“The Summer I Turned Pretty,” a romance trilogy turned television series created by Jenny Han, airs its final episode today, Sept. 17. The show first aired on Prime Video in 2022. Since the release three years ago, viewers nationwide have forged bonds over this coming-of-age teen drama by picking teams, analyzing Easter eggs and formulating conspiracy theories.
Viewers will finally see if Belly Conklin, the show’s main character, will choose (or not choose) her perfect destiny. Will she end up with one of the Fisher boys, Conrad or Jeremiah? Is Belly going to advance her relationship with her new Parisian fling Benito? Or, will she choose herself and summer?
This teen show has captivated the hearts of many as people have become very passionate online about whether they are #TeamConrad or #TeamJeremiah. On a Fizz poll that reached 850 votes, 78% of Fairfield student voters are team Conrad, 4% are team Jeremiah, 7% are team Benito, and 11% believe Belly will end up choosing herself.
Sophomore Sophia Sobol explains “I’m team Conrad because Jeremiah is manipulative. He was only dating Belly because he was in a competition with his brother. I’m really excited for the finale and to see all the Easter eggs (signs) Jenny Han has created come to life!”
Sophomore Sydney Lundt was originally on team Jeremiah until season 3. “Jeremiah was always there for Belly– they were best friends. Conrad would be rude or emotional. In this season, there has been great character growth from Conrad while Jeremiah has regressed backwards.”
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” is more than just a show. Throughout the past three seasons, TSITP has strengthened friendships, family connections and has brought together strangers online. For college students around the world, especially at Fairfield, there is a special kind of attachment to this show.
Sophomore Caitlin Balauger says,“We can watch it together away at college. Picking what teams you’re on and talking about music connects you with others.” The show began when this specific college age group was turning 16 and receiving licenses like in season one, to feeling the growing pains that are attached with maturing like in season two and now indulging in college life, planning out the future and questioning the unknown.
There are many conspiracy theories on social media, especially TikTok. Sophomore Olivia Newberry shared her thoughts. “Hot take…I think Belly’s dad is having heart issues from the last episode. They randomly put a scene of him looking for antacids. Why would they put that in if it is not a plotline? Belly is also going to be in Mexico with her new boyfriend Benito when Conrad comes to Paris.”
Others think there are going to be three additional episodes since the number 14 has been appearing often within the show. Some are only watching to see Steven and Taylor’s relationship flourish now.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” has a significant cultural impact. This could be considered Gen-Z’s version of a hit young adult show such as “Friends,” “One Tree Hill,” “Seinfeld,” and “The Office.”
Similarly to Balauger, Junior Emily Lamoureux thinks “TSITP does have a cultural impact because everyone is watching it no matter the age group. You get together with your friends every Wednesday and people can bond over it.”
People enjoy “The Summer I Turned Pretty” because it is relatable. Lamoureux goes on to state “I don’t think a spin-off is planned but I would love to see a spin-off of Laurel & Susannah in their college years.”
The series has driven trends such as “coastal granddaughter” clothing aesthetic and influenced people’s music soundtracks with their diverse discography from pop artists Taylor Swift and Billie Ellish to throwbacks such as Fleetwood Mac and The Rolling Stones. There are references in the show to other films with Conrad’s yearning and working to fix the beach house in connection to Noah in “The Notebook,” younger Belly’s adoration for “Bye Bye Birdie,” and the many “Sabrina” references with the promo poster and love triangle with the Fisher brothers.
Beyond the blue hydrangeas and country club parties, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” offers many applicable life messages. Friendship and family are so important. Viewers see this with Laurel and Susannah’s lifelong friendship in addition to Belly and Taylor’s childhood friendship. There are themes of first loves, true loves, family connections, family hardships, grief and nostalgia that resonate so deeply with the show’s audience.
The show will remain a staple of summer for “infinity.” The sun is now setting on one unforgettable summer adventure, so grab your shades and beach towels to watch the final episode of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” today on Prime Video.
