Watch The Summer I Turned Pretty
Okay, confession time. I’ve been absolutely devouring this show lately, and I couldn't NOT tell you about it. Seriously, if you’re looking for that perfect, sparkly, feel-good escape that’ll make you want to swap your comfy sweatpants for a flowy sundress and maybe even dip your toes in the ocean (even if it’s just a kiddie pool in your backyard), then you have to watch The Summer I Turned Pretty. It’s basically summer in a bottle, but like, a really delicious, addictive summer.
Imagine this: It’s that magical time of year when the days are long and lazy, the air smells like sunscreen and possibility, and you’re heading to your absolute favorite place in the whole world. For Belly, that place is the beach house in Cousins Beach. It’s where she’s spent every single summer of her life, with her mom, her brother, and her mom’s best friend and her two sons. It’s the ultimate summer squad goals, right?
But this isn't just any old summer. This is the summer Belly turns... wait for it... pretty! And not just “oh, she put on a bit of lip gloss” pretty. We’re talking like, fairy godmother, sprinkle-of-magic, suddenly-everyone-notices-her pretty. And let me tell you, the whole universe seems to shift. It's like all those awkward teenage years just melted away with the last bit of winter chill, and suddenly, everything is… different.
The heart of the story is Belly’s summer crush, and it’s not just one crush, oh no. It’s a whole, beautiful, complicated love triangle. There’s Conrad, the broody, mysterious one who’s always been a little out of reach, the kind of guy you secretly dream about who probably doesn’t even know you exist. And then there’s Jeremiah, the sunny, fun-loving one, the best friend who’s always been right there, making you laugh until your sides hurt. It’s the classic “nice guy” versus the “bad boy,” but with so much more depth and heart. It’ll have you picking a side so fast, you’ll want to start a poll on your group chat.
Honestly, watching Belly navigate these feelings is like reliving your own awkward teenage years, but with way better music and a much cooler beach setting. Remember those moments when you were just sure you were in love, even if it was with the barista who knew your order? Or when your best friend suddenly seemed like the most amazing person in the world? This show captures that fluttery, confusing, exhilarating feeling perfectly. It’s all about those first crushes, the butterflies in your stomach, and the agonizing wait for a text message.
And the family dynamics! You’ve got Belly’s mom, Laurel, who’s trying her best to figure things out as a single mom, and her best friend, Susannah, who is just pure sunshine and magic personified. Susannah is the kind of mom figure everyone wishes they had, dispensing wisdom and love like confetti at a party. Her relationship with her sons, Conrad and Jeremiah, is also a huge part of the show’s charm. You can see the love and the little annoyances, the way siblings do.
The show is based on books by Jenny Han, and you can totally tell because it’s just so well-written and genuinely sweet. It doesn’t feel manufactured or fake. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the characters feel like real people you could actually know. You’ll find yourself rooting for them, even when they’re making questionable decisions (because, let’s be honest, teenage decisions are always a little questionable, right?).
Visually, it’s stunning. Think endless blue skies, golden sunsets, sandy toes, and the constant soundtrack of crashing waves. It’s the kind of show that makes you want to pack a picnic, put on your favorite playlist, and just breathe. It’s pure escapism in the best possible way. It’s like a giant, warm hug for your soul.
And the fashion! Oh my gosh, the fashion. Belly’s style evolves throughout the season, and it’s just perfect. From cute sundresses to comfy shorts, it’s all very relatable and aspirational at the same time. It’s the kind of wardrobe you’d pack for a perfect summer vacation, and you’ll probably be screenshotting outfits for your Pinterest board.
So, if you’ve been feeling a little… meh lately, or if you’re just desperately missing those carefree summer vibes, do yourself a favor and dive into The Summer I Turned Pretty. It’s a little bit of romance, a little bit of coming-of-age, and a whole lot of pure, unadulterated joy. It’s the perfect binge-watch for a rainy day, a lazy weekend, or honestly, any day you need a serious dose of happiness. Trust me, you won’t regret it. You might even find yourself dreaming of Cousins Beach.
It’s like summer in a bottle, but like, a really delicious, addictive summer.
