Hello, everyone! Hope you’re all doing well. Today, I’m diving into a review of the series The Summer I Turned Pretty, which has been enchanting audiences on Prime Video with its seamless mix of teenage romance, familial conflicts, and nostalgic summer essence.
The Summer I Turned Pretty debuted on June 17, 2022, delivering three seasons of an emotional rollercoaster ride. Season 3 wraps up Belly’s love saga with the Fisher siblings, Jeremiah and Conrad, across 11 expanded episodes, each lasting around 45-50 minutes on Prime Video.
Adapted from Jenny Han’s 2009 novel, this series artfully encapsulates the core of first love, heartache, and that pivotal summer that changes everything. The show skillfully intertwines romance with profound themes of family connections, loss, and maturation, offering a viewing journey that resonates with young adults and those nostalgic for their own coming-of-age tales.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Cousins Beach, the series breathes life into Jenny Han’s cherished characters through breathtaking cinematography and a remarkable soundtrack that perfectly matches each emotional moment.
Storyline Summary
The narrative centers around Belly Conklin, a 16-year-old who has spent every summer at Cousins Beach with her family and the Fishers. Belly has matured significantly over the past year, sensing that this summer will stand apart from previous ones. What begins as a typical summer holiday becomes the catalyst for a multifaceted love triangle that will shape her teenage years.
A love triangle involving one girl and two brothers. A tale of first love, initial heartbreak, and the enchantment of that one ideal summer. The series delves into how childhood friendships evolve into something deeper, more intricate, and ultimately life-altering. Each season builds upon this emotional groundwork, revealing how love, loss, and growing up intertwine in unforeseen ways.
Main Character A: Belly’s Path
Lola Tung stars as Belly, delivering a performance that captures the vulnerability and strength of a young woman on a self-discovery journey. Belly’s transformation throughout the series is extraordinary – from a girl relishing her summers to someone facing challenging choices about love and her future.
Her character’s progression beautifully illustrates the complexities of first love and the agony of choosing between two significant people. Tung brings authenticity to every scene, making Belly’s emotional journey feel real and relatable. Whether she’s experiencing the joy of newfound love or the sorrow of tough decisions, her performance keeps viewers deeply engaged.
Main Character B: The Fisher Brothers Relationship
Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno portray Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher, creating one of television’s most enthralling love triangles. Conrad, the introspective older brother, embodies the complicated, passionate love that often accompanies pain. Briney portrays Conrad’s internal struggles with depth and nuance, showing a character torn between his emotions and fears.
Jeremiah, the younger, more optimistic brother, represents the stable, secure love that promises happiness. Casalegno brings charm and warmth to the role, making it hard not to cheer for his character’s joy. The chemistry among all three leads is electrifying, generating tension that propels the series forward.
Climax: The Final Decision
On the threshold of adulthood, Belly is at a crossroads, needing to decide which brother she truly loves. The series builds to this pivotal moment over three seasons, with each episode adding layers of emotional depth. The final season compels Belly to confront not just her feelings, but who she aspires to be as an adult.
In the season three trailer, we see Tung’s Belly and Casalegno’s Jeremiah announcing their engagement, but the series assures that nothing is straightforward. The climax delivers both heartbreak and hope, staying true to the emotional transparency that has defined the series from the start.
Prime Video Success
The Summer I Turned Pretty has evolved into a cultural sensation on Prime Video, striking a chord with younger audiences who find reflections of themselves in Belly’s journey. Season 3 debuted on July 16, 2025, with the first two episodes released together followed by weekly installments. The series has received acclaim for its genuine portrayal of teenage emotions, breathtaking coastal visuals, and its ability to handle serious topics such as grief and family dynamics alongside the main romance. The show’s success lies in its ideal blend of escapist summer fantasy and authentic emotional depth, making The Summer I Turned Pretty a standout drama in Prime Video’s lineup.
If you adore coming-of-age stories with heart-wrenching romance and stunning coastal landscapes, The Summer I Turned Pretty is the perfect series to binge-watch on Prime Video.
A beautifully crafted series that encapsulates the enchantment and heartache of first love, making it essential viewing for those who remember the transformative power of that one perfect summer.
Series Information:
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)