For many, it’s all about the love triangle involving Belly and the two brothers, Jeremiah versus Conrad. Others just want to know: Will Taylor and Steven finally get together? But for true fans of “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” the underlying concept of the show is much more important than the debates the show generates. 

   This Amazon Prime show focuses on themes of friendship, family, and heartbreak throughout the characters’ adolescent years, and many of its teen viewers find those elements the most relatable. 

   “‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ is about growing up and all the messy feelings that come with love and friendship,” said junior Sloan Berry. “The plot always keeps me personally hooked because it feels real, like the kind of drama and choices teens actually go through.”

   The show centers around the protagonist, Belly Conklin, who has grown up spending her summers with her mother’s best friend’s family, the Fishers. Belly has known the two brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher, her whole life, but when she suddenly “turns pretty,” she finds herself the object of interest for both brothers, leaving her to choose which one she’ll date – a question that drives most of the show’s plot and keeps it looping back to similar conflicts. While many fans believe the love triangle hooks the audience, this opinion does not ring true for everyone.  

   “I do watch it, and I’ll admit that it’s definitely entertaining – the drama always keeps you watching,” senior Searcy Killgallen said. “But at the same time, some of the storylines start to feel a bit repetitive after a while. It’s like the producers are always circling back to the same conflicts again and again, so it can feel very predictable.”

   This past summer the third season of the show dropped on Prime, and it further proved to many that each season has a unique focus and emotional feel.

   “Season one is mainly about Belly discovering love for the first time; season two is the ‘heaviest’ season being as it centers around the death of a main character and how the other characters cope; and finally season three is really just about the love triangle,” said junior Massimo Selvig.  

   Many fans have strong opinions about which of the three seasons is the best. 

   “The first season was definitely the best, and then the second with the death of the Fisher brothers’ mom, Suzzanah, was alright, solely due to the fact that it was upsetting as, for me, the best character of the show had just died,” said sophomore Max Wong. “Then, it could only go downhill from there. It seemed as if the plot was just leeching off of the hype from the other seasons.”

   While the show has its critics, it is still one of Prime’s top-rated shows, and a large part of the show’s appeal centers on the debate over which of the brothers – Conrad or Jeremiah – Belly should choose.

   “If I was to choose, I’d pick Conrad, since he’s remained somewhat constant this whole time, whereas Jeremiah only seemed to like Belly more as she got older and more attractive. I also think he clings to Belly because of his mom: he cared a lot about her, and his mom really loved Belly,” said junior Avril Ocampo. “So I’m thinking his feelings might lean towards the maternal connection rather than romance.”

   Other fans are more engaged by the secondary storylines, like that of  Steven, Belly’s older brother. For some he is one of their favorite characters because he often brings out the comedic element of the show. 

   “Steven’s probably my favorite. He’s funny and kind of just avoids all the drama, which makes him stand out from the other characters,” said Kilgallen. “Even though he’s not on the screen constantly, he plays an important role, as his humor makes things less serious when others are getting emotional, he honestly feels like the most ‘real’ character.”

   Other characters’ story arcs highlight deeper themes, like friendship. Taylor, Steven’s love interest and Belly’s best friend, has grown into a more complex character over the last season. 

   “In the first two seasons she felt more like a background character. Just Belly’s best friend so she has someone by her side. However, this (third) season, her character gained depth,” junior Caroline Janis said. “We see her relationship with her mom and how she’s always there for everyone around her even if she doesn’t get the same support back. I think that shows how strong she is.” 

   While the reasons for watching the show vary, most would recommend it to others, pointing out its appeal beyond the romantic aspect. 

   “Yeah, I’d recommend it. It’s not just a love story: it’s got comedy, drama, and parts that are relatable,” said Selvig. “I honestly think anyone could get into it if they wanted.”