Are you Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah? If you watched the highly anticipated new season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, you know there is only one correct answer to that question.
Season 3 debuted on July 16. Each following Wednesday, a new episode dropped, increasing suspense for the 70 million viewers who tuned in. Based on Jenny Han’s bestselling book series, the show follows main character Isabel or “Belly” Conklin in her relationships with the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. Fans of the books rejoiced at seeing it adapted, but the show has since earned a whole new set of viewers. Many adults from ages 18 – 34 have begun watching and the fanbase has gone international, with 60% of fans being from countries outside of the U.S. It is clear that the show has taken on a life of its own, surpassing the books for many in both reach and entertainment value. “I think in the show they had a lot more character development and just background for each character instead of just Belly,” sophomore Abby Marlowe said.
Season 2 concluded with Belly choosing Jeremiah, the younger, more carefree brother and embarking on a new chapter at Finch University. This decision marks a pivotal moment for Belly after the intense emotional rollercoaster of Season 1, where her complicated bond with Conrad was both heartbreaking and magnetic. The first season laid the groundwork with its tender exploration of young love, family and self-discovery, setting a tone that was both nostalgic and fresh. Season 2 deepened these dynamics, showcasing the characters’ struggle with grief over the boys’ recently deceased mother, Susannah and how they find each other in the aftermath. In the third season, it becomes clear that Belly’s relationship with Jeremiah is not as sturdy as it seems, even as they get engaged. When Belly returns to the beach house, she is forced to confront her lingering feelings for Conrad and make a choice between her new future and her past. The love triangle, although at times cliché, is layered with genuine emotional stakes, making it impossible to look away.
The show has gained a lot of popularity partly because of how it handles relatable topics like grief, relationships, love and heartbreak. For many, the show is a source of nostalgia and a reflection of their own struggles. Characters like Conrad and Belly deal with insecurities, anxiety and depression and are even more refreshingly real and relatable for it. “I think so many people watched it because it was by Jenny Han and she’s like a great author,” sophomore Jonathan Kim said. “And also because I think it was relatable for a lot of people.” Han, the author and creator of the series, had more involvement this season than ever before. She directed episode five, “Last Dance”, which featured Conrad’s inner thoughts and was a standout in Season 3.
Another appealing factor of the show is its aesthetics. Set against the backdrop of the small town of Cousins Beach, where the Fishers own a summer home, the series uses expert cinematography to highlight coastal beauty, which makes many fans long to step into the screens alongside the characters. Beyond just its visual beauty, the show’s look taps into the emotional core of coming of age by blending modern style with subtle nods to iconic love triangles and films. It captures universally relatable themes wrapped in a beachy, slightly luxurious package that leaves viewers wishing they could spend a day alongside Jeremiah surfing or Belly taking a late-night swim at the house pool. “I think the aesthetic was really good and that was part of its appeal; that it looked really nice,” senior Rachel Negram said.
Another important feature is the star-studded soundtrack, packed with songs from Taylor Swift, Chuck Berry and The Jackson 5. One notable song choice is “Bizarre Love Triangle” by New Order, which plays as Belly walks down the aisle towards both Conrad and Jeremiah. It shows that the creators are fully aware of how absurd a love triangle between two brothers can be, delivering a scene that is both hilariously self-aware and packed with tension. Recently, in an interview with KIIS FM, Swift said, “This show has completely used my music in the most thoughtful, beautiful way for these important moments in Belly’s life. I’m here for whatever is next.”
A big part of what is next is the recently announced movie continuation of the series. Jenny Han will be returning as the director for The Summer I Turned Pretty feature film with Prime Video. Very few details have been revealed, but fans are already abuzz with excitement and speculating what it could be about. “I’m hoping that Belly gets to be an example of like moving to a different country, finding yourself, leaving home, leaving what you’re familiar with and taking risks,” art teacher Addison Coryell said.
