Image Credit: @thesummeriturnedpretty on InstagramThe long-awaited moment has finally arrived—The Summer I Turned Pretty (SITP) is officially returning for its third season. Fans of Jenny Han’s heart-wrenching summer romance saga were met with a wave of excitement as the announcement post surfaced, confirming that the love triangle between Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah will continue to unfold. The announcement, which took social media by storm, has ignited fresh debates, speculations, and expectations about what lies ahead for Belly Conklin and the Fisher brothers.
The Story So Far: A Love Triangle Steeped in Summer Nostalgia
The Summer I Turned Pretty, based on Jenny Han’s best-selling novels, has captivated audiences with its portrayal of first loves, heartbreak, and self-discovery against the picturesque backdrop of Cousins Beach. The series follows Isabel “Belly” Conklin, a teenager who finds herself entangled in an emotional dilemma between the two Fisher brothers—Conrad and Jeremiah—while navigating the complexities of friendship, grief, and growing up.
Season 1 introduced us to Belly’s transformation from a young girl into someone who finally begins to catch the attention of those around her, particularly Conrad, her long-time crush. Season 2 delved deeper into the emotional turmoil of losing Susannah, the Fisher brothers’ mother, and how that loss affected their relationships. With shifting emotions, lingering past affections, and new romantic confusions, the series has remained a rollercoaster of emotions for both its characters and its audience.
Season 2’s Emotional Ending: A Divide Among Fans
Season 2 ended on a bittersweet note, leaving viewers divided over Belly’s choices. After an emotionally intense season filled with grief, reconciliations, and heartbreak, the finale saw Belly choosing Jeremiah over Conrad— a decision that left fans both thrilled and devastated. For those who have followed the books, this ending came as no surprise, yet it sparked fierce online debates over whom Belly truly belongs with.
Critics and fans alike weighed in on the show’s portrayal of love and loss. Some praised its raw depiction of teenage emotions, while others criticized Belly’s indecisiveness and the pain she caused the Fisher brothers. Regardless of which side fans took, the season finale left an undeniable impact, ensuring that Season 3 has a high emotional bar to meet.
Belly’s Love Life: A Pattern of Questionable Choices
At the heart of The Summer I Turned Pretty is Belly’s romantic journey—one that is as frustrating as it is compelling. While her love for Conrad has been unwavering, her decision-making often leaves fans exasperated. Jeremiah, the more emotionally open and devoted of the two brothers, has consistently shown his love for Belly, yet she has remained drawn to the brooding, often distant Conrad.
This pattern of choosing the person who seems emotionally unavailable rather than the one who offers her stability and affection has sparked conversations about the portrayal of love in young adult media. Belly’s tendency to chase a love that is riddled with uncertainty rather than embrace the one that is steady and sincere mirrors a common, yet often problematic, trope in romance narratives.
Season 3: Hopes and Expectations
With the announcement of Season 3, fans are eager to see how the story unfolds. Will Belly stick with Jeremiah, or will Conrad find a way back into her heart? How will the Fisher brothers’ relationship evolve after Belly’s choice? More importantly, will Belly finally gain clarity about what she truly wants?
There are high expectations for this season to delve deeper into character development, particularly in how Belly matures and understands the consequences of her choices. Additionally, viewers hope for more nuanced storytelling that explores themes of self-worth, emotional growth, and healthy relationships.
Representation in The Summer I Turned Pretty
While the series has been praised for its diverse cast and its authentic portrayal of Asian-American identity through Belly and her mother, some critics argue that it still leans heavily on conventional love-triangle tropes. Representation in young adult media has evolved, and fans are hoping that Season 3 will move beyond predictable romantic drama to showcase more complex character arcs, including stronger female agency and emotional accountability.
As fans eagerly await the next chapter of Belly’s story, one thing remains certain—The Summer I Turned Pretty continues to be a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the emotional turbulence of growing up. Season 3 promises to be another emotional journey, and audiences are ready for whatever heartbreaks and triumphs it brings.
