Prime Video’s hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 returned for its second season in 2023, captivating audiences once again with its blend of romance, drama, and summer nostalgia. Based on the second book in Jenny Han’s popular Summer trilogy, It’s Not Summer Without You, Season 2 delves deeper into the complexities of love, heartbreak, and the bittersweet transition from adolescence to adulthood. With a stellar cast, picturesque coastal settings, and a soundtrack that hits all the right emotional notes, this season has left fans eagerly discussing every plot twist and character development.
Plot Recap of The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2
Season 2 picks up after the dramatic events of the first season, which ended with Belly (Isabel “Belly” Conklin) choosing Conrad Fisher over her longtime admirer and best friend, Jeremiah Fisher. However, this new season doesn’t start with a perfect The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2. Instead, it begins with tension, grief, and unresolved emotions that cast a shadow over the sun-soaked beaches of Cousins.
The Fisher brothers, Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), are grappling with their mother Susannah’s (Rachel Blanchard) battle with cancer. Belly, caught in the crossfire of their emotional turmoil, finds herself torn between her love for Conrad and her deep bond with Jeremiah. The death of Susannah mid-season adds a poignant layer to the story, reshaping relationships and forcing the characters to confront their feelings amidst their grief.
The overarching plot revolves around the fate of the family beach house, which becomes a central point of conflict. Conrad and Jeremiah are determined to honor their mother’s memory by keeping the house, while their estranged father threatens to sell it. Belly steps in to help the Fisher brothers, leading to a reunion that stirs unresolved feelings and reignites love triangles.
Themes Explored in The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2
1. The Complexity of Love
Season 2 deepens the exploration of romantic relationships, portraying love as a messy, sometimes painful, and deeply transformative experience. Belly’s relationship with Conrad faces challenges as his grief and inability to communicate push her away. Meanwhile, Jeremiah’s unwavering support during these difficult times rekindles Belly’s feelings for him, reigniting the classic love triangle.
This season emphasizes that love isn’t always about grand gestures; sometimes, it’s about showing up when it matters most. Belly learns that relationships require effort, understanding, and forgiveness, making her journey relatable to many viewers.
2. Grief and Healing
The death of Susannah Fisher is a pivotal moment in the season. It’s not just a backdrop but a driving force that shapes the characters’ decisions and emotions. The portrayal of grief feels raw and genuine, highlighting the different ways people cope with loss. For Conrad, it’s withdrawing into himself; for Jeremiah, it’s trying to hold everything together. Belly finds herself caught in the middle, trying to provide support while navigating her own feelings.
Through these narratives, the show delivers a heartfelt message about the importance of family, memories, and healing. Susannah’s presence is felt throughout the season, reminding viewers of the impact a loved one can have even after they’re gone.
3. Growing Up and Self-Discovery
Much of The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 is about the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Season 2 sees Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah grappling with adult responsibilities, whether it’s fighting to keep the beach house, dealing with family dynamics, or figuring out their futures. These struggles resonate with the audience, especially young adults facing similar life changes.
Belly’s journey of self-discovery is central to this season. She begins to understand the importance of standing up for herself and making choices that prioritize her happiness and well-being. This growth is evident in her relationships, as she learns to navigate her feelings with maturity and grace.
Character Arcs and Performances
Belly Conklin
Lola Tung delivers a standout performance as Belly, capturing the nuances of a young woman navigating first loves, heartbreak, and personal growth. Her portrayal is heartfelt, making Belly’s emotional journey authentic and relatable. This season, Belly evolves from a lovestruck teenager into a more self-aware and assertive individual.
Conrad Fisher
Christopher Briney’s Conrad continues to be a complex character. Struggling with grief and guilt, Conrad often comes across as emotionally distant, yet Briney’s nuanced performance ensures viewers sympathize with his pain. His chemistry with Belly is undeniable, even as their relationship faces significant hurdles.
Jeremiah Fisher
Gavin Casalegno shines as Jeremiah, providing a refreshing contrast to Conrad’s brooding demeanor. Jeremiah’s loyalty, humor, and vulnerability make him a fan favorite. This season allows Casalegno to delve deeper into his character’s emotional layers, showcasing Jeremiah’s resilience and unwavering love for Belly.
Supporting Characters
The supporting cast, including Rachel Blanchard as Susannah, Sean Kaufman as Steven (Belly’s brother), and Jackie Chung as Laurel (Belly’s mother), adds depth and richness to the story. Laurel’s journey as a grieving friend and single mother is particularly poignant, highlighting the challenges of parenting teenagers while dealing with personal loss.
Visuals and Soundtrack
One of the show’s strongest elements is its ability to transport viewers to the idyllic world of Cousins Beach. The cinematography captures the beauty of The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 – golden sunsets, ocean waves, and cozy beach house interiors. This season balances these picturesque visuals with darker, more introspective moments, reflecting the characters’ emotional states.
The soundtrack remains a key highlight, featuring a mix of nostalgic and contemporary hits that perfectly complement the show’s tone. Artists like Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, and Olivia Rodrigo add emotional weight to pivotal scenes, creating a memorable auditory experience.
Reception and Fan Reactions
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 received a warm reception from fans and critics alike. Many praised the show for its heartfelt storytelling, character development, and ability to stay true to Jenny Han’s source material while making necessary adaptations for a modern audience.
The love triangle continues to be a major talking point among fans. Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah debates have reignited on social media, with passionate arguments about who is the better match for Belly. This engagement highlights the series’ ability to evoke strong emotions and keep viewers invested in its characters.
Critics have also lauded the show’s handling of heavier themes like grief and family dynamics. While some felt the pacing slowed in certain episodes, the overall consensus is that Season 2 successfully deepened the narrative while setting the stage for an even more dramatic Season 3.
What’s Next for the Series?
The cliffhanger ending of Season 2 leaves fans eagerly anticipating the third installment, which will likely be based on the final book in the trilogy, We’ll Always Have The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2. While the exact release date hasn’t been confirmed, Jenny Han and the showrunners have hinted at more emotional twists and turns.
The focus of Season 3 is expected to shift toward resolving the love triangle definitively while exploring the characters’ futures beyond Cousins Beach. Will Belly finally choose between Conrad and Jeremiah? How will the Fisher family move forward without Susannah? And what will become of the beloved beach house?
Conclusion
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 is a poignant, beautifully crafted exploration of love, loss, and growing up. It balances heartwarming moments with emotional depth, making it a must-watch for fans of the books and newcomers alike. As the characters face life’s challenges, they remind viewers of the importance of cherishing every fleeting moment of summer – and of life itself.
Whether you’re Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah, one thing is clear: The Summer I Turned Pretty continues to deliver an unforgettable summer experience, one that will linger in the hearts of its audience long after the credits roll.
