“Phony,” a new eight-episode series that premiered Tuesday on Hulu, combines elements of mystery with the nuanced dynamics of high school life. Created and partially directed by Nick Paley, known for his work on “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On,” the show presents a compelling blend of adolescent drama and an unconventional storyline set against a misty, small-town backdrop in the Pacific Northwest, likely Oregon.
The narrative centers on Sonny Cooke (Sam Nivola), a high school student whose mother, Ellen (Connie Britton), serves as the principal of Delby High. Their close mother-son relationship forms a core part of the story, contrasting with the typical tension expected in such a setting. Sonny plays an amiable, almost unofficial role within the school community, spreading positivity among students. His girlfriend Chloe (Mahaela Park) and best friend Vogel (Maliq Johnson), an injured basketball player, round out a familiar high school social circle. The series introduces authentic teen experiences, such as Sonny and Chloe’s decision to become an official couple and navigate the anxieties surrounding their first sexual encounter.
The plot takes a turn when Sonny, after a rare argument with Ellen, drives his car into Bucket Pond—a local site known for past drownings—while avoiding a fallen tree. He emerges from a coma a week later with a profound cognitive change: he no longer recognizes his mother, despite others seeing her as unchanged. This unsettling shift is portrayed through a deliberately altered appearance of Britton, which adds an eerie dimension to the familiar. The condition Sonny exhibits mirrors Capgras syndrome—a psychological disorder where a person believes loved ones have been replaced by imposters—though the series does not overtly identify it as such.
Sonny’s growing suspicion leads him to assemble a group of peers, including Mallory (Grace Brennan), a home-schooled student returning to public school, and her cousin Weldon (Colter Lee), whose eccentric and deadpan demeanor adds another layer to the show’s dynamic. Weldon’s belief in conspiracy theories and alternative knowledge introduces private investigator Sharla (Meera Syal) into the story, deepening the mystery. The interactions between these characters underscore themes of trust, belief, and alienation among youth navigating complex realities.
The series also devotes significant attention to atmosphere and authentic portrayals of teenage life, with detailed school settings and social scenes, such as a party in the woods featured in Episode 4. Cinematography by Andy Rydzewski uses long lenses to enhance this realism, capturing the nuanced behavior of teens in a naturalistic way.
While “Phony” leaves many questions unanswered in its first four episodes—whether the central mystery will evolve into science fiction, fantasy, or a conspiracy narrative—it maintains engagement through strong performances and a carefully constructed tone that balances humor and drama. With co-showrunners Paley and Anthony King, whose previous credits include “Search Party” and “The Afterparty,” the series promises a thoughtfully crafted exploration of adolescence enveloped in an unsettling mystery.
New episodes of “Phony” are released weekly on Hulu.