The Summer I Turned Pretty is a show that premiered on June 17, 2022. It centers around a love triangle between one girl and two boys, exploring themes of first love, first heartbreak, and the magic of that one perfect summer.
In this series, the main character is Belly (played by Lola Tung), the youngest child of Laurel Park (Jackie Chung) and John Conklin (Colin Ferguson). Belly is also the younger sister of Steven Conklin (Sean Kaufman). Since she was a child, Belly and her family have spent their summers at Cousins Beach with the Fisher family. Each summer brings new experiences, with Belly growing closer to the Fisher brothers as the years pass.
Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney) is an overachieving student and star athlete. He’s always been responsible, serious, and the boy Belly has secretly yearned for her entire life. In contrast, Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno) is outgoing, athletic, playful, and the life of the party. He’s magnetic and flirts with everyone. There’s also Susannah Fisher (Rachel Blanchard), the boys’ mother and Laurel’s best friend from college. Susannah is a loving and caring woman who plays an important role in Belly’s life.
Throughout the series, Belly grapples with her feelings for both Conrad and Jeremiah. Conrad, the older and more brooding of the two, has always been the object of Belly’s affection. However, this summer, he seems distant and troubled, dealing with his own personal struggles. On the other hand, Jeremiah, who is more easygoing and carefree, begins to show romantic interest in Belly, sparking a love triangle that adds tension and excitement to the story. As the summer progresses, Belly learns more about herself and the people around her. She faces the challenges of growing up, including navigating her changing relationship with her mother, Laurel, and her best friend, Taylor (Rain Spencer). The show also delves into deeper themes like family secrets, loss, and the impact of time on relationships.
The series highlights the strong bond between the Conklin and Fisher families. Susannah, the boys’ mother, is a key figure in Belly’s life, offering her guidance and emotional support. Susannah’s own personal struggles and how they affect her family add another layer of depth to the narrative.
Overall, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant series that will appeal to fans of coming-of-age stories and romantic dramas. Its exploration of love, family, and personal growth makes it a worthwhile watch. However, some viewers may find the pacing a bit slow at times, as the show takes its time exploring the characters’ emotions and relationships in depth. Additionally, while the romantic drama is engaging, it can occasionally overshadow other interesting plotlines and character developments.
