This bonus episode was pulled from Episode 3: a short, unplanned book tangent about Red Rising that we couldn’t cut.📚 Book discourse

🎧 Mini episode

⚠️ Mild spoilers for Red Rising (early books)

In this episode of Lore Actually, we catch up on recent TV, film, and book news before diving into a longer discussion of Tell Me Lies(Season 3, Episodes 1–3). We talk about why Tell Me Lies is so hard to watch and even harder to stop, unpack Steven DeMarco as a character and the damage he causes, and reflect on themes of self-destruction and trauma bonds. We also share early thoughts on the Euphoria Season 3 trailer, discuss several book-to-screen adaptations (Wuthering Heights, The Housemaid, Hamnet, Verity), and touch on Golden Globe moments that surprised us. ⚠️ Spoilers for Tell Me Lies (S3, Episodes 1–3). 🍷 This is an 18+ episode with explicit language and heavy themes. P.S. If you have a Steven in your life — please run.

In this episode of Lore Actually, we look at the current awards season, reboots, and the renewed fascination with morally complicated (and often toxic) characters and relationships.

We discuss:

• What kinds of films and TV shows are being rewarded this awards season

• Reboots, revivals, and why familiar stories keep returning

• Tell Me Lies and the appeal of a villain who never presents himself as one

• How toxic relationships are framed as “intense,” “complex,” or “romantic”

• Why these stories remain compelling, even when we know better

⚠️ Spoilers for Tell Me Lies and discussed films and shows.

⚠️ Spoilers: Throne of Glass (major spoilers) and early Red Rising.

In the first episode, we talk about why we started this podcast and move between books, TV, and movies, including Harry Potter, ACOTAR, Heated Rivalry, and upcoming releases. We’re also figuring out podcasting as we go.

Paula starts Red Rising, Ksenia explains why she recommends it, and we outline what future episodes will focus on, including Euphoria, Industry, House of the Dragon, and Tell Me Lies.