Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The Summer I Turned Pretty, which has captured hearts worldwide with its tender portrayal of first love and the bittersweet transition into adulthood.
The series premiered on June 17, 2022, with the first season consisting of seven episodes, and has since expanded to three seasons on Prime Video. Created by Jenny Han and based on her beloved book trilogy, The Summer I Turned Pretty follows the story of Belly Conklin as she navigates the complexities of growing up during magical summers at Cousins Beach.
This coming-of-age drama masterfully blends romance, family dynamics, and the nostalgia of summer memories. The series captures that universal feeling of a summer that changes everything, where childhood friendships evolve into something deeper and more complicated. With its authentic portrayal of teenage emotions and stunning beach cinematography, The Summer I Turned Pretty has become a standout in the young adult romance genre.
Belly’s Journey from Childhood to Young Adulthood
Belly Conklin is about to turn 16, and she’s headed to her favorite place in the world, Cousins Beach, to spend the summer with her family and the Fishers. Portrayed brilliantly by Lola Tung, Belly begins the series as an awkward teenager who has spent every summer of her life at the beach house, watching from the sidelines as life happens around her.
Throughout the series, we witness Belly’s transformation from an insecure girl into a confident young woman who learns to trust her own heart. Her character development is beautifully nuanced, showing how first love can both empower and devastate. Belly’s grown up a lot over the past year, and she has a feeling that this summer is going to be different than all the summers before, and indeed it is. Her journey explores themes of self-discovery, the pain of growing up, and learning that sometimes love means making impossible choices.
The Fisher Brothers: Conrad’s Brooding Complexity and Jeremiah’s Sunshine
The story centers on a love triangle between one girl and two brothers, with Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno delivering compelling performances as Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher. Conrad, the older brother, embodies the classic brooding romantic lead with hidden depths and family burdens that weigh heavily on his shoulders. His relationship with Belly is built on years of unspoken connection and shared memories.
Jeremiah, the younger Fisher brother, brings warmth and stability to Belly’s chaotic emotional world. His sunny disposition contrasts beautifully with Conrad’s complexity, creating a genuine dilemma for both Belly and viewers. The chemistry between all three actors is undeniable, making the love triangle feel authentic rather than contrived. Both brothers represent different aspects of love and what Belly needs at different stages of her life.
The Heart-Wrenching Decision That Changes Everything
Now on the brink of adulthood, Belly finds herself at a crossroads and must decide which brother has her heart. The series builds to emotional crescendos that will leave viewers reaching for tissues, particularly as family secrets are revealed and the weight of growing up becomes undeniable.
With Conrad and Jeremiah fighting over her heart and the return of Susannah’s cancer, she’s not sure summer will ever be the same. The third season delivers the most emotionally charged moments yet, as Belly must confront not only her romantic feelings but also the reality that childhood summers at Cousins Beach are coming to an end. The series doesn’t shy away from the painful aspects of growing up, making every joy and heartbreak feel earned.
That Elevate the Story
The supporting cast, including Rachel Blanchard as Laurel and Jackie Chung as Susannah, provides the emotional foundation that makes the central love story resonate. Susannah’s battle with cancer adds a layer of urgency and poignancy to every summer gathering, while the friendship dynamics between Belly, Taylor, and Steven create authentic teenage relationships that viewers can relate to.
The adult characters aren’t just background figures; they represent the complexity of maintaining relationships over time and the ways that family bonds can both support and complicate our choices. Their presence adds depth to what could have been a simple teen romance.
Success on Prime Video
The Summer I Turned Pretty has become one of Prime Video’s most beloved young adult series, earning a 7.3 rating on IMDb and generating passionate fan discussions across social media platforms. The series’ success lies in its authentic portrayal of teenage emotions, stunning beach house aesthetic, and the way it handles complex family dynamics alongside the central romance. Each episode runs approximately 45-60 minutes, allowing for deep character development and emotional storytelling that gives weight to every relationship and conflict in The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Why This Beach Romance Will Steal Your Heart
If you love coming-of-age stories with genuine emotional depth, The Summer I Turned Pretty is the perfect series to binge on Prime Video. It’s a show that understands the magic and heartbreak of growing up, delivering a love story that feels both timeless and completely contemporary.
The Perfect Nostalgic Escape You’ve Been Craving
The Summer I Turned Pretty succeeds because it captures the universal experience of that one summer that changes everything, wrapped in a love story that will make you believe in the power of first love all over again.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 21 episodes (across 3 seasons)
Platform: Prime Video
Release Years: 2022-2025
Current IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Genre: Drama, Romance, Coming-of-Age
Status: Final season completed in 2025
Main Cast: Lola Tung (Belly), Christopher Briney (Conrad), Gavin Casalegno (Jeremiah)
Antagonist: Time, growing up, and the complexities of family expectations