Fans have been eagerly asking, when does Tell Me Lies come out, as excitement builds around the return of Hulu’s hit romantic drama. After months of anticipation and delays in production, Hulu has confirmed that Tell Me Lies Season 2 is set to premiere in summer 2026. Filming wrapped earlier this year, and the show is currently in post-production, preparing for its long-awaited release.
The upcoming season promises to pick up right where the story left off — with emotional fallout, secrets, and the consequences of toxic love that captured viewers’ attention when the series first debuted.
The Journey So Far: How Tell Me Lies Became a Hulu Success
When Tell Me Lies premiered on September 7, 2022, it instantly became one of Hulu’s breakout dramas of the year. The series, based on Carola Lovering’s best-selling 2018 novel, explores the obsessive and manipulative relationship between Lucy Albright (played by Grace Van Patten) and Stephen DeMarco (Jackson White).
The story follows the pair from their college days through their adult lives, revealing how one relationship’s power imbalance can shape identity, trust, and emotional resilience. What makes Tell Me Lies stand out is its realism — it doesn’t romanticize toxic love but instead portrays it with painful accuracy.
The first season consisted of 10 episodes, each weaving between past and present timelines. The series earned praise for its writing, atmosphere, and raw emotional tone, setting itself apart from conventional college dramas.
By the time the finale aired, fans were already demanding a second season — one that would dive deeper into Lucy and Stephen’s unresolved past.
Renewal and Production Updates
Hulu officially renewed Tell Me Lies for a second season in late 2022, just two months after its premiere. The renewal came as no surprise; the series had strong streaming numbers, particularly among women aged 18–34 — a key demographic for Hulu.
However, production for Season 2 was postponed due to the 2023 Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes. These industry-wide work stoppages halted nearly all scripted TV development for most of that year. Once the strikes ended in 2024, Hulu moved quickly to restart work on Tell Me Lies.
Filming for the second season officially began in September 2025 in Los Angeles and wrapped in January 2026. With post-production underway, the show is now slated for release in mid-2026, aligning with Hulu’s summer programming schedule.
This timeline also allows for a full marketing campaign — including teaser trailers, behind-the-scenes features, and exclusive cast interviews expected to roll out in spring.
Where Season 1 Left Off
The Season 1 finale left viewers with several emotional cliffhangers. Lucy’s world came crashing down when she learned about Stephen’s deception, forcing her to face painful truths about her choices and identity.
The final episode also flashed forward, revealing glimpses of the characters years later — hinting that their toxic connection continued to shape their lives long after college. Friendships were fractured, secrets lingered, and the emotional damage was far from healed.
Season 2 is expected to explore the aftermath of these events, answering key questions:
- How does Lucy move forward after betrayal?
- Will Stephen ever face the consequences of his actions?
- Can the group of friends — Bree, Wrigley, Evan, and Pippa — find closure?
Viewers can expect another season that explores heartbreak, accountability, and self-discovery — themes that have resonated deeply since the show’s debut.
Confirmed Cast Returning for Season 2
The core ensemble cast is officially returning, ensuring continuity in character development and chemistry.
Returning cast members include:
- Grace Van Patten as Lucy Albright
- Jackson White as Stephen DeMarco
- Alicia Crowder as Diana
- Branden Cook as Evan
- Spencer House as Wrigley
- Catherine Missal as Bree
- Benjamin Wadsworth as Drew
In addition, Hulu has confirmed the addition of new recurring characters who will expand the storyline into the characters’ post-college years. These new faces will bring fresh perspectives while complicating Lucy and Stephen’s intertwined paths.
The Creative Team Behind Season 2
Tell Me Lies Season 2 is once again led by Meaghan Oppenheimer, who serves as showrunner and executive producer. Under her direction, the show has balanced psychological realism with emotional storytelling.
The producing team also includes:
- Emma Roberts (Belletrist Productions)
- Karah Preiss
- Laura Lewis
- Stephanie Noonan Drachkovitch
- Carola Lovering, the novel’s author, returning as executive producer and creative consultant
This continuity ensures the second season maintains the same tone — intimate, tense, and layered — while exploring the lasting effects of youthful choices.
Themes to Expect in Season 2
While plot specifics remain under wraps, insiders have described Season 2 as “more mature and emotionally charged.” The story will follow Lucy and Stephen as they confront adulthood and the echoes of their destructive relationship.
Expected themes include:
- Emotional Aftermath: The lasting effects of manipulation and betrayal.
- Personal Growth: Characters evolving from self-destructive patterns toward healing.
- Accountability: How people face their past actions and the damage they caused.
- Connection vs. Independence: The struggle between love and self-preservation.
By exploring these themes through multiple timelines, Tell Me Lies continues to set itself apart from typical relationship dramas.
Critical and Audience Reception So Far
When it premiered, Tell Me Lies received strong reviews for its complex characters and realistic storytelling. Critics praised Grace Van Patten’s performance for capturing both vulnerability and strength, while Jackson White’s portrayal of Stephen drew attention for its unsettling believability.
Audiences connected deeply with the show’s emotional honesty. On social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), discussions about the show’s relationships went viral. Fans shared clips, reactions, and debates about whether Lucy and Stephen were victims of love, circumstance, or their own choices.
This passionate online conversation has continued for years, helping sustain the show’s popularity during its long production break.
Visuals, Tone, and Soundtrack
A standout element of Tell Me Lies is its atmospheric tone — a mix of nostalgia, suspense, and melancholy. Season 2 will retain the same cinematic visual style that defined its first season.
The show’s muted color palette, reflective camera work, and emotionally charged soundtrack are integral to its mood. The music, featuring alternative and indie artists, plays a vital role in shaping the emotional beats of each episode.
Hulu has confirmed that the new season will feature both returning musical themes and new original compositions designed to mirror the characters’ emotional evolution.
Distribution and Release Format
Hulu will once again serve as the exclusive home for Tell Me Lies in the United States. Like its first season, Season 2 will release on a weekly schedule, dropping one episode every Wednesday.
Episodes will be available to stream starting at 12:00 a.m. Eastern / 9:00 p.m. Pacific on the release date. This strategy allows viewers to discuss and engage with each episode as it airs, building week-to-week anticipation.
Outside the U.S., the series will stream on Disney+ under the Star banner, making it accessible to global audiences within days of its American debut.
Marketing and Fan Engagement
As post-production nears completion, Hulu is preparing a full promotional rollout for Tell Me Lies Season 2. Fans can expect:
- Teaser trailers and key art in spring 2026.
- Cast interviews on entertainment talk shows and digital outlets.
- Social media campaigns featuring behind-the-scenes content and fan challenges.
Given the show’s strong online following, Hulu is expected to heavily leverage TikTok and Instagram for its marketing push, mirroring the fan-driven buzz that fueled the first season’s success.
Why Tell Me Lies Stands Out Among Streaming Dramas
What makes Tell Me Lies unique is its willingness to portray love not as fantasy, but as a mirror of real emotional struggle. The show doesn’t rely on idealized romance or shock-value plot twists — instead, it delves into the uncomfortable truth of how relationships can shape a person’s identity for years.
The writing avoids stereotypes, showing that both Lucy and Stephen are flawed yet human. Viewers see not only the pain they cause each other but also how each character’s background and choices influence their behavior.
This psychological depth, combined with strong performances and cinematic direction, has earned Tell Me Lies comparisons to acclaimed dramas like Normal People and Euphoria.
The Future of the Series Beyond Season 2
While Hulu has not officially confirmed a third season, discussions about future installments are ongoing. The show’s creators have expressed interest in exploring Lucy’s later life, extending beyond her 20s into full adulthood.
Whether the series continues will likely depend on Season 2’s performance. Given the growing fan base and renewed audience interest, chances for continuation remain high.
If Season 2 performs strongly upon release, Hulu could greenlight additional seasons by the end of 2026.
What Fans Are Saying Right Now
Online discussion around the show remains strong even years after its first release. Fans continue to dissect scenes, exchange theories, and share fan edits that keep the narrative alive.
Many have expressed excitement at the confirmation of the 2026 premiere, noting how rare it is for a show to maintain such loyal engagement after a long hiatus. The emotional complexity of the series has resonated with younger viewers who see parts of their own experiences reflected on screen.
As new promotional material emerges later this year, Tell Me Lies is expected to dominate online conversations once again.
The Countdown Begins
So, when does Tell Me Lies come out? Hulu’s official schedule confirms a summer 2026 release, with the first trailer expected in the spring. The series will return with ten new episodes exploring love, regret, and emotional reckoning — themes that made the first season unforgettable.
Fans who have waited nearly four years since Season 1’s debut can finally prepare to return to Lucy and Stephen’s world — one filled with tension, heartbreak, and the haunting question of whether love can ever truly let go.
Tell Me Lies returns to Hulu in summer 2026, bringing back the passion, heartbreak, and drama that made it a fan favorite. What storyline are you most excited to see unfold? Share your thoughts below!