Pop-Culturalist.com

Liana Liberato has become known for her transformative performances, captivating audiences with her ability to bring depth and complexity to every role. From her breakout performance in Trust to unforgettable characters in The Best of Me, If I Stay, and Light as a Feather, she continues to showcase her remarkable range. Most recently, Liberato shined in Scream VI, further cementing her status as a dynamic presence in both film and television.

This November, Liana returns to Based on a True Story for its highly anticipated second season, reprising her role as Tory in a story that dives even deeper into the darkly comedic and suspenseful world of love, murder, and obsession. The season picks up three months into parenthood for Ava and Nathan Bartlett, who are trying to settle into their new lives. Ava is determined to resist her true crime fixation and focus on her real estate career, while Nathan trains private tennis clients. But their fragile stability is disrupted when a string of new murders pulls Ava back into the world she hoped to leave behind. As suspicions around Matt grow, Tory’s relationship with him takes a dangerous turn, raising the question: Could he be involved, and is Tory in harm’s way?

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of catching up with Liana to talk about Tory’s journey in Season 2 of Based on a True Story, collaborating with the cast, and more.

PC: What makes Based on a True Story so compelling is the constant push and pull. The more answers we get, the more questions we have. As you headed into Season 2, what was the biggest question you had for the writers’ room about your character’s arc? What were you most excited to explore further with her?
Liana: When I read the first episode, I thought, “Wow, Tory is doing a complete 180 in terms of her integrity and morals.” Everything established in Season 1 gets flipped on its head with Tory. I was definitely nervous about my approach and justifying that switch, but it also felt like a great challenge. That’s the show—it’s exactly what you said. Answers come with a million more questions. Ultimately, what I landed on was that Tory is in love. You do crazy things and justify a lot when you’re in love with someone. In my mind, I thought, “Okay, Tory wants to be on Matt’s team, and as long as he’s on the trajectory of healing, she can justify being with him.” Also, in her own way, she’s fascinated and addicted to the high that comes with being with him, much like Ava is addicted to the thrill of the chase and the true crime world.

PC: With Tory doing that 180, how did you adjust your approach heading into Season 2? How did you create the space to discover where she now sits within you?
Liana: I got a lot of help from Tom Bateman, who plays Matt. I was a bit nervous and at a loss about my approach. You can do a lot of work, memory exercises, and create scenarios or experiences that Tory and Matt may have had before Season 2 picks up, but ultimately, you won’t know if any of that preparation works until you’re on camera. What made it easier was having a great scene partner. I got to look across at Tom, who was fully in that world with me, and we were dressed in very interesting retreat clothing, which added to the experience. It made everything feel pretty seamless. It’s amazing how much working with a great scene partner and a wonderful crew can aid your ability as an actor.

PC: Absolutely. Credit to you both. One of the reasons you were initially drawn to this project and the role was the opportunity to live in this dark comedy space for an extended period of time and learn from your co-stars. What’s been the biggest revelation you’ve had about your craft while embodying Tory and playing in this space?
Liana: What really draws me to this job is that it requires something different from you every time. This show is no exception. I don’t like going to a job knowing exactly what’s going to happen every single day. That’s the beauty of working with people like Kaley [Cuoco], Chris [Messina], and Tom. I had individual scenes with each of them, and then we had group scenes. It’s fascinating to go on set and watch how each person prepares. We all approach our characters and the show so differently, yet we blend seamlessly together and get along so well. We all care about the show and our audience. More than anything, we just have fun. This show requires you to think on your feet and keep a loose grip on things, and we all do that. That’s why it works.

PC: Beautifully said. I also love the dynamic between Tory and Ava. While they may not always see eye to eye, especially when it comes to Tory’s relationship, that dynamic is so rooted in love. How has that trust with Kaley grown heading into Season 2? How have you pushed each other creatively?
Liana: It grew so much. One of the things I was most excited about for Season 2 was being told that we’d explore their relationship more. Ava has this deep, almost maternal connection to Tory, and while Ava is very interested in Tory, Tory pulls away because she wants to be her own person. That was so fun to explore with Kaley. It’s hard, though, because sometimes Tory is mad at Ava, and it’s tough to act that way toward Kaley—she’s so funny! It’s so difficult not to crack up while filming with her. She’s so quick and on the fly. Working with her is truly such a joy, and I feel like I learn so much every time we share a scene. On a personal note, when Kaley comes onto set, she sets an incredible tone. Everyone falls in line and feeds off her infectious energy. She’s always felt like a big sister to me, and she’s very much assumed that role in my life.

To keep up with Liana, follow her on X and Instagram. Based on a True Story Season 2 is now available on Peacock.

Photo Credit: Colleen Hayes/PEACOCK