Lili Reinhart Discusses Transformative Role on "Hal & Harper'

Lili Reinhart’s career has been defined by her nuanced performances and her openness about her identity. In her latest role as Harper in the limited series" Hal & Harper," Reinhart steps into new territory—portraying a queer character whose story is woven thoughtfully into the fabric of the show’s narrative, rather than added as an afterthought. Her recent interview with PinkNews provides an in-depth look at the importance of this role for her personally and for the representation of LGBTQ+ identities on screen .

Reinhart, who publicly came out as bisexual in 2020, has long been an advocate for authentic representation in media. In "Hal & Harper," she plays Harper, the devoted sibling to Cooper Raiff’s Hal, and daughter to a character played by Mark Ruffalo. The series follows Hal and Harper as they navigate adulthood in Los Angeles, their lives intricately entwined by shared history and emotional complexity. When their father announces that he is having a baby with his girlfriend, the siblings are forced to confront unresolved issues from their past and reevaluate their future .

Discussing the distinction between Harper and her previous character Betty from "Riverdale," Reinhart is unequivocal:"The two are completely different." Whereas Betty’s bisexuality was"thrown in there at the end," Harper has"always been gay," Reinhart notes. This difference, she explains, allowed her to approach Harper’s queerness with a sense of rootedness and authenticity, offering viewers a character whose sexuality is integral to her identity and relationships rather than a narrative twist .

One of the central themes of "Hal & Harper" is the exploration of codependency within family and romantic relationships. Reinhart describes Harper as the “caretaker”—a role she has played not only in her long-term relationship with her girlfriend Jesse, portrayed by Alyah Chanelle Scott, but also with her brother and father. The dynamic with Jesse is particularly complex: Harper feels she has outgrown the caretaker role, leading to growing resentment and a longing for reciprocity .

Reinhart’s portrayal delves into these emotional nuances. “So, when Harper’s 24, she’s at this point where she’s like, ‘Wait, can I be taken care of?’” Reinhart shares. The show introduces a new love interest for Harper—a coworker who is also a mother and a caretaker—offering Harper the chance to experience being cared for, a dynamic she has never known. This narrative arc not only deepens Harper’s character but also reflects broader conversations within the LGBTQ+ community about the diversity and complexity of queer relationships .

The success of "Hal & Harper" is grounded in the chemistry between its leads and the authenticity with which the story is told. Cooper Raiff, who stars as Hal and also serves as the series’ writer and director, praised Reinhart’s performance, describing it as “sacred” and deeply healing—not only for himself but also for viewers who may see aspects of their own experiences reflected on screen .

The creative partnership between Reinhart and Raiff is the result of a year-long collaboration prior to filming, which helped forge the authentic sibling dynamic that anchors the series. “We understand each other, we get each other, we both feel very deeply, we’re empathic people and have deep compassion for these characters,” Reinhart notes in a joint interview. This sense of mutual understanding has resonated in their onscreen performances, providing an emotional depth that has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike .

Reinhart’s interview also touches on the importance of mental health themes within the series. In a conversation with Kevin McCarthy for the “On Film…With Kevin McCarthy” podcast, she elaborates on how playing Harper—and discussing the character’s experiences in press interviews—has helped her process her own feelings about caretaking and identity."I feel that we’re all a little bit of everything and so each character just sort of lets you lean on that part of your personality a little bit more," Reinhart reflects .

The depiction of Harper’s journey—her struggle with codependency, her quest for self-acceptance, and her willingness to seek new, healthier relationships—offers viewers a rare and valuable window into the intersection of queer identity and mental health. These themes are particularly resonant for LGBTQ+ audiences, who have historically faced higher rates of mental health challenges due to societal stigma and lack of representation .

"Hal & Harper" arrives at a time when the landscape of queer representation in media is rapidly evolving. The series distinguishes itself not only through its nuanced storytelling but also through its willingness to center queer experiences in a way that feels authentic and lived-in. The casting of Lili Reinhart—a queer actress in a queer role—further underscores the industry’s growing commitment to inclusive and accurate representation .

The series has already sparked conversations about the importance of telling LGBTQ+ stories that are complex, intersectional, and unafraid to tackle difficult subjects, including family estrangement, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. For many viewers, Harper’s journey may offer not only visibility but also validation and hope.

In an era when representation still varies widely across genres and platforms,"Hal & Harper" stands out as a testament to the power of collaboration, empathy, and the courage to tell stories that matter. As Reinhart and her co-stars continue to promote the series, their message is clear: authentic queer storytelling is not only possible but essential for moving television—and society—forward.

"Hal & Harper" is currently streaming on Mubi, with a cast that also features Betty Gilpin, Christopher Meyer, Addison Timlin, and Havana Rose Liu, further reflecting the show’s commitment to diverse voices and experiences .