Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The Summer I Turned Pretty, which has been absolutely captivating audiences on Prime Video with its perfect blend of teenage romance, family drama, and nostalgic summer vibes.
The Summer I Turned Pretty premiered on June 17, 2022, and has delivered three seasons of pure emotional rollercoaster. Season 3 will conclude Belly’s love story between the Fisher brothers Jeremiah and Conrad in an expanded 11 episodes, with each episode running approximately 45-50 minutes on Prime Video.
Based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Jenny Han, this series masterfully captures the essence of first love, heartbreak, and that transformative summer that changes everything. The show brilliantly balances romance with deeper themes of family bonds, loss, and growing up, creating a viewing experience that resonates with both young adults and those nostalgic for their own coming-of-age moments.
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Cousins Beach, the series brings Jenny Han’s beloved characters to life with stunning cinematography and an incredible soundtrack that perfectly complements every emotional beat.
Plot Overview
The story follows Belly Conklin, a 16-year-old girl who has spent every summer at Cousins Beach with her family and the Fisher family. 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. What starts as another typical summer vacation becomes the catalyst for a complex love triangle that will define her teenage years.
A love triangle between one girl and two brothers. A story about first love, first heartbreak, and the magic of that one perfect summer. The series explores how childhood friendships evolve into something deeper, more complicated, and ultimately life-changing. Each season builds upon the emotional foundation, showing how love, loss, and growing up intertwine in the most unexpected ways.
Main Character A: Belly’s Journey
Lola Tung stars as Belly, delivering a performance that perfectly captures the vulnerability and strength of a young woman discovering herself. Belly’s evolution throughout the series is remarkable – from a girl who simply enjoyed her summers to someone who must make impossible choices about love and her future.
Her character arc beautifully portrays the complexity of first love and the pain of having to choose between two people who mean everything to you. Tung brings authenticity to every scene, making Belly’s emotional journey feel genuine and relatable. Whether she’s experiencing the joy of newfound romance or the heartbreak of difficult decisions, her performance keeps viewers emotionally invested.
Main Character B: The Fisher Brothers Dynamic
Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno play Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher respectively, creating one of television’s most compelling love triangles. Conrad, the brooding older brother, represents the complicated, passionate love that often comes with pain. Briney portrays Conrad’s internal struggles with depth and nuance, showing a character torn between his feelings and his fears.
Jeremiah, the younger, more optimistic brother, embodies the safe, steady love that promises happiness and security. Casalegno brings charm and warmth to the role, making it impossible not to root for his character’s happiness. The chemistry between all three leads is electric, creating tension that drives the entire series forward.
Climax: The Ultimate Choice
Now on the brink of adulthood, Belly finds herself at a crossroads and must decide which brother has her heart. The series builds to this moment across three seasons, with each episode adding layers to the emotional complexity. The final season forces Belly to confront not just her feelings, but who she wants to become as an adult.
In the season three trailer, Tung’s Belly and Casalegno’s Jeremiah announce that they’re getting married, but the series promises that nothing is as simple as it seems. The climax delivers both heartbreak and hope, staying true to the emotional honesty that has defined the series from the beginning.
Success on Prime Video
The Summer I Turned Pretty has become a cultural phenomenon on Prime Video, resonating particularly strongly with younger audiences who see themselves reflected in Belly’s journey. Season 3 premiered on July 16, 2025, with the first two episodes dropping simultaneously followed by weekly releases. The series has garnered praise for its authentic portrayal of teenage emotions, stunning coastal cinematography, and its ability to tackle serious themes like grief and family dynamics alongside the central romance. The show’s success lies in its perfect balance of escapist summer fantasy and genuine emotional depth, making The Summer I Turned Pretty a standout drama in Prime Video’s catalog.
If you love coming-of-age stories with heart-wrenching romance and beautiful coastal settings, The Summer I Turned Pretty is the perfect series to binge on Prime Video.
A beautifully crafted series that captures the magic and heartbreak of first love, making it essential viewing for anyone who remembers the transformative power of that one perfect summer.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 25 total (Season 1: 7 episodes, Season 2: 8 episodes, Season 3: 11 episodes)
Platform: Prime Video
Rating: 7.3/10
Genre: Romance, Coming-of-Age, Family Drama
Protagonists: Belly Conklin (Lola Tung), Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney), Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno)
Supporting Characters: Laurel (Jackie Chung), Susannah Fisher (Rachel Blanchard), Steven Conklin (Sean Kaufman)