Every summer, a single question dominates the internet: Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah? This is the sheer power that The Summer I Turned Pretty (TSITP) holds. Reaching nothing less than 25 million viewers within the first week of season 3’s launch, the show never fails to overcome all expectations. The American series on Amazon Prime Video is based on a romantic novel trilogy written by Jenny Han. Lola Tung, the star of the show, plays Belly Conklin, the emblematic “girl next door”, involved in a love triangle with two brothers, Jeremiah and Conrad Fisher, interpreted by Gavin Casalegno and Christopher Briney. The development of this series explores themes of love, friendship, betrayal, and loss, but we all know the classic love triangle trope… We’ve seen it in Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, and countless other movies and series. So what makes this one stand out?
One of the unique components about TSITP is its seasonal aspect. Ever since the show’s premiere in June 2022, the weekly episodes have become one of the most anticipated events in pop culture every summer. A beach house, a love triangle, and drama… What’s not to love?
Moreover, the relatability found in The Summer I Turned Pretty also suggests why the show has become so popular worldwide. It’s a simple formula; just add a teenage girl, drama, boys, summer, and romance… Boom, you have a hit. Teens have found Belly’s indecisive personality relatable at times, while adults have encountered a nostalgia for their past summers and romances within each episode.
Opposingly, many viewers have criticized the main character, Belly, for her rash actions throughout the series. Some claim that she doesn’t empathize with the two brothers she can’t choose between, causing tension and breakdowns between all three of them. Others express that Belly is an underdeveloped character with almost no depth, which suggests why the audience doesn’t sympathize with her. Undoubtedly, criticism towards the show has definitely played a huge role in uprising viewership.
In addition, the debate between who the better brother is, always ends up getting out of hand. Conrad is the older brother, displaying his loner and rather passionate persona, while stealing the hearts of many viewers. On the other hand, Jeremiah, the younger brother, is more laid back and playful. Don’t be fooled though, they would both do just about anything for Belly. Choosing between the Fisher brothers isn’t just a choice, it’s a lifestyle… So think carefully. It seems like the audience is split between them. What’s your pick?
With that said, the show has defeated all odds and reached surprising heights. Now, every summer Wednesday, when a new episode is released, all everyone can talk about is The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Sources:
Petter, Olivia. “Why Every Millennial Woman You Know Is Suddenly Watching The Summer I
Turned Pretty.” Vogue, 2 Sept. 2025,
www.vogue.com/article/millennial-women-the-summer-i-turned-pretty.
Rubin, Rebecca. “The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Premiere Viewership.” Deadline,
10 July 2025, deadline.com/2025/07/the-summer-i-turned-pretty-season-3-
premiere-viewership-1236472308/.
