True-crime documentaries have carved out a significant space on streaming platforms, with viewers flocking to them for their blend of suspense and real-world intrigue. Audiences have come to expect high drama rooted in genuine events, with stories that shock, engage, and even educate. In such a context, when a follow-up to a series or film that once dominated cultural conversation arrives, the bar is inevitably set higher. Expectations hinge on fresh revelations, emotional depth, and narratives that feel both genuine and compelling. If a follow-up series delivers any less, it risks losing its grip on viewers who have plenty of alternatives at their fingertips.
This is the challenge that Love Con Revenge now faces. Released on September 5, 2025, the series is Netflix‘s latest true-crime addition, positioning itself as a successor to the viral 2022 hit The Tinder Swindler. On paper, it has all the ingredients to replicate its predecessor’s success. The series has a familiar face, a mission with emotional stakes, and stories of deception that should be inherently gripping. Yet, instead of pulling viewers in, the series struggles to maintain attention. You may find yourself zoning out or simply calling it a day after the first episode, clearly signaling that the follow-up feels more like a letdown than a triumph.
‘Love Con Revenge’ Feels Too Staged
The biggest hurdle with Love Con Revenge is its rigid, almost mechanical, presentation. Scenes that should feel tense or emotionally raw instead come across as overly orchestrated, with dialogue that seems rehearsed. Even moments of confrontation lack the spontaneity that draws viewers into true-crime narratives. This robotic rhythm makes it difficult for viewers to form a genuine connection with the series’ subjects or the stakes they face.
Moreover, the series leans heavily on predictable framing, with standardized interviews, neatly arranged visuals, and repetitive camera angles. These stylistic choices, rather than enhancing clarity, flatten the series’ emotional effect. When a victim recounts betrayal, viewers expect it to hit with immediacy. However, in Love Con Revenge, the visual and auditory elements create distance instead of connection, leaving audiences feeling disengaged. Thus, the show misses opportunities for intimacy, making it feel more like a staged production than a real investigation.
Beyond dialogue and staging, the series also struggles to elicit genuine empathy from its viewers. What is often portrayed is a detached perspective, keeping the audience at arm’s length from the real stakes. Even moments that should evoke sympathy or outrage feel somewhat muted because little attention is given to the victims’ internal experiences. Without this emotional connection, the drama feels hollow, and the core tension of the series never fully resonates, widening the divide between the story and its audience. As a Reddit user noted:
“Not only does the writing and editing feel fake but the acting is also atrocious. Listening to them make phone calls was unbearable, “Hi, my name is Brianne. I’m a private investigator. I’m investigating Todd Dean.” Real people don’t talk like this lmao. I’m shocked I even made it 20 minutes. This would have been 10 times better if they cut the contrived “investigation” angle and just told the victim’s stories alone.”
The Pacing of ‘Love Con Revenge’ Truly Tests Patience
Another glaring issue of Love Con Revenge is its pacing. Despite the short episode count, the show takes too long to develop even basic plot threads. Moments that could have easily been compact and gripping stretch unnecessarily, causing the narrative to inadvertently sag. The effect is subtle, but cumulative, causing viewers to zone out without even realizing it.
The series’ approach to storytelling only exacerbates this issue. Rather than creating distinct arcs or highlighting contrasts between cases, it cycles through similar beats repeatedly. Each con unfolds in almost identical fashion. The victim is wooed, financial entanglements escalate, betrayal is revealed, and closure arrives. This repetition affects the tension of the series and dulls emotional resonance, leaving viewers feeling tired of the predictability.
Additionally, Love Con Revenge also fails to capitalize on natural cliffhangers. The monotony of the series is emphasized by the abrupt transitions that the series chooses to utilize instead. Given this, by the time the first episode concludes, the cumulative effect is a sense of endurance rather than engagement. While the premise of the series has all the potential it needs to be riveting, the pacing transforms it into an experience that truly tests your patience.
‘Love Con Revenge’ Had Everything It Needed To Be a Great Follow-Up
The premise of Love Con Revenge had enough promise, given that it hinged primarily on a survivor stepping into an advocacy role. In addition, the story also involved a first-hand reckoning with deceit and narratives that explored the vulnerabilities exploited by con artists. Unfortunately, the series does not delve deep enough into these angles. Although there is enough room for exploring systematic patterns, victim psychology, or even the perpetrators’ manipulations, the focus of the series remains narrow and superficial.
Another missed opportunity for the series is its failure to create stakes beyond the surface-level “revenge” narrative. Moments that could offer insight into the complexities of trust and trauma are merely glossed over, and in doing so, the series limits its thematic scope, making it harder for viewers to see the broader significance of the events that unfold. Where the lead character’s journey could have served as a lens for empowerment and reflection, her role is limited to being mostly functional, lacking the personal depth necessary to make the story resonate. As a result, audiences are left with dramatization rather than a nuanced understanding of why these cons occur and their lasting impact from the victims’ perspective. Taking to Reddit, a viewer commented on the series’ lack of depth, saying:
“…I was really interested in the stories, but it all felt too scripted. The way it was set out spoiled the importance of the subjects and experiences imo. I only watched episode one and decided it wasn’t for me.”
Ultimately, Love Con Revenge becomes a prime example of how difficult it is to balance style, structure, and substance in true-crime storytelling. While the premise remains compelling, and the subject matter is inherently powerful, the delivery prevents it from reaching its full potential. With sharper storytelling, more authentic moments, and a willingness to explore deeper emotional and societal layers, the series could have been a standout follow-up. As it stands, Love Con Revenge is an underwhelming companion to a much-loved predecessor. Love Con Revenge is now available on Netflix.
