The Summer I Turned Pretty is a coming-of-age story about grief, family, and the complicated love that shapes teenage summers. It follows Belly Connelly as she spends her teenage years at her mother’s childhood home on Cape Cod, where she falls in love with two brothers whose father is the man who broke her mother’s heart. The show is based on Jenny Han’s bestselling novel, and it arrives as a summer binge for viewers looking for a sun-soaked romance with emotional weight.
The series premiered in June 2022 on Amazon Prime Video, and it quickly became a cultural touchstone for young audiences. The show’s cast includes Sofia Carson as Susannah Connelly, Christopher Abbott as Conrad Forester, Joel Courtney as Stephen Forester, and Madelyn Zima as Rachel Connelly. It also features Taylor Rose as Belly, and the chemistry between the lead actors carries the emotional core of the narrative.
Trailer, via Prime Video.
Cape Cod Setting
The show is set in the fictional town of Colby, Massachusetts, on the eastern coast of Cape Cod. The Forester family owns a successful hotel business, and the Connellys spend their summers there, staying in the cottage where Susannah grew up. The location is as much a character as the people, with the ocean, the beach, and the salt air shaping every scene.
The cinematography captures the light of summer mornings and the haze of late afternoons. The houses are painted in pastels, and the streets are lined with modest homes. The setting feels authentic, a place where families have returned for generations. The show does not romanticize the Cape; it shows the quiet streets, the small shops, and the sense of being somewhere familiar yet temporary.
Love Triangle
The central relationship is a love triangle between Belly, Conrad, and Stephen. Conrad is the older brother, handsome and charismatic, while Stephen is the younger, more reserved. Their father, Jeremiah Forester, had a brief affair with Susannah when she was a teenager, and that history hangs over every conversation between the characters.
Belly is the daughter of Susannah, and she has grown up hearing stories about the man who hurt her mother. She knows that Conrad and Stephen are forbidden, and yet she finds herself drawn to both of them. The show handles the triangle with restraint, avoiding the easy tropes of teen drama. There is jealousy, confusion, and genuine affection, and the audience is left wondering who Belly truly loves.
The performances are strong across the board. Taylor Rose brings vulnerability and strength to Belly, making her the emotional center of the story. Christopher Abbott plays Conrad with a brooding intensity, and Joel Courtney gives Stephen a quiet dignity. The scenes between the three actors crackle with tension and tenderness.
Grief and Family
The show is also about loss. Susannah died when Belly was a child, and the grief is woven through every episode. The Connelly family returns to the Cape each summer, but the absence of Susannah is never far away. The show does not shy away from the pain of losing a parent, and it treats the subject with care.
Rachel Connelly, played by Madelyn Zima, is a widow who tries to hold her family together. She is warm and loving, but she is also carrying the weight of her own sorrow. Her scenes with Belly are tender, and they show the ways a mother can love her children even when she cannot fix their grief.
The show also explores the relationship between Belly and her grandmother, Nana. Nana is a force of nature, full of stories and wisdom. She is protective of Belly and wary of the Foresters. Her scenes are comic and poignant, and she provides a grounding presence in the chaos of family drama.
Musical Score
The music in The Summer I Turned Pretty is a character in itself. The soundtrack is filled with pop songs from the early 2000s, and the show uses them to mark moments of transition and feeling. The songs are nostalgic for viewers who grew up in that era, and they add texture to the emotional landscape.
The show also features original songs performed by the cast. Taylor Rose sings “Just For Tonight,” a ballad that plays over a pivotal scene. The song fits the tone of the show, and it adds a layer of intimacy to the storytelling. The music is used sparingly, but it is effective when it appears.
Critical Reception
The Summer I Turned Pretty received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The show was praised for its casting, its pacing, and its handling of difficult themes. The performances were singled out, particularly those of Taylor Rose and Christopher Abbott.
The show was also criticized for some of its plot points and its handling of certain characters. Some viewers felt that the show rushed certain relationships or oversimplified complex issues. However, the overall response was favorable, and the show built a dedicated fanbase.
The show ran for one season, with ten episodes. Each episode runs around 30 minutes, making it a quick watch. The show was released weekly, building momentum as the season progressed. The finale drew attention for its resolution, and the show ended on a note that left fans eager for more.
A Solid Binge Watch
The Summer I Turned Pretty is a solid addition to the genre of teen romance. It has a strong cast, a memorable setting, and a story that resonates with audiences. The show is not perfect, but it delivers on its promise of a heartfelt summer story.
The show’s strengths are its performances and its emotional honesty. The actors commit fully to their roles, and the show trusts its audience to feel the stakes. The weaknesses are minor, and they do not detract from the overall experience.
If you are looking for a show to watch this summer, The Summer I Turned Pretty is worth your time. It is a reminder of the power of family, the ache of first love, and the way the past shapes the present.
Key Facts
– Premiere: June 2022 on Amazon Prime Video
– Episodes: 10
– Runtime: Around 30 minutes per episode
– Score: 7.2/10
The Summer I Turned Pretty is a show that earns its place on the streaming shelf. It is a thoughtful, well-made drama that respects its characters and its audience. It is a show that stays with you long after the credits roll.
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