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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • TV Series

Poker Face

Poker Face is an American crime comedy-drama television series created by Rian Johnson for Peacock.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Poker Face is an American crime comedy-drama television series created by Rian Johnson for Peacock. It stars Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale, a drifter who can tell when people are lying and who solves murders while travelling across the United States. The series premiered in 2023 and returned for a second season in 2025.

Premise

The series follows Charlie Cale, a former casino worker with a natural ability to tell when people are lying. After a suspicious death, she goes on the run and repeatedly becomes involved in murder investigations.

Production and release

Poker Face was announced in 2021, with Natasha Lyonne attached to star and Rian Johnson set as creator and director. It premiered on Peacock in January 2023 and later expanded to a second season in 2025.

Format and style

The show is structured as an episodic mystery series, often described as a modern howcatchem. Its storytelling draws comparisons with classic detective series and typically introduces a new cast of characters in each episode.

Reception

The series received generally positive critical attention for its premise, performances, and guest cast. It was also noted for its stylish, episodic approach to crime storytelling.

Key facts

  • The series uses a case-of-the-week format, with each episode centered on a different mystery.
  • Charlie Cale has an ability to detect when someone is lying.
  • The show is set across the United States and features Charlie travelling in a Plymouth Barracuda.
  • It was developed for Peacock and created by Rian Johnson.
  • The first season premiered on January 26, 2023, and the second season premiered in 2025.
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Canadian context

The series has been available to Canadian audiences through streaming distribution, and its mix of mystery, comedy, and guest-star-driven episodes has made it relevant to viewers in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Poker Face about?
It follows Charlie Cale, who can tell when people are lying, as she travels across the United States and solves murders.
Who created Poker Face?
The series was created by Rian Johnson.
Who stars in Poker Face?
Natasha Lyonne stars as Charlie Cale.
What network or service streams Poker Face?
It is an original series for Peacock.
When did Poker Face first air?
It premiered on January 26, 2023.
How many seasons of Poker Face are there?
There are two seasons.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poker_Face_(TV_series)
    Supports: Creator, premise, starring role, premiere date, season count, and general series description
  2. Peacock — https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/poker-face
    Supports: Official series description, genre, season count, episode count, and premiere information
  3. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/show/poker-face/umc.cmc.7afkw7aly3sai3e8d3tt70c5
    Supports: Official synopsis and main cast
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/poker_face
    Supports: Format description, genre labels, network, and release date