Though set in vastly different locales with distinct atmospheres,Pretty Little Liarsoften feels like the spiritual successor to the cultural phenomenon that wasGossip Girl. Bothtrashy yet great seriesgripped viewers with the premise of an omniscient, shadowy figure meticulously documenting and exposing the friend groups’ every move, which many viewersmiss coming up with theories for, as well aswhat happened to the missing character Alison.
Despite the scandals of Manhattan’s elite contrasting with the darker secrets lurking in Rosewood, both shows fostered a similar sense of addictive viewing. The shared experience of dissecting cryptic clues, speculating on the mysterious observer’s identity - be it Gossip Girl or “A” - and navigating the relationships became a central part of their appeal, drawing viewers into a world where secrets held immense power.
Why Pretty Little Liars Feels Like The Spiritual Successor To Gossip Girl
They Share A Mysterious Stalker Who Sees The Characters' Every Move
Both shows have a mystery person watching every move of the main characters. Despite their differences in setting and tone, bothPretty Little LiarsandGossip Girlcultivated a similar viewing experience where audiences willingly suspended disbelief and embraced the unfolding drama, no matter how improbable it became. The addictive nature of both series stemmed from their ability to draw viewers into a world of secrets, intrigue, and intriguing characters, even when the plotlines stretched the bounds of reality. Viewers often find themselves swept up in the unfolding mysteries and interpersonal relationships, eagerly anticipating the next twist.
A significant part of the appeal of both shows lies in the shared journey with the characters. You’ll become invested inunravelling the central mysteries and navigating the characters' complex livesand the most likely identity of “A” inPretty Little Liarsdespite its harsh realities. While plot holes and moments of heightened absurdity were certainly present, they arguably became part of the show’s charm. The commitment to dramatic storytelling, even when logic takes a backseat, fosters a sense of fun and escapism as well as its sheer audacity.
What Pretty Little Liars Does Differently To Gossip Girl
Gossip Girls' Characters Backstab Each Other More Than In PLL
A key difference betweenGossip GirlandPretty Little Liarsis thatPLLplays more into the central friend group being in the same boat. InGossip Girl,the central “gossip girl” observer is certainly present and plays a role in the events in the story, but they are not a violent threat and the characters are often their own and each other’s worst enemy. InPretty Little Liars,the girls at least unify in wanting to find the identity of “A” throughout multiplered herrings inPretty Little Liars, whereas gossip girl often fades into the background as a mere narrative voice and framing device.
Their questionable actions often arise from a place of fear, manipulation, and the need to protect themselves…
ThePretty Little Liarsgroup, consisting of Aria, Emily, Hanna, and Spencer, has a long history but is also defined by their shared trauma and the external threat of “A.“Their questionable actions often arise from a place of fear, manipulation, and the need to protect themselves and each other from a relentless and often dangerous antagonist. While they certainly engage in lying, keeping secrets, and making morally ambiguous choices, these actions are frequently portrayed as a response to the extraordinary and threatening circumstances they face. Their loyalty to one another, though tested, remains a central tenet.
Pretty Little Liars
Cast
Pretty Little Liars is a Teen Drama and Mystery series based on the novel by Sara Shepard. The show was created by Marlene King and stars Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, and Holly Marie Combs. The series revolves around four friends who meet back up with one another and begin to receive strange threats from an unknown source simply labeled “A.”
