What Year Is Pretty Little Liars Original Sin Set In

Okay, let's talk about Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. Great show, right? But something's been bugging me.

Specifically, the timeline. What year are these poor Millwood teens even living in?

The Year That Shall Not Be Easily Pinned Down

The show kinda wants us to think it's present day. Or, like, 2022-ish. But does it feel like that?

I'm not so sure. And honestly, I have a theory. Prepare for a hot take.

My Unpopular Opinion: It's Not What You Think

I think Original Sin is subtly set in... the early 2000s. Hear me out!

I know, I know. The characters have smartphones. But could that be a red herring?

Think about the overall vibe. The music. The fashion. The gritty small-town feel.

Doesn't it scream "vintage Y2K" more than "latest iPhone"?

Evidence From The Land of Millwood

Let's examine some clues, shall we?

Firstly, the overall aesthetic. The clothes the moms wear in flashbacks? Very early 2000s.

Then there's the lack of constant social media obsession. Sure, they use their phones.

But they're not glued to TikTok 24/7, documenting every single second of their lives. Remember when A sent them images and videos through SMS messages?

That screams a time when texts were still scary! Now they just use an app called Spookygram.

And the general angst? It feels like peak 2000s teen drama. The kind where you listen to Dashboard Confessional in your bedroom and write bad poetry.

The Smartphones: A Modern Misdirect?

Okay, the smartphones are the biggest hurdle. I admit it.

But what if they're just a plot device? A way to modernize the story for a new audience?

Maybe the writers thought it would be too hard to sell a teen drama without constant phone usage. Or it could be an alternate timeline where smartphones came out earlier!

Or… maybe it’s just a mistake. Shhh. Don't tell anyone I said that.

Why This Matters (Sort Of)

Does the timeline really matter? Probably not.

It's a fun show, and I enjoy watching the new generation of Liars get terrorized by A.

But I think setting it in the early 2000s adds a layer of nostalgia and charm.

It makes the show feel distinct from other teen dramas.

And it explains why I keep expecting someone to pull out a Sidekick. Don't judge me.

So, What Do You Think?

Am I completely off base? Is Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin definitely set in the present day?

Or do you secretly agree with me that it has a subtle early 2000s vibe?

Let me know! I'm ready to defend my position. (With questionable evidence and lots of passion.)

Because deep down, I think Imogen, Tabby, Mouse, Faran, and Noa are just trying to survive their teenage angst and a stalker in an era where flip phones still reigned supreme.

And yes, I miss the days when you could slam your phone shut to end a conversation. Good times.