In the lingering haze of summer’s end, as the leaves begin to turn and the air carries a crisp promise of autumn, fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty are still reeling from the emotional tidal wave that was the Season 3 finale. The Prime Video adaptation of Jenny Han’s beloved YA trilogy wrapped its sun-soaked saga on September 17, 2025, leaving viewers with a blend of satisfaction, longing, and a healthy dose of debate. At the heart of this whirlwind conclusion are stars Lola Tung and Christopher Briney, who portray the star-crossed lovers Belly Conklin and Conrad Fisher. In an exclusive interview with this publication, conducted in the romantic backdrop of Paris just days after the finale aired, Tung and Briney opened up about the show’s poignant close, the evolution of their characters, and the raw honesty that defined Belly and Conrad’s reunion. “At least they’re honest about it this time,” Briney reflects with a knowing smile, encapsulating the maturity that fans have craved since the series began.

This conversation comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise. With the announcement of a feature film adaptation mere hours after the finale dropped, the world of Cousins Beach feels far from faded. Yet, it’s the Season 3 ending—a tender, introspective moment where Belly and Conrad reconnect under the Eiffel Tower’s glow—that has sparked endless discussions on social media, from TikTok edits to Reddit theories. Tung, 23, and Briney, 27, sat down with us in a quaint Parisian café, their chemistry as palpable off-screen as on, to dissect the finale’s emotional layers, the challenges of filming such intimate scenes, and what it means to bid farewell—or perhaps au revoir—to characters who’ve become like family. Their reflections offer a window into the heartfelt authenticity that has made The Summer I Turned Pretty more than just a teen romance; it’s a mirror to the complexities of growing up, loving deeply, and letting go.

Recapping the Road to the Finale: A Summer Saga of Love and Loss

To fully appreciate Tung and Briney’s insights, it’s essential to revisit the journey that led to Season 3’s crescendo. Based on Han’s trilogy—The Summer I Turned Pretty (2009), It’s Not Summer Without You (2010), and We’ll Always Have Summer (2011)—the series chronicles Belly Conklin’s annual summers at Cousins Beach, where she navigates the turbulent waters of first love with the Fisher brothers: the brooding, introspective Conrad and the charismatic, carefree Jeremiah (played by Gavin Casalegno). What starts as a lighthearted coming-of-age tale evolves into a profound exploration of grief, family dynamics, and self-discovery, particularly after the death of Susannah Fisher (Rachel Blanchard), the matriarch whose cancer battle casts a long shadow over the narrative.

Season 1, premiering in June 2022, introduced viewers to Belly’s awkward transformation from “the little sister” to a young woman caught in a love triangle. Tung’s portrayal of Belly—equal parts vulnerable and vivacious—earned her breakout status, while Briney’s Conrad captured the quiet torment of a boy burdened by unspoken pain. The season ended on a cliffhanger kiss between Belly and Conrad, setting the stage for the emotional rollercoaster ahead.

Season 2, released in July 2023, delved deeper into heartbreak, adapting the second book’s themes of loss and longing. With Susannah’s passing fresh, the Fisher family fractures: Conrad spirals into depression, Jeremiah steps up as the emotional anchor, and Belly grapples with her divided heart. The finale’s beach house confrontation, where Belly chooses Jeremiah amid Conrad’s emotional withdrawal, left fans divided and desperate for resolution.

Enter Season 3, which premiered in July 2025 and expanded to 11 episodes, allowing Han to weave in original content while staying true to the trilogy’s spirit. The season opens with Belly and Jeremiah’s relationship blossoming into an engagement, only for cracks to appear as Conrad’s unresolved feelings resurface. Flashbacks to previous summers add depth, revealing the intricate web of secrets and regrets that bind the trio. Key moments include Belly’s college struggles, Jeremiah’s jealousy-fueled outbursts, and Conrad’s quiet acts of devotion, like leaving anonymous notes in Belly’s favorite books.

The buildup to the finale is a masterclass in tension. Episode 10’s disastrous wedding rehearsal—complete with a storm that mirrors the characters’ inner turmoil—forces confrontations: Belly admits her lingering love for Conrad, Jeremiah walks away heartbroken, and Laurel (Kyra Sedgwick) delivers a tear-jerking monologue on enduring love. The finale, titled “Love’s Eternal Summer,” transports the action to Paris, where Belly, studying abroad, encounters Conrad during a chance meeting at a café. Their reunion is tentative, laced with years of unspoken words, culminating in a heartfelt conversation under the Eiffel Tower. “I never stopped loving you,” Conrad confesses, and Belly’s response—”Neither did I”—seals their fate with a kiss as the city lights twinkle.

But it’s not a fairy-tale wrap; Jeremiah’s voicemail to Belly, wishing her well but hinting at his own path forward, adds nuance. The episode closes with a montage of past summers, soundtracked by Taylor Swift’s “Timeless,” leaving viewers with a sense of closure tinged with melancholy.

Lola Tung and Chris Briney: Unpacking the Emotional Core

Sitting across from Tung and Briney, it’s evident how deeply they’ve internalized their roles. Tung, with her signature wavy hair and thoughtful gaze, speaks first about the finale’s honesty. “Belly’s journey has always been about self-discovery, but in Season 3, she finally confronts her truths without apology,” she says. “The ending feels earned because it’s not rushed—it’s honest. Belly and Conrad aren’t pretending anymore; they’re acknowledging the mess they’ve made and choosing each other anyway.”

Briney nods, his easy charm belying the depth in his eyes. “At least they’re honest about it this time,” he echoes the quote that’s become a fan mantra. “In earlier seasons, Conrad was all bottled up—grief, love, fear. But in the finale, he lays it bare. Filming that Paris scene was magical but intense; we shot at dawn, with the city waking up around us. It felt like the characters were finally free.”

The duo delves into the challenges of portraying such raw emotions. Tung recalls the wedding rehearsal episode: “Belly’s meltdown—screaming at Jeremiah, confessing to Conrad—it was cathartic. Gavin [Casalegno] and I rehearsed for hours, pushing each other to those vulnerable places. It’s scary, but that’s what makes it real.” Briney shares a behind-the-scenes anecdote: “Chris and I have this shorthand now—after three seasons, we can convey so much with a look. In the finale kiss, there was no script for the dialogue; Jenny let us improvise, drawing from our characters’ histories. It was honest, messy, perfect.”

Their reflections extend to the love triangle’s toll. “Fans are passionate—Team Conrad, Team Jeremiah—but it’s not about winning,” Tung says. “Belly loves both, but Conrad is her soulmate. Jeremiah’s arc is about self-love; Gavin nailed that heartbreak.” Briney adds, “Conrad’s growth is subtle—he learns to communicate. The honesty in the ending? It’s him saying, ‘I messed up, but I choose you.’ Fans needed that vulnerability.”

Fan Reactions: A Tidal Wave of Emotions

The finale’s honesty has resonated deeply with viewers, sparking a social media storm. On TikTok, #TSITPFinale amassed 500 million views in 48 hours, with users recreating the Paris kiss or analyzing Belly’s choice through edits set to Swift’s “Lover.” Reddit threads on r/TheSummerITurnedPretty debate the ending’s ambiguity: “It’s honest, but is it fair to Jeremiah?” one user asks, while another praises, “Finally, no more games—Belly’s grown up.”

Twitter (now X) trends like #BellyAndConradForever reflect the divide, with 2 million tweets in the first week. Fans laud the show’s handling of grief: “Susannah’s memory in the finale—heartbreaking but honest,” posts one. Yet, criticism lingers: Some accuse the series of romanticizing toxicity, prompting Han to respond in a live Q&A: “Love is messy; honesty is the key.”

The cast engages thoughtfully. Tung’s Instagram story post-finale—”Thank you for loving Belly’s journey as much as I do”—garnered 1 million likes. Briney shared a behind-the-scenes photo with Casalegno, captioned “Brothers forever,” quelling feud rumors.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting an Honest Close

Filming Season 3 was a labor of love, with the cast quarantining in Wilmington, North Carolina, for six months. Tung describes the camaraderie: “Beach bonfires, script reads— it mirrored the show.” Challenges arose: Rain delays for outdoor scenes, emotional exhaustion from grief arcs. “The finale’s Paris shoot was a dream,” Briney says. “We flew in for a week—Eiffel Tower at sunrise, croissants between takes. But the honesty came from trust; Jenny encouraged ad-libs.”

Han’s vision emphasized authenticity. “I wanted the ending to feel real—not tied in a bow,” she explained in a panel. Drawing from her books, she expanded arcs: Belly’s therapy sessions address mental health, Jeremiah’s bisexuality adds depth (a nod to fan theories). The soundtrack, curated with Swift’s input, underscores honesty—tracks like “Honest” by The Chainsmokers in the confession scene.

Cultural Impact: Why Honesty Resonates Now

In a post-pandemic world craving connection, The Summer I Turned Pretty strikes a chord with its honest portrayal of youth. It tackles taboo topics: Grief’s nonlinearity, love’s imperfections, family secrets. Tung reflects: “Belly’s honesty empowers young women—own your feelings, even the messy ones.” Briney adds: “Conrad’s vulnerability challenges male stereotypes; honesty heals.”

The show’s diversity—Asian-American Han, mixed-race Tung—promotes representation. “Belly’s not just any girl; she’s me,” Tung says, inspiring fan art and essays on identity.

Merchandise booms: Beach house replicas, “Team” tees. The finale’s honesty has boosted book sales 15%, per Nielsen.

Teasing the Movie: More Summers Ahead?

With the film announced, Tung and Briney tease escalation. “It’s Belly’s next chapter—honest adulthood,” Tung hints. Briney: “More drama, but with growth. Conrad’s ready to be honest fully.” Han promises “heartbreak under the sun,” perhaps exploring marriage, careers, lingering triangles.

For now, the finale’s honesty lingers—a testament to love’s complexity. As Tung says, “At least they’re honest this time— that’s the beauty.”

In reflecting on Season 3’s ending, Tung and Briney remind us: Honesty isn’t easy, but it’s the path to true connection. As fans await the movie, one thing’s clear—Cousins Beach’s sun hasn’t set yet.