who are comparing the previous shows, and all that. There is no comparison, you can't compare a show that is happening at the same time as the other show.
This show caters to an older audience, that audience is the same audience that has now grown up from the OG PLL.
It's on HBO, not Disney anymore. So you will hear curse words, nudity, drug use, blood, etc. It hits more of a slasher film, than anything. The new A is terrifying, whoever they are.
Give the show a chance. I think it has potential.
Rubbish
autumnkeely3 August 2022
Let me just say the director of Sabrina and Riverdale is also giving us this "masterpiece". Both Sabrina and Riverdale had potential and suddenly went down hill by season 2. Knowing this, I gave it a fair shot regardless of his bad reputation because I was a fan of PLL. This new show, however, started out with horrible writing and bad acting, so I can only imagine what a season 2 might bring (and I hope it doesn't get that far.)
First off, it's nothing like the original so don't get your hopes up in that regard. There's nothing that draws a person in to each character and it can get confusing since some of the characters look very similar. (Oh, and it was a little cliché to name the antagonist Karen lol)
Bottom line: if you're trying to outperform or at least make a show equally as amazing as the original, hire a great cast and better writers. But I guess it was expected with the director this show was given.
So if you like PLL, just rewatch the og series.
First off, it's nothing like the original so don't get your hopes up in that regard. There's nothing that draws a person in to each character and it can get confusing since some of the characters look very similar. (Oh, and it was a little cliché to name the antagonist Karen lol)
Bottom line: if you're trying to outperform or at least make a show equally as amazing as the original, hire a great cast and better writers. But I guess it was expected with the director this show was given.
So if you like PLL, just rewatch the og series.
Now this is a horror thriller
NCRodriguez5 August 2022
What a great fun show! I wasn't expecting much from this but, was I wrong!
I love the horror film homages and direction shots. Also, the arcs and stakes are strong with all characters.
Only yo-yo are some of the "on the nose" woke comments. But other than that, I binged the first three episodes in one sitting.
I would love to write and direct a show like this.
I love the horror film homages and direction shots. Also, the arcs and stakes are strong with all characters.
Only yo-yo are some of the "on the nose" woke comments. But other than that, I binged the first three episodes in one sitting.
I would love to write and direct a show like this.
Bad acting
vili_chili2 August 2022
WHAT A RIDE
karenbellows25 July 2022
So much better than I was expecting. The intro is amazing and gave me goosebumps. Pretty little liars always needed that horror aspect to it, it is exactly what it needed. If you were skeptical go ahead and give it a chance, absolutely amazing! I will be tuned in for the rest of the season.
RATED R PRETTY LITTLE LIARS? SIGN ME UP!
eva_kapa29 July 2022
THREE EPISODES IN AND THIS IS ALREADY SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL PPL, I'M SO EXCITED TO SEE WHERE IT GOES!! GREAT ACTING AND AMAZING CINEMATOGRAPHY, THE PLOT IS SUPER INTRIGUING SO FAR AND I CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT WEEK'S EPISODES! DEFINITELY DESERVES YOUR TIME!
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