We Were Liars is a psychological thriller series based on the bestselling YA novel by E. Lockhart.
Premiering June 18, 2025, on Amazon Prime Video, the show follows 17-year-old Cadence Sinclair Eastman as she returns to her family’s private island one summer after suffering a traumatic accident that left her with amnesia.
As she reconnects with her close-knit group of cousins and friends, known as “The Liars,” secrets begin to unravel, revealing the darkness lurking beneath the Sinclair family’s golden facade.
Age Rating: 16+ Recommended
While Amazon lists the series as TV-14, the actual content, based on its literary source material and early descriptions, may be more appropriate for viewers aged 16 and older, especially due to its emotional depth and dark thematic elements.
Despite its TV-14 rating on Prime Video, the series includes emotionally intense subject matter, psychological tension, and themes best suited for older teens.
As the story dives deep into family dysfunction, grief, guilt, and the unreliable nature of memory, viewers should be aware of several sensitive content elements drawn from the book and adapted for screen.
Violence
The story includes a traumatic accident with lingering physical and emotional consequences. Flashbacks may depict injuries, faint medical imagery, and emotional trauma.
The psychological weight of guilt, loss, and emotional collapse contributes to an unsettling tone.
Language
Mild to moderate profanity is used occasionally. Characters may use casual cursing in emotionally charged scenes. However, it remains within the bounds of what is typically acceptable in teen dramas.
Sexual Content
The show includes minor romantic and sexual content between teenage characters, including kissing and references to intimate relationships. There are no explicit sex scenes, but suggestive behavior is subtly portrayed.
Mature Themes
We Were Liars heavily explores grief, memory loss, family dysfunction, class privilege, and deceit. Emotional breakdowns, manipulative family behavior, and themes of substance use are present.
A subplot subtly addresses racial tensions through a character’s background, echoing underlying themes of exclusion and bias within elite circles.
The psychological trauma depicted—particularly surrounding loss and repression—may be intense for younger viewers.
Is We Were Liars Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The show’s emotionally intense storylines, themes of death and trauma, and mature social issues make it inappropriate for preteens.
Ages 13–15: Caution advised. While some younger teens may relate to the characters, the underlying tragedy and psychological weight may be too disturbing or complex without adult guidance.
Ages 16–17: Suitable for mature teens. Older teens who can engage with complex emotional narratives and themes of grief, deception, and privilege will find the series both challenging and thought-provoking.
What Parents Can Do
Parents are encouraged to watch the first episode with their teens to gauge emotional impact and maturity level.
The story provides valuable opportunities to discuss grief, emotional repression, social privilege, and the consequences of secrecy within families.
If your teen has read the book, be aware that the onscreen version may heighten the tension and emotional fallout.
FAQs
Q: Is We Were Liars appropriate for 13-year-olds?
A: The TV-14 label suggests it might be, but due to mature emotional themes and subtle references to trauma, it’s better suited for ages 16 and up.
Q: Does the series include graphic violence?
A: No, but it includes emotional distress, post-trauma effects, and depictions of a tragic accident that may be upsetting.
Q: Are there any sexual scenes in We Were Liars?
A: There are no explicit scenes, but romantic and suggestive content between teens is present.
Q: Is the ending emotionally intense?
A: Yes. The story’s twist relies heavily on psychological shock and grief, which may leave a strong emotional impact on sensitive viewers.