The popular television series "Pretty Little Liars" has officially come to an end after a seven year run. The show was unlike any other that had come before it. In some ways, it was a typical teen drama, but it had an antagonistic stalker named "A." who made everyone's skin crawl. Season after season, the show's writers kept viewers guessing as to who "A." was and why he/she was so determined to terrorize the main characters of the show. Even after the identity of "A." was revealed, the plot thickened when the four women continued to receive threats from another masked character known as "A.D."
"Pretty Little Liars" was so unique because it was dark, mysterious, sometimes outrageous, but was also relatable. The main characters, Aria, Spencer, Emily, Hanna, and Ali were a great group of friends who always stood by each other no matter what (even when "A." and "A.D." tried their hardest to turn them against each other). Viewers related to the bond between the five women and saw themselves in their characters. All five of them literally risked their lives at least once in order to save one of their friends. All five women supported each other through it all: dangerous situations, rocky relationships, family dramas, kidnappings, deaths, and so much more. Throughout it all, they never turned on each other and always forgave each other when they made mistakes. Aria, Spencer, Emily, Hanna, and Ali were the original #FriendshipGoals.
This dramatic, untraditional show will be missed by so many. "Pretty Little Liars" was never afraid to be different or break stereotypes. The show featured a transgender character and LGTBQ characters from the beginning, and their relationships were treated just like the other heterosexual relationships on the show. Even before same-sex marriage became legal in the United States, "Pretty Little Liars" had LGBTQ characters and openly showed their relationships (including two of the main characters, Emily and Ali). This was a refreshing thing to see on the "ABC Family" channel (now "Freeform") from 2010 to 2017. "Pretty Little Liars" paved the way for other successful shows on the network like "The Fosters," "Famous In Love," "Shadowhunters," and many more.
The conclusion of "Pretty Little Liars" is like the end of an era, similar to the end of "Gossip Girl," "Dawson's Creek," "One Tree Hill," and "The OC." It was more than just a "teen drama." Viewers grew up and became adults as the show went on, just like the characters did too. Few probably thought that a show so dark and downright creepy at times could ever be so appealing to a teenage audience. However, the viewers proved that teens want more than a stereotypical high school show. "Pretty Little Liars" also proved that people of all ages can become fans of a show, no matter what the intended audience is, as long as it has an intriguing and unique plot.
Goodbye "Pretty Little Liars." Thank you for breaking the norm and for being a show that was loved by so many for so long.
