Pretty Little Liars

For seven seasons, Pretty Little Liars captivated its audience with twists, turns, and jaw-dropping revelations. The teen drama series centered around a group of girls, Aria Montgomery, Spencer Hastings, Hanna Marin, and Emily Fields, who were plagued by a mysterious figure known as ‘A’ after the disappearance of their friend, Alison DiLaurentis. However, it wasn’t just the suspenseful storylines that kept fans tuning in week after week. Pretty Little Liars also tackled issues such as mental illness, bullying, and LGBT+ representation in a way that resonated with its audience.

One of the most significant themes throughout Pretty Little Liars was the portrayal of mental health. The series didn’t shy away from showing the impact of trauma and the struggles of coping with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. For instance, Emily Fields was initially skeptical about seeing a therapist, and Spencer Hastings was later diagnosed with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The show’s treatment of bullying was also noteworthy. The bullying storyline involving Mona Vandewaal brought a realistic and insightful portrayal of how bullying can impact someone’s mental health, and how it can escalate and intensify. Pretty Little Liars also showcased the negative impact of cyberbullying, with Hanna Marin being targeted online by unknown perpetrators.

LGBT+ representation was another area where Pretty Little Liars excelled. The series portrayed same-sex relationships as healthy and normal, with Emily Fields being one of the only prominent bisexual characters on television at the time. The show’s LGBT+ characters faced struggles and discrimination but were ultimately accepted and happy with their partners. The program helped to normalize same-sex relationships and go beyond stereotypes of what being LGBT+ is like.

In the age of social media, the show’s exploration of the dangers of online communication is more relevant than ever. Through the shenanigans of the mysterious and nefarious character ‘A,’ the show highlighted the possible ramifications of oversharing on social media platforms. It also showed how easily personal photos and videos can be manipulated and used against someone.

Lastly, while the plot twists and cliffhangers rightfully dominated the discussion surrounding the show’s legacy, Pretty Little Liars did well to subvert the convention of depicting girls solely as catty and competitive. All the main female characters were fiercely protective of each other throughout the series, and the plot showed the strength of their bond repeatedly. Through their group dynamic, the show illustrated that women could be both strong and supportive of one another.

In summary, Pretty Little Liars tackled significant issues that resonated with its viewership. Its portrayal of mental health, bullying, and LGBT+ representation was refreshing and ground-breaking. The show’s exploration of the dangers of technology and social media is still relevant today. Lastly, Pretty Little Liars portrayed female friendship in a genuinely inspirational light, and its enduring legacy should inspire and resonate with its diehard fans for years to come.