The wait is over! We Were Liars, the highly anticipated adaptation of E. Lockhart’s bestselling young adult novel, premieres today, June 18, 2025, on Amazon Prime Video. Created by Julie Plec and Carina Adly Mackenzie, this psychological thriller promises a gripping mix of romance, mystery, and family drama, complete with a shocking twist that has fans buzzing. Here’s everything you need to know about the series, from release details to early reviews.
What Is We Were Liars About?
We Were Liars follows Cadence Sinclair Eastman, a 17-year-old from the wealthy Sinclair family, who spend their summers on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts. After a mysterious accident leaves Cadence with amnesia and chronic migraines, she returns to Beechwood Island to uncover the truth. Alongside her cousins Johnny and Mirren, and friend Gat—collectively known as “the Liars”—Cadence unravels dark family secrets in a nonlinear narrative packed with emotional depth and a harrowing twist, confirmed by executive producer E. Lockhart herself.
The series explores themes of privilege, love, betrayal, and generational wealth, blending teen romance with psychological thriller elements. Filmed in Nova Scotia to capture the New England coastal vibes, the show’s stunning visuals enhance its eerie, fairytale-like atmosphere.
Release Timing and How to Watch
All eight episodes of We Were Liars dropped on Amazon Prime Video at 3 a.m. ET (Midnight PT) on June 18, 2025, perfect for binge-watching. You can stream the series on:
- Amazon Prime Video Website: www.amazon.com/Prime-Video
- Amazon Prime Video App: Available on iOS and Android via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Smart TVs and Streaming Devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TVs, and more.
An Amazon Prime membership or standalone Prime Video subscription is required. New users can try a 30-day free trial at www.amazon.com/amazonprime. Episodes range from 48 to 59 minutes, offering a roughly 6.5-hour binge.
The Cast: Who’s Who in We Were Liars
The series features a talented multigenerational ensemble:
- Emily Alyn Lind as Cadence Sinclair Eastman, the amnesia-stricken protagonist.
- Shubham Maheshwari as Gat Patil, Cadence’s first love and an outsider to the Sinclair dynasty.
- Esther McGregor as Mirren Sinclair Sheffield, Cadence’s artsy cousin.
- Joseph Zada as Johnny Sinclair Dennis, the mischievous cousin.
- Mamie Gummer, Caitlin FitzGerald, and Candice King as the Sinclair sisters: Carrie, Penny, and Bess.
- David Morse as Harris Sinclair, the domineering patriarch.
- Rahul Kohli as Ed Patil, Carrie’s partner.
The cast’s chemistry, especially among the Liars, has been praised for capturing the novel’s close-knit bonds.
Creators and Production Details
We Were Liars was developed by Julie Plec (The Vampire Diaries, Legacies) and Carina Adly Mackenzie (Roswell, New Mexico, The Originals), who serve as co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers. Plec wrote the first episode, directed by Nzingha Stewart, while Mackenzie penned the second. Their expertise in young adult storytelling shines, expanding the novel’s universe to set up a potential Season 2 exploring the Sinclair sisters’ past.
E. Lockhart, the novel’s author, is an executive producer and worked on the scripts, ensuring the adaptation stays true to the book’s spirit while adding new layers. Lockhart has confirmed the series retains the novel’s iconic twist, promising a “harrowing” finale that will leave viewers stunned. Additional executive producers include Emily Cummins, Brett Matthews, and Pascal Verschooris, with production by Universal Television and Amazon MGM Studios.
Filming took place in Nova Scotia from June to September 2024, chosen for its coastal landscapes that evoke the New England setting of Beechwood Island. The lush visuals, from beachside mansions to lemon-themed parties, amplify the Sinclair family’s opulent yet unsettling world.
The Twist and Book Connections
Fans of the 2014 novel, which sold nearly 3 million copies and won a Goodreads Choice Award, know We Were Liars for its jaw-dropping twist. Lockhart, Plec, and Mackenzie have teased that the series preserves this climactic reveal, described as “explosive” and “fire-up-the-group-chat interesting.” The adaptation also draws inspiration from Lockhart’s 2022 prequel, Family of Liars, hinting at a possible Season 2 delving into the Sinclair sisters’ youth.
Plec told Deadline, “We hit all the marks and beats of the book… and expand the universe to set the stage for Season 2,” ensuring fans get both fidelity and fresh perspectives. Lockhart added to Entertainment Weekly that the TV format allows for broader character viewpoints, enhancing the novel’s single-narrator focus.
Why You Should Watch We Were Liars
- A Twisty Thriller: The nonlinear plot and shocking twist make it a compulsive watch for mystery fans.
- Stellar Cast: From Emily Alyn Lind’s nuanced lead to the Sinclair sisters’ layered performances, the ensemble shines.
- Gorgeous Setting: Nova Scotia’s New England-esque visuals create an immersive, fairytale-like backdrop.
- Faithful Yet Fresh: Plec, Mackenzie, and Lockhart balance loyalty to the novel with new depth for TV audiences.
- Binge-Ready: All eight episodes are available at once, ideal for a summer marathon.
Final Thoughts
We Were Liars is a must-watch for fans of E. Lockhart’s novel and newcomers craving a blend of teen romance, family drama, and psychological thrills. With Julie Plec and Carina Adly Mackenzie at the helm, a stellar cast, and a twist that lives up to the hype, the series delivers a binge-worthy summer escape. Stream all eight episodes now on Amazon Prime Video, starting at 3 a.m. ET on June 18, 2025, and join the conversation on social media with #WeWereLiars.
