I’m sure you’ve heard of Lucy Hale – the actress who stole our hearts as Aria Montgomery on Pretty Little Liars. But beyond that iconic role, Lucy has taken us on quite the ride through different genres, proving that she’s much more than just the girl next door. Whether you’re a die-hard PLL fan or just discovering her talent, there’s no shortage of amazing shows to dive into. In this post, I’ll take you through the top 5 Lucy Hale TV shows that showcase her amazing range and why they’re totally worth watching. Trust me, you won’t want to miss these!
1. Pretty Little Liars (2010–2017)
Let’s discuss Pretty Little Liars first, because if you haven’t watched this show, where have you been? Lucy Hale was a household name playing Aria Montgomery, the artsy, intelligent, and sometimes fragile teenager in the middle of a mystery web and suspense. This show had it all – drama, intrigue, and of course, the age-old “who is ‘A’?” question that had us all sitting on the edge of our seats.
I remember watching the initial seasons in marathons and I’ll be honest, I was addicted. Aria was not another looker in a teen show. She was one of us – imperfect, finding her place on this earth but also fierce and determined. With each passing season, Lucy Hale’s acting got better and better. She added such richness to Aria, causing us to laugh, cry, and gasp in surprise whenever there was another turn of events.
And let’s be real – PLL gave us some of the best cliffhangers in TV history. If you’re looking for a mystery with a side of teen angst and drama, Pretty Little Liars is a must-watch. Hale’s performance here is the foundation of her career, and it’ll always hold a special place in pop culture history.
2. Wizards of Waverly Place (2007–2012)
Alright, so Lucy Hale wasn’t a series regular on Wizards of Waverly Place, but the one episode she did appear on? Totally worth a mention. If you grew up watching Disney Channel in the late 2000s (who didn’t?), you most likely recall the magic misadventures of Selena Gomez as Alex Russo. Hale guest-starred as Miranda, another wizard who appeared in a one-off appearance, and it was the ideal little crossover for fans of both the program and Hale’s burgeoning career.
What is awesome about Lucy’s character here is that it introduced us to a different Lucy. We only knew her through teen dramas so far, but in Wizards of Waverly Place, she was able to tap into her sense of comedy. Being on set with Selena Gomez and performing magic tricks and telling jokes – yeah, that’s precisely what we witnessed on screen, and it was just so fun.
It’s not a large role, but it was a significant one within the timeline of Lucy’s career. And let’s be real, who doesn’t enjoy a little bit of a Disney Channel flashback? If you haven’t watched it, it’s a short, fun watch that brings a bit of fantasy to her expanding resume.
3. Katy Keene (2020)
Now, let’s discuss a complete change of pace – Katy Keene. Riverdale fans will enjoy the spinoff with none other than Lucy Hale as the driven fashionista, Katy. The show is a colorful, musical ride around New York City as Katy wants to become a world-renowned fashion designer.
I adored seeing Lucy play this character because she was so different from Aria or Miranda. Katy is ambitious, fiery, and, naturally, she’s got a killer sense of style. Seeing her navigate the highs and lows of her career, love life, and friendships was like watching a contemporary Cinderella tale – but with more sequins and fewer glass slippers.
And here’s the thing about Katy Keene – even though it was cancelled after just one season, it had something special. Lucy Hale’s charm and energy really shone through in a show that had heart, music, and tons of colorful outfits. If you’re into musicals, fashion, or shows about chasing big dreams, this one’s for you. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love a little sparkle and a catchy tune?
4. Life Sentence (2018)
Coming next is Life Sentence, another little-known gem that never got its due. It’s starred by Lucy Hale as Stella Abbott, who believed she had cancer, then learns that she’s actually in remission. All of a sudden, she’s trying to adapt to how to have a regular life since years had already passed by under the perception that she wouldn’t be here anymore. It’s sort of like a rollercoaster, for emotional reasons.
This is where Lucy truly stretched her acting chops. Portraying someone who’s suddenly dropped back into a life she never anticipated, balancing the drama of her relationships with her family and friends – all while coping with the psychological aftermath of her previous illness – was a tall order, but Hale made it seem effortless. She put so much heart and depth into Stella that it’s easy for everyone who’s ever had to navigate a significant life change to feel like Stella is them.
Life Sentence was not long, but it’s worth watching. It’s love, family, and discovering who you are when all the things you thought you knew are turned on their side. If you’re a fan of emotional, people-driven narratives, give it a try.
5. Ragdoll (2021)
Let’s transition from a warm-hearted drama to something slightly darker – Ragdoll. If crime thrillers and edge-of-your-seat tension are your things, then this is the Lucy Hale show you didn’t even know you needed. In Ragdoll, Lucy is part of a team of detectives who are trying to solve a horrific string of murders. It’s dark, it’s twisted, and it keeps you guessing, and Hale’s acting? Blown. Away.
Seeing Lucy in a role like this is a total game-changer. For years, we’ve known her for her roles in teen dramas, but in Ragdoll, she’s pushing the boundaries, giving us a glimpse of her ability to handle high-stakes, psychological crime. There’s something really satisfying about watching an actor break away from their usual type, and Lucy’s role in Ragdoll is a perfect example of that.
If you like gritty crime dramas that are full of suspense and have depth of feeling, this is the show for you. It’s dark, it’s twisty, and Lucy Hale demonstrates that she can more than hold her own in this high-tension genre. Believe me, Ragdoll will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
Lucy Hale’s Evolution as an Actress
My favorite thing about Lucy Hale’s career is how far she’s come. From the girl next door on Pretty Little Liars to a tough-as-nails detective on Ragdoll, Lucy has proved that she’s no one-trick pony. She’s not afraid to get out of her comfort zone and play roles that push her, and that’s why she’s one of the most versatile actresses around.
Her path has been about learning – both professionally and personally. And I believe that’s something we can all associate with, isn’t it? We all begin somewhere, and as we progress, we become different people. Seeing Lucy fulfill new, unplanned roles is like seeing a friend experience a journey of discovery about themselves, and it’s wonderful to see where she’ll end up next.
Final Thoughts
Lucy Hale has done it all – from mysteries and teen dramas to crime thrillers and musical comedies. Each of these top 5 TV shows highlights a different side of her, proving she’s one of Hollywood’s most versatile stars. Whether you’re in the mood for a mystery, a musical, or a deep emotional drama, there’s a Lucy Hale show for you.
So, what do you say? Pick up some popcorn, find an episode of one of these shows, and see for yourself why Lucy Hale is so much more than Aria Montgomery. You won’t be sorry.
Also Check: Lucy Hale Best Movies
