Tell Me Lies: Official Podcast — Episode: "We Might’ve Gone Too Far"

Host: Stassi Schroeder
Guest: Meaghan Oppenheimer (Showrunner)
Release Date: January 13, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively and candid episode, Stassi Schroeder sits down with Tell Me Lies showrunner Meaghan Oppenheimer to unpack the high-stakes drama of season three, episode three. The pair dive into the episode’s gut-wrenching twists, behind-the-scenes casting stories, the show’s exploration of sexual power dynamics, the music that shapes campus nostalgia, and the controversy surrounding Lucy’s pivotal storyline. Throughout, Meaghan offers unfiltered insight into creative decisions and personal moments from the show’s production, making this episode a must-listen for dedicated fans and new viewers alike.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Recap of Season 3, Episode 3 (00:00–02:40)

• Stassi recaps major plot movements:
  • Pippa and Diana navigating a new relationship; Diana’s pregnancy reveal
  • Wrigley’s emotional state post-Steven breakup
  • Brie reveals foster care connection with Alex and tries to set up Alex and Lucy
  • Evan confesses feelings for Brie, offering to leave Molly (Evan: “I’ll stop talking to her in a second if you told me to.” [01:22])
  • Steven’s family complications, leading to emotional outbursts and a tense fight with Lucy
  • Steven manipulates Lucy into admitting her sexual assault claim was fake—on camera

2. Behind the Scenes: Casting Chemistry and Cast Relationships (02:41–06:34)

• Chemistry between the leads was apparent from the first in-person read post-Zoom auditions.
  • Meaghan: “I feel like I saw every guy between the ages of 18 and 35 that lives in LA or New York.” [03:56]
  • Grace Van Patten (Lucy) was cast first and read with other auditioning actors.
• Real-life relationships parallel the onscreen drama, notably Lucy and Steven's actors dating IRL after their chemistry read.
• Casting anecdotes extend into playful side notes about appearance and character parallels.

3. The Proudest Moments and Cultural Impact (06:35–07:47)

• Meaghan’s proudest moments:
  • Crowd reaction at season two premiere (“when we revealed Diana and Pippa Kiss the crowd just absolutely shrieked…” [06:44])
  • Celebrity fans: “I heard that the Kardashians and Jenners love the show...that makes me really happy and very proud.” [07:24]
  • Stassi: “If I heard that the Kardashians were big fans of mine too, I’d be like...throw me out.” [07:28]

4. Sex, Power, and the Episode's Core Themes (07:48–08:54)

• Discussion of the provocative quote about sex and power:
  • Meaghan: “I do think everything is kind of about sex, but I’m, like, kind of a pervert, so maybe that’s why...” [08:01]
  • On Lucy and Alex’s climactic scene: “...the power dynamics within the sex scenes with Lucy and Alex are pretty intense.” [08:47]
• Power is explored through both dominance and submission, and the safety of consensual vulnerability.

5. Intercutting the Sex Scene and the Tape Confession (09:43–11:00)

• Meaghan credits writer Mona for the risky idea to intercut Lucy’s emotional confession and her encounter with Alex:
  • “It was darker before, but I think it’s...I love that whole scene. I thought our director, Ed, did a great job.” [10:51]
  • Meaghan admits, for the first time, she worried, “We might have gone too far.” [10:48]
• The intertwining scenes personify Lucy’s shame spiral and sense of self-punishment.

6. Lucy’s Controversial Sexual Assault Storyline (11:00–14:35)

• Both Stassi and Meaghan wrestle with morality and the impact of Lucy’s fake claim:
  • Lucy’s motivation: “Her intention is just desperate and good...there’s a system that does not help these girls and she doesn’t have anything else to rely on.” [13:15]
  • Meaghan reveals the storyline generated intense debate and even offense in the writers’ room.
  • They explore the difference between intention and outcome, especially in light of 2008 campus attitudes versus today.
  • Notably, Lucy’s punishment is shown as harsher than for male characters facing similar accusations.

7. Changing Dynamics Around Consent and Representation (14:35–16:24)

• The social context of 2008 surfaces:
  • Meaghan recounts how blurred lines and “casual” references to inappropriate encounters marked the era.
  • “It feels so recent, but the sexual dynamics with young people were so different.” [14:37]
  • Both acknowledge how current awareness around consent is much higher.

8. Directing Intimate and Emotional Scenes (16:24–23:22)

• Preparation and safety:
  • Every intimate scene is thoroughly discussed, rehearsed, and planned like a stunt, with an intimacy coordinator ensuring all boundaries are respected.
  • “There are no hands going anywhere that someone’s not expecting. ...There’s nothing that’s a surprise on the day.” [18:12]
• On decompressing after intense shoots:
  • Meaghan’s personal routine: “I do a lot of puzzles...It takes me out of my...[head].” [19:13]
• Differences in directing physical vs. emotional intimacy:
  • Violent or rough scenes require Meaghan’s direct oversight due to their difficulty and sensitivity.
  • “It’s not a darker feeling. It’s just a much more careful feeling.” [22:35]

9. The Role and Power of Music (19:52–21:47)

• Both Stassi and Meaghan reminisce about early-2000s music bringing authenticity and nostalgia to the series.
  • Meaghan: "I get to choose the music for the most part...I was also in college at this time..." [20:15]
• The music budget is a major priority; Meaghan will compromise on set pieces to secure the rights to important tracks.
  • “I'll be like, you can't build that wall, because I want to save 30 grand so I can have this song.” [21:14]
• Music is positioned as a character of its own in the show, guiding emotional tone and audience immersion.

10. Vivid and Candid Closing (23:28–24:35)

• Stassi poses a wildcard moral question: Would you rather confess your darkest secret on camera or tell your best friend you slept with her boyfriend?
  • Meaghan: “I would rather confess my worst secret on camera. ...I would never fuck my friend’s boyfriend.” [23:50]
  • On Lucy’s predicament, Meaghan—with tough love—believes Lucy “needs antidepressants and an adult who can give her some guidance.” [24:18]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On casting Steven and Lucy:
  “I remember this one screenshot that we took of their read and I was like, sending it to the executives. I was like, this is the guy. Look at the way they look at each other.” — Meaghan Oppenheimer [04:13]
• On season two’s impact:
  “At the premiere...when we revealed Diana and Pippa Kiss, the crowd just absolutely shrieked with surprise, which was just—it was extremely satisfying.” — Meaghan [06:46]
• On the show's musical choices:
  “Everyone laughs at me on set because I’m insane about the music budget.” — Meaghan [21:14]
• On difficult subject matter:
  “...It was the first time I saw a cut of that scene, I was like, oh, like, we might have gone too far and we had to pull it back a little bit.” — Meaghan [10:48]
• On the complexity of Lucy’s actions:
  “Is something good because of how it turned? If the intention is good, is it good? ...Like, how much does intent matter, basically, is the question that’s important.” — Meaghan [12:45]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Episode Recap: [00:00-02:41]
• Casting and Chemistry: [02:41-06:34]
• Proudest Moments: [06:35-07:47]
• Sex & Power Dynamics: [07:48-08:54]
• Intercut Scene Explanation: [09:43-11:00]
• Sexual Assault Storyline Debate: [11:00-14:35]
• Changing Culture and Consent: [14:35-16:24]
• Directing & Preparing Intimate Scenes: [16:24-23:22]
• Music and Budget: [19:52-21:47]
• Final Moral Dilemma & Advice for Lucy: [23:28-24:35]

Tone and Takeaways

The episode is raw, honest, and steeped in both the chaos and care that define Tell Me Lies. Meaghan Oppenheimer’s candor—about creative risk, character psychology, and the personal connections that fuel the show—offers listeners an authentic look into the artistry and controversy of crafting prestige drama for a new generation. For fans and newcomers alike, this deep dive offers context and reflection on the series’ bold storylines, choices, and the enduring importance of intention and empathy in storytelling.