Wednesday has become a day of high anticipation this summer, as teenagers across the country tune in to “The Summer I Turned Pretty” each week, invested in the eventful life of Isabelle (Belly) Conklin.
Season three of this beloved coming-of-age series follows Belly as she continues to navigate a love triangle, torn between two brothers: Jeremiah and Conrad Fisher. Now a college senior, Belly makes an impulsive decision to marry Jeremiah, and the season follows the couple as they plan their wedding, much to the dismay of their families. But, as the wedding day approaches, tensions rise; the life Belly has built quickly crumbles, leaving her vulnerable and conflicted.
The romantic drama has captured the interest of millions, dominating social media feeds since its release. From live reactions to heartfelt edits, there is no shortage of new content; fans share their excitement after each new episode, reliving the chaos as it plays out. These posts have gone viral, with many receiving upwards of 500,000 likes – enough that even those who haven’t seen the show are aware of its presence.
With such a large fan base, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” has received mixed opinions. Many argue that the series is cringeworthy, pointing to awkward dialogue, exaggerated drama, and even the occasional unnecessary dance scene. Viewers aren’t wrong; the show is cheesy, but that’s also the charm of a teenage romance. Leaning into those embarrassing moments is what makes watching it entertaining. “The Summer I Turned Pretty” doesn’t need to be perfect to keep its audience engaged.
For those invested in the show, the debate between Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah has become a major point of discussion, with fans weighing Jeremiah’s charm against Conrad’s quiet intensity. Season three forces Jeremiah under a negative spotlight; he is portrayed as immature and irresponsible, cheating on Belly and selfishly prioritizing his own desires. Still, Conrad is equally problematic, confessing his love for Belly the day before her wedding, an inconsiderate and life-altering choice. There is no clear decision for Belly to make, leaving viewers to struggle with the same dilemma: loyalty versus desire, stability versus passion. Although many fans have sided with one brother, the show thrives on ambiguity, leaving room for debate and commentary. This uncertainty is what keeps viewers coming back, eager to see which Fisher boy Belly ultimately ends up with.
Beyond the love triangle that drives the plot of “The Summer I Turned Pretty”, the show is relatable. It captures the awkwardness of growing up and the struggle to navigate family conflict – real topics, though exaggerated for the purpose of entertainment. Viewers can easily resonate with Belly; her mistakes make her human. The show has depth beneath its dramatic plot, grounding the story in emotions that feel universal.
Awaiting the release of the final few episodes of the show, fans are unsure of how Belly’s story will end. Whether she chooses Conrad, Jeremiah, or her own path, the show will leave a lasting impression on its audience, a beloved teenage romance that will be rewatched for years to come.
