The Perfect Lie is Netflix’s upcoming Dutch prestige thriller that looks like it’s going to be the "adults-only" binge of the season—think high-end architecture, deep-seated resentment, and a "dinner club" that definitely isn’t just sharing recipes. It’s a spiky, stylish mystery that leans into the "hedonism" of the ultra-wealthy, making it the perfect pick for when the kids are finally asleep and you want something that doesn't involve animated dogs or life lessons.
TL;DR: The Perfect Lie is set to be a sleek Dutch adaptation of Saskia Noort’s bestseller The Dinner Club, dropping soon on Netflix. It follows a woman who moves to a wealthy enclave and gets entangled with a group of friends whose lives are built on infidelity, financial fraud, and eventually, murder. With its "Big Little Lies" energy and a heavy dose of adult themes, this is a show for your own queue, not a shared family watch.
Based on the trailer and the source material, The Perfect Lie is going to hit that specific sweet spot of "aspirational nightmare." The story centers on Karen, who moves with her family to an affluent neighborhood outside Amsterdam. She’s quickly adopted by a tight-knit circle of couples who call themselves "The Dinner Club."
From the first few frames of the teaser, it’s clear that the "perfect" lives on display are about as stable as a house of cards in a wind tunnel. The show is expected to follow the book's trajectory: a sudden "suicide" in the group triggers a chain reaction of paranoia. It’s a classic "who can you trust" setup, but dressed in expensive linen and set against cold, modern Dutch interiors. If you enjoyed the slow-burn tension of Big Little Lies or the biting social critique of The White Lotus, this is likely going to be your next obsession.
The subtitle isn't kidding about the hedonism. In the world of The Dinner Club (the original Dutch title De Eetclub), the wine flows constantly, the affairs are barely hidden, and the moral compasses are spinning wildly. Netflix appears to be leaning into the "spiky" nature of the original story, which doesn't shy away from the darker side of wealthy boredom.
Unlike some domestic thrillers that play it safe for a broad audience, this series is expected to carry a TV-MA rating. The trailer hints at significant swearing, frank depictions of infidelity, and a general vibe of "adults behaving badly." It’s the kind of show where the tension comes as much from the social betrayals as it does from the actual mystery. It’s refreshing to see a thriller that treats its audience like adults, but it also means this isn't the one you leave on while the kids are playing LEGOs in the next room.
This isn't a "watch-out" as much as it is a categorization: The Perfect Lie is strictly grown-up media. While many of the shows we cover are about finding the right entry point for kids, this is the one you keep for yourself.
The themes of financial ruin, marital betrayal, and the crushing pressure of social status aren't going to land for a middle-schooler, and the "hedonistic" content is likely to make for a very awkward co-watch. If your kids are looking for their own mystery fix, you’re better off pointing them toward something like The Mysterious Benedict Society or checking our best shows for kids list for age-appropriate thrillers.
Since The Perfect Lie is still on the horizon, you can prime your palate with other European "wealth-and-secrets" thrillers that hit a similar note.
- The Woods: Another Netflix European adaptation (Polish) that handles secrets and trauma with a similar level of gravity.
- The Girl from Oslo: For that high-stakes, international tension that doesn't let up.
- Succession: If what you’re really after is watching terrible, wealthy people ruin each other’s lives in spectacular fashion.
Q: What age is The Perfect Lie appropriate for?
The Perfect Lie is expected to be rated TV-MA. It’s designed for an adult audience, featuring mature themes like infidelity, substance use, and intense psychological thriller elements that aren't suitable for children or younger teens.
Q: Is The Perfect Lie based on a book?
Yes, it is based on the massively popular Dutch novel De Eetclub (The Dinner Club) by Saskia Noort. The book was a bestseller and previously adapted into a Dutch film, but this Netflix series looks to be a more expansive, modernized take on the story.
Q: Is The Perfect Lie in English?
The show is a Dutch production, so it will likely be filmed in Dutch. Netflix typically offers both high-quality English dubbing and subtitles. For a thriller this atmospheric, the "subtitles on" approach is usually the better way to catch the nuances of the performances.
Q: How many episodes will The Perfect Lie have?
While Netflix hasn't confirmed the final count, most prestige European limited series in this vein run between six and eight episodes. It’s built for a weekend binge rather than a long, multi-month commitment.
The Perfect Lie looks like it will be a sharp, cynical, and highly addictive addition to the "rich people with secrets" genre. It’s not trying to be a family show, and it’s better for it. Put it on your list for the next time you have the TV to yourself and a glass of wine that costs more than ten dollars.
- For the kids: If they want a mystery they can actually watch, see our digital guide for middle school.
- For you: Check out our guide to the best thrillers for parents to fill the gap until this drops.
- Go deeper: Ask our chatbot for a personalized binge-watch recommendation
based on what you usually like.