The premiere of Tell Me Lies Season 2 unfolded with a surprising twist that even caught star Alicia Crowder off guard. In the latest episode of the Hulu drama, viewers were taken aback by the revelation that, in 2015, Crowder’s character, Diana, is now in a relationship with Pippa (Sonia Mena) following their college years at Baird College. Crowder shared with PEOPLE that the fans’ reactions to this unexpected romance have been overwhelmingly positive.
Reflecting on the red carpet at InStyle’s 30th Birthday Event in New York City on September 12, Crowder remarked, “The fans’ response has been so sweet. I think everyone really enjoyed it. It’s really nice.”
Describing the development of Diana and Pippa’s relationship, which contrasts with their earlier non-existent friendship in the 2008 timeline, Crowder called it a “really fun surprise,” adding that it seemed to bring joy to the audience.
The unexpected twist involving Diana and Pippa’s relationship left Hulu executives taken aback. “I didn’t inform the network about this reveal before sending them the script. As they began reading it that night, I received a flood of text messages from the executives saying, ‘What the f—?’” creator Meaghan Oppenheimer recounted to PEOPLE before the premiere. “They were like, ‘You’re sick. You’re a menace.’”
Oppenheimer admitted that her approach to the show often revolves around creating unexpected twists. “I like to think about what no one is going to see coming,” she said, explaining her strategy of delivering major surprises.
Season 2 resumes after the intense conclusion of Season 1, where Lucy (Grace Van Patten) and Stephen’s (Jackson White) relationship ended as he reunited with Diana, and the major twist revealed Stephen’s engagement to Lydia (Natalee Linez), Lucy’s childhood best friend, in 2015.
The new season delves deeper into the lives of Lucy and Stephen’s friend group, a shift from the focus of the first season. Oppenheimer expressed enthusiasm about giving more attention to the ensemble cast this season. “Season one was very much about Lucy and Stephen’s attracting dynamic. My goal for Season 2 was always to expand the story’s scope.”
She added, “While Lucy and Stephen remain central, the focus is on exploring the ripple effects of one set of lies within a friend group, even from the outset of Season 1.”