Amongst the cliches, irritating characters, and the irritating choices they make, there is something comforting about this series. The soundtrack, stunning locations, colorful costumes, excellent casting, and all around solid performances make an otherwise unoriginal series quite entertaining....and by the way, I'm team Conrad.
273 Reviews
Sweet and fun but it's missing something
blebbe10 July 2022
This is more like a 6.5/10 for me. It was a sweet and fun. I liked the setting and the chill beachy vibe. It was a pretty easy binge watch too. But it felt a little shallow and repetitive. I feel like we've seen this story many times already. And that's totally fine, but I just wished this series had had something more interesting that would have made it stand out from the other stories. Some of the interactions between the characters felt unnatural to me as well.
A subpar romance
Mesina021 July 2022
I actually thought that this would have been a different teen romance compared to the other stuff we've seen. But I was wrong about that.
The show is definitely not bad but it falls into to the case of bad writing and poor development. A lot of these characters are very stereotypical which makes the show really predictable. Certain things happen throughout the show that just leaves me in disbelief and the decisions made by these characters are just plain laughable.
The love triangle didn't really get momentum until the later episodes and the various subplots dragged the show down. The only storyline besides the main that I actually enjoyed was with the parents surprisingly.
Overall, the show was pretty much mid from the get-go. Nothing really convinced me that this was a good show and it just made me dissatisfied.
The show is definitely not bad but it falls into to the case of bad writing and poor development. A lot of these characters are very stereotypical which makes the show really predictable. Certain things happen throughout the show that just leaves me in disbelief and the decisions made by these characters are just plain laughable.
The love triangle didn't really get momentum until the later episodes and the various subplots dragged the show down. The only storyline besides the main that I actually enjoyed was with the parents surprisingly.
Overall, the show was pretty much mid from the get-go. Nothing really convinced me that this was a good show and it just made me dissatisfied.
Melded families spend yet another summer at the beach house.
TxMike1 July 2022
Season Two, 2023: It is July 2023 and the second season of this limited series is available on Prime. My wife and I watched the first two episodes and we are not impressed. This season has none of the novelty and charm of the first season. It is focusing almost solely on the relationship triangle, Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah. And frankly it isn't scripted very well and comes across as too juvenile. This whole series of episodes are written and directed by a number of different people and it seems they didn't really know a good path forward after season one. We might watch additional episodes but it doesn't have that "must watch" feel that season one had. We are mildly disappointed.
Season One, 2022: My wife and I just this evening finished this Amazon streaming 7-episode limited series. Each part about 45 to 50 minutes long. It focuses heavily on four teenagers, two boys from one family and a boy and a girl from the other. They have been knowing each other essentially all their lives and grew up mostly like brothers and sister, their moms are best friends. The story is told mostly from Belly's (Isabel) point of view, she is the one, just turning 16, that became pretty that summer.
There are a few side stories going on, some involving an ex-husband or an estranged husband. And the usual "on again, off again" teenage friendships. The 16-yr-olds getting ready for the debutante ball. But the most significant is the illness of one of the mothers.
While we, grandparents in our 70s, are not the target audience for this type of teen-focused programming we enjoyed it quite nicely. With a show like this it hinges on whether you can care about the characters, if you can easily put aside the fact that you are watching actors playing fictional roles. And we were able to do that with this series.
The last episode ends in a way that it certainly sets up for a sequel and my wife tells me that a second season is in the works. We will also watch that when it becomes available.
Season One, 2022: My wife and I just this evening finished this Amazon streaming 7-episode limited series. Each part about 45 to 50 minutes long. It focuses heavily on four teenagers, two boys from one family and a boy and a girl from the other. They have been knowing each other essentially all their lives and grew up mostly like brothers and sister, their moms are best friends. The story is told mostly from Belly's (Isabel) point of view, she is the one, just turning 16, that became pretty that summer.
There are a few side stories going on, some involving an ex-husband or an estranged husband. And the usual "on again, off again" teenage friendships. The 16-yr-olds getting ready for the debutante ball. But the most significant is the illness of one of the mothers.
While we, grandparents in our 70s, are not the target audience for this type of teen-focused programming we enjoyed it quite nicely. With a show like this it hinges on whether you can care about the characters, if you can easily put aside the fact that you are watching actors playing fictional roles. And we were able to do that with this series.
The last episode ends in a way that it certainly sets up for a sequel and my wife tells me that a second season is in the works. We will also watch that when it becomes available.
Second season nosedive.
FinneganBear18 August 2023
The first season was an interesting coming of age story. The second season is a monotonous love triangle between Belly (Lola Tung) and brothers Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno). The back and forth between her and the brothers quickly becomes tiresome and never ends. And it doesn't help that Conrad is one of the whiniest, most annoying characters in a series in quite a while. But it's also hard to root for a Belly/Jeremiah relationship when he talks about kissing and hooking up with guys. And then there is Sean Kaufman as Belly's brother Steven. If there's a worse actor in a series I've yet to see him. Kaufman delivers every line as if he's fighting the urge to yell, "Hey! I got the part and these are my lines." Between the poor writing and the poor acting, this has become a difficult show to watch.
What happened????
fulleralecia11 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Did they get new writers or something for Season 2? I really enjoyed season 1. It seemed fun, with the beachy, cute love triangle but then deep subplot with Susanna.
But then Season 2 was just like a train wreck from the get go. "Oh so nothing has been the same since Susanna died..." ummmm ex-squeeze me? Every episode since has been FORCED AND CRINGEY. Like so many episodes seem like fuller episodes. Interactions seem forced (hello Steven and Taylor) what the heck? The character development went in the wrong direction and Belly's character is just less likable and kind of annoying. I don't know, I'm just not feeling this new season at all.....
But then Season 2 was just like a train wreck from the get go. "Oh so nothing has been the same since Susanna died..." ummmm ex-squeeze me? Every episode since has been FORCED AND CRINGEY. Like so many episodes seem like fuller episodes. Interactions seem forced (hello Steven and Taylor) what the heck? The character development went in the wrong direction and Belly's character is just less likable and kind of annoying. I don't know, I'm just not feeling this new season at all.....
Are we suppose to like Belly?
Manni728 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Look, I like teen age-ish drama TV shows and books but this is really something else.
The only character I wasn't rooting for was Belly herself.
Let's look at her boy drama, shall we?
She finds Cam and it seems like they totally hit it off and he is really into her. But then she breaks up with him to be with Conrad. Okay, sure, you like another guy. But then Conrad acts douche-y so you go hook up with his brother, Jeremiah. Jeremiah, who didn't show half of the season that he even liked her until Conrad and Belly's almost kiss. Like he talked nothing but hooking up with everybody and drinking at parties. Out of nowhere, I'm suppose to believe he likes Belly? Not to mention, Belly didn't seem to be into him at all until he confessed. It's like a light switch and suddenly she's like 'oh yeah I like this brother!'.
Okay, sure, let's pretend I believe it. So then Conrad comes back to Belly, apologizes and pretty much says he wants to be with her and she turned him down to be with Jeremiah. But at the same time, being with Jeremiah she still liked Conrad and how he was always suppose to be the one. So end of the season, she's still together with Jeremiah but then kisses Conrad.
Like, how am I suppose to root for this girl?
The only character I wasn't rooting for was Belly herself.
Let's look at her boy drama, shall we?
She finds Cam and it seems like they totally hit it off and he is really into her. But then she breaks up with him to be with Conrad. Okay, sure, you like another guy. But then Conrad acts douche-y so you go hook up with his brother, Jeremiah. Jeremiah, who didn't show half of the season that he even liked her until Conrad and Belly's almost kiss. Like he talked nothing but hooking up with everybody and drinking at parties. Out of nowhere, I'm suppose to believe he likes Belly? Not to mention, Belly didn't seem to be into him at all until he confessed. It's like a light switch and suddenly she's like 'oh yeah I like this brother!'.
Okay, sure, let's pretend I believe it. So then Conrad comes back to Belly, apologizes and pretty much says he wants to be with her and she turned him down to be with Jeremiah. But at the same time, being with Jeremiah she still liked Conrad and how he was always suppose to be the one. So end of the season, she's still together with Jeremiah but then kisses Conrad.
Like, how am I suppose to root for this girl?
Written by adults who don't interact with teens
ciarrawaffle15 July 2022
Cliche. Everything seems to be written by adults who have never actually interacted with teens. I couldn't get through the cringe and only watched 15 minutes. From random playfighting to terrible one liners, I just couldn't stand it.
Might lower my rating after s2
mlfabian18 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This show started out as a fun, summer romance for teens but also included so much drama with the parents I felt it was good for all ages. Season 2 started out so sad. And ended sad. Belly should've chosen neither boy once she saw what she was doing to their relationship. Jere was good enough to tell Conrad to tell her he still loves her, and he'd back off if she chose Con.. she chose wrong!! Yes, Conrad needs to do a lot of work on himself and he's kinda boring.. but all those years Belly was "in love" with him, he felt it, too, as evidenced by the infinity necklace.. she never gave jere a second thought (emotionally or romantically) until he kissed her and she felt lust.. not sure I'll watch s3.
Shallow horrible people with musical padding and summer setting
Neucosa23 June 2022
Terrible script. I did not read the books, but given the popularity of them, I can't believe this series reflects the writing present in the novels.
The characters are single dimensional, entitled, fickle and annoying. There is no connection, empathy, understanding or sympathy displayed in the dialogue between the characters - whether presented by the young adults or the parents. The parental characters show no true parental characteristics, other than they're older than the young adults; yet the single dimensional characteristics are present in both genres of characters.
The producers did attempt to engineer the series to include beach settings and popular music, but it tends to be intrusive at times - or is just the segue between moments of meaningless dialog.
The characters honestly seem like they're about 10 years old in their fickle and unconnected nature. Very shallow and uninteresting.
The characters are single dimensional, entitled, fickle and annoying. There is no connection, empathy, understanding or sympathy displayed in the dialogue between the characters - whether presented by the young adults or the parents. The parental characters show no true parental characteristics, other than they're older than the young adults; yet the single dimensional characteristics are present in both genres of characters.
The producers did attempt to engineer the series to include beach settings and popular music, but it tends to be intrusive at times - or is just the segue between moments of meaningless dialog.
The characters honestly seem like they're about 10 years old in their fickle and unconnected nature. Very shallow and uninteresting.
What's happened to IMBD credibility
daleykryochek1 July 2022
It's a usual growing of age story yet it is still enjoyable and fun to watch.
arvinjanasis12 July 2023
One of those series that made me watch just because I saw the trailer and I was hooked.
Based on the books by Jenny Han, this series is good as its own. There's the summer story, romance, drama and sadly tragedy. At first, it is a simple story of how Belly spent her usual summer until everything is different and how that year changed everything.
It's a usual growing of age story yet it is still enjoyable and fun to watch. Easy to binge with good ensemble cast and really good soundtrack. A romance story with songs from Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo? It's a yes. So if you are looking for a series to easily binge and enjoy, this is a good series to begin with. Season 2 is also about to get released this week. Crossfingers on that Back to December version from the trailer.
At the end of season 1, you're gonna have a question whether you are team Jeremiah or Team Conrad
The Summer I Turned Pretty season 1 is 7/10. It'll make you smile and cry.
Based on the books by Jenny Han, this series is good as its own. There's the summer story, romance, drama and sadly tragedy. At first, it is a simple story of how Belly spent her usual summer until everything is different and how that year changed everything.
It's a usual growing of age story yet it is still enjoyable and fun to watch. Easy to binge with good ensemble cast and really good soundtrack. A romance story with songs from Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo? It's a yes. So if you are looking for a series to easily binge and enjoy, this is a good series to begin with. Season 2 is also about to get released this week. Crossfingers on that Back to December version from the trailer.
At the end of season 1, you're gonna have a question whether you are team Jeremiah or Team Conrad
The Summer I Turned Pretty season 1 is 7/10. It'll make you smile and cry.
The final? Did not get it
andreaguecruz30 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Can someone please tell me when did Belly broke up with Jeremiah? I don't get it. In the 30:00 min she is kissing Jeremiah and then 10 min later she is kissing Conrad? How? When? What did I miss? When did she talked to Jeremiah about this? It does not make sense.
Watch it for "Jeremiah"
kelley123118 June 2022
If I have to hear the nickname "Belly" one more time!!!!
ourelbi1 December 2022
I'm not sure how this gets over 7 rating on this website when all of the other reviews I've seen have scored it so low - and I'm with them. While I've continued to watch it, it's pretty shallow stuff.
The acting isn't that bad, it's just the storyline as it is is pretty bad. The main female actor "Belly" is, I think, badly cast, and not at all likeable. I've never ever heard Isabel be shortened to Belly, and in this show, it's said in almost every sentence - so that's annoying.
It's a vapid story, about rich Americans holidaying by the beach for an entire season. I wonder when writers in the US will tire of this story. Probably never if Amazon still makes shows such as this.
The acting isn't that bad, it's just the storyline as it is is pretty bad. The main female actor "Belly" is, I think, badly cast, and not at all likeable. I've never ever heard Isabel be shortened to Belly, and in this show, it's said in almost every sentence - so that's annoying.
It's a vapid story, about rich Americans holidaying by the beach for an entire season. I wonder when writers in the US will tire of this story. Probably never if Amazon still makes shows such as this.
Second season disappoints
courtneybkeen12 August 2023
I loved the first season of this show. It's a fun, bingeable, teen-angsty series. The setting creates an environment you can escape into. The teens were also very well-cast and engaging to watch. The adults not so much, but that could be overlooked. However, this second season drags. Everything just seems sad. It lacks complexity and all the color of the first season. Their cousin is also such a bad actor it's distracting. If there is a third season, I would love to keep watching if they're able to rebound and get back to the energy of the first season. But maybe the "will they, won't they?" drama has played itself out...
Very Wattpad
Zarinkarim6 August 2022
It's alright, good binge material if you're bored. Decent acting in season 1, the second season however fails to deliver. The story lacks depth however and at times is very predictable. The source material feels like it was taken straight out of Wattpad, no idea why there is so much hype out there. I take it the books are better?
[6.3] Pretty first, poison ivy next
cjonesas7 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A mild series for teens with average everything besides the photography, some good acting, especially by Lola Tung who acted naturally with some charisma, sometimes a little uptight though, the cheesy pendulum romance and love triangle between the two brothers and her that is cute at first sight but soon and quickly gets a little on nerves, the semi unrealistic and convoluted flow of emotions and sensations between lips, love and skins are all too unrealistically emotional and not so bright.
Everything on the sensation level was too underdeveloped, either you do go full speed or you do nothing, literally kissing the brothers on week's days is just shattering for viewers' nerves and uneasy on their minds.
Season 1 was much more natural and better developed and flowed, while season 2 nearly forgot all the good principles set and painfully built , and was just cheesy bunches of scenes and situations and a whole lot of too loud music, score and soundtracks. The latter was also ear cringey in season 1, but was more dissolved in the better storyline plots.
Belly's poison ivy-obtuse behavior and pendulistic back and forth frowny pheromones were enough to put off any emotional love and feeling in any boy and if I had to choose a brother and relate to him, I would choose Conrad. I understood him more, better and what he was going through more than Jeremiah who was just there for the sake of the plot and the writers' semi twisted mind. Though he played ok, Jere-Belly's love was and is not believable.
After finishing season 2, I would have to wait a whole 365+ days for the new season to come with a heavy and cloudy blanket of cheesy, corny and cringey fabrics all over me.
Screenplay/storyline: 6 Development: 7 Realism: 6.5 Entertainment: 6.5 Acting: 7 Filming/photography: 7.5 VFX: 7 Music/score: 6 Depth: 5.5 Logic: 6 Flow: 6 Drama/romance: 6 Ending: 5.5.
Everything on the sensation level was too underdeveloped, either you do go full speed or you do nothing, literally kissing the brothers on week's days is just shattering for viewers' nerves and uneasy on their minds.
Season 1 was much more natural and better developed and flowed, while season 2 nearly forgot all the good principles set and painfully built , and was just cheesy bunches of scenes and situations and a whole lot of too loud music, score and soundtracks. The latter was also ear cringey in season 1, but was more dissolved in the better storyline plots.
Belly's poison ivy-obtuse behavior and pendulistic back and forth frowny pheromones were enough to put off any emotional love and feeling in any boy and if I had to choose a brother and relate to him, I would choose Conrad. I understood him more, better and what he was going through more than Jeremiah who was just there for the sake of the plot and the writers' semi twisted mind. Though he played ok, Jere-Belly's love was and is not believable.
After finishing season 2, I would have to wait a whole 365+ days for the new season to come with a heavy and cloudy blanket of cheesy, corny and cringey fabrics all over me.
Screenplay/storyline: 6 Development: 7 Realism: 6.5 Entertainment: 6.5 Acting: 7 Filming/photography: 7.5 VFX: 7 Music/score: 6 Depth: 5.5 Logic: 6 Flow: 6 Drama/romance: 6 Ending: 5.5.
The characters aren't likeable.
pszpqdpgc8 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I tried, I really tried. After being swarmed on social media of #thesummeriturnedpretty I thought I would give the show a crack. But too much of it is unbelievable. I feel it draws so much from Dawsons creek, although the titular characters are brothers not just best friends. It's the love triangle, the unexplained and unresolved feelings of newly young adults that some how think they can save a house but not deal with their own feelings and family. Yes a death occurred but it was poorly executed in the second season. I felt Steven and belly have the best relationship, they are honest in their feelings and understand one another but also have fights that when they come together they talk it out. However, the triangle dance between the two brothers and belly just seems like she would be much better off on her own. Both brothers have terrible red flags, with incredibly toxic behaviours. Love doesn't have to be this hard with open communication. Jere is very much into shiny new things as his behaviour is erratic and unbelievable. Conrad is the emotionally withdrawn. And uncommunicative. It's to the point where I think, what is the point? None of it is seemingly romantic as it's more troublesome at best. The actors are great but the story.... Unbelievable and not remotely good.
An opinion.
An opinion.
Kind of cringey
muse-4872020 August 2023
As an adult who occasionally watches a silly romance story, I enjoyed the first season for what it was- a ridiculous young adult drama.
You get what you get. I can suspend belief and watch nonsense from time to time. But this 2nd season has been a bit cringey. The whole brother dynamic is odd and uncomfortable. The character "Belly" comes off as being desperate, needy and a bit dense. For her to not understand why Jeremiah was avoiding her attention was obtuse. You dated his brother. Find someone outside of this one family to fall for. I hope the books are better. I can't even bring myself to sit through the final episode of the season.
You get what you get. I can suspend belief and watch nonsense from time to time. But this 2nd season has been a bit cringey. The whole brother dynamic is odd and uncomfortable. The character "Belly" comes off as being desperate, needy and a bit dense. For her to not understand why Jeremiah was avoiding her attention was obtuse. You dated his brother. Find someone outside of this one family to fall for. I hope the books are better. I can't even bring myself to sit through the final episode of the season.
Thank you (for season 1 -and please stop there!)
thom-7588715 May 2023
I haven't read the books so I cannot have an opinion about the adaptation; but I did watch the whole thing at once. It has been a long time I had not been swept into a story like that, I did feel a lot of emotions throughout the story, with good actor play and good filming plus a perfect soundtrack! It makes you fall in love again, go on vacation and enjoy the simplicity of life again. I miss shows like this, where there's no display of drug use/almost explicit sex scenes or stupidity to make it more thrilling: it's a comeback to more simple and qualitative times and human interaction. A big thank you and I'm excited for season two this summer.
Edit S2: haven't been able to finish season 2 as it was so bad. All the spirit of season 1 is gone. Bad writing, stupid story line, annoying new characters. Now they are just trying to keep it going to « create content ». Extremely disappointed and gave up after 5 long and stupid episodes. I wish they would have stopped after season 1 and make it a mini-series. This isn't ok. Haven't changed the rating as it only stands for season 1.
Edit S2: haven't been able to finish season 2 as it was so bad. All the spirit of season 1 is gone. Bad writing, stupid story line, annoying new characters. Now they are just trying to keep it going to « create content ». Extremely disappointed and gave up after 5 long and stupid episodes. I wish they would have stopped after season 1 and make it a mini-series. This isn't ok. Haven't changed the rating as it only stands for season 1.
Dumb script, sorry
spontkont7 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The main character is utterly annoying.
The whole world is after her, she is in love with one guy for years, then has no problem hooking up within family in no minute. Fool an other guy and trash on anyone comes near to her.
She is an entitled b*tch, I can't say it otherwise. It's hard to even tolerate her on the screen - however the actress could be o.k. But the written role is just baaad.
The guys are shallow. Only persistent character is Jeremiah, who got trashed on, but doing a lot of support what nobody notices.
And yes, we get it, you are rich, even richer than rich but that's not the life of most people around the world, probably not for a lot people in the USA.
The scenes are there just for trigger conversations, most dialogs are only about soul life... It can't be the life of today's teenagers, we weren't that petty shallow - even without money...
The whole world is after her, she is in love with one guy for years, then has no problem hooking up within family in no minute. Fool an other guy and trash on anyone comes near to her.
She is an entitled b*tch, I can't say it otherwise. It's hard to even tolerate her on the screen - however the actress could be o.k. But the written role is just baaad.
The guys are shallow. Only persistent character is Jeremiah, who got trashed on, but doing a lot of support what nobody notices.
And yes, we get it, you are rich, even richer than rich but that's not the life of most people around the world, probably not for a lot people in the USA.
The scenes are there just for trigger conversations, most dialogs are only about soul life... It can't be the life of today's teenagers, we weren't that petty shallow - even without money...
Second season washes out
canabera16 August 2023
I enjoyed the first season of a wealthy (of course) family who seemed a bit unreal in 2023 but it was light fun and enjoyable. The acting leaves a lot to be desired. I started Season 2 and tuned out - seemed to be grasping at straws. Had a "Glee" type feel to it. The whole situation between the brothers and the star became drawn out and boring. Honestly felt the whole thing was missing "a spark." I heard it was renewed for Season 3 and can't imagine the content for that. There just is no depth at all to the story line or the characters. Guess it might be a good show for kids to watch as its not loaded with sex and violence.
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