Is “Big Little Lies” the ideal Mother’s Day-weekend binge?
HBO is making the drama’s first season available for viewing for free this weekend, so you can catch up with mom ahead of its return this June.
All seven episodes of the star-powered series set in the elite Monterey community will be available on HBO’s YouTube channel through Sunday, giving those who missed out a chance to binge and those who’ve forgotten a chance to refresh. Episodes will be listed Friday at midnight and be removed Sunday at 11:59 p.m.
In case you’re unfamiliar, the series is far from one of your warm-and-fuzzy Mother’s Day viewing options, but the chance to watch one of the network’s Emmy-winning offerings for free doesn’t come often. Typically, viewing is restricted to HBO, HBO Go and HBO Now subscribers.
Starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley in leading roles, the series follows strong mothers — Madeline, Celeste and Jane — who keep their own secrets hidden behind lavish doors. The murder of one of the neighborhood’s own is strung throughout the cliffhanger-prone drama.
The second season adds another A-lister: Meryl Streep.
If you’ve already watched season one and are in need of a recap, keep reading. If not, get binging, there are spoilers ahead.
The series finale left much to be desired as it finally unveiled the women’s involvement in Perry’s death (played by Alexander Skarsgard) at Trivia Night. When Perry, the abusive husband of Celeste, attempts to harm his wife, it’s Bonnie (Zoe Kravitz) who pushes him to his ultimate demise. The series hinted at the future by giving us glimpses into various characters’ police testimonies, and it’s expected season 2 will pick up with the women figuring out how to cover their tracks and keep the truth under wraps.
“The darkly comedic drama will continue to explore the malignancy of lies, the durability of friendships, the fragility of marriage and, of course, the vicious ferocity of sound parenting,” HBO writes in a season 2 preview post. “Multiple characters will be dealing with Perry’s death and the prospect of moving past a life-altering event. In short: Things could get messy.”
“Big Little Lies” returns June 9.
