The Beautiful Liar

Rory Anne Dahl plays Clementine, a blind teenager who develops supernatural powers after her father dies. She has to keep those abilities hidden because a sinister organization called The Institute is hunting people like her. Emily Hampshire co-stars as Shadow, and the dynamic between the two characters anchors the emotional story. What makes The Beautiful Liar unique in the Qcode catalog is its origin: it was created by Sam Nelson Harris of the band X Ambassadors as a companion to the band's album of the same name. Harris's brother Casey has been blind since birth, which informed the show's commitment to creating an inclusive and immersive audio experience. The medium of podcasting is particularly well-suited to a story centered on a blind protagonist -- there are no visual shortcuts, and the audience experiences the world primarily through sound, just as Clementine does. Nine episodes, a 4.7-star rating from over 540 reviews, and a clean content rating that makes it accessible to younger listeners. Stefanie Able Horowitz directed, and the show was produced in association with Interscope Films. The representation of disability feels authentic rather than performative, and the YA-flavored supernatural plot keeps the pacing brisk. A surprisingly touching entry in the catalog.