Though set in vastly different locales with distinct atmospheres, Pretty Little Liars often feels like the spiritual successor to the cultural phenomenon that was Gossip Girl. Both trashy yet great series gripped viewers with the premise of an omniscient, shadowy figure meticulously documenting and exposing the friend groups’ every move, which many viewers miss coming up with theories for, as well as what happened to the missing character Alison.

Despite the scandals of Manhattan’s elite contrasting with the darker secrets lurking in Rosewood, both shows fostered a similar sense of addictive viewing. The shared experience of dissecting cryptic clues, speculating on the mysterious observer’s idenтιтy – be it Gossip Girl or “A” – and navigating the relationships became a central part of their appeal, drawing viewers into a world where secrets held immense power.

Why Pretty Little Liars Feels Like The Spiritual Successor To Gossip Girl

They Share A Mysterious Stalker Who Sees The Characters’ Every Move

Both shows have a mystery person watching every move of the main characters. Despite their differences in setting and tone, both Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl cultivated a similar viewing experience where audiences willingly suspended disbelief and embraced the unfolding drama, no matter how improbable it became. The addictive nature of both series stemmed from their ability to draw viewers into a world of secrets, intrigue, and intriguing characters, even when the plotlines stretched the bounds of reality. Viewers often find themselves swept up in the unfolding mysteries and interpersonal relationships, eagerly anticipating the next twist.

A significant part of the appeal of both shows lies in the shared journey with the characters. You’ll become invested in unravelling the central mysteries and navigating the characters’ complex lives and the most likely idenтιтy of “A” in Pretty Little Liars despite its harsh realities. While plot holes and moments of heightened absurdity were certainly present, they arguably became part of the show’s charm. The commitment to dramatic storytelling, even when logic takes a backseat, fosters a sense of fun and escapism as well as its sheer audacity.

What Pretty Little Liars Does Differently To Gossip Girl

Gossip Girls’ Characters Backstab Each Other More Than In PLL

A key difference between Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars is that PLL plays more into the central friend group being in the same boat. In Gossip Girl, the central “gossip girl” observer is certainly present and plays a role in the events in the story, but they are not a violent threat and the characters are often their own and each other’s worst enemy. In Pretty Little Liars, the girls at least unify in wanting to find the idenтιтy of “A” throughout multiple red herrings in Pretty Little Liars, whereas gossip girl often fades into the background as a mere narrative voice and framing device.

The Pretty Little Liars group, consisting of Aria, Emily, Hanna, and Spencer, has a long history but is also defined by their shared trauma and the external threat of “A.” Their questionable actions often arise from a place of fear, manipulation, and the need to protect themselves and each other from a relentless and often dangerous antagonist. While they certainly engage in lying, keeping secrets, and making morally ambiguous choices, these actions are frequently portrayed as a response to the extraordinary and threatening circumstances they face. Their loyalty to one another, though tested, remains a central tenet.