The Lying Game (2011)
A gripping ABC Family drama about a foster teen who steps into her missing twin's privileged life — and unravels a web of dangerous secrets.
The Lying Game - Series Information
- Original Title: The Lying Game
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2013
- Created by: Fred Gerber
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (42 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 30
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: August 15, 2011 (United States - TV-14), August 15, 2011 (Germany - 12), August 15, 2011 (France - 12), August 15, 2011 (India - U), August 15, 2011 (Brazil - 12), August 15, 2011 (Mexico - B-15), August 15, 2011 (Italy - T), August 15, 2011 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: ABC Family
- Alternative Titles: 阴谋戏局 (CN)
- Production Companies: Alloy Entertainment, Warner Horizon Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Lying Game - Plot
Emma, a kind-hearted foster kid who can't catch a break, finds out she has an identical twin sister, Sutton, who - unlike Emma - was adopted by wealthy parents and is seemingly living an ideal life. After their initial meeting, Sutton talks Emma into stepping into her life for a few days while she pursues a lead on their birth mother. Initially excited to do this favor for her sister, Emma soon learns that Sutton has gone missing and could be in trouble. Now, Emma must decide whether to come clean to Sutton's family and risk her own safety in the hope of uncovering her twin sister's true whereabouts, along with the truth about why they were separated in the first place.
The Lying Game - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the twin mystery begin to unravel:
A lost twin. A dark secret. A deadly game.
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The Lying Game - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Fred Gerber
Main Cast
- Alexandra Chando
- Alice Greczyn
- Helen Slater
- Blair Redford
- Andy Buckley
- Allie Gonino
- Adrian Pasdar
- Christian Alexander
- Tyler Christopher
- Kirsten Zien
Writers
- Stacy Rukeyser
The Lying Game - FAQs
Is The Lying Game based on a book?
The series is adapted from Sara Shepard's young adult novel of the same name. Shepard is best known for writing Pretty Little Liars, and The Lying Game shares that same addictive blend of secrets, identity, and suburban suspense that made her novels so popular with teen readers.
Why was The Lying Game cancelled after two seasons?
ABC Family cancelled The Lying Game in 2013 after two seasons and 30 episodes, citing declining ratings. The show never quite recaptured the strong viewership of its debut season, and the network chose not to renew it despite a loyal fanbase that was left without a proper series conclusion.
Where can you stream The Lying Game?
You can stream The Lying Game on Netflix, including Netflix Standard with Ads. If you prefer to own it, episodes are available to buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Who plays both twins in The Lying Game?
Alexandra Chando takes on the dual role of Emma Becker and Sutton Mercer, the identical twin sisters at the heart of the story. Her ability to distinguish the two characters — one a scrappy foster kid, the other a privileged socialite — is central to the show's appeal.
Is The Lying Game worth watching for mystery fans?
If you enjoy slow-burn identity mysteries with a teen drama edge, it's an entertaining watch. The twin-swap premise keeps the tension simmering, and Alexandra Chando's dual performance is genuinely impressive. Fans of Pretty Little Liars or Ringer will find plenty to enjoy across its two seasons.
Who are the main cast members of The Lying Game?
The ensemble includes Alexandra Chando, Alice Greczyn, Helen Slater, Blair Redford, Andy Buckley, Allie Gonino, Adrian Pasdar, Christian Alexander, Tyler Christopher, and Kirsten Zien. Charisma Carpenter and Sharon Pierre-Louis also appear in recurring roles throughout the series.
Does The Lying Game have a proper series ending?
Unfortunately, no. The show was cancelled before the central mysteries could be fully resolved, leaving fans without closure on the twins' birth mother storyline and several dangling plot threads. The abrupt ending remains one of the most common frustrations cited by viewers of the series.
What shows are similar to The Lying Game?
Fans of The Lying Game often enjoy Ringer, which shares a near-identical twin-swap premise, as well as The Fosters and Life Unexpected for their foster care storylines. Dead Ringers and Pretty Little Liars also scratch the same itch for identity-driven suspense with strong female leads.
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