How 'Fake' Hooks Viewers With Truth, Lies, and Modern Dating Drama
No one expects their new dating app match to spiral into national obsession, but in Fake, that’s exactly what happens. The highly-anticipated Australian thriller has arrived on ITV and ITVX, bringing with it a heady mix of romance and unsettling deceit. It's not just another love-gone-wrong drama; it’s a sharp look at the tricks our hearts and minds can play, especially in today’s swipe-right culture.
At the heart of the show is Birdie Bell, played with raw vulnerability by Asher Keddie. She’s a magazine writer—smart, successful, and tired of being let down—who thinks she’s hit the jackpot with Joe Burt, an outdoorsy rancher portrayed by David Wenham. They connect online, and at first, Joe seems like the perfect antidote to Birdie’s string of disappointing dates. But soon enough, shadows creep into their sunny romance. Little inconsistencies start to pile up until Birdie needs to figure out: Who is the real Joe Burt, and what exactly is he hiding?
The show is inspired by Stephanie Wood’s memoir, chronicling her own experience with a charming manipulator. That real-life foundation gives 'Fake' an unsettling authenticity. If you’ve ever second-guessed a partner’s story, or felt that nagging twinge of doubt, this show takes those everyday fears and turns them up to eleven. It’s a slow-burn psychological thriller—think evenings spent binge-watching because you just have to know what happens next.
Addictive Viewing and a Record-Breaking Launch
The buzz isn’t just hype. Fake smashed records for its genre when it first premiered on Paramount+ in Australia. Viewers were drawn not just by the juicy premise, but by the way the show taps into universal anxieties about trust, online romance, and personal boundaries. While not everyone is sold—its IMDb score hovers at 7.1, a sign of divided opinion—most critics point to its compelling pace and Keddie’s ability to make Birdie feel both vulnerable and relatable. There’s a reason why people in group chats keep asking, "Have you started Fake yet?"
The supporting cast isn’t just window dressing; they add to the mounting tension. Each character seems to have their own secrets, creating a tapestry of suspicion that makes you question everyone’s motives. Joe isn’t written like a one-dimensional villain, either. Through Wenham’s performance, viewers catch glimpses of what draws Birdie in—and why it’s so hard for her to break free, even as the lies close in.
ITV has been leaning into Australian imports after tasting success with dramas like The Twelve. Picking up Fake shows just how much the network believes British audiences want something a bit darker, and maybe a little less predictable, than the average UK crime show. With its blend of romance, suspense, and a peek into the dangers of online dating, Fake delivers a binge-worthy package that resonates well beyond Australia’s borders.
So if you’re looking for your next addictive watch—one that hits close to home but keeps you on your toes—Fake is streaming now, ready to test your trust in happily-ever-after.
April 29 2025 0
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