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Series poster for Fakes (2022)

Fakes

“Fake it ’til you make it.”

2022
Canceled • 1 Season • 10 Episodes
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Overview

Teenage best friends Zoe and Becca set out to build their own fake ID empire, but when business starts booming, their life of crime gets way too real.

Seasons

Status
Canceled
Seasons
1 season
Episodes
10 episodes
First aired
Sep 2, 2022

Cast

Reviews

5 min read

The Art of the Grift, or How to Lose Friends and Alienate People

I’ve seen this trick before—the plucky underdogs, the illicit hustle, the moment when the scheme spirals just past the point of no return. It’s a classic setup, one that Fakes leans into with the kind of self-aware swagger that makes you wonder if the show is in on its own clichés or just hoping you won’t notice. But here’s the thing: sometimes clichés work.

Not because they’re original, but because they’re true. And in the case of this Canadian teen comedy-drama, the truth isn’t in the novelty of the premise—two best friends building a fake ID empire—but in the way it captures the giddy, reckless energy of being young and invincible, right up until the moment you realize you’re not.

The show’s greatest strength is its tone, which the San Francisco Chronicle aptly described as "bubbly even when it's dark." That’s a tightrope walk, and Fakes pulls it off more often than not. The fourth-wall breaks, for instance, could have been grating in lesser hands, but here they feel like a natural extension of the characters’ personalities—Zoe and Rebecca aren’t just selling fake IDs, they’re selling a version of themselves, a performance of cool that’s equal parts confidence and desperation.

The meta humor doesn’t just wink at the audience; it mirrors the way teenagers perform for each other, for adults, for the world. It’s a clever trick, one that keeps the show from feeling like a straight-up morality tale about the dangers of crime. Instead, it’s a story about the dangers of growing up, where the real crime isn’t the forgery but the way ambition can fracture even the closest friendships.

Two teenage girls sit on a couch, surrounded by stacks of cash and fake IDs, their faces lit with a mix of excitement and unease.

That said, Fakes isn’t entirely sure what it wants to be. Is it a satire of teenage entrepreneurship? A dark comedy about the underground economy?

A character study of two girls whose bond is tested by their own success? The show flirts with all of these, but it never fully commits to any one of them. The first few episodes hum along on the sheer momentum of the premise—how fun it is to watch Zoe and Rebecca outsmart adults, game the system, and rake in cash.

Buzz & Rumors

Public reports

Behind the Scenes of Fakes (2022): Cast Insights and Netflix Buzz

The Netflix series Fakes (2022) may not have dominated headlines, but its cast has shared glimpses into the making of the show—from on-set chemistry to the challenges of bringing a teen drama to life. latestnetflix.com's view is that Starring Emilija Baranac, Jennifer Tong, and Richard Harmon, the series has sparked curiosity among fans, especially about its behind-the-scenes dynamics and future.

Cast Chemistry and Creative Process

YTYouTube·Stars Emilija Baranac, Jennifer Tong, Richard Ha…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr5c_YtJ3U4
YTYouTube·Fakes interview with Emilija Baranac, Jennifer T…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r-U9OurIvo
YTYouTube·Interview with Jennifer Tong and Emilija Baranac…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZuMdkbgMKc

The trio at the heart of Fakes has been vocal about their collaboration, often highlighting the show’s creative energy. In multiple interviews, Baranac, Tong, and Harmon emphasized the importance of trust and spontaneity on set. Baranac, in particular, described the experience as "a playground" where the cast could experiment with their characters’ evolving relationships . Tong echoed this sentiment, calling the shoot "refreshing" due to the freedom to explore darker, more complex storylines—a departure from typical teen dramas .

YTYouTube·Interview with the Cast of the CBC Gem : Netflix…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1rUVMlhvTg

Creator David Turko, who joined the cast in several discussions, revealed that the series was designed to subvert expectations. While the premise revolves around deception and identity, the writing process leaned into authenticity, with Turko encouraging improvisation to keep scenes feeling raw . Harmon, known for his role in The 100, praised the show’s balance of humor and tension, noting that the cast’s off-screen camaraderie translated seamlessly on screen .

Challenges and Standout Moments

YTYouTube·'Fakes' Star Emilija Baranac On How To Make It I…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-TKHl-PNtQ
YTYouTube·Emilija Baranac talks about Fakes on Netflix and…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7WIdn-vSWY
YTYouTube·Jennifer Tong talks about Fakes on Netflix and m…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4Qts1yny2A

Despite the positive vibes, the cast hasn’t shied away from discussing the hurdles of filming. Baranac, who played a central role in the series, admitted that portraying a character entangled in lies was emotionally taxing. She described the process as "a rollercoaster," requiring her to tap into vulnerability while maintaining the show’s fast-paced tone . Tong, meanwhile, highlighted the physical demands of certain scenes, particularly those involving high-stakes confrontations, which required multiple takes to perfect .

YTYouTube·Fakes (2022) Netflix Series Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coMOClSg8Ag

One of the most talked-about aspects of Fakes is its visual style. While the evidence doesn’t delve into specifics, the cast has hinted at the show’s distinct aesthetic, which blends gritty realism with stylized cinematography. Harmon teased that the series’ look was intentional, aiming to mirror the characters’ psychological states . Fans have also speculated about the influence of the show’s Canadian roots, given its production ties to CBC Gem, though details remain scarce .

**The Future of Fakes: Renewal Rumors**

YTYouTube·Fakes Season 2 | Is It Renewed Or Cancelled??
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3xwYxdQbec

As of now, Fakes’ fate remains uncertain. While the first season wrapped with unresolved threads, there’s been no official word from Netflix or CBC Gem about a renewal. The cast has remained tight-lipped about potential storylines for a second season, though Tong and Baranac have expressed enthusiasm for continuing their characters’ journeys . A fan-driven campaign for Season 2 has gained traction online, but without confirmation from the streaming platforms, it’s all speculation .

For now, Fakes remains a cult favorite, praised for its bold storytelling and standout performances. Whether it returns or not, the cast’s behind-the-scenes insights offer a compelling look at the making of a series that dared to play with truth—and lies.

Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.

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