Context:

E. Lockhart's 2014 novel 'We Were Liars', a psychological family drama with a twist, has been adapted into an 8-episode TV series. The series, developed by Julie Plec and Carina Adly Mackenzie, expands on the original narrative, exploring secondary characters like Gat and his uncle Ed in greater depth. The adaptation process involved a diverse writers' room, which added nuance and authenticity to the characters' perspectives, especially those of Indian descent. Casting for the series was rigorous, with Shubham Maheshwari and Emily Alyn Lind playing key roles, bringing authenticity and depth to their characters. The adaptation retains the core themes of the book, such as the exploration of grief, denial, and self-forgiveness, while also offering a more visual and emotional experience for viewers.

Dive Deeper:

• E. Lockhart's novel 'We Were Liars' tells the story of Cadence Sinclair Eastman, who struggles to recall a traumatic summer with her wealthy family on their private island, revealing themes of denial and grief.

• The book's adaptation into a TV series involved showrunners Julie Plec and Carina Adly Mackenzie, who maintained the novel's core meaning while expanding the narrative for a visual medium.

• The adaptation process was complex, with the story being developed as a feature film before landing as a TV series, undergoing multiple script rewrites and director changes.

• A diverse writers' room, including writers of Indian descent, was instrumental in fleshing out characters like Gat and Ed, offering a richer cultural perspective and more nuanced storytelling.

• Casting was a thorough process, with Shubham Maheshwari selected for his raw talent and Emily Alyn Lind for her experience and ability to support her co-stars, ensuring a strong on-screen dynamic.

• The series explores deep emotional themes, much like the book, delving into personal and familial grief, the lies people tell themselves, and the struggle for self-forgiveness.

• The adaptation captures the novel's emotional intensity and expands on its themes, offering a more immersive and visually rich experience for audiences, while staying true to the story's essence.