How “The Summer I Turned Pretty” Captured a Generation’s Heart

The final season of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* (TSITP) has resonated deeply with viewers, particularly among young adults navigating their own life transitions. Released on October 23, 2025, the series has become a cultural touchstone for its portrayal of teenage emotions and relationships, striking a chord with many who relate to the character’s journey through love and loss.

Amelia Taylor, a sophomore from Potomac, Maryland, reflects on her experience with the show, which began during her junior year of high school. Seeking a distraction from the pressures of academic life, she stumbled upon TSITP while adjusting to the rigorous demands of her studies. What started as a casual viewing quickly transformed into a summer-long obsession as Taylor and millions of others became invested in the life of Belly, the show’s protagonist.

The narrative follows Belly as she navigates complex relationships with two brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, during summer vacations at the beach. The series captures the essence of teenage angst, with Belly’s struggles mirroring the experiences of many young viewers. Taylor points out that the show provided a much-needed escape during challenging times, particularly as the summer of 2022 marked a return to normalcy following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Belly’s journey reflects a search for identity and emotional maturity, which resonated with viewers who felt similarly adrift after two years of disrupted socialization. “Belly was 16. She had been awkward. She honestly was still awkward,” Taylor writes, highlighting the character’s relatable struggles. As viewers tuned in weekly, they found solace in Belly’s adventures, experiencing their own feelings vicariously through her story.

The second season introduced darker themes, including grief and heartbreak, as Belly faced the loss of Susannah, the matriarch of the family. This emotional depth drew viewers into the narrative, creating a connection that extended beyond mere entertainment. Taylor notes, “We all needed distractions, and watching Belly distract herself was good enough for the rest of us.”

Now in college, Taylor has witnessed the show’s evolution alongside her own growth. The series returned for its third season in the summer of 2025, coinciding with her transition to university life in Baltimore. As she juggled new responsibilities and experiences, TSITP remained a weekly ritual, providing a familiar anchor amidst change.

The show’s finale sparked a communal viewing experience among friends, with Taylor recalling a crowded room filled with both longtime fans and newcomers. This gathering illustrated the show’s ability to unite people, fostering discussions that spanned beyond the screen. “In addition to the three of us who have been watching since 2022, there was my roommate who thinks shows like this are ridiculous but enjoys our reactions,” she described, emphasizing the social aspect of viewing.

As the series concluded, Taylor recognized the bittersweet feeling of closure. Although the story of Belly and her choices has come to an end, the impact of TSITP on viewers remains significant. “If someone asked me, very specifically, what it felt like to be a 16-year-old girl in 2022, I’d show them TSITP,” she states, reinforcing the show’s role as a cultural mirror for a generation grappling with their own identities and experiences.

In reflecting on the journey through high school and into adulthood, Taylor acknowledges the lessons learned from both her own life and Belly’s fictional world. The series may have reached its conclusion, but its exploration of teenage life, love, and personal growth will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy for many viewers.