We Were Liars 6 Biggest Changes From Book to Prime Video Series
We Were Liars is one of the most talked-about young adult novels by E. Lockhart, and now it’s making waves as a TV series on Prime Video. Released on June 18, the show keeps the emotional heart of the book intact, but there are We Were Liars 6 biggest changes from the book, adding many unexpected twists that set it apart.
While the core story stays the same, fans of the book will notice several major changes in the show. These updates not only bring new depth to the characters but also open the door for a possible second season. Here’s a closer look at We Were Liars 6 Biggest Changes between the book and the screen adaptation.
Stream We Were Liars on Prime Video UK.
1. A Shorter Timeline
In the book, the story unfolds over several summers, slowly revealing the mystery piece by piece. The show, however, condenses the timeline to just two summers, Cadence’s 16th and 17th. This tighter focus makes the shift from her happy past to the trauma of her head injury feel more intense. Big moments like Tipper’s death, Cadence and Gat’s romance, and the fire now all happen in one summer, making the story faster and more dramatic.
2. Stronger Character Development
The TV series gives more attention to characters who were not deeply explored in the book. For instance, Cadence’s cousin Johnny is portrayed as openly gay, and his storyline now includes school bullying and the effects of his mother Carrie’s controlling nature. These new layers make the Sinclair family’s problems feel more real and complex.
3. More Focus on Racism and Privilege
Harris Sinclair, the family patriarch, is shown in a harsher light in the series. Cadence doesn’t hold back in calling out his racist views and sense of entitlement. She even tries to educate herself, shown reading Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. Her growing awareness comes partly from her relationship with Gat, who faces microaggressions within the wealthy, mostly white Sinclair world.
4. New Romantic Storylines
In the book, the adult Sinclair sisters’ love lives are barely mentioned. But the show changes that. Bess is shown in an emotional affair with someone from the harbor, causing more family drama. Mirren also gets her own romantic storyline, helping her character grow beyond her role in the original novel.
5. Expanded Roles for Gat and Ed
According to E. Lockhart, the show worked with four writers of Indian background to develop Gat and Ed’s characters in more detail. These writers added cultural insight, humor, and depth, making both characters feel more real and important to the story. Gat, in particular, becomes a more central figure, and his bond with Cadence carries more emotional weight.
6. The Sinclair Sisters Take the Spotlight
The show gives the three Sinclair sisters, Bess, Penny, and Carrie, a bigger role than in the book. Inspired by The White Lotus, these characters are stylish, flawed, and full of personality. Actress Candice King (Bess) shines in a standout scene where she deals with her husband’s absence. Caitlin Fitzgerald (Penny) and Mamie Gummer (Carrie) round out the trio with strong, layered performances. Their sisterly drama, secrets, and rich-girl chaos make for great TV.
While We Were Liars stays true to its mysterious and emotional core, the TV show updates the story in bold and modern ways. It dives deeper into themes of privilege, identity, and trauma, while giving fans more reasons to stay hooked. Whether you’ve read the book or not, the Prime Video series brings fresh life to a haunting tale.