Kerry Washington & Elisabeth Moss on ‘Imperfect Women’: Secrets, Friendship & Shifting Perspectives

When Elisabeth Moss calls, you answer. That’s how Emmy winner — and nine-time nominee — Kerry Washington found herself executive-producing and starring in Imperfect Women alongside another titan of television. The limited series, slated to debut on Apple TV in 2026, is already generating buzz for its stellar cast and complex narrative.

Washington, known for her roles in Scandal and Confirmation, spoke about the project and her collaborative process with Moss, revealing how a simple phone call blossomed into a full-fledged production. The series, based on the novel by Araminta Hall, centers on three lifelong friends whose bond is irrevocably tested after a murder. The Apple TV+ thriller promises a deep dive into the secrets and betrayals that lie beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives.

A Dream Collaboration Takes Shape

The genesis of Imperfect Women wasn’t a typical pitch meeting. According to Washington, the project began with a direct outreach from Moss, who believed the material would be a strong fit for their combined talents. “To get an outreach from Elisabeth Moss, where she’s like, ‘I have something that I think might be great for us to work on together’ — that’s a dream,” Washington shared. Moss and Annie Weisman, the showrunner, had already developed a detailed outline of the series, emphasizing its unique structure and thematic depth. This initial vision, which aimed to faithfully adapt Hall’s novel while offering multiple perspectives, immediately captivated Washington.

The cast quickly expanded to include Kate Mara, completing the central trio of friends. The creative team also assembled a powerhouse group of behind-the-camera talent, including legendary director Lesli Linka Glatter, who helmed the pilot episode. This collaborative spirit, Washington explained, allowed for a level of creative risk-taking that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. “We could take more creative risks, because…we could get really, really messy, because we knew there were two other women that would keep you engaged,” Washington said. The dynamic of having three leads who had all previously carried their own shows created a unique sense of shared responsibility and artistic freedom.

Navigating Internal Battles and Cultural Specificity

Washington’s character, Eleanor, presented a particularly compelling challenge. Unlike many of her previous roles, which often pitted her against external forces – the U.S. Military in Unstoppable, the CIA in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, or the White House in Scandal – Eleanor’s primary struggle is internal. “With Eleanor, the battle was much more internal, like the massive, bad, ugly was on the inside,” Washington explained. This internal conflict, stemming from repression and denial, offered a nuanced and complex character arc that Washington was eager to explore.

She also emphasized the importance of bringing cultural specificity to the role, portraying Eleanor as a member of a generationally wealthy Black family. Washington actively shaped this aspect of the character, exploring how her background influenced her ambition, professionalism and identity. “It was very clear to me that Eleanor was the most ambitious of these three women and the most professional,” she noted. “She hadn’t been married, she doesn’t have children, so a lot of her identity comes from her work.”

Exploring Complicated Relationships and Societal Pressures

Beyond the central mystery, Imperfect Women delves into the complexities of long-term friendships and the societal pressures to present a flawless image. Washington referenced a quote from relationship expert Esther Perel, highlighting the idea that relationships are constantly evolving and require ongoing effort. “I think that’s true in marriage, I think it’s true in friendships,” she said. The series aims to portray these relationships in all their messy, imperfect glory, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining connections over time.

A key theme explored in the series is the role of secrets and the desire for perfection. Washington, who touched on similar themes in her memoir, believes that the pressure to appear flawless can often lead to dishonesty and inauthenticity. “I think a lot of what the present is about is about these women in their grief trying to figure out the truth of what happened to their friend and also the truth of who they are and what their lives have become,” she explained. The show’s narrative structure, which presents multiple perspectives and unreliable narrators, reinforces this theme, challenging viewers to question their own assumptions and consider different viewpoints.

A Lineup of Powerhouse Talent

Washington also highlighted the collaborative spirit that extended to the show’s supporting cast and directing team. She praised Glatter’s leadership and the caliber of actors who were drawn to the project, including Joel Kinnaman and Corey Stoll. “We made a dream list of our ideal casting…and every single actor was our first choice for the role,” Washington said. This commitment to assembling a talented ensemble, she believes, was crucial to creating a show that would resonate with audiences and inspire critical acclaim. You can discover more about the cast and crew on the show’s Apple TV+ page.

The Importance of Perspective and What Viewers Can Expect

Washington emphasized the importance of seeing things from multiple perspectives, a central element of the show’s narrative. “I think it’s such an key practice in culture right now for us to realize the importance of seeing things from another person’s perspective,” she stated. This message, she believes, is particularly relevant in today’s society, where differing viewpoints are often polarized and misunderstood.

Washington hopes that viewers will be entertained by Imperfect Women, while also engaging with its complex themes and characters. “I want people to be entertained. I feel like that’s ” she said. “What we have is a juicy, sexy, messy, exciting, watercooler, murder mystery thriller.” The series, which is currently in post-production, is expected to premiere on Apple TV+ in 2026, offering a compelling blend of suspense, drama, and psychological intrigue. The Hollywood Reporter reviewed the series as a genre entry that, while not groundbreaking, benefits from its talented cast.

As production wraps and the release date approaches, anticipation is building for this Apple TV+ limited series. The combination of a gripping storyline, a stellar cast, and a thoughtful exploration of complex themes positions Imperfect Women as a must-watch for fans of the thriller genre.