As winter grips the world, fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty are already dreaming of sun-soaked Cousins Beach once more. Though the third and final season premiered on Prime Video in July 2025—with its emotional rollercoaster wrapping up in September—the series’ legacy lingers like the salty air of a perfect summer day. The 11-episode run, adapting Jenny Han’s beloved trilogy (particularly the third book, We’ll Always Have Summer), delivered the payoff viewers had waited years for: Belly Conklin’s (Lola Tung) definitive choice between the Fisher brothers, Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), amid heartbreak, growth, and the bittersweet end of an era.

But here’s the twist that keeps the buzz alive: a feature film continuation was greenlit immediately after the September 17, 2025, finale. Written and directed by Jenny Han herself, the movie promises to extend the story beyond the books, giving fans one last chance to revisit Cousins Beach. With the series now fully streamed and the film on the horizon, the anticipation feels electric. What made Season 3 so unforgettable? Let’s dive into the drama, the tears, and the triumphant romance that had millions glued to their screens.

From College Junior to Crossroads of Adulthood

Season 3 fast-forwards to the end of Belly’s junior year of college at Finch University. She’s in a committed, seemingly stable relationship with Jeremiah, her “soulmate” after choosing him at the end of Season 2. The couple plans a future together—engagement, wedding, happily ever after. Jeremiah’s sunny optimism contrasts with the lingering shadows of Conrad, who has been away at Stanford pursuing medicine, nursing unspoken feelings.

The season opens with Belly looking forward to another summer in Cousins, but “core-shaking events” pull Conrad back into her orbit. The trailer teased it perfectly: Belly and Jeremiah announce their engagement to a stunned Laurel (Jackie Chung), only for old flames to reignite. Conrad’s return isn’t just a cameo—it’s a seismic shift. The brothers’ dynamic, strained by years of rivalry and unspoken pain over their late mother Susannah (Rachel Blanchard), boils over.

Key plot points ramp up the tension: Jeremiah’s past infidelity (a spring break mistake with Lacie) surfaces, shattering the illusion of perfection. Belly grapples with betrayal, while Conrad quietly supports her, offering the steady presence she’s always craved. The engagement spirals into wedding planning chaos, with Belly torn between loyalty to Jeremiah and the undeniable pull toward Conrad. Episodes build to explosive confrontations: a brutal brotherly fight, Conrad’s confession of love, and Belly calling off the wedding in a moment of raw honesty.

The drama isn’t just romantic—it’s deeply personal. Belly confronts her growth from impulsive teen to young woman on the brink of adulthood. College life, family secrets (including Laurel’s evolving relationships), and friendships with Taylor (Rain Spencer) and Steven (Sean Kaufman) add layers. New cast members like Isabella Briggs, Kristen Connolly, Sofia Bryant, and others bring fresh energy, while returning favorites like Sean Kaufman and Rain Spencer deliver standout moments.

The Love Triangle That Defined a Generation

At its heart, The Summer I Turned Pretty thrives on the Belly-Conrad-Jeremiah triangle—one of the most debated in YA history. Season 3 amplifies every emotion. Conrad, the brooding first love, returns transformed: more mature, focused on his medical dreams, yet haunted by what he lost. Jeremiah, the fun, supportive partner, faces the consequences of his mistakes, forcing viewers to question if forgiveness is enough.

The payoff? Conrad’s late-night confession during wedding preparations. Jeremiah punches him in a raw, physical outburst, but the real blow is emotional: Conrad admits he never stopped loving Belly. She flees to Paris for a year of self-discovery, building a new life as “Isabelle” with friends, a dream apartment, and even a potential new romance (Benito, played by Fernando Cattori).

The finale, “At Last,” delivers catharsis. Conrad detours to Paris en route to a conference in Brussels. Reunited after a year, they explore the city—awkward at first, then tender. A birthday dinner, a vial of Cousins Beach sand as a gift, and a passionate reunion under the Eiffel Tower seal their fate. Belly chooses Conrad, the one who always held her heart. The episode ends with a “Christmas in Paris” montage, hinting at forever, while Jenny Han’s handwritten note thanks fans for the journey.

The choice sparked fierce reactions. #TeamConrad fans celebrated the “endgame” payoff, while some #TeamJeremiah supporters felt heartbroken. Lola Tung told interviewers the ending would leave some “heartbroken” but true to Belly’s growth. Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno praised the maturity of the resolution—brothers reconciling, no villains, just real people navigating love.

Why Season 3 Resonates So Deeply

What elevated Season 3 beyond typical YA drama? Jenny Han’s signature touch: authentic emotions, female friendships, and mother-daughter bonds. Laurel’s arc—balancing grief, new love, and supporting Belly—felt profound. Taylor and Steven’s on-again-off-again romance added levity and realism. Taylor Swift needle drops (including “Dress” for the Paris reunion) amplified every heartbeat.

Production in Wilmington, North Carolina, captured Cousins Beach’s magic—sunsets, bonfires, beach house nostalgia. The 11-episode format allowed deep dives: no filler, as Han promised. Viewership soared—25 million globally in the first week—proving the show’s enduring appeal.

The finale’s emotional weight—Belly choosing herself first, then love—resonated. She doesn’t sacrifice dreams for romance; she builds a life, then invites Conrad in. The Paris setting symbolized freedom, while the sand vial tied back to Susannah’s legacy.

Looking Ahead: The Feature Film and Beyond

With the series concluded, the greenlit film offers hope. Set after the finale, it could explore marriage, careers, and new challenges. Han directing ensures fidelity to the spirit fans love.

As 2026 dawns, The Summer I Turned Pretty remains a cultural touchstone—summer escapism, messy love, and growing up. Whether you’re #TeamConrad, #TeamJeremiah, or just here for the vibes, the story’s end feels right: heartfelt, hopeful, and forever tied to Cousins Beach.

Stream all three seasons on Prime Video now. And keep your beach bags packed—the movie is coming.