Staff Writer Elouise Davies reviews the third season of Amazon Prime’s ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ as a cultural event among Gen Z.
The third and final season of Amazon Prime’s hit series ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ is currently solidifying its position as a defining young adult drama. Adapted from Jenny Han’s novels, the show has proven popular across generations as it combines a sense of nostalgia and romantic drama for all to lose themselves in every Wednesday.
Romance and realism
At its core, ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ is a coming-of-age story entangled in a messy love triangle between the main character, Belly, and a pair of brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. Belly’s emotional journey throughout the show is one grounded in relatability as the realistic life of a teenager is portrayed – be it through the awkward social interactions or unspoken longing for another. The realism in Belly’s journey ensures the show functions beyond an escapist romance, and acts as a mirror for the complexities of growing up. The love triangle is more than solely about choosing between two brothers, but about allowing Belly to discover herself along the way.
Belly’s journey in figuring out who she is away from the drama is a key component to this series, representing the fundamentality of finding one’s own self outside of romantic relationships. The uncertainty of growing up and shifting relationships are all embedded in her story. Audiences are allowed to see themselves in these characters, as their own teenage selves are reflected straight back at them. This sense of relatability keeps fans invested week to week as they eagerly await this perfectly crafted blend of realism and romantic drama.
The use of music as the emotional soundtrack to our lives
The shows use of Taylor Swift’s music is particularly notable, serving as both a narrative backbone to the story and also boosting its popularity as a result of the artist’s recent boom in traction. Her cultural dominance brings these songs beyond the background; they often articulate what the characters cannot express out loud. This successfully guides the audience through both emotional state and growth. Particular songs, such as ‘False God’, ‘Red’, and ‘Back to December’, are all used as prime examples of this. These are important markers to Belly’s story and how the audience view her character. Each song captures a specific emotion that sets the mood to define important moments.
This resonates with many viewers who already associate Swift’s discography with pivotal moments in their own lives, heightening pre-existing emotional bonds to help them associate with Belly more.
Team Conrad vs Team Jeremiah
The ongoing ‘Team Conrad’ vs ‘Team Jeremiah’ debates have become a popular source of fan interaction on social media, further fuelling the popularity of the series beyond its initial fan base. What began as a love triangle within the show has developed into a new phenomenon with fans passionately defending their chosen side. This online discourse has transformed this show into more than just a piece of television, but instead a shared cultural event. Even those who have yet to watch the show have been drawn into this wider debate.
This debate mirrors earlier fan rivalries that became cultural milestones, such as continuing debates between ‘Team Edward’ vs ‘Team Jacob’ in Twilight. Passion for love triangles across television ensures fictional stories live beyond the rolling of the credits. The narrative stays alive and continues to thrive in fandom activity.
The importance of connections beyond romance
Whilst romance is a fundamental theme to the show, it also goes beyond this, not shying away from confronting themes such as that of grief, loss, and the importance of close family ties. Many poignant moments focus on the smaller, more intimate exchanges of love; in particular, the bond between a mother and her daughter. These quiet moments emphasise the foundation of Belly’s story in not just who she loves, but in who she chooses to hold close.
These relationships – regardless of if they are romantic, familial, or platonic – ground the story in realism. A wider emotional array of relationships is present, allowing audiences to relate to all forms of love in their lives. ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ thus captures how important relationships beyond romance are to shaping who we are, and how we continue to grow.
More than just a summer romance – the enduring power of summer
As the final series continues and the end draws near, the stakes are higher than ever. Whilst fans root for which romantic interest they hope Belly chooses, it also represents the end of a chapter as the characters are now in college and have (mostly) matured beyond their teenage years.
Ultimately, ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ is more than just a summer romance – its more than just a story about a girl and her two potential love interests. It reflects on the experiences of growing up, and on how both love and loss can shape us into who we are today. It also represents the music that defines generations, working as a soundtrack to the audience’s own lives as well as Belly’s. Heartfelt storytelling, divisive opinions on who the real love interest it, and the enduring power of fan culture have proved how this show has moved beyond a summer hit, to become a defining cultural milestone.
About the author
