TWISTED: ABC Family’s Teen Drama Delivers Mystery and Heart
The series was developed for ABC Family by Adam Milch and stars Avan Jogia, a Canadian actor known for his magnetic screen presence, alongside Maddie Hasson and Kylie Bunbury, who bring intensity to their roles. The show originally aired on ABC Family, which later rebranded as Freeform, and premiered on June 11, 2013 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The cast also includes Grey Damon and Brittany Curran in key supporting roles.
The story follows a charismatic 16-year-old named Danny Desai who has a troubled past and has just reconnected with his two best friends from earlier days. When a classmate is found dead, Danny becomes the prime suspect, pulling his friends and the entire town into a tense web of secrets and hidden motives. The series uses flashbacks and sharp dialogue to reveal each character’s hidden agendas and the pressures of adolescence under a dark cloud of accusation.
TWISTED blends high school life with a gripping murder mystery, delivering twists that keep viewers guessing and a tone that skews darker than typical teen fare. The performances from Jogia and the two leads add depth to a story that examines loyalty, guilt, and the sometimes fraught consequences of the choices made in youth. Fans of mystery driven dramas, particularly those who enjoyed Pretty Little Liars, will notice the familiar tension and the focus on friendships tested by scandal.
Listeners are invited to tune in for the premiere on June 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC Family. The network has since become Freeform, and it sought to offer a bold blend of suspense, character insights, and fast-paced plotting that would appeal to a broad teen and young adult audience. The show distinguishes itself with brisk pacing, sharp plotting, and a willingness to explore weighty themes within a network that often favors youth-oriented storytelling.
The show centers on a charismatic teen whose past returns with deadly consequences, as his circle of friends grapples with trust, loyalty, and the consequences of long buried secrets. The ensemble cast—including the two leads and supporting players—helps create a tense atmosphere where every interaction could alter the course of the investigation. The narrative invites viewers to question who is telling the truth and who is hiding something, turning school hallways into a backdrop for crime and consequence.