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The Summer I Turned Pretty S1: Sweet, Nostalgic Teen Romance

 

The Summer I Turned Pretty

The Summer I Turned Pretty is a coming-of-age teen drama based on the book series by Jenny Han. The story follows Belly Conklin (Lola Tung), a teenage girl who spends every summer at a beach house with her family and the Fisher brothers, Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah(Gavin Casalegno - Walker). 

One particular summer marks a turning point: Belly is no longer “just a kid,” and her relationships, feelings, and sense of self begin to shift in ways that are both exciting and painful.

At its core, the show explores first love, family dynamics, friendship, grief, and the bittersweet transition from childhood into adolescence. It’s a story about the summers that shape who we become—and the emotional messiness that comes with growing up.

A Refreshing Take on Teen Romance

One of The Summer I Turned Pretty's biggest strengths is how well it fits its genre while still feeling refreshing. The show is romantic and sweet without relying on shock value. Unlike many teen dramas that lean heavily into violence, excessive partying, or unrealistically hyper-sexualized characters, this series presents teens who feel more grounded and believable.

A good comparison would be shows like Euphoria, which focus on extreme experiences and darker themes. While those stories have their place, The Summer I Turned Pretty offers an alternative—one where emotional growth, insecurity, and quiet longing take center stage. It’s less about chaos and more about feelings, which makes it accessible and comforting.

Belly and the “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” Connection

Belly’s sweetness, innocence, and emotional vulnerability strongly echo another Jenny Han heroine: Lara Jean from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Both characters are romantic at heart, driven by emotion, and deeply invested in love as both an idea and a reality.

Like Lara Jean, Belly feels things intensely. She dreams of being chosen, of being special, and of finally belonging. The difference is that Belly’s journey feels messier and more uncertain, which suits the slower, sun-soaked pacing of the show. 

If you enjoyed the gentle, heartfelt tone of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, The Summer I Turned Pretty delivers a similar emotional comfort—with a more bittersweet edge.

Conrad and Jeremiah: Two Very Different Brothers

Conrad Fisher is often misunderstood. He’s a good kid with emotional baggage, and while he may come across as distant or careless, he’s actually the most aware of what’s happening around him. He carries responsibility quietly and processes his feelings internally, which makes him appear cold when he’s anything but.

Jeremiah, on the other hand, is his complete opposite. He’s outwardly cheerful, social, and easygoing, which can make him seem like he doesn’t care as deeply. But beneath that surface, he’s competitive, sensitive, and quietly jealous. His emotions are just expressed differently, adding nuance to the classic “love triangle” dynamic.

Steven: A Realistic Look at Class Insecurity

Steven's (Sean Kaufman) storyline is subtle but surprisingly impactful. His struggle with not having the same financial privilege as other kids is portrayed in a way that feels honest and relatable. It’s sad, uncomfortable, and very real—especially for teens who are becoming increasingly aware of social and economic differences.

This aspect of the show further grounds it in reality, reminding viewers that growing up isn’t just about romance but also about understanding where you fit in the world.

Belly as a Relatable (and Imperfect) Teen Heroine

Belly is sweet, generous, insecure, and sometimes frustrating—just like a real teenager. She wants to be loved, and in that desire, she occasionally hurts others. Her need to have someone, even if it’s not the person she truly loves, may seem selfish at times, but it reflects how many teens fear being alone more than being wrong.

She often feels like an outsider and desperately wants to belong. That longing drives some questionable decisions, but it also makes her deeply relatable. Even when she’s annoying, it’s hard to judge her harshly—because her flaws feel honest rather than exaggerated.

The Adults: Surprisingly Deep Supporting Characters

As with many teen dramas, adults are often pushed into the background, functioning more like extras than real characters. The Summer I Turned Pretty does something different. The adult characters—especially the mothers—are given emotional depth and compelling backstories.

Their lives, friendship, and struggles are rich enough to almost form a separate show. Unfortunately, they don’t always get enough screen time to fully develop their arcs, but their presence adds emotional weight and maturity to the story.

A Feel-Good Show Full of Nostalgia

Ultimately, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a feel-good show. It doesn’t ask viewers to judge its characters harshly; instead, it invites empathy. It’s especially well-suited for teens, but older viewers may find themselves nostalgic for long summers, first crushes, and beachside memories.

It’s a gentle reminder of what it felt like to grow up—when everything seemed intense, temporary, and endlessly important. And sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of story we need.

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