The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 is for the Jeremiah stans [REVIEW]

My favorite series of the summer of 2022 was Prime Video’s, The Summer I Turned Pretty. It has everything you want in a Young Adult Drama, great characters, fun storylines, and a messy love triangle. The Series is based on the Jenny Han Book Series of the same name, and while it takes a lot of liberties, for the most part, I think they improve the story.

At the end of season one, Belly and Jeremiah had started dating. However, after learning the news about his mother’s cancer he disappears and leaves Belly stranded at the ball. There, Conrad swoops in like Prince Charming saving the day. By the end of the season, we see Belly and Conrad kissing on the beach and it fades away.

So, what happens next?!

THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY SEASON 2

The tone of season 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty is starkly different from season 1. Things are more somber, less teen fun, and more heartbreak. Over the first few episodes, through the use of flashbacks, we see what has transpired over the course of the year. We see Belly and Conrad happily dating, but him constantly pulling away because of his mother’s health deteriorating. We see Jeremiah pretending to be strong and not hurt by Belly and Conrad being together.

I will say that I appreciate we cover so much territory quickly, but it somehow makes the top half of the season drag. Then, when we are in the present day, we learn that the house at Cousin’s Beach is being put up for sale by Susannah’s estranged sister. Conrad has left school and has gone missing. So, Jeremiah (who hasn’t spoken to Belly or Steven in months) reaches out hoping she knows where he is. After saying no, she decides to go with Jeremiah on the hunt to find Conrad. At this point, all we know is Belly and Conrad have broken up and it’s not great.

TACKLING LARGE SUBJECT MATTER

Grief is not an easy topic to approach and not one that a teen drama show covers often. However, The Summer I Turned Pretty really does a great job of showing all sides. Everyone processes grief differently and there is no wrong or right way. That said, you need a support system, and seeing these characters going through their personal struggles but finding their way back to each other for love and support is beautiful to see.

But don’t worry, that’s not all that season 2 is about. We also get introduced to a couple of new characters, Suzanna’s estranged sister played by Kyra Sedgwick, and her daughter, Skye (Elsie Fisher). The added dynamic helps break up the tension that is felt throughout the entire season. Some of the best moments are watching the kids be kids and friends again.

Steven and Taylor also get a larger storyline this season which brings much-needed levity to break up the dark storyline.

WHEN DO WE GET TO THE LOVE TRIANGLE

If you’re like me and need the drama, you’ll have to wait until about halfway through the season for that to fully hit. Throughout the first half, we’re learning about what transpired over the last year while simultaneously learning about what’s happening right now. Once it all settles down and we get through the heavy lifting of the grief storyline the series shifts hard back into love triangle land.

And let me tell you…it does NOT disappoint. Just like in the 2nd book, Season 2 is all for the Jeremiah stans. The charm, the heart, and the chemistry are off the charts. I cannot wait to see the TikTok videos that come out of this season. “What did he say?!” is going to be used a lot. I refuse to spoil this for you, fellow readers. You’ll just have to enjoy it as it comes like I did.

Then the ending…….whooooof….cliffhanger city people! 

The Summer I Turned Pretty returns to Prime Video on Friday, July 14, 2023, with three episodes. Then, there will be new episodes weekly until the season finale on Friday, August 18, 2023.