'Tell Me Lies' and why Gen Z is obsessed with sexy TV
- - 'Tell Me Lies' and why Gen Z is obsessed with sexy TV
Rachel Hale, USA TODAYJanuary 31, 2026 at 6:30 PM
2
'Tell Me Lies' and why Gen Z is obsessed with sexy TV
In Los Angeles, bars are hosting watch parties for the highly-anticipated weekly releases of "Tell Me Lies." And in New York City, more than 2,000 people have RSVPed for an upcoming âHeated Rivalryâ look-alike contest.
Both shows have captivated young viewers enough to create a cultural moment rarely seen outside of sports in today's couch potato, streaming-friendly TV era: They're getting people out of the house to gather with other fans.
These shows are also hot, filled with sex-scenes, body parts and lots of forbidden and fiery romantic interactions.
And yet, research shows that Gen Z â the cohort born between 1997 and 2012 â is having less sex than prior generations.
For young viewers who arenât engaging in sexual activities themselves but are seeking out emotional validation and connection, these stories may help fill a gap, explains Virginia Gramarosso, a 25-year-old Chicagoland health educator who works with middle schoolers, high schoolers and young adults.
Gramarosso says just because studies show Gen Z is having less sex doesn't mean they're not interested in and curious about sex.
âI think they still have desires related to sex... Consuming that media might almost fill that void," Gramarosso says.
"Tell Me Lies" is back with Season 3, and believe it or not, the drama series is more deranged and twisted than ever. Hulu premiered three episodes on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and so far, we're seeing an unraveling of the web of lies between Lucy (played by Grace Van Patten) and her friend group. Fans can expect major reveals, the start of new friendships, the fizzling out of other relationships, a new romantic pairing, a surprise pregnancy, and so much more drama. To celebrate the new season, the cast of "Tell Me Lies," including stars Grace Van Patten and Jackson White, hit New York City for a screening hosted at The Corner Store on Jan. 12, 2026.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Hulu's "Tell Me Lies" is back with Season 3, and believe it or not, the drama series is more deranged and twisted than ever. Hulu premiered three episodes on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and so far, we're seeing an unraveling of the web of lies between Lucy (played by Grace Van Patten) and her friend group. Fans can expect major reveals, the start of new friendships, the fizzling out of other relationships, a new romantic pairing, a surprise pregnancy, and so much more drama. To celebrate the new season, the cast of "Tell Me Lies," including stars Grace Van Patten and Jackson White, hit New York City for a screening hosted at The Corner Store on Jan. 12, 2026.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zHMgU5WkjZnPKuGd28uWoQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c7b32eb25f047bc123e2639b1f6eee02 class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Hulu's "Tell Me Lies" is back with Season 3, and believe it or not, the drama series is more deranged and twisted than ever. Hulu premiered three episodes on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and so far, we're seeing an unraveling of the web of lies between Lucy (played by Grace Van Patten) and her friend group. Fans can expect major reveals, the start of new friendships, the fizzling out of other relationships, a new romantic pairing, a surprise pregnancy, and so much more drama. To celebrate the new season, the cast of "Tell Me Lies," including stars Grace Van Patten and Jackson White, hit New York City for a screening hosted at The Corner Store on Jan. 12, 2026.
">Hulu's "Tell Me Lies" is back with Season 3, and believe it or not, the drama series is more deranged and twisted than ever. Hulu premiered three episodes on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and so far, we're seeing an unraveling of the web of lies between Lucy (played by Grace Van Patten) and her friend group. Fans can expect major reveals, the start of new friendships, the fizzling out of other relationships, a new romantic pairing, a surprise pregnancy, and so much more drama. To celebrate the new season, the cast of "Tell Me Lies," including stars Grace Van Patten and Jackson White, hit New York City for a screening hosted at The Corner Store on Jan. 12, 2026.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zHMgU5WkjZnPKuGd28uWoQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c7b32eb25f047bc123e2639b1f6eee02 class=caas-img>From left: Actresses Sonia Mena, Grace Van Patten, Alicia Crowder and Catherine Missal attend the "Tell Me Lies" Season 3 premiere at The Corner Store on Jan. 12, 2026, in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/37R3dOkY7Ke.7W5u.jTcJw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/495b762915136f30d57da83a4a9b6b22 class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
From left: Actresses Sonia Mena, Grace Van Patten, Alicia Crowder and Catherine Missal attend the "Tell Me Lies" Season 3 premiere at The Corner Store on Jan. 12, 2026, in New York City.
">From left: Actresses Sonia Mena, Grace Van Patten, Alicia Crowder and Catherine Missal attend the "Tell Me Lies" Season 3 premiere at The Corner Store on Jan. 12, 2026, in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/37R3dOkY7Ke.7W5u.jTcJw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/495b762915136f30d57da83a4a9b6b22 class=caas-img>Grace Van Patten plays Lucy in "Tell Me Lies."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/miPTNxHDOTBq0cFjGGJsZw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e5e16220169583cf095d6ccb8642e7c2 class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Grace Van Patten plays Lucy in "Tell Me Lies."
">Grace Van Patten plays Lucy in "Tell Me Lies."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/miPTNxHDOTBq0cFjGGJsZw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e5e16220169583cf095d6ccb8642e7c2 class=caas-img>Jackson White plays Stephen in "Tell Me Lies."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ScSzSywKfl.kQdkOBi0B.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c42ab9eae2a38ca1f3b5c16f8ef27a1e class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Jackson White plays Stephen in "Tell Me Lies."
">Jackson White plays Stephen in "Tell Me Lies."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ScSzSywKfl.kQdkOBi0B.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c42ab9eae2a38ca1f3b5c16f8ef27a1e class=caas-img>Spencer House plays Wrigley in "Tell Me Lies."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.Vf5NhwsT77YzNiPhuAgEg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/53ff2f05a9a653fed5d02d6f25747323 class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Spencer House plays Wrigley in "Tell Me Lies."
">Spencer House plays Wrigley in "Tell Me Lies."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.Vf5NhwsT77YzNiPhuAgEg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/53ff2f05a9a653fed5d02d6f25747323 class=caas-img>Catherine Missal plays Bree in "Tell Me Lies."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Z6ROak7VArXLS1FVOgMiPw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3129c1d5d6618d24bf0adb8aa9b8c568 class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Catherine Missal plays Bree in "Tell Me Lies."
">Catherine Missal plays Bree in "Tell Me Lies."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Z6ROak7VArXLS1FVOgMiPw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3129c1d5d6618d24bf0adb8aa9b8c568 class=caas-img>Sonia Mena plays Pippa in "Tell Me Lies."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AX2_dXtE1YrZfHs84F1VTg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/17aecafc55c9e3837fc371e157988207 class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Sonia Mena plays Pippa in "Tell Me Lies."
">Sonia Mena plays Pippa in "Tell Me Lies."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AX2_dXtE1YrZfHs84F1VTg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/17aecafc55c9e3837fc371e157988207 class=caas-img>Alicia Crowder plays Diana in "Tell Me Lies."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/TZXF7S2vkOR4.FVGUEhnhw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/06778c272b76d4286f967cb1f743350b class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Alicia Crowder plays Diana in "Tell Me Lies."
">Alicia Crowder plays Diana in "Tell Me Lies."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/TZXF7S2vkOR4.FVGUEhnhw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/06778c272b76d4286f967cb1f743350b class=caas-img>Branden Cook plays Evan in "Tell Me Lies."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iuY_61Huv..iShn26KNUAg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/dd57c03c1f42833401b48793dcf3ff84 class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Branden Cook plays Evan in "Tell Me Lies."
">Branden Cook plays Evan in "Tell Me Lies."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iuY_61Huv..iShn26KNUAg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/dd57c03c1f42833401b48793dcf3ff84 class=caas-img>Iris Apatow, Catherine Missal, Sonia Mena, Spencer House, Alicia Crowder, Jackson White, Grace Van Patten, Tom Ellis, Natalee Linez, Katherine Hughes and Branden Cook attend the "Tell Me Lies" Season 3 premiere in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5eKaf0bEaJ4v1FHHSpHy2A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/677d4b82fb78eff6912f228ba7a861de class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Iris Apatow, Catherine Missal, Sonia Mena, Spencer House, Alicia Crowder, Jackson White, Grace Van Patten, Tom Ellis, Natalee Linez, Katherine Hughes and Branden Cook attend the "Tell Me Lies" Season 3 premiere in New York City.
">Iris Apatow, Catherine Missal, Sonia Mena, Spencer House, Alicia Crowder, Jackson White, Grace Van Patten, Tom Ellis, Natalee Linez, Katherine Hughes and Branden Cook attend the "Tell Me Lies" Season 3 premiere in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5eKaf0bEaJ4v1FHHSpHy2A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/677d4b82fb78eff6912f228ba7a861de class=caas-img>Iris Apatow plays Amanda in "Tell Me Lies."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/B3VqPBj7iIGGYBQbauyMpg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7db4665a1959973f16eed82bd9d6d79b class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Iris Apatow plays Amanda in "Tell Me Lies."
">Iris Apatow plays Amanda in "Tell Me Lies."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/B3VqPBj7iIGGYBQbauyMpg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7db4665a1959973f16eed82bd9d6d79b class=caas-img>Tom Ellis plays Oliver in "Tell Me Lies."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1m1ZI_ZEvFdx4PD3HJ7bBw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a5ead5c57450957d8d2e2df2aeda73db class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Tom Ellis plays Oliver in "Tell Me Lies."
">Tom Ellis plays Oliver in "Tell Me Lies."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1m1ZI_ZEvFdx4PD3HJ7bBw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a5ead5c57450957d8d2e2df2aeda73db class=caas-img>Katherine Hughes plays Molly in "Tell Me Lies."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wd7h4RReqMjwLPSyP5pXjA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/40ffb5afd59df384ddf8a2a6cd6ce48e class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Katherine Hughes plays Molly in "Tell Me Lies."
">Katherine Hughes plays Molly in "Tell Me Lies."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wd7h4RReqMjwLPSyP5pXjA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/40ffb5afd59df384ddf8a2a6cd6ce48e class=caas-img>Natalee Linez plays Lydia in "Tell Me Lies."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rkwW68kJlTGbIwrVgIFh.A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/834e2be2299f98500a8cf1e5b2397c5d class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Natalee Linez plays Lydia in "Tell Me Lies."
">Natalee Linez plays Lydia in "Tell Me Lies."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rkwW68kJlTGbIwrVgIFh.A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/834e2be2299f98500a8cf1e5b2397c5d class=caas-img>Spencer House and Sonia Mena
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/a5qXgZr4_m0YVJ0o8vn4Vg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/081f219fcd57a691a0c1e96d80461ea1 class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Spencer House and Sonia Mena
">Spencer House and Sonia Mena
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/a5qXgZr4_m0YVJ0o8vn4Vg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/081f219fcd57a691a0c1e96d80461ea1 class=caas-img>Katherine Hughes and Branden Cook
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gsbeSbAbZCSsoZlKvWfRcA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/eac9f453d3ceee794751a339a1c4e037 class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Katherine Hughes and Branden Cook
">Katherine Hughes and Branden Cook
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gsbeSbAbZCSsoZlKvWfRcA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/eac9f453d3ceee794751a339a1c4e037 class=caas-img>Actor Tom Ellis and wife, "Tell Me Lies" creator and showrunner Meaghan Oppenheimer.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/R44BOiGCy9G5cECIVDgL.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/48c2b0025adfcb699eeab912f6834ce2 class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Actor Tom Ellis and wife, "Tell Me Lies" creator and showrunner Meaghan Oppenheimer.
">Actor Tom Ellis and wife, "Tell Me Lies" creator and showrunner Meaghan Oppenheimer.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/R44BOiGCy9G5cECIVDgL.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/48c2b0025adfcb699eeab912f6834ce2 class=caas-img>From left: Spencer House, Catherine Missal, Sonia Mena, Alicia Crowder, Jackson White, Meaghan Oppenheimer, Grace Van Patten and Branden Cook attend the "Tell Me Lies" Season 3 premiere.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/15iun5s1FeKq5TgYCitl6A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6b325d94d78edf6c672136a5f6b1f1b9 class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
From left: Spencer House, Catherine Missal, Sonia Mena, Alicia Crowder, Jackson White, Meaghan Oppenheimer, Grace Van Patten and Branden Cook attend the "Tell Me Lies" Season 3 premiere.
">From left: Spencer House, Catherine Missal, Sonia Mena, Alicia Crowder, Jackson White, Meaghan Oppenheimer, Grace Van Patten and Branden Cook attend the "Tell Me Lies" Season 3 premiere.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/15iun5s1FeKq5TgYCitl6A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6b325d94d78edf6c672136a5f6b1f1b9 class=caas-img>Meaghan Oppenheimer and Alicia Crowder attend SiriusXM Studios' "The Morning Mash Up" on Jan. 13, 2026.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JzpU8Asjyy14.EWWYO8fZg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/08cbad21b9a26a5c252fe8c2f8a2b1b6 class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Meaghan Oppenheimer and Alicia Crowder attend SiriusXM Studios' "The Morning Mash Up" on Jan. 13, 2026.
">Meaghan Oppenheimer and Alicia Crowder attend SiriusXM Studios' "The Morning Mash Up" on Jan. 13, 2026.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JzpU8Asjyy14.EWWYO8fZg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/08cbad21b9a26a5c252fe8c2f8a2b1b6 class=caas-img>Spencer House and Sonia Mena
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/YAtV5Kuum3iBfZNSaqf4TA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7fad88da878a3ab006427c5570e25416 class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Spencer House and Sonia Mena
">Spencer House and Sonia Mena
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/YAtV5Kuum3iBfZNSaqf4TA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7fad88da878a3ab006427c5570e25416 class=caas-img>Sonia Mena
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lSq6ZDZtGPnZN3IdYEWcPQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a0d755aae7b2bff0c111469970887d96 class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Sonia Mena
">Sonia Mena
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lSq6ZDZtGPnZN3IdYEWcPQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a0d755aae7b2bff0c111469970887d96 class=caas-img>Branden Cook
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_.ghtmL2HH_kNl4e1PZVxg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/453a19871bfa3d637d7e25100147a74e class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Branden Cook
">Branden Cook
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_.ghtmL2HH_kNl4e1PZVxg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/453a19871bfa3d637d7e25100147a74e class=caas-img>Alicia Crowder
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Y8jRb44Pkt9gV4q3N9cWag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b79df8061db339ca9a6c672e9af0979a class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Alicia Crowder
">Alicia Crowder
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Y8jRb44Pkt9gV4q3N9cWag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b79df8061db339ca9a6c672e9af0979a class=caas-img>Jackson White and Grace Van Patten
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Igl2bxsE8lls3GQfCMRB0A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/04b8c58edab7c76b3edcf92df0b9acd7 class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Jackson White and Grace Van Patten
">Jackson White and Grace Van Patten
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Igl2bxsE8lls3GQfCMRB0A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/04b8c58edab7c76b3edcf92df0b9acd7 class=caas-img>Jackson White and Grace Van Patten
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kzeiORPFhdeP2_ZX2qiMYQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ed20945e4233ace0425eec52f88266d5 class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Jackson White and Grace Van Patten
">Jackson White and Grace Van Patten
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kzeiORPFhdeP2_ZX2qiMYQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ed20945e4233ace0425eec52f88266d5 class=caas-img>Alicia Crowder, Spencer House, Sonia Mena, Jackson White, Grace Van Patten, Branden Cook and Meaghan Oppenheimer of "Tell Me Lies."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2M3PTDFopsxpX.GPxDiXcg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d3859d0f8d8aa78ac8dd964ed5fc722a class=caas-img data-headline="'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere" data-caption="
Alicia Crowder, Spencer House, Sonia Mena, Jackson White, Grace Van Patten, Branden Cook and Meaghan Oppenheimer of "Tell Me Lies."
">Alicia Crowder, Spencer House, Sonia Mena, Jackson White, Grace Van Patten, Branden Cook and Meaghan Oppenheimer of "Tell Me Lies."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2M3PTDFopsxpX.GPxDiXcg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d3859d0f8d8aa78ac8dd964ed5fc722a class=caas-img>
1 / 27'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere
Hulu's "Tell Me Lies" is back with Season 3, and believe it or not, the drama series is more deranged and twisted than ever. Hulu premiered three episodes on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and so far, we're seeing an unraveling of the web of lies between Lucy (played by Grace Van Patten) and her friend group. Fans can expect major reveals, the start of new friendships, the fizzling out of other relationships, a new romantic pairing, a surprise pregnancy, and so much more drama. To celebrate the new season, the cast of "Tell Me Lies," including stars Grace Van Patten and Jackson White, hit New York City for a screening hosted at The Corner Store on Jan. 12, 2026.
Why Gen Z is having less sex
Research shows a general decline in teens and young adults engaging in sexual activity. In 2023, 32% of teens said they had sex, compared with 47% of teens in 2013, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This trend extends to older Gen Zers, too â about 24% of adults aged 18 to 29 had no sex in the past year, doubling since 2010, according to a study from the Institute for Family Studies (IFS).
Emily Morehead, a Texas-based licensed professional counselor with expertise in sex and relationships, praised âsmuttyâ entertainment for the way it can serve as a conversation-starter for young people.
When formal sex education is lacking or inconsistent, especially about LGBTQ+ sexual health, she says young people use whatâs around them â television, books, social media â to fill in the gap.
âI think Gen Z is craving information, and if the only media that they're getting representation with is social media or porn, they're not learning about real-life sex and real-life relationships that are safe and consensual and pleasurable,â Morehead says.
Gramarosso adds that for some viewers, watching sex on TV can offer a sense of control that real-life dating doesnât amid ghosting, constant swiping on apps and social pressures.
âI think that the media can tie into that because they have an outlet for still engaging and almost expressing and connecting to their sexual wants and needs and questions without actually having to go out and talk to people and date people,â Gramarosso says.
Gen Zâs sex lives and dating style reflect a deeper trend of risk aversion â young people are also drinking less. While those things can be positive, theyâre also indicators that some Gen Zers may be socially isolated. Much of Gen Z missed out on pivotal years in the classroom or office during the pandemic, impacting their ability to socialize.
This follows a general trend of people reporting less desire to get married and have families at a young age.
More: No longer guilty: How romance books have changed readers attitudes toward sex in real life
When 'sexy entertainment' becomes mainstream
Morehead says that sexy entertainment has become more popular as Hollywood and the publishing industry have modernized how we speak about female pleasure. Both âHeated Rivalryâ and âTell Me Liesâ are based on book series.
Claire Mazur, one of the founders of romance entertainment company 831 Stories, previously told USA TODAY that spicy romance is now a âmainstream form of sex contentâ thatâs a direct âcounterpoint to porn culture.â
People may also be watching these shows as much for the intimacy as they are for the sex. For many viewers, the plot lines feel human, flawed and real.
With âTell Me Lies,â for example, a lot of viewers relate to the sentiment of knowing a person isnât good for you but struggling to walk away.
Where âHeated Rivalryâ succeeds, Morehead notes, is in depicting sex and love in a way that shows communication and consent.
Experts say itâs just important to remind young people that while itâs great to enjoy types of media, they cannot replace genuine social and emotional connection.
âWatching relationships and watching these things play out cannot be in place of experiencing and living and creating relationships themselves,â Gramarosso says.
Contributing: Clare Mulroy, Pamela Avila, Kelly Lawler
Rachel Haleâs role covering Youth Mental Health at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input. Reach her at [email protected] and @rachelleighhale on X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Tell Me Lies,' 'Heated Rivalry' and Gen Z's smut TV obsession
Source: âAOL Entertainmentâ
