Tell Me Lies Star Grace Van Patten Reflects on Finale, Toxic Relationships

The actress discusses the show's popularity, her off-screen relationship with co-star Jackson White, and what's next after the Hulu series potentially ends.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Grace Van Patten, the star of the buzzy Hulu series Tell Me Lies, opens up about the show's viral popularity, her real-life relationship with co-star Jackson White, and her character Lucy's frustrating decisions. Van Patten discusses the anxiety-inducing storylines, the show's bold approach to sensitive topics like sexual assault, and what the future may hold for the series and her career.

Why it matters

Tell Me Lies has resonated deeply with millennials, who see their own toxic college relationships and friendships reflected in the show's characters. Van Patten's insights shed light on why the series has struck such a chord and the challenges of portraying such complex, flawed protagonists.

The details

Van Patten, 29, says she and White have chosen to be open about their off-screen relationship, not wanting to hide anything. She admits she'll never get used to the spotlight, but has enjoyed the positive interactions with fans. Van Patten is most frustrated by Lucy's treatment of her friendships, especially with Bree, which she sees as a major failing. She praises creator Meaghan Oppenheimer's bravery in tackling sensitive topics like Lucy's false sexual assault claim. Van Patten also discusses the difficulty of filming Lucy and Stephen's toxic scenes, with White sometimes needing to step away. In the penultimate episode, Lucy reaches a breaking point when Stephen gives her the tape of her confession, which Van Patten sees as Stephen simply being done with the 'job' of tormenting her.

  • The seventh episode of Tell Me Lies' third season, 'As I Climb Onto Your Back, I Will Promise Not to Sting,' aired on February 11, 2026.

The players

Grace Van Patten

The 29-year-old actress who stars as Lucy in the Hulu series Tell Me Lies.

Jackson White

Van Patten's co-star and real-life boyfriend, who plays the role of Stephen in Tell Me Lies.

Meaghan Oppenheimer

The creator of Tell Me Lies, known for her bold storytelling approach and willingness to tackle sensitive topics.

Bree

A character played by Cat Missal, who is Lucy's best friend on the show.

Pippa

A character played by Sonia Mena, another member of Lucy's friend group.

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What they’re saying

“Every step, we got recognized. It was crazy and amazing. This season feels so different, in a great way.”

— Grace Van Patten (The Hollywood Reporter)

“We're just going with the flow. Life is first, for both of us. We both feel similarly that if we try and adapt for our jobs that it could start to maybe feel weird and inauthentic.”

— Grace Van Patten (The Hollywood Reporter)

“It's hard to see it as a nice thing, because he still did it. He still made her go on tape. He still threatened her with it. He's not getting a point in my book for giving it back when she's literally hating herself so much in front of him.”

— Grace Van Patten (The Hollywood Reporter)

What’s next

The finale of Tell Me Lies' third season will air soon, leaving fans to speculate whether the show will be renewed for a fourth season or if this is the end of the story.

The takeaway

Tell Me Lies has struck a chord with millennials by authentically portraying the complexities and messiness of toxic relationships and friendships, with the show's star Grace Van Patten providing valuable insight into the challenges of bringing these flawed characters to life.