Fifteen years after the premiere of “Pretty Little Liars” on ABC Family, the iconic series is reflecting on one of its most controversial couples: Aria Montgomery and Ezra Fitz. Portrayed by Lucy Hale and Ian Harding, respectively, the couple’s relationship—a teacher-student dynamic with a significant age-gap—has been a focal point of discussion regarding the show’s content and its implications in today’s context.
In a recent interview with Hollywood Reporter, series creator Marlene King expressed that if “Pretty Little Liars” were to be remade today, the narrative surrounding Aria and Ezra would need a reevaluation. “What we know now about grooming, that was not something we talked about 15 years ago,” King stated. She emphasized that a modern retelling would require acknowledgment of these themes but affirmed fans’ attachment to the couple, suggesting they deserved a “happily ever after.”
Ezra and Aria, often referred to as “Ezria,” met years ago before Aria started her junior year of high school and became the show’s longest-lasting couple, despite the controversy surrounding their relationship’s appropriateness. Harding reflected on the issue of their pairing, humorously dubbing Ezra “America’s most beloved pedophile” in his 2017 memoir, “Odd Birds.” He recognized the troubling aspects of their relationship but also pointed out that the portrayal aimed for entertainment and sparked important conversations about the nature of love and abuse.
Hale echoed Harding’s sentiments, noting that although she acknowledges the troubling age dynamics of her character’s relationship, she feels a deep connection to the love story. “At the time I was cast as Aria, I was 19 years old and I wasn’t really thinking about the bigger themes of it all. But I stand behind their love story forever,” she said, highlighting the audience’s interest in such “forbidden” romances.
The concerns surrounding age gaps weren’t limited to Aria and Ezra; the show also featured other couples with problematic age relationships, such as Spencer Hastings’s interactions with older men. Sasha Pieterse, who played Alison DiLaurentis, shared her perspective on the complex dynamics of working with older co-stars as a minor and how her understanding has evolved now that she is a mother.
While “Pretty Little Liars” may have come under scrutiny for certain relational portrayals that could be deemed inappropriate by today’s standards, the discussion around the show reflects broader societal changes regarding youth, relationships, and consent. This ongoing conversation invites both critical reflection and recognition of how perspectives on love and boundaries have shifted over time.
As viewers revisit the series, it offers an opportunity to engage with its layered narratives and the conversations about morality and societal expectations that have arisen in the years since its airing. Though controversial, these discussions can lead to greater awareness and a deeper understanding of the complexities of love in various forms.