The Summer I Turned Pretty TV Series Review

The coming-of-age story –  The Summer I Turned Pretty is the highly anticipated adaptation of Author Jenny Han’s (‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’) bestselling novel by the same name (The Summer I Turned Pretty) currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

One summer can change everything, so imagine what can happen after 13 of them.

The story which centres on love, family and friendships explores Belly (Lola Tung) In Cousins Beach the summer she turns pretty with her brother  Steven (Sean Kaufman) and her mum,  Laurel (Jackie Chung) at Laurel’s best friend from forever Susannah’s (Rachel Blanchard) beautiful, mansion-style beach house. 

She’s caught in a love triangle with the Fisher brothers – Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), who she’s grown up spending summers with in Cousins Beach. 

The Summer I Turned Pretty is as sappy as a sappy romance can get. This is the summer that Belly turns pretty and everyone seems to start to notice her. However, there is one person that she wants to notice her. 

Belly is the protagonist, but various characters were also explored. I loved the friendship between Susannah and Laurel. Almost polar opposites, these two friends understand themselves and have stood the test of time to remain best friends over time.

Even John, Laurel’s ex-husband admits this when he tells laurel that they were always 3 people in the marriage. He, Laurel and Susannah. 

I really enjoyed this dynamic and it was beautiful to watch. Their bond is the series’ strongest storyline as they both come to terms with Susannah’s cancer diagnosis.

The friendship between their children is also an interesting one to watch. They have so much history and the bond quite well. 

And while Belly’s debutante journey is a large part of the show, it’s one of the many story features that weren’t in the novel. A slight difference from the book, Belly debuts in the series and she’s able to have a relationship with other girls outside of her usual circle.

Another thing that’s enjoyable is the soundtrack. The show features multiple songs by Taylor Swift “That’s What Way I Loved You (Taylor’s Version),” Lover, Cruel Summer. The series also features songs by Olivia Rodrigo, Phoebe Bridgers, Saweetie, Chlöe, Frank Ocean, and Bleachers.

What Team? Jeremiah or Conrad

The Summer I Turned Pretty ending wasn’t definite. It’s not exactly clear who she ends up with, However, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” has been renewed for a second season hence, more chances for the brothers to woo her. Book readers probably know who she ends up with finally, regardless there’s still a side to pick so which one.

Team Bellyjean or Team Conely?

Stream It or Skip It

The Summer I Turned Pretty is filled with enough romance, sappy romance, drama, love and tear-jerking moments. It is well written to keep you watching one more episode till you’re done. The love triangle engages you as you root for either of the brothers or Belly.

Stream It!!!

In June 2022, Prime Video renewed the series for a second season before the show’s debut.

The Summer I Turned Pretty season one is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.