Prime Video released The Summer I Turned Pretty, a 7-episode first season based on the book by Jenny Han, last Friday. Han, who is most well-known as the author of the wildly-popular To All The Boys series, returns with this captivating series.
The series follows Belly, a teenage girl who has spent the summer growing up alongside her Mom’s best friend, Susannah, and her two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. Belly’s brother, Steven, also joins them. However, this summer is different — Belly is all grown up, and the boys are starting to notice.
The story weaves its way through growing up as a teenage girl, discovering boys, and also the affection of the two boys she’s grown up with. Lola Tung, who is a newcomer, is a perfect choice to lead the series. She’s captivating and fun in a way that makes you take the journey along with her and feel for her. Gavin Casalegno, who was previously on The CW’s Walker, is a perfect Jeremiah — he’s sweet and charming, and it’s easy to see why Belly feels drawn to him. Christopher Briney is perfect as the quiet and mysterious Conrad. There’s times where you just want to hate him, but he acts so effortlessly to draw you back into his world and why he’s doing the things he’s doing. Sean Kaufman is so fun as Steven, and you really love getting to watch him and his relationships as well.
The writing for the show is incredible. On the surface, you might think it’s a fun, summer love story but the story soon delves so much deeper and instantly has you hooked. What’s really great about the series is that it’s not only the teens who are focused on. The adults all have stories of their own, and their characters are exceptionally fleshed out. Jackie Chung and Rachel Blanchard in particular have such great chemistry as best friends, and Blanchard carries a heavy burden where you can see her struggle throughout the whole season.
All of the friends of the core four are so greatly cast as well. Minnie Mills, Summer Madison, David Iacono, and Rain Spencer each command the screen when they’re on it.
The season is only elevated even further by the fantastic music choices. Taylor Swift’s music appears in multiple episodes, and really gives that summer love feeling. There’s also songs you’ll recognize from trends on TikTok, as well as Olivia Rodrigo.
It’s no surprise that before the series even aired, Prime Video has already renewed it for a season 2, which makes sense considering Han authored multiple books in the series.
The Summer I Turned Pretty is a must-watch event of the summer, and one of the best shows of the year. The Summer I Turned Pretty is available to watch now on Prime Video.
