The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3: A Heartfelt Finale Awaits
The anticipation is palpable as fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty gear up for the third and final season of the beloved Amazon Prime Video series. Set to premiere on July 16, 2025, this 11-episode season promises to deliver a poignant conclusion to the coming-of-age romantic drama that has captured hearts worldwide. Based on Jenny Han’s bestselling novel trilogy, the show has become a cultural phenomenon, particularly among young women, with its heartfelt storytelling, relatable characters, and evocative summer vibes. As we approach the release, here’s everything you need to know about Season 3, from its plot and cast to its emotional stakes and surprises.
A Bittersweet Farewell to Cousins Beach
The Summer I Turned Pretty follows Isabel “Belly” Conklin (Lola Tung), a teenager caught in a love triangle with brothers Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno). Set against the idyllic backdrop of the fictional Cousins Beach, the series explores themes of first love, heartbreak, and the bittersweet transition from adolescence to adulthood. The show’s multigenerational narrative, which also delves into the bonds between mothers and their children, as well as the power of female friendship, has resonated deeply with audiences since its debut in 2022.
Season 3, based on the final book in Han’s trilogy, We’ll Always Have Summer, picks up two years after the events of Season 2. Belly is now in college at Finch University, happily dating Jeremiah, her longtime friend and the younger Fisher brother. Their relationship, marked by a sweet and genuine connection, has blossomed, with Han praising the “really great chemistry” between Tung and Casalegno. However, the reappearance of Conrad, who has been studying medicine at Stanford and distant from the group, threatens to upend Belly’s seemingly perfect life. The season’s official logline hints at “core-shaking events” that will force Belly to confront her lingering feelings and make a definitive choice between the brothers, marking a pivotal moment in her journey toward adulthood.
A Supersized Season with Surprises
Unlike the seven-episode first season and eight-episode second season, Season 3 boasts a supersized 11 episodes, giving fans more time to savor the final chapter. The extended episode count allows for deeper exploration of the characters’ arcs and relationships, ensuring a satisfying conclusion. Jenny Han, who serves as showrunner alongside Sarah Kucserka, has teased that the season will feature surprises, even for fans familiar with the books. “There are things that they know and then there are things they think they know, and then there’s going to be, hopefully, things that surprise them,” Han told Entertainment Weekly. This promise of unexpected twists has sparked excitement and speculation among fans, particularly regarding how the show might diverge from the book’s ending.
The season’s production faced delays due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes, pushing its release to 2025. Filming began in May 2024 in Wilmington, North Carolina, with additional scenes shot in Paris, as spotted by fans on TikTok. Han also makes her directorial debut in one episode, adding a personal touch to the finale. The show’s signature aesthetic—sun-drenched beaches, hydrangea-lined houses, and Taylor Swift-infused soundtracks—will return, with the first teaser trailer, released on April 24, 2025, featuring multiple Swift songs, continuing the series’ tradition of emotional, music-driven storytelling.
Returning Cast and New Dynamics
The core cast returns to bring the story to life, including Lola Tung as Belly, Christopher Briney as Conrad, Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah, Sean Kaufman as Belly’s brother Steven, and Rain Spencer as her best friend Taylor. Jackie Chung also reprises her role as Laurel, Belly’s mother, whose emotional journey has been a highlight of the series. While Susannah (Rachel Blanchard), the Fisher brothers’ mother, passed away earlier in the show, there’s potential for her to appear in flashbacks. However, Kyra Sedgwick, who played Aunt Julia in Season 2, confirmed she will not return. The status of other recurring characters, such as Cam Cameron (David Iacono) and Skye (Elsie Fisher), remains unconfirmed, though fans hope for their inclusion.
Season 3 introduces new dynamics, with the time jump showcasing the characters’ growth. Belly, now a junior in college, sports a cartilage piercing and a more mature outlook, while Conrad’s medical school journey adds depth to his character. Steven and Taylor’s relationship continues to evolve, offering moments of levity and warmth. Han has promised “magical, fun” moments, ensuring the season balances its emotional weight with the breezy charm that made the first season so beloved.
A Cultural and Emotional Milestone
The Summer I Turned Pretty has been a breakout hit for Prime Video, with Season 2 doubling Season 1’s viewership within days of its 2023 premiere. Its appeal, particularly among women aged 18-34, has made it one of the platform’s top series, driving subscription growth and dominating Amazon’s Best Sellers list for Han’s books. The show’s blend of nostalgia, romance, and raw emotion has earned it an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season, though some critics noted Season 2’s heavier tone and pacing issues. Season 3 aims to recapture the “miserable and magical” essence that keeps viewers hooked.
As the final season approaches, fans are bracing for an emotional rollercoaster. Will Belly choose Jeremiah, Conrad, or perhaps forge her own path? Will the show stay true to the book’s ending, or will Han’s surprises redefine the story? One thing is certain: the return to Cousins Beach will be a love letter to fans, filled with heartbreak, joy, and the magic of one last perfect summer. Mark your calendars for July 16, 2025, and prepare to say goodbye to Belly and the Fisher brothers on Prime Video.
