The popular series “The Summer I Turned Pretty” (TSITP) has captured the hearts of viewers, particularly among young adults, as it recently concluded its run. The show, which follows the life of a teenage girl named Belly, chronicles her experiences with love and heartbreak during a summer vacation. Amelia Taylor, a sophomore from Potomac, Maryland, reflects on how the series resonated with her and many others over the past few years.
Belly, portrayed as a character navigating the complexities of adolescence, spends her summers at a beach house with her family and friends. The narrative centers on her crush on Conrad, the older brother of her best friend’s family, and the emotional turmoil that ensues when both Conrad and his younger brother, Jeremiah, begin to notice her. The series highlights themes such as love, loss, and the struggles of growing up, particularly in the context of a post-pandemic world.
The show resonated deeply with viewers during the summer of 2022, a time when many were emerging from the isolation of COVID-19 restrictions. Taylor notes that this was a significant period for her generation, as they were adjusting to social norms and experiencing their teenage years in a way that felt both familiar and foreign. The character of Belly, who is also 16, mirrored the awkwardness and uncertainty that many young viewers felt as they navigated their own lives.
As the seasons progressed, viewers witnessed the challenges Belly faced, including the death of Susannah, the mother of Conrad and Jeremiah. This event added emotional depth to the storyline and allowed fans to connect with Belly’s journey on a more profound level. Taylor describes how the show provided a distraction from her own life as she prepared for the college application process, enabling her to engage with Belly’s challenges instead of her own.
With the release of the third season in the summer of 2025, Taylor reflects on her personal growth since the show’s inception. Having graduated from high school and moved to Baltimore for college, she found herself tuning in to each new episode with friends, creating a communal experience that echoed the show’s themes of connection and growth.
The final episode aired recently, and Taylor recalls the atmosphere among fans. In a lively viewing party, she and her friends reacted passionately to the plot twists and character decisions, underscoring the bond that the series fostered among its audience. Large gatherings to watch the finale became a testament to the show’s impact, transforming a simple viewing into a shared experience that resonated with many.
While the series has concluded, Taylor acknowledges the profound effect it has had on her and her peers. The emotional journey of Belly reflects the realities of being a teenager today, capturing both the joys and challenges of adolescence. Despite the fictional nature of the show, its themes resonate deeply with the experiences of many young viewers.
As Taylor considers her own future, she emphasizes that while she may not revisit the series immediately, its influence will linger. “If someone asked me what it felt like to be a 16-year-old girl in 2022, I’d show them TSITP,” she states, highlighting how the show encapsulated the essence of their shared experiences during a transformative time.
The legacy of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” will undoubtedly continue as fans reflect on its themes and the connections it forged, a reminder of the importance of storytelling in understanding one’s own journey.
