Season 3 begins in tragedy following the prom-night shooting. Spencer and Ashley try to come to grips with the situation and Ashley makes a fateful choice that puts even more unwelcome pressure on Spencer.
After a summer apart, the students gather for another school year at King High with new attitudes as they reflect on what happened in the shooting and how it has changed them all.
Spencer decides to move on, and a documentary about the prom shooting airs.
As Ashley and Aiden's relationship cools off, Spencer and Carmen's electrifies.
Spencer wants her parents to accept Carmen, who happens to be her new love interest, meanwhile Madison needs Ashley to get her into an exclusive club while Aiden tries not to fall apart.
Spencer and Carmen's relationship is done just as Aiden and Madison are getting started. Meanwhile Ashley is visited by a friend from New York who has big plans for her future.
Ashley threatens Kyla's new found popularity.
Everyone seems too busy when Spencer looks for someone to help her show her pride.