True Lies (TV series)

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True Lies
GenreAction
Created byMatt Nix
Based on
Starring
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes13
Production
Executive producers
Running time43 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkCBS
ReleaseMarch 1 (2023-03-01) –
May 17, 2023 (2023-05-17)

True Lies is an American action television series created by Matt Nix, based on the 1994 film of the same name by James Cameron, itself based on the 1991 French film La Totale! by Claude Zidi, Simon Michaël, and Didier Kaminka. It premiered on March 1, 2023 and ended on May 17, 2023 on CBS. In May 2023, the series was canceled after one season.

Premise

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The series revolves around a suburban housewife who discovers her computer consultant husband is a skilled international spy, which leads them to saving the world and their marriage.[1]

Cast

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Main

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  • Steve Howey as Harry Tasker
  • Ginger Gonzaga as Helen Tasker
  • Mike O'Gorman as Luther Tenet
  • Erica Hernandez as Maria Ruiz
  • Annabella Didion as Dana Tasker
  • Lucas Jaye as Jake Tasker
  • Omar Miller as Albert "Gib" Gibson Jr.

Guest

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  • Carlo Rota as Francois
  • Andy Martin as Mikkel Rand
  • Beverly D'Angelo as Director Susan Trilby
  • Andrea Laing as Cherry
  • Deneen Tyler as Mrs. Myers
  • Liann Pattison as Donna
  • Ray Gaspard as Lawrence
  • Franco Castan as Taxi Driver
  • Christian Juru as Valet
  • John Jabaley as Fred
  • Jenny Mercein as Professor Gilpin
  • Jeremy Dean as Construction Crew Leader
  • Jackson Hurst as Harold
  • Matthew Lillard as Nathan "The Wolf"
  • Tom Arnold as Arnie Orwig, Retired Omega Operative
  • Keith David as Albert "Al" Gibson Sr.
  • Tom Connolly as Ian Young
  • Vanessa Lengies as Quinn, OMEGA Engineer
  • Kate Vernon as Sharon Heinz, Retired Omega Operative
  • Jacqueline Grace Lopez as Eva
  • Alex Fernandez as Lance Dale
  • Charlie Nix as Max, a teen hacker & Dana's Boyfriend

Episodes

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No.Title [2]Directed byWritten byOriginal air date [2]Prod.
code		U.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Pilot"Anthony HemingwayMatt NixMarch 1, 2023 (2023-03-01)1HJC013.23[3]
Harry Tasker has spent years away from home as a computer salesman for Telonyx Solutions, while in reality, he's been moonlighting as a top-tier government operative for a clandestine U.S. counter-terrorism unit, Omega Sector. When his wife, Helen Tasker suspects he's been cheating, Harry invites her to Paris, France, for a date to prove he isn't cheating on her until unexpected circumstances force him to reveal his spy life.
2"Public Secrets"Robert McNeillMatt NixMarch 8, 2023 (2023-03-08)1HJC022.60[4]
Now aware of her husband's double life, Helen is automatically recruited to Omega Sector and soon deployed on her first mission: finding a female cryptographer or codebreaker who can decode encrypted information about a planned bio-terrorist attack, and who turns out to be Harry's former fling.
3"Separate Pairs"Anna MastroMatt NixMarch 15, 2023 (2023-03-15)1HJC032.58[5]
4"Rival Companions"Scott PetersKathryn Price & Nichole MillardMarch 22, 2023 (2023-03-22)1HJC042.58[6]
5"Unrelated Parents"David BarrettJohn SwetnamMarch 29, 2023 (2023-03-29)1HJC062.60[7]
6"Working Vacation"Ryan ZaragozaJim GarveyApril 5, 2023 (2023-04-05)1HJC052.36[8]
7"Independent Dependents"Jay KarasMinoti Vaishnav & Kris CrenwelgeApril 12, 2023 (2023-04-12)1HJC082.68[9]
8"Honest Manipulations"Mary Lou BelliKathryn Price & Nichole MillardApril 19, 2023 (2023-04-19)1HJC092.62[10]
9"Bitter Sweethearts"Aprill WinneyJustice Hardy & Yancey WangApril 26, 2023 (2023-04-26)1HJC102.75[11]
10"Friendly Enemies"Gina LamarValentina L. GarzaMay 3, 2023 (2023-05-03)1HJC072.14[12]
11"Unfamiliar Partnerships"Geoff ShotzJohn SwetnamMay 10, 2023 (2023-05-10)1HJC112.07[13]
12"Lying Truths"Mary Lou BelliValentina L. GarzaMay 17, 2023 (2023-05-17)1HJC122.03[14]
13"Waking Dreams"Matt NixMatt NixMay 17, 2023 (2023-05-17)1HJC132.03[14]

Development

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In September 2010, multiple websites reported that James Cameron, writer/director of the 1994 film, was developing and executive producing with Rae Sanchini, through Lightstorm Entertainment and 20th Television, a True Lies television series with Dark Angel producer René Echevarria serving as showrunner and producer.[15][16] In 2017, Fox planned to do a pilot of the series, with Marc Guggenheim as screenwriter, McG as executive producer and possible director.[17][18] In May 2019, McG announced on Collider Live that the television series would air on Disney+.[19][20][21]

On February 10, 2021, CBS announced a pilot order for the second attempt at a True Lies series adaptation, with Matt Nix writing the pilot and producing with Josh Levy via Flying Glass of Milk Productions. Mary Viola of Wonderland Sound and Vision executive produced, with Corey Marsh of Wonderland co-executive producing. McG was set to direct the pilot and executive produce via Wonderland.[22] In March 2021, CBS moved the pilot "off cycle" to give the series producers more time to film the pilot later in the year.[23]

By May 2022, the series was revived, with Anthony Hemingway replacing McG as the director of the pilot and subsequent episodes, before CBS picked up the series to air in the 2022–2023 broadcast season.[1] Steve Howey and Ginger Gonzaga were cast in the lead roles, while Erica Hernandez, Omar Miller, Mike O'Gorman, Annabella Didion, and Lucas Jaye round out the supporting roles.[1]

By February 2023, Matthew Lillard, Keith David, Jackson Hurst, and Tom Connolly were confirmed to have guest roles, while Tom Arnold returned from the 1994 film.[24]

On May 8, 2023, CBS canceled the series after one season.[25]

Release

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Promotional poster for the first season.

True Lies premiered on March 1, 2023 and ended on May 17, 2023 on CBS.[26][27] It was previously set to premiere on February 23, 2023.[28] It aired in Canada on CTV the same day as its US release.[29] Overseas, True Lies was released on Disney+.[30][21]

Reception

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Critical response

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The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 42% approval rating with an average rating of 4.3/10, based on 19 critic reviews. The website's critics consensus reads, "Bland as gruel, True Lies might borrow the name of a cinematic blockbuster but retains none of the personality that would differentiate it from the crowded field of espionage romances."[31] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 49 out of 100 based on 14 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[32]

Tania Hussain of Collider gave the series a negative review, writing "CBS is no stranger to adapting previous material for success, but True Lies falls flat in carving out its own identity".[33] Tim Surette of TV Guide also gave a negative review, summarizing that "CBS's commitment to making True Lies such an easy-breezy, network-friendly series means that it will have to face some hard truths: The idea that we want everything adapted into a TV show is a lie."[34] Fred Topel of United Press International similarly gave a negative review, concluding that the series "skips over some of the best parts of the True Lies story. The creative decision to make Helen a spy right away deprives the viewer of the fun of Helen figuring it out and Harry desperately trying to cover up his missions."[35] Neal Justin of Star Tribune gave the series a lukewarm review, speculating that "those who crave their action without the blood will be tempted to give it a try. And they'll be back."[36]

Ratings

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Viewership and ratings per episode of True Lies
No. Title Air date Rating
(18–49)		 Viewers
(millions)		 DVR
(18–49)		 DVR viewers
(millions)		 Total
(18–49)		 Total viewers
(millions)
1 "Pilot" March 1, 2023 0.3 3.23[3] — — — —
2 "Public Secrets" March 8, 2023 0.3 2.60[4] — — — —
3 "Separate Pairs" March 15, 2023 0.3 2.58[5] — — — —
4 "Rival Companions" March 22, 2023 0.2 2.58[6] — — — —
5 "Unrelated Parents" March 29, 2023 0.2 2.60[7] — — — —
6 "Working Vacation" April 5, 2023 0.2 2.36[8] — — — —
7 "Independent Dependents" April 12, 2023 0.2 2.68[9] — — — —
8 "Honest Manipulations" April 19, 2023 0.3 2.62[10] — — — —
9 "Bitter Sweethearts" April 26, 2023 0.2 2.75[11] — — — —
10 "Friendly Enemies" May 3, 2023 0.2 2.14[12] — — — —
11 "Unfamiliar Partnerships" May 10, 2023 0.2 2.07[13] — — — —
12 "Lying Truths" May 17, 2023 0.2 2.03[14] — — — —
13 "Waking Dreams" May 17, 2023 0.2 2.03[14] — — — —

References

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  1. ^ a b c Otterson, Joe (May 13, 2022). "'True Lies' Series Adaptation Ordered at CBS". Variety. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Shows A-Z - true lies on cbs". The Futon Critic. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Salem, Mitch (March 2, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Wednesday 3.1.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (March 9, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Wednesday 3.8.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Salem, Mitch (March 16, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Wednesday 3.15.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (March 23, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Wednesday 3.22.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
  7. ^ a b Salem, Mitch (March 30, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Wednesday 3.29.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  8. ^ a b Salem, Mitch (April 6, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Wednesday 4.5.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  9. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (April 13, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Wednesday 4.12.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  10. ^ a b Salem, Mitch (April 20, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Wednesday 4.19.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (April 27, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Wednesday 4.26.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
  12. ^ a b Salem, Mitch (May 4, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Wednesday 5.3.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (May 11, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Wednesday 5.10.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  14. ^ a b c d Salem, Mitch (May 18, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Wednesday 5.17.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
  15. ^ "James Cameron Adapting 'True Lies' For TV". Deadline Hollywood. September 13, 2010. Archived from the original on September 14, 2010. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  16. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (September 15, 2017). "'True Lies' Movie Rebooted As TV Series By Fox With McG, Marc Guggenheim & James Cameron Producing". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 19, 2018. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  17. ^ "'True Lies' TV Reboot From James Cameron Set at Fox". The Hollywood Reporter. September 15, 2017. Archived from the original on September 26, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  18. ^ "'True Lies' TV Series Coming to Disney+ from McG". May 20, 2019. Archived from the original on August 6, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  19. ^ "Game of Thrones is Over! Let's All Talk About It + McG in Studio - Collider Live #138". YouTube. May 20, 2019. Archived from the original on November 6, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  20. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 20, 2019). "McG's 'True Lies' TV Show Is Heading to Disney+". Collider. Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  21. ^ a b "Watch True Lies | Full episodes | Disney+".
  22. ^ Otterson, Joe (February 10, 2021). "'True Lies' Series Adaptation Gets CBS Pilot Order". Variety. Archived from the original on February 11, 2021. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  23. ^ Low, Elaine (March 19, 2021). "'True Lies' Pilot Moves Off Cycle at CBS". Variety. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  24. ^ Ayoola, Simbiat (February 2, 2023). "'True Lies' Series Trailer Reveals a Familiar Face From the James Cameron Movie". Collider. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  25. ^ Andreeva, Nellie; Petski, Denise (May 8, 2023). "True Lies Canceled By CBS After One Season". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  26. ^ "New CBS Drama "True Lies" Will Now Premiere on Wednesday, March 1". The Futon Critic. December 8, 2022.
  27. ^ ""True Lies" on Paramount +". Sneak Peek. January 15, 2023. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
  28. ^ White, Peter (November 14, 2022). "True Lies & RuPaul's Lingo Land Premieres As CBS Unveils Midseason Schedule". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  29. ^ "True Lies - CTV". www.ctv.ca. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  30. ^ ""True Lies" Coming Soon to Disney+ (Australia/New Zealand)".
  31. ^ "True Lies: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
  32. ^ "True Lies: Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  33. ^ Hussain, Tania (February 23, 2023). "'True Lies' Review: Steve Howey and Ginger Gonzaga Series Doesn't Pack a Punch". Collider. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  34. ^ Surette, Tim (February 23, 2023). "True Lies Review: CBS-ification of Arnold Schwarzenegger's Film Should Have Stayed Undercover". TV Guide. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  35. ^ Topel, Fred (February 23, 2023). "TV Review: 'True Lies' waters down original's edge". United Press International. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  36. ^ Justin, Neal (February 24, 2023). "Review: 'True Lies' reboot owes more to Remington Steele than Arnold Schwarzenegger". Star Tribune. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
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