The season premiere of Pretty Little Liars: Summer School caused controversy when character Imogen revealed that her daughter’s adoptive parents were a gay couple living in the fictional town of Millwood. This came as a surprise to viewers who had expected Imogen to choose Aria and Ezra to raise her baby, serving as an Easter egg to the original series. Bailee Madison, who plays Imogen, was not surprised by the backlash and emphasized the importance of being thoughtful and mindful of the subject matter they were dealing with.
Imogen’s decision to give her baby up for adoption was motivated by wanting to live near her daughter, despite having a list of reasons that included a dig at Ezra having a “weird vibe.” Bailee Madison expressed her satisfaction with the way the choice was addressed in the show, finding it both humorous and poignant. Imogen’s character has experienced loss in her life and is struggling to hold on to something meaningful, making the decision to give up her baby a difficult one. The spinoff series also introduced a new iteration of the original show, focusing on a group of girls who are taunted by an unknown stalker.
Due to the controversial teacher-student romance between Aria and Ezra in the original show, not all fans were thrilled to have them mentioned in the current version. Bailee Madison felt a sense of relief when the first season was received positively, as the cast aimed to show respect for the original series and the story they were trying to tell. The creators of Pretty Little Liars: Summer School emphasized their love for the original show and the passionate fanbase that came with it, aiming to be inspired by the legacy of the series while creating something new and fresh.
The slasher-style tone of Pretty Little Liars: Summer School sets it apart from the original series, allowing it to stand on its own while still paying homage to its predecessor. The show leans into the horror genre, creating new characters who face similar odds to those in the original show, but with a darker and more suspenseful twist. The creators and cast of the spinoff series are fans of the horror genre and enjoyed exploring this aspect of the show. Pretty Little Liars: Summer School can be streamed on Max with new episodes released on Thursdays.
