The Hulu drama Tell Me Lies has become a popular show with its story of a toxic college romance. For parents, however, the series presents clear reasons for concern. The show is officially rated TV-MA, meaning it is specifically designed for mature audiences only. This rating is due to its frequent and graphic scenes involving sex, strong language, substance use, and the portrayal of psychologically damaging relationships. Common Sense Media, an organization that reviews media for families, suggests the show is only appropriate for viewers aged 16 and older.
The story follows Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco, two college students who begin a relationship that becomes emotionally destructive over eight years. While compelling for adult viewers, the show’s intense focus on manipulation, cheating, and obsessive love makes it unsuitable for younger audiences.
What Parents Should Know About the Content
The TV-MA rating for Tell Me Lies is a strict guideline. In countries like Canada and Singapore, the show carries ratings equivalent to 18+ and R21, respectively. These ratings are based on consistent mature content throughout every season.
Sexual Content and Nudity
The show contains a significant amount of sexual material. Scenes regularly show characters having sex with explicit sounds and movement. Nudity is common, with bare breasts and buttocks visible on screen. There are also scenes depicting characters in their underwear and one scene where a character is shown masturbating. Conversations among characters frequently involve discussions about sexual acts.
Language and Substance Use
The dialogue includes very frequent strong language. Commonly used words include “f–k,” “s–t,” “bitch,” “c–t,” and “a–hole”.
Underage drinking and drug use are standard parts of the college life portrayed. Characters are often shown drinking beer, wine, and champagne at parties and other gatherings. Smoking marijuana is a frequent activity, and the use of cocaine is discussed.
Themes of Violence and Manipulation
While not overly graphic in physical violence, the show focuses heavily on psychological and emotional manipulation. The central relationship between Lucy and Stephen is built on lies, gaslighting, and toxic control. One of the main characters is killed in a car accident, and there are references to a “rapey” fraternity environment. The show’s creator has stated that the upcoming third season will enter “very dark areas of sexual relationships and psychological relationships”.
The Problem with “Toxic Romance” for Young Viewers
At its core, Tell Me Lies is a detailed study of a harmful relationship. For teenagers and pre-teens who are still forming their understanding of love and boundaries, this portrayal can be confusing and potentially damaging.
The character of Stephen DeMarco is designed to be a manipulative figure. He consistently lies to Lucy, cheats on her, and plays mind games to maintain power in the relationship. Executive producer Emma Roberts has explicitly stated, “I definitely am not telling girls to go date Stephen, that’s for sure”. However, the show also makes his character compelling and charismatic, which can blur the lines for viewers who are not yet equipped to critically analyze these dynamics.
Lucy’s character is also problematic as a role model. She makes choices based on obsession and a need for validation, repeatedly returning to a relationship she knows is bad for her. The showrunner, Meaghan Oppenheimer, notes that some audience members have expressed more anger toward Lucy for her poor choices than toward Stephen for his manipulation, a reaction she finds unfair but indicative of the complex emotions the show triggers.
“I’m not writing role models. I’m just trying to hold a light up to what I think can happen in the real world.” – Meaghan Oppenheimer, Showrunner of Tell Me Lies.
Mature Storylines and “Very Dark” Upcoming Seasons
Parents should be aware that the show’s content intensifies with each season. Storylines in the second season include a character being drugged and assaulted and a student having a secret affair with a married professor. These plots are presented with the dramatic tension of a thriller but deal with serious real-world issues.
The already-renewed third season, set to premiere in January, is promised to be darker. The show’s director has said the new season deals with consequences that feel “more dangerous”. New characters will be introduced, including a part-time drug dealer, and the story will continue to explore themes of trauma and manipulation.
Practical Advice for Parents
If your teenager asks to watch Tell Me Lies, here are steps you can take based on expert reviews:
- Respect the Official Rating: The TV-MA rating exists for a reason. It is a clear signal from the network that the content is not suitable for anyone under 17.
- Consider Your Child’s Maturity: Common Sense Media’s suggestion of age 16+ is a minimum guideline. Even older teenagers may not be ready for the show’s relentless portrayal of psychological abuse and its normalization of cheating and substance use.
- Watch and Discuss: If you decide to allow an older teen to watch, consider viewing it together. The show can provide a springboard for important conversations about healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, the importance of consent, and how to recognize manipulative behavior. Ask questions like, “What do you think about how Stephen treated Lucy in that scene?” or “Why do you think Lucy keeps going back to him?”
- Know Where It Streams: Tell Me Lies is available exclusively on Hulu. The platform’s account settings may offer parental controls that can help restrict access to TV-MA rated content.
The appeal of Tell Me Lies for adult audiences is understandable; it is a gripping drama about difficult subjects. For kids and teenagers, however, its unfiltered exploration of toxicity, trauma, and mature situations makes it a show best saved for adulthood.
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