When people talk about the cultural reset that was the early 2010s, they usually mention Instagram filters or the rise of Pinterest. But honestly, if you were there, you know the real conversation was happening on Tuesday nights on ABC Family. Ashley Benson in Pretty Little Liars wasn’t just a casting choice; it was a vibe. She played Hanna Marin, the girl who went from "Hefty Hanna" to the queen bee of Rosewood High.
Most fans came for the mystery of "A," but they stayed for Hanna. Why? Because while the other girls were busy being "the smart one" or "the sporty one," Hanna was the one keeping us sane with the most chaotic, hilarious, and deeply human energy on the screen.
The Audition That Almost Didn’t Happen
It’s wild to think about now, but Ashley Benson almost missed out on the role. She was actually in the middle of a different project—the short-lived series Eastwick—when she first heard about the pilot. When she finally did get into the room for the Ashley Benson in Pretty Little Liars audition, she was actually crying.
Not "fake" actress crying, either. She had just received news that Eastwick was canceled. She walked into the room with smudged mascara and raw emotion. I. Marlene King, the show’s creator, saw that vulnerability and realized she’d found her Hanna. It wasn't about being a perfect "it girl." It was about the girl underneath the makeup who was just trying to keep it together.
Why Hanna Marin Was the Most Relatable Liar
Look, Spencer was a genius, Aria was an indie icon, and Emily was a star athlete. They were great. But Hanna? Hanna was us. She was the one who struggled with her self-image after Alison DiLaurentis (the resident mean girl) spent years tearing her down.
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- The "Hefty Hanna" Backstory: The show didn't just mention her past; they showed the scars. Benson played those flashback scenes with so much empathy. You could feel the desperation of a girl who just wanted to be seen.
- The Shopaholic Defense: Shoplifting from the mall wasn't just a plot point. It was a coping mechanism. It showed that even when she had the "perfect" life on the outside, she was still trying to fill a void.
- The Brains Behind the "Dumb Blonde" Trope: One of the best reveals in the series was that Hanna was actually brilliant. She scored higher on the SATs than almost anyone expected, proving that she was just playing a part to survive.
Benson brought a specific kind of comedic timing that the show desperately needed. Without her "Hanna-isms"—like the time she thought "jubilation" was a brand of ham or when she asked if she was "radioactive"—the show would have been way too dark. She was the light in a very creepy, black-hoodie-filled tunnel.
The Fashion Evolution of Ashley Benson in Pretty Little Liars
If you want to talk about 2010s fashion, you have to talk about Hanna Marin’s closet. It was eclectic. It was expensive. It was, at times, completely impractical for running away from a hooded stalker in the woods.
Initially, her style was "Queen Bee 101." Lots of blazers, statement necklaces (the chunkier, the better), and perfect blonde ringlets. But as the seasons progressed, and especially after the five-year time jump, we saw a massive shift. She became a literal fashion designer. Her look moved toward "New York Chic"—think sleek silhouettes, darker tones, and a lot of confidence.
Benson actually had a lot of input on the looks. She famously pushed for more "edgy" styles, especially during the "Black-Haired Hanna" phase in Season 5. That was a moment. After years of being told she looked just like Alison, she dyed her hair and leaned into a grungier aesthetic. It was a visual middle finger to the person who tried to control her identity.
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Haleb: The Relationship That Saved the Show
We can't talk about Ashley Benson in Pretty Little Liars without talking about Caleb Rivers (played by Tyler Blackburn). In a town where everyone was lying to everyone, Haleb felt real.
They weren't the "perfect" couple. They fought, they broke up, and they dealt with some seriously heavy trauma. But the chemistry between Benson and Blackburn was so natural that fans basically revolted whenever they were apart. Remember when Caleb lived in her closet? Or when they got married in that tiny, low-key ceremony? It was the one part of the show that didn't feel like a convoluted riddle.
Life After Rosewood: What Ashley Benson Did Next
When the show wrapped in 2017 after seven seasons, the "Liars" all went their separate ways. For Benson, it was about shedding the teen drama image.
She leaned heavily into independent films. She took on roles in Spring Breakers (which she actually filmed while still on PLL) and Her Smell. She even started producing her own projects, like the 2023 thriller Alone at Night.
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But honestly? No matter how many movies she does, she’ll always be Hanna to a generation of fans. And she seems okay with that. She often posts throwback photos and stays close with her former co-stars, proving that the bond they formed while being tortured by "A" was actually real.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Rewatch with Intention: If you haven't seen the show in years, go back and watch Season 1, then jump to Season 7. The character growth Benson portrays is actually quite subtle and impressive.
- The "Hanna" Mindset: Take a page out of Hanna’s book—don't be afraid to be the funniest person in the room, even when things are going wrong.
- Check Out Her Indie Work: If you only know her as a Liar, watch Her Smell or Wilderness. It’ll give you a whole new appreciation for her range.
The legacy of Ashley Benson in Pretty Little Liars isn't just about a TV show. It's about a character who taught us that you can be "the pretty girl" and "the smart girl" and "the girl with a messy past" all at the same time. She made it okay to be a work in progress.
Next Steps: Check out the official Pretty Little Liars reunion panels on YouTube to see the cast discuss their favorite Hanna moments behind the scenes. Or, if you're looking for a style refresh, look up "Hanna Marin Season 5 Aesthetic" on Pinterest—it's surprisingly making a comeback in 2026.