SPOILER WARNING
The Summer I Turned Pretty (TSITP) might seem like just another teen romance television show: a girl, two brothers, and lots of summer drama. However, the show contains deep undertones about navigating adolescence and combatting gender roles. Whether you’ve actually watched it or you have just seen clips and conspiracy theories about director Jenny Han’s famous “easter eggs,” TSITP maintained a mainstream spot for the past three summers. Based on Han’s book trilogy, TSITP follows Belly Conklin as she spends summers at a beach house with her family and close family friends, the Fishers.
Over three seasons, viewers tuned into Belly’s falling in love, arguing with friends and family, and struggling with identity exploration. While the show provides viewers with drama and tension, the show also reflects common pressures tied to gender and relationships that teens often face. The season finale evoked various different emotions for viewers. Some felt it was a predictable ending, while others were left in shock. In the final episode, the show took a turn when Belly chose her childhood love, Conrad Fisher, over his brother Jeremiah.
TSITP may indicate girls’ expectation to define themselves by romance. In the show, Belly’s entire summer revolves around her feelings for the Fisher brothers, while the boys’ personalities and choices lead with more independence. The show reflects normal society: girls are often judged based on who they like or date, while boys are allowed to grow and explore without the same scrutiny. Lila Feldman ‘29 noticed the gender dynamics too: “it’s kind of weird how everything for Belly revolves around the guys,” she mentioned. “I feel like the boys in the show get more space to just exist, while Belly’s life is mostly about who she likes or who likes her.”
Even newer, popular TV shows such as TSITP reflect the gender norms and expectations of men and women.
The show also gives young viewers a realistic picture of friendships and how they can change and evolve, a phenomenon seen through Belly’s relationship with her best friend Taylor and the Fisher brothers. Tatum Schoettle ‘26 described the show as relatable to high school experiences, explaining that even though some of the plot points feel predictable, the slight sense of mystery and “easter eggs” that Han hides keeps viewers engaged. “I knew some things were coming, but I still loved watching it. The emotions feel real.”
The series may have come to an end with its third season, but the buzz and drama isn’t over. Han recently announced a movie continuation of the series, which will hopefully give TSITP fans a chance to see how Belly’s story, and the lessons it highlights about gender, relationships, and growing up, continues.
Whether you’re Team Conrad, Team Jeremiah, or just Team “I like the drama,” TSITP offers more than just another drama series whose sole focus is romance. It’s a show about growing up, figuring out friendships, navigating social pressures, and understanding how gender roles affect the way we live our teenage lives.