‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Season 3: A Deeper Dive Into the Anticipated Final Chapter
Creator Jenny Han hints at unexpected twists for fans of the beloved book series in the forthcoming season.
Overview
Amazon Prime Video’s highly popular series, The Summer I Turned Pretty, is set to return for its third season on July 16, 2023. Based on the book trilogy written by Jenny Han, the series features the life of Isabel "Belly" Conklin (played by Lola Tung) as she navigates love and friendship during her summer vacations with the Fisher brothers, Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno). With the arrival of the new season, expectations have surged, particularly concerning how closely the show will adhere to the original novels.
What to Expect in Season 3
In an exclusive interview with People, Jenny Han revealed that while she aims to include several favorite scenes from the third novel, We’ll Always Have Summer, there will be surprises that may catch long-time readers off guard. Han emphasized the need to be empathetic to all characters, hinting that some beloved moments might not unfold as predicted. She stated, "I wanted to make sure that I was going to really service those fans who have been following the story for a really long time."
This season will follow Belly as she completes her junior year of college, now in a committed relationship with Jeremiah. However, the re-emergence of Conrad is set to challenge her emotional stability, provoking questions about her ultimate romantic choice—could this lead to an emotional confrontation between the brothers and Belly?
Significant Changes from the Books
Unlike its predecessor, Season 2 introduced several deviations from the source material. For example, Conrad faced panic attacks, a plot twist that intensified emotional distance between him and Belly. Moreover, the dynamics of Belly’s relationships shifted significantly; in the books, she was more indecisive about her feelings for Conrad.
Belly’s first kiss with Jeremiah in the series was initiated by her, contrary to the book where Jeremiah kisses her to provoke Conrad’s jealousy. As Season 3 progresses, there are indications that Belly may even be planning a wedding with Jeremiah, elevating the stakes when faced with Conrad’s return.
Earlier this year, Han also teased, "There are things that [fans] know, and then there are things they think they know, and then there’s going to be, hopefully, things that surprise them." This statement reflects the balance Han seeks to maintain between respecting original fans and exploring fresh narratives that the TV format allows.
Implications for Future Storylines
With many fans emotionally invested in the central love triangle, the show’s direction raises questions on the potential fallout. While the series may ultimately follow the book’s conclusion, fans have noted that diverging paths could lead to an entirely different emotional landscape. Whether Belly’s decision aligns more with her heart or the dramatic expectations built over the seasons remains to be seen, but it risks potentially alienating some viewership.
The third season’s novel-inspired elements, coupled with emotional depths and character developments tailored for screen adaptation, present significant opportunities for storytelling and viewer engagement. While many fans may find closure, alterations to anticipated outcomes could elicit disappointment among others.
Conclusion
As The Summer I Turned Pretty prepares for its final season, the intricate weave of adaptation, character evolution, and viewer expectation will play a significant role in shaping its narrative. The blend of nostalgia from the original novels and fresh perspectives may well offer compelling viewing, but it remains to be seen how fans will receive these changes.
The third season begins streaming on Prime Video starting July 16, with new episodes releasing weekly until September 17. This promising conclusion to Belly’s story is anticipated to ignite discussions, reflections, and emotional responses from both new viewers and long-time fans alike.
