Amazon Prime’s The Summer I Turned Pretty has become more than just a TV show—it’s now a cultural phenomenon. The YA drama, based on Jenny Han’s best-selling book trilogy, follows the heartfelt journey of Isabel “Belly” Conklin as she navigates first love, heartbreak, and self-discovery at Cousins Beach. Over the course of three seasons, viewers have been deeply invested in the central love triangle between Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah Fisher.
What makes the show special is how it blends youthful romance with nostalgia, creating an experience that resonates not only with teens but also with millennials and even Gen X viewers. With Season 3 wrapping up the trilogy’s storyline, fans are asking one big question: Is this really the end? Or could The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 4 happen?
Season 3 Recap: The Emotional Climax Everyone Waited For
Season 3, which premiered earlier this year, was based on Jenny Han’s final book We’ll Always Have Summer. The storyline centered around Belly’s final choice between Jeremiah, her ex-fiancé, and Conrad, her first love. After dramatic twists and emotional moments, the season ended in Paris, where Belly ultimately declared her love for Conrad in a grand, cinematic moment reminiscent of Love Actually.
This resolution felt both satisfying and heartbreaking. While Team Conrad celebrated Belly’s decision, Team Jeremiah was left with bittersweet closure as Jeremiah found comfort elsewhere. For many fans, the finale was exactly what they had hoped for. For others, it sparked debates across social media, making it one of Prime Video’s most talked-about releases of the year.
Will There Be a The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 4?
The biggest buzz right now is about Season 4. Unfortunately, Jenny Han herself has hinted that the trilogy was always designed to mirror the three books:
- Season 1 → The Summer I Turned Pretty
- Season 2 → It’s Not Summer Without You
- Season 3 → We’ll Always Have Summer
In an interview, Han explained: “Three books, three seasons. It feels right.” That statement makes it clear that a traditional Season 4 is not part of the current plan.
However, if we’ve learned anything from the entertainment industry, it’s that fan demand can sometimes change the future. After all, XO, Kitty, a spin-off of Han’s To All The Boys franchise, became a Netflix hit. Could Cousins Beach also get its own spin-off? Fans are certainly hopeful.
Spin-Off Possibilities: Could Cousins Beach Live On?
Even though Season 4 may not happen, the universe of The Summer I Turned Pretty has plenty of room to expand. Some possibilities include:
- A Prequel Story – Focusing on the early friendship of Susannah and Laurel in the 1990s, filled with nostalgia and backstory.
- Jeremiah’s Journey – Exploring Jeremiah’s growth and new relationships after Belly chooses Conrad.
- Steven & Taylor’s Future – Following Belly’s brother Steven and his romance with Taylor could give fans fresh drama and lighter storylines.
- Next Generation Spin-Off – Years later, Belly and Conrad’s children at Cousins Beach could bring the story full circle.
Jenny Han has already teased fans with a note at the finale: “Maybe we’ll meet again one summer in Cousins.” That little line has fueled endless speculation.
Nostalgia Factor: How Gen X and Millennials Got Hooked
Interestingly, the show didn’t just captivate teenagers. Viewership data shows that adults aged 35-44 became one of the most loyal audiences. Why? Music, nostalgia, and emotional relatability.
Jenny Han carefully handpicked the soundtrack, featuring songs from the 1990s and early 2000s—eras that millennials and Gen X grew up with. By weaving these tracks into key emotional moments, Han created a layered experience. Younger viewers discovered timeless hits, while older viewers relived their youth through Belly’s coming-of-age story.
It’s this cross-generational appeal that has elevated The Summer I Turned Pretty from just another YA drama to a show with a cult following.
Fan Reactions: The Internet’s Super Bowl
The Season 3 finale felt like a global event. Prime Video revealed that the show drew 25 million viewers in its first week, making it the platform’s most-watched season among women aged 18-34. Social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) exploded with fan edits, reaction videos, and heated debates about “Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah.”
One fan even hosted a charity finale watch party, describing the show as a “comfort blanket” during tough times. Another called the finale moment “the Super Bowl of streaming TV.” Clearly, The Summer I Turned Pretty has become more than a story—it’s a shared cultural experience.
Themes That Made the Show Special
Several recurring themes gave The Summer I Turned Pretty its staying power:
- Love Triangles & First Love – A universal storyline that keeps viewers hooked.
- Family Bonds – Beyond romance, the show highlights the importance of family, grief, and healing.
- Self-Discovery – Belly’s growth across three summers mirrors real-life struggles of young adulthood.
- Nostalgia & Music – Smart use of Taylor Swift tracks and throwback hits amplified emotional beats.
By combining universal coming-of-age themes with nostalgia, the series bridged generational gaps seamlessly.
What’s Next for Jenny Han and the Cast?
Jenny Han has proven herself a powerhouse in YA storytelling, with multiple successful adaptations. Fans are watching closely for her next project, hoping it will carry the same emotional weight and relatability.
As for the cast, Lola Tung (Belly), Christopher Briney (Conrad), and Gavin Casalegno (Jeremiah) have all gained huge followings. Hollywood doors are wide open for them, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them in bigger film and TV projects soon.
Conclusion: Will We Meet Again in Cousins?
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 gave fans the ending they had been waiting for—Belly choosing Conrad in a declaration of infinite love. While it seems unlikely we’ll get a traditional Season 4, the emotional weight of the finale and Jenny Han’s open-ended message keep hope alive for spin-offs or future adaptations.
The story of Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah may have reached its conclusion, but the impact of Cousins Beach will linger for years. Whether you’re a teenager discovering first love or a millennial reliving summer nostalgia, this series has proven that some stories truly are timeless.
As Jenny Han herself wrote: “Maybe we’ll meet again one summer in Cousins.” Fans everywhere are holding on to that promise.
