‘Tell Me Lies’ Bids Farewell: A Shocking Series Finale
Tonight’s Tell Me Lies Season 3 finale on Hulu marks the end of an era, as showrunner Meaghan Oppenheimer has announced this will be the last episode ever. In a recent Instagram post, Oppenheimer shared, “After three amazing seasons of Tell Me Lies, tonight’s episode will be the series finale. This was always the ending my writing team and I had in mind, and we are insanely proud of it.” She continued, explaining that while they explored options for continuation, they ultimately felt the story had reached its natural conclusion, prioritizing the quality of the show and the viewer experience.
The news understandably sparked curiosity about the decision. We sat down with Oppenheimer to delve deeper into the reasons behind the ending, her future projects, and the complex dynamics between Lucy Albright (Grace Van Patten) and Stephen DeMarco (Jackson White).
A Premature Conclusion?
Oppenheimer revealed that the possibility of the show ending was always on the table. “None of us knew for sure what was definitely going to happen, but we all went into it knowing that this could likely be the end,” she explained. The show centers around Lucy and Stephen, whose tumultuous relationship is riddled with dark secrets and manipulations, impacting their friends Bree (Cat Missal), Pippa (Sonia Mena), Diana (Alicia Crowder), Wrigley (Spencer House), and Evan (Branden Cook).
Grace Van Patten shared her bittersweet feelings with Deadline, stating, “It was bittersweet. I think it’s so beautiful and rare that we got to do this for three seasons. We got really lucky that everybody loved the show and we were able to keep going, and it was so great. We were able to have a beginning, middle and end.”
Why End the Story Now?
Despite the show’s devoted following, Oppenheimer felt it was crucial to end on a high note. “I had had so many conversations with our writers, and when you actually look at what could happen next, Lucy’s not in school anymore. Most of the cast are graduating college in the future. They’re all living in different places. They’re not in the same industry. There’s not a lot connecting them,” she explained. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the show’s quality and avoiding a scenario where it felt like a completely different program. The core framing device of the story had run its course.
The Complexities of Lucy and Stephen
The show’s exploration of emotional abuse and narcissism has resonated deeply with viewers. Oppenheimer addressed the common comparison between Lucy and Stephen, cautioning against the overuse of the term “narcissist.” “Just because your boyfriend cheated on you, it doesn’t mean he’s a narcissist. That doesn’t mean that it is a real, dangerous personality disorder,” she clarified. She highlighted the warping of reality and self-perception that often accompanies narcissistic abuse, emphasizing Lucy’s cyclical struggle and Stephen’s inherent cruelty.
“Lucy is never deliberately cruel. She always does things that end up being cruel and end up hurting people, but they’re always coming from a place of an intention that’s very different than that. And Stephen is just cruel,” Oppenheimer stated.
What’s Next for Meaghan Oppenheimer?
Oppenheimer is already working on a new project, described as a dark and twisted exploration of adult sibling relationships. “I really want to do a family drama that feels as edgy and twisted and addictive as Tell Me Lies,” she shared. She jokingly referred to herself as a “perverse Nora Ephron,” aiming to blend dark humor with compelling drama.
While a previous project, Second Wife, starring her husband Tom Ellis, didn’t move forward at Hulu, Oppenheimer remains open to its potential redevelopment as a feature film. She’s committed to telling stories that resonate with her and avoid moralizing, focusing instead on reflecting the complexities of human experience.
The Season 3 finale of Tell Me Lies is available on Hulu and Disney+.
Source: Deadline
