When a high school detention turns fatal, five students become the prime suspects
In short: In the teen mystery series One of Us Is Lying, a gossip-loving student dies during detention, triggering a desperate investigation. As secrets are exposed by an anonymous blackmailer, the remaining students must navigate suspicion, betrayal, and the consequences of their past actions while fighting to clear their names.
Developed by Erica Saleh and based on Karen M. McManus's 2017 novel, the series follows five students at Bayview High who find themselves in detention when one of them, Simon Kelleher, suffers a fatal allergic reaction. The show, which premiered on Peacock in October 2021, explores themes of honesty and the weight of societal stereotypes. While the first season remains largely faithful to the spirit of the source material, it introduces narrative twists to surprise readers of the book. The showrunner, Darío Madrona, initially aimed to create a story that felt brighter than traditional mysteries, focusing on the flawed nature of its characters.
The production journey was complex, spanning multiple countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pilot was filmed in Vancouver, Canada, in late 2019, but subsequent production moved to New Zealand, where the east coast beaches were used to replicate a Southern California aesthetic. The crew utilized various locations, including the AUT Millennium and ASB Showgrounds, to recreate the high school environment. Despite the show receiving generally positive reviews—holding a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes—it faced challenges in maintaining a broad audience.
The second season, which premiered in October 2022, departed from the novels entirely. Saleh chose to continue the narrative with the original cast rather than adapting the second book, which features a different set of characters. This creative shift emphasized the consequences of the characters' previous choices. However, despite Peacock executives expressing satisfaction with the show's creative output, the series was officially canceled in January 2023. The decision was driven by the show's inability to attract the viewership levels necessary to justify further seasons, leaving the story concluded after two installments.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: One of Us Is Lying (TV series)
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