Photo by: The DePauw
As the days grow hotter and summer settles in, fans everywhere are counting down to the much-anticipated final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty. After months of drama, heartbreak, and tough choices, the beloved series is set to return on July 16th. On August 3, 2023, Prime Video announced the official release date, leaving viewers eager to discover, once and for all, who Belly will choose as her one true love. With the summer spirit already in the air, it's the perfect time for a recap.
Photo by: The DePauw
Last season was packed with intense drama and emotionally charged love triangles. After Susannah's death early in the season, Belly, Conrad, Jeremiah, Steven, and Laurel are left devastated, their grief driving them apart and causing a somber, heavy tone over the story. Back at home, Belly struggles to move on, she’s withdrawn, exhausted, and overwhelmed by sadness. The show’s nonlinear narrative takes us through a series of flashbacks, especially moments from when Belly and Conrad were together after the previous summer.
The warmth of these memories stands in stark contrast to the cold distance now separating them, underscoring the emotional toll that grief and time have taken.
While everyone else seems to be enjoying the warmth of summer, Belly is withdrawn, caught in the weight of grief and emotional fallout. On top of mourning Susannah’s death, Belly is also trying to navigate her fractured relationships with both Fisher brothers. After everything that happened last season, feelings still linger, leaving behind tension, confusion, and a lot of unresolved emotions.
But everything changes when she receives an unexpected message from Jeremiah. Conrad is missing, and no one has been able to reach him. Determined not to lose the boys too, Belly decides to leave home and asks her best friend, Taylor, to cover for her. When she meets up with Jeremiah, the atmosphere is tense, traces of bitterness still linger from when Belly chose Conrad over him. Despite the strain, they set out together to find Conrad, unsure of what they'll discover along the way.
On the road trip, Belly and Jeremiah break their awkward silence with an emotional argument, where Belly apologizes for hurting him last summer. They make up and continue, stopping at a favorite restaurant. As they near the summer house, Belly recalls a quiet winter getaway with Conrad.
When they arrive, tensions rise as Conrad and Jeremiah argue, and then Conrad reveals the summer house is up for sale. This shocking news explains his disappearance and threatens the heart of the story. The summer house has always been a place that keeps them connected, without it, can their relationships survive?
Torn and devastated, the group confronts Conrad and Jeremiah’s father about the sale of the beach house. However, he explains that there’s nothing he can do, as the house now legally belongs to Aunt Julia, Susannah’s sister, who is determined to sell it no matter what. Through flashbacks, Belly reflects on her past with Conrad, including their emotional prom night and painful breakup. Despite unresolved feelings and shared grief, the group slowly comes together, Steven and Taylor arrive to support them, and Belly and Jeremiah try to reason with Julia. When their efforts fail, Conrad and Jeremiah unite, refusing to give up. As they gather at the house one last time, they find comfort in each other, holding tightly to the memories and fighting to preserve what Susannah once loved.
As summer continues at Cousins Beach, Belly finds herself spending more time with Jeremiah. After past heartbreak and shared grief, their relationship begins to grow stronger. From lighthearted moments to honest conversations, Jeremiah becomes a steady presence in her life and a source of comfort as they try to move forward.
Meanwhile, Conrad attempts to keep his emotions in check, choosing to stay on the sidelines as Belly and Jeremiah grow closer. However, it becomes increasingly clear that his feelings for Belly haven’t faded. In one of the season’s most pivotal moments, Conrad finally opens up and admits that he never stopped loving her—forcing Belly to reconsider everything. Caught between the comfort of the present and the unresolved feelings of the past, she finds herself at a difficult crossroads.
Photo by: Peter Taylor/Amazon Prime Video
The emotional tension hits its peak after Conrad finishes his college exam and hurries back, ready to finally confess his feelings to Belly. But when he arrives, he sees her kissing Jeremiah. Stunned and heartbroken, Conrad walks away in silence. The tension between the brothers spills into a dramatic car ride and a hotel stay, where they’re forced to confront their emotions and what Belly means to both of them.
By the end of the season, Belly has made her choice (for now). She decides to stay with Jeremiah, hoping for a fresh start and to leave behind the weight of her complicated past. Conrad, though visibly heartbroken, steps back.
But this isn't the end, not yet. The air crackles with unresolved emotions, and the memory of Susannah still lingers on. The love triangle may have reached a temporary resolution, but the storm of feelings is far from over. As the sun sets on Cousins Beach, silence falls over the characters, and fans are left on the edge of their seats, desperately wondering what comes next. With Season 3 on the horizon, the drama is set to escalate, and fans can only wait in anticipation for what will unfold next.
Isabella Obara
Senior Writer
Hi, I’m Isa Obara! I’m a Senior at La Floresta and a writer for the Media & Entertainment section of the school newspaper. I’ve always been fascinated by how the media shapes our understanding of the world and sparks important conversations. Writing for this category gives me the chance to explore current issues, analyze their impact, and share stories that matter. Being part of the newspaper has helped me grow as a writer and connect with others who share my passion for meaningful storytelling. I hope my articles inspire thought and give you a glimpse of who I am through my work!
