The Summer I Turned Pretty: A Satisfying Finale and an Unnecessary Return

Emma Londoner  ‘26 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer

From the very first episode, The Summer I Turned Pretty captured audiences with a familiar yet irresistible premise of a love triangle set against the nostalgia of summer. Adapted from Jenny Han’s bestselling trilogy, the series grew beyond its beach house romance setting to become a cultural phenomenon. Over the course of three seasons, it delivered on emotional arcs, character growth, and a finale that left some viewers, including myself, feeling both content and reflective. With Amazon Prime announcing a follow-up film, however, many are left wondering if it is truly necessary to extend a story that concluded on such a satisfying note…

From Insecurity to Self-Assurance

One of the most striking elements of the show is the transformation of Isabel “Belly” Conklin from the beginning to the end of the series. At first, Belly is portrayed as a wide-eyed teenager caught between childhood and adulthood, often unsure of her place within the Fisher brothers’ family and her own. Her early characterization leans heavily on uncertainty, naivety, and immaturity.

By the time the final season concludes, however, Belly is no longer this insecure girl waiting to be chosen. Instead, she is confident, grounded, self-assured, and most importantly, happy. Her personal growth, which was shaped by heartbreak, family turmoil, and lessons in self-respect, reflects the central coming-of-age thread that grounds the series as a whole. The finale proves that while love triangles may drive the plot, maturity and self-discovery provide the lasting resonance. 

Maturity Across Relationships

The theme of maturity extends far beyond Belly’s personal arc. Throughout the show, each character undergoes transformations that explore themes of family, romance, and responsibility. Conrad, often portrayed as the brooding, closed-off older brother, eventually learns to communicate and release the pressure to control everything around him. Jeremiah, once the easygoing and overlooked sibling, confronts rejection and responsibility, knowing that love can’t always be returned in the way one hopes.

Even Susannah’s storyline, gently woven through the series, illustrates how growing up is inextricably linked to experiencing loss. Her illness and eventual absence serve as a constant reminder that life and family are fragile and short. This teaches the characters, as well as the audience, that grief forces young people into adulthood before they feel ready.

There is also a sense of belonging that evolves. Belly’s journey begins with a longing to be included in the Fisher family dynamic and ends with her finding a place where she belongs, not because others accept her, but because she accepts herself. By the finale, the family relationships, although they have undergone significant changes, feel more honest and balanced, demonstrating that maturity often stems from embracing imperfection.

The Arc of the Love Triangle

At the center of the series is the love triangle between Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah. Few tropes captivate audiences as much, and The Summer I Turned Pretty embraces the tension of Belly’s torn affections. For many viewers, the main attraction was the uncertainty of which brother she would ultimately end up with.

Across three seasons, the triangle evolved from a lighthearted teenage fantasy into a more complicated and emotionally difficult storyline. The finale provides closure, resolving the “Team Conrad” versus “Team Jeremiah” debate and demonstrating that Belly’s choice stems from growth and following one’s heart. In this way, the triangle served its purpose to provide a framework for character development and eventual resolution.

The Unreality of It All

While compelling, the love triangle also highlights one of the series’ greatest weaknesses, which is its lack of realism. The idea of two brothers constantly falling for the same girl, taking turns stepping in and out, pushes the limits of what feels believable. In reality, a situation like this would probably cause lasting damage to both the brothers’ relationship and their family’s stability.

Even so, audiences stayed hooked, showing how much the show’s escapist side. The unrealistic moments became part of the fun, creating a fantasy world where feelings ran high and consequences were gentler. Still, some critics are reluctant to call it one of the more realistic coming-of-age dramas.

A Satisfying Ending

For all its occasional flaws, the finale of The Summer I Turned Pretty delivered an ending that felt earned. Each character ended in a healthier, more self-aware place. Belly’s maturity was solidified not just through her final romantic choice but through her ability to stand confidently in her own decisions, which is why Paris felt like the right choice. The Fisher brothers, though affected by it all, reached an unspoken truce, and the family dynamics closed on a note of honesty rather than illusion. It provided closure while leaving space for viewers to imagine what comes next, without needing to see it on screen. It reminds audiences that not every detail of a character’s future needs to be spelled out.

The Announcement of a New Film

That balance makes Amazon’s announcement of a new The Summer I Turned Pretty film somewhat interesting, given that season 3 was supposed to be the complete ending. While additional content will no doubt attract viewers eager to revisit beloved characters, there is a risk of diminishing the impact of the ending.

Final Thoughts

The Summer I Turned Pretty began as a nostalgic, sun-drenched teen drama and matured into a story about identity, responsibility, and the bittersweet nature of love. Belly’s growth from insecurity to confidence, the evolution of family dynamics, and the dramatic arc of the love triangle combined to create a show that resonated with audiences far beyond its YA roots.

With the announcement of a new film, the question remains whether the continuation is warranted. While fans will surely welcome more time with these characters, the series had already achieved an ending that left audiences fulfilled. Sometimes, the greatest gift a story can give is to end at the right moment. 

However, it would be amazing to see a Conrad and Belly wedding and to see her finally read the letter from Susannah.