To put it simply, since the first episode of season three of The Summer I Turned Pretty aired on 16 July this summer, it has had the world in a chokehold. Constant arguments have dominated online discourse as fans have debated the intricacies of which Fisher brother is superior (it is obviously Conrad). However, it is not only viewers of the show who have participated in these conversations, as the elaborate storyline has enthralled many who have not even watched the show. But why is this the case?
One reason for the insane levels of popularity that The Summer I Turned Pretty experiences is, of course, down to the love triangle that dictates the show’s narrative. Fans are forced to choose, similar to the protagonist herself, Belly, between two brothers: Conrad, the older, more mysterious, crueller brother, and Jeremiah, the younger, cuter, more simplistic brother. During the first season, this enticed viewers, as love triangles often do, such as in similar shows like Gilmore Girls with Jess and Dean, or Jane the Virgin with Michael and Raphael. Although, as the show progressed to this final season, the narrative became more intriguing as the show suggested Belly would flip-flop between both brothers before finally making her choice. Obviously, this resounded with an interesting online dialogue of the semi-incestuous nature of these relationships…
Additionally, the show gained huge traction online because of its amazing, star-studded soundtrack, which truly demonstrated the power of popular music being utilised in media. Artists Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Tame Impala, Olivia Rodrigo and Bon Iver were just a few in the long list of mega pop stars whose music featured in key moments of the show. Consequently, this largely contributed to fans’ infatuations with the show as it combined a classic storyline with songs that many were already obsessed with in their own right.
Another element of the show that furthered the addiction of its supporters was the aesthetic perpetuated by the summer house: the beauty of a fantastically perfect upper-class American summer. Whilst the show featured devastating storylines, including the death of Conrad and Jeremiah’s mother from cancer, the show had an overall positive sense of enjoyment, allowing fans to feel uplifted by the show, as well as becoming truly invested.
By and large, The Summer I Turned Pretty was an amazing hit show, loved by people of all ages. With the series finale having just premiered, I can certainly say the show deserved its obsession this summer, as it provided an uplifting sense of fun. We will now have to wait and see if the show manages to retain its dedicated fans with its upcoming movie…
Photo by Alice Locker.