Lucy Hale and Ian Harding, the stars of the iconic series *Pretty Little Liars*, continue to support the complex romance between their characters, Aria Montgomery and Ezra Fitz, despite the contemporary scrutiny surrounding their age difference. In a recent interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, Hale reflected on the show’s themes and the impact of their characters’ relationship, acknowledging that it resonates differently now compared to when it first aired.
Hale, now 36, shared her thoughts on the show’s controversial storyline, stating, “It was a different time. Would that storyline exist if it were being made now? I’m not sure, but probably not.” When she was cast as Aria at just 19 years old, her focus was primarily on the excitement of landing a role in a television series, rather than the broader implications of the romance. “Of course, it hits differently at my age now, and I think about the bigger message in anything I play. I don’t have regrets, though. I stand behind their love story forever. That forbidden love story drew a lot of people in,” she added.
*Pretty Little Liars*, which aired on ABC Family (now Freeform) from 2010 to 2017, followed the lives of four friends—Aria, Spencer (Troian Bellisario), Hanna (Ashley Benson), and Emily (Shay Mitchell)—who were haunted by a mysterious figure known as “A.” The show became famous for its dramatic twists and romantic entanglements, with Aria and Ezra’s relationship serving as a focal point.
The romance began in the pilot episode when Aria met Ezra at a bar, leading to a secretive relationship that unfolded against the backdrop of high school drama. Their age gap became a common topic of discussion among fans, yet both Hale and Harding remained supportive of the narrative. Harding, now 38, emphasized the importance of portraying a meaningful connection between their characters. “What we tried to demonstrate over and over was that there was a meaningful connection,” he explained. “Hopefully, that was enough to justify the deeply problematic relationship that was certainly not great at the time.”
Harding acknowledged the societal changes regarding perceptions of relationships, particularly those involving significant age gaps. “Especially as society has progressed, we realized how wildly inappropriate it was,” he said. However, he expressed satisfaction with how the relationship was portrayed, suggesting that it provided a safe haven amid the chaos of the show. “I’m happy with the way it turned out because maybe that makes it a little less icky,” he noted. “They both found happiness, and there was little collateral damage or pain inflicted by the relationship.”
The creators of *Pretty Little Liars* were aware of the complexities surrounding Aria and Ezra’s relationship. I. Marlene King, the show’s creator, acknowledged the evolving conversation around themes like grooming and relationships between teachers and students. “What we know now about grooming, that was not something we talked about 15 years ago. I’ve always thought that if we revisit the world, we would have to deal with that,” she shared. King also highlighted the popularity of Aria and Ezra as a couple, stating, “They were very popular—and they really loved each other in spite of the fact that he knew who she was before she found out.”
Throughout the series, the writers aimed to give Hale as much agency as possible in her character’s intimate scenes with Harding. Harding remarked on the dynamic between their characters, emphasizing that Aria often took the lead in their relationship. “It always felt like she was the driver of that part of the relationship,” he said, noting that many of their scenes were domestic in nature, depicting everyday life rather than purely romantic encounters.
Despite the challenges of their storyline, both Hale and Harding remain proud of their work on *Pretty Little Liars*. The series, which was adapted from Sara Shepard’s book series, captivated audiences with its blend of mystery, drama, and romance. The legacy of Aria and Ezra’s relationship continues to spark discussions among fans, reflecting the complexities of love and the changing social landscape.
As the conversation around relationships in media evolves, Hale and Harding’s reflections on their characters serve as a reminder of the importance of context in storytelling. While the age difference between Aria and Ezra may raise eyebrows today, their connection remains a significant part of *Pretty Little Liars*’ enduring appeal. The series not only entertained but also pushed boundaries, prompting viewers to engage with the complexities of relationships in a way that resonates even years after its finale.