In the glittering, hormone-fueled world of young adult adaptations on Amazon Prime, two series stand out like mismatched socks in a laundry basket: The Summer I Turned Pretty (TSITP) and Maxton Hall: The World Between Us. Both are based on bestselling novels—Jenny Han’s beachy romance trilogy for the former, and Mona Kasten’s Save Me series for the latter. Both feature privileged worlds colliding with everyday grit, love triangles (or at least tangled webs), and enough teen angst to power a small city’s therapy sessions. But here’s the real kicker, the plot twist that ties them together like a poorly knotted shoelace: the male leads in both shows go absolutely gaga over their female protagonists in a red dress. Yes, you read that right. In a sea of YA tropes—enemies-to-lovers, rich-boy-poor-girl, summer flings that last forever—the red dress emerges as the unsung hero, turning stoic hunks into puddles of mush faster than you can say “wardrobe malfunction.”

Picture this: In TSITP, Belly Conklin (Lola Tung) slips into a crimson number that could stop traffic on Cousins Beach, leaving brothers Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno) in various states of swoon. Cut to Maxton Hall, where Ruby Bell (Harriet Herbig-Matten) dons a Victorian-era red gown gifted by the brooding James Beaufort (Damian Hardung), and suddenly the elite boarding school’s golden boy is rendered speechless, his usual smirk replaced by a jaw-drop worthy of a cartoon wolf. It’s hilarious, it’s coincidental, and it’s begging for a comedic comparison. Why does the color red—symbol of passion, danger, and stop signs—hold such sway over these fictional heartthrobs? Is it a nod to classic fairy tales like Little Red Riding Hood, where the wolf is always lurking? Or just lazy screenwriting shorthand for “this is the moment they fall harder”?

In this article, we’ll dive into a side-splitting showdown between the male leads of these two series, focusing on their shared weakness for the lady in red. We’ll dissect their personalities, their romantic mishaps, and how that fateful dress scene seals the deal (or at least advances the plot). Expect puns, exaggerated analogies, and a healthy dose of sarcasm—because let’s face it, these shows are escapist fun, not Shakespeare. By the end, you might just decide which brooding beau wears his heart on his sleeve better. Spoiler: It’s probably the one with the better hair product budget.

Setting the Scene: Summers, Schools, and Scarlet Seduction

First, let’s rewind to the basics, because not everyone has binge-watched these while nursing a pint of ice cream (guilty as charged). The Summer I Turned Pretty, which wrapped its third and final season in 2025, follows Isabel “Belly” Conklin as she navigates the annual summer pilgrimage to Cousins Beach with her mom Laurel (Jackie Chung) and brother Steven (Sean Kaufman). There, she reunites with the Fisher family: matriarch Susannah (Rachel Blanchard), and her sons Conrad and Jeremiah. It’s a classic love triangle—Belly’s childhood crush on brooding Conrad clashes with the sunny charm of Jeremiah, all set against bonfires, beach volleyball, and enough Taylor Swift needle drops to make you question if Han and Swift are secretly the same person.

The red dress makes its star turn in Season 3, particularly in the finale episodes. Belly, prepping for a wedding venue check or a formal event (details vary in fan recollections, but the impact is unanimous), slips into a slinky red number that hugs her like a second skin. Conrad, ever the moody fisherman (pun intended), spots her and—bam!—his walls crumble. Fans on TikTok and Reddit rave about the “dress scene,” often set to Swift’s Dress from her Reputation album, where lyrics like “Our secret moments in a crowded room” perfectly encapsulate the tension. Jeremiah, not to be outdone, has his own appreciative glances, but it’s Conrad’s reaction that steals the show: eyes widening, words failing, as if Belly’s outfit is a siren call pulling him from his emotional abyss. It’s hilarious in hindsight—here’s a guy who’s dealt with family tragedies, college stresses, and sibling rivalries, but a pop of red reduces him to a lovesick puppy.

Now, flip the script to Maxton Hall, the German sensation that dropped its first season in 2024 and quickly became Prime’s most-watched non-English series ever. Based on Kasten’s books, it transplants the drama to an elite British boarding school (filmed in Germany, because why not?). Ruby Bell, a scholarship student from a working-class background, accidentally witnesses a scandal involving James Beaufort, the heir to a luxury fashion empire. What follows is a whirlwind of blackmail, banter, and budding romance, with James’s icy exterior melting under Ruby’s fiery independence. Think Gossip Girl meets The Crown, but with more Oxford accents and fewer trust funds gone awry.

The red dress scene here is pure rom-com gold, occurring in Episode 4 or so during a lavish gala. James, spotting Ruby eyeing a stunning Victorian red gown in a shop window, secretly buys it for her (because nothing says “I’m interested” like a creepy-but-charming grand gesture). When Ruby emerges in the dress—flowing crimson fabric, off-the-shoulder elegance—James is floored. His usual arrogant quips vanish; instead, we get a slow-motion gaze, a breathless “You look… incredible,” and eventually, their first kiss on the dance floor. It’s the moment the enemies-to-lovers arc ignites, with James’s vulnerability peeking through like sunlight through storm clouds. Fans on YouTube and TikTok dissect it endlessly: “He went from ‘annoying pest’ to ‘head over heels’ in 0.2 seconds!”

So, why the red dress in both? Psychologically, red evokes passion and confidence—studies show it makes wearers appear more attractive (thanks, science!). In storytelling, it’s a visual shorthand for transformation: Belly shedding her awkward teen shell, Ruby embracing a world beyond her means. But humorously, it’s like these writers attended the same “How to Make Your Male Lead Swoon” seminar. Coincidence? Or cosmic YA conspiracy?

The Brooding Brigade: Conrad vs. James (With Jeremiah as the Wild Card)

At the heart of our comparison are the male leads themselves—Conrad Fisher from TSITP and James Beaufort from Maxton Hall. Both are textbook brooders: tall, dark, handsome, with family baggage heavier than a Louis Vuitton trunk. Conrad’s got the whole “tortured artist” vibe—dealing with his mom’s illness, academic pressures, and a rivalry with his brother that could fuel a WWE plotline. James, meanwhile, is the prodigal son of a dysfunctional dynasty, haunted by his sister’s death and his father’s tyrannical expectations. They’re like two sides of the same coin: one beachy and brooding, the other posh and prickly.

But throw in the red dress, and poof—their defenses dissolve. Conrad’s reaction to Belly’s scarlet ensemble is peak awkward-teen energy. In the books and show, he’s always been the one Belly pines for, but his emotional constipation (sorry, Conrad) keeps things platonic. Enter the dress: Suddenly, he’s all lingering stares and half-smiles, as if the fabric has magical properties. It’s funny because Conrad’s default mode is “stare into the ocean like it owes him money,” yet one outfit turns him into a rom-com lead. Fans joke on Reddit: “Conrad sees Belly in red and forgets how to human.” Compare that to James, whose response is more polished but no less comedic. He’s the guy who struts through Maxton Hall like he owns it (he practically does), yet Ruby in red reduces him to stammering. The scene’s slow build—her descending the stairs, him frozen like a deer in headlights—is ripe for parody. Imagine James thinking, “I’ve faced boardroom battles and family feuds, but this dress? Game over.”

Humor arises from their similarities: Both are “bad boys” with hearts of gold. Conrad fixes boats and broods; James plays lacrosse and schemes. Both hide pain behind facades—Conrad’s quiet withdrawal, James’s sharp sarcasm. Yet the red dress cracks them open. In TSITP, it’s a catalyst for Conrad to confront his feelings, leading to steamy moments amid wedding chaos. In Maxton Hall, it’s the spark for James’s redemption arc, showing he’s not just a spoiled heir but a guy capable of genuine affection. Jeremiah adds a wrinkle to TSITP’s side: As the “fun brother,” his appreciation for Belly’s red look is more playful, like a golden retriever spotting a tennis ball. No deep brooding here—just pure, sunny admiration. If we pit him against James, it’s like comparing a beach volleyball champ to a polo player: Both athletic, but one brings the fun, the other the intensity.

Let’s quantify the hilarity with a mock scorecard:

Swoon Factor: Conrad: 8/10 (broody eyes win points, but he takes forever to act). James: 9/10 (that jaw drop is chef’s kiss). Jeremiah: 7/10 (charming, but less dramatic).
Red Dress Recovery Time: Conrad: Several episodes of angst. James: One dance and a kiss. Jeremiah: Immediate compliments, no recovery needed.
Family Drama Interference: Both score 10/10—because nothing says romance like meddling parents and tragic backstories interrupting the magic.

The comedy peaks when you imagine a crossover: Conrad and James bonding over their shared kryptonite. “Dude, she wore red, and I was done.” “Same, bro. Pass the emotional support yacht.”

Trope Overload: Enemies, Heirs, and Hilarious Heartaches

Beyond the dresses, these shows share a buffet of YA tropes, served with a side of satire. Both feature class divides: Belly’s middle-class family vs. the Fishers’ wealth; Ruby’s scholarship status vs. James’s empire. It’s Pretty Woman meets high school, but with more teen hormones. The red dress amplifies this—symbolizing the “glow-up” where the underdog heroine steps into the spotlight, leaving the rich boy reeling. In TSITP, Belly’s transformation is gradual, her red moment a pinnacle of self-confidence amid love triangle turmoil. In Maxton Hall, Ruby’s is more abrupt, the dress a literal gift from James, underscoring his control issues (hilarious in retrospect: “Here, wear this so I can ogle you ethically”).

Love triangles? TSITP owns it—Belly torn between brothers, leading to fan wars (#TeamConrad vs. #TeamJeremiah). Maxton Hall keeps it simpler: James and Ruby’s push-pull, with side characters like James’s ex adding spice. But the red dress is the equalizer, the scene where “will they/won’t they” tips to “oh, they will.” Humorously, it’s like the writers consulted a rom-com algorithm: Input “brooding male + independent female + formal event,” output “red dress epiphany.”

Critics and fans often compare the shows directly. A 2025 TV Fanatic article declares Maxton Hall superior for its tighter pacing and better acting—Damian Hardung’s James is lauded for nuance, while Briney’s Conrad gets props for vulnerability but criticism for occasional woodenness. TikTok debates rage: “Maxton Hall > TSITP because James actually communicates… eventually.” Yet TSITP wins on nostalgia, its beachy vibes evoking endless summers. The red dress ties them in absurdity: In a world of global crises, these guys’ biggest weakness is fabric dye #FF0000.

Extend the joke to real life: If Conrad and James were real, they’d start a support group—”Red Dress Survivors Anonymous.” Meetings: “Hi, I’m Conrad, and I once stared at a girl in red for so long I forgot my lines.” “Hi Conrad, I’m James—same, but with a German accent.”

Cultural Crossover: From Beach to Boarding School

Culturally, the shows diverge hilariously. TSITP is quintessentially American—Fourth of July barbecues, debutante balls (yes, Belly has one), and that East Coast preppy charm. Maxton Hall channels European elitism: Lacrosse matches, Oxford aspirations, and a soundtrack blending classical with pop. The red dress adapts accordingly: Belly’s is modern, sleek, fitting a beach wedding aesthetic; Ruby’s is vintage, elaborate, screaming “period drama chic.” Imagine swapping them—Belly in Victorian red at Cousins? She’d trip on the hem during volleyball. Ruby in slinky crimson at Maxton? James might combust on the spot.

Fan communities amplify the fun. Reddit threads like r/tsitp and r/MaxtonHall buzz with crossovers: “What if Belly attended Maxton? Conrad vs. James catfight incoming!” TikToks edit scenes together, syncing the dress moments to the same song for maximum hilarity. By 2025, with TSITP concluded and Maxton Hall renewed for Season 3, comparisons evolved—Maxton praised for diversity (Ruby’s neurodivergence hints) vs. TSITP’s emotional depth.

Conclusion: The Red Thread That Binds

In the end, comparing the male leads of The Summer I Turned Pretty and Maxton Hall through their red dress obsessions is like pitting apples against apfelstrudel—both delicious, but one’s got more layers. Conrad’s quiet intensity, Jeremiah’s sunny vibe, and James’s reformed arrogance all crumble under scarlet’s spell, proving YA romance thrives on visual clichés. It’s hilarious how a simple outfit can derail plots, spark kisses, and fuel fan fiction. Whether you’re Team Beach Brood or Team Boarding School Bad Boy, one thing’s clear: In the battle of hearts, the girl in red always wins. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to buy a red dress—purely for research, of course.