Conrad or Jeremiah? My Take Ahead of The Summer I Turned Pretty Finale

It feels like no matter where you look this summer—TikTok, group chats, watch parties on Wednesday nights—everyone is talking about The Summer I Turned Pretty. It has slipped into the cultural conversation the way only a true teen drama can, with edits, essays, and endless “who should Belly choose?” debates filling up feeds. 

This show has completely taken over my summer, and clearly everyone else’s too. What started as a sweet, nostalgic YA story by Jenny Han has grown into an emotional force that even millennials (yes, the same ones who once obsessed over The OC and One Tree Hill) cannot stop watching. Maybe it is the Taylor Swift soundtrack. Maybe it is the weekly-release schedule that makes us feel like teenagers again, waiting for the next episode drop on a school night. Or maybe it's simply that this show lets us re-live the chaos of young love with the perspective of someone who has already lived through it. 

Whatever the reason, The Summer I Turned Pretty has managed to hook two generations at once. And with the Season 3 finale just around the corner, I’ve been rewatching Seasons 1 and 2 to get ready—and I have some thoughts. 

Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah 

Let’s get into the mess: Belly’s love triangle. 

On one side, we have Conrad, the moody, complicated, and frankly frustrating choice. He often doesn’t say much, hides his feelings, and has a talent for pushing people away. But his feelings for Belly run deep. When he does crack open, when he lets the guard down, it is worth the wait (I’ll never stop thinking about those beach confessions and that quiet forehead kiss). That kind of depth, that slow-burn vulnerability, is what makes Team Conrad ride or die. 

Then there's Jeremiah. Sweet, golden, easy-going Jeremiah. Here’s my confession: in Seasons 1 and 2, I was a firm Team Jeremiah. I defended him against the criticism and believed in the sunshine he brought to Belly’s life. But this season is different. As much as

I’ve tried to keep rooting for him, I fear I can’t anymore. Cheating aside (although could we ever forget about Lacie Barone), Jeremiah’s love sometimes feels more like a burst of infatuation than something lasting. And then came the moment that really stung: when Jeremiah told Belly, “You can’t marry me to erase him.” Ouch. That one line revealed exactly what we’ve all been thinking, Conrad’s presence is always lingering between them. Jeremiah may be fun and willing to wear his heart on his sleeve, but does he really see Belly, or just the idea of her? 

If you scroll TikTok or Instagram for even five minutes, you will find essays, edits, and full-blown arguments about who Belly should choose. And honestly, no wonder. Conrad and Jeremiah embody two completely different versions of love. One is easy, golden, and comforting. The other is harder, moodier, but runs deeper. Jenny Han designed this triangle so perfectly that whichever side you fall on, you are destined for heartbreak. 

Taylor and Steven: The Unsung Heroes 

On my rewatch, one thing became crystal clear: the Taylor and Steven moments are everything. 

What could have been just background characters in Belly’s orbit have turned into one of the most charming subplots of the whole show. Taylor’s sharp wit bouncing off Steven’s clumsy charm? Instant rom-com gold. They bring comic relief, but they also give us glimpses of a relationship that feels grounded, playful, and real. Honestly, I would happily watch a spin-off of just these two navigating life (and roasting each other along the way). 

Why the Season 3 Time Jump Was Needed 

When The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 jumped forward to Belly’s college years, I’ll admit I was nervous at first. Would skipping ahead break the magic? But honestly, the time jump was exactly what the story needed. 

The stakes feel bigger now. Belly is no longer just a teenager figuring out first crushes. She is stepping into adulthood, carrying the weight of choices that really matter. The brothers have grown too, and that extra distance makes the love triangle feel deeper, more complicated, and more believable. Without it, we would still be circling around the same summer drama. With it, we are watching these characters wrestle with who they are becoming. 

The Countdown to the Finale 

So here I am, bracing for the final episode. Will I cry? Absolutely. The internet is already ablaze with theories, edits, and team debates, and I know I’ll be hanging on every second. When the credits roll, Wednesday nights won’t feel the same, but this story will stay with us. So, whatever the outcome—Team Conrad, Team Jeremiah (just please don’t choose yourself, Belly)—one thing is certain: we’ll always have summer. 

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