After three seasons of sun-soaked drama, tangled romances, and the unmistakable sound of Taylor Swift, The Summer I Turned Pretty has closed the curtain on its series run—at least for now. The show’s much-anticipated finale dropped on September 17, 2025, marking the end of an era for fans who’ve followed Belly Conklin (Lola Tung) and the Fisher brothers, Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), since the show’s debut on Prime Video in 2022. But there’s good news for those not ready to say goodbye: a follow-up movie is officially in the works, promising to take viewers a few years into the future with these beloved characters.
Based on Jenny Han’s bestselling coming-of-age novels, The Summer I Turned Pretty quickly found its place in the pop culture landscape. Its blend of heartfelt storytelling, relatable characters, and a pitch-perfect soundtrack—anchored by Taylor Swift’s music—made it a must-watch for teens and adults alike. The series followed Belly as she navigated the complex web of first loves, family bonds, and the bittersweet passage of time, all set against the idyllic backdrop of Cousins Beach.
Season 3, which wrapped up on or before September 20, 2025, was nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. The season kicked off with a significant four-year time jump, revealing that Belly and Jeremiah had been together for most of that period, save for a brief breakup over spring break. Meanwhile, Conrad remained in California, and Steven (Sean Kaufman) and Taylor (Rain Spencer) were sneaking around after a breakup of their own. According to Screen Rant, the season premiere, titled “Last Season,” set the stage for the drama to come, including a shocking revelation that Jeremiah had cheated on Belly and a tense car accident involving Steven and Taylor.
The heart of Season 3 revolved around the buildup to Belly and Jeremiah’s wedding—a storyline that kept viewers guessing until the very last minute. Episodes like “Last Supper” and “Last Stand” delved into the emotional fallout of the engagement, as the couple prepared to break the news to their families. In one particularly explosive scene, a family lunch turned into a battleground of emotions, leaving Conrad standing alone outside, a visual metaphor for his isolation amid the chaos.
But the wedding itself was anything but smooth sailing. The episode “Last Kiss” delivered on the season’s dramatic promise, with Jeremiah going missing on the morning of the big day after learning that Conrad had confessed his love to Belly. What followed was a series of raw confrontations, culminating in Belly admitting that she still loved Conrad—a revelation that spelled the end for her relationship with Jeremiah. As Collider noted, the moment was more a relief than a heartbreak, a necessary step for Belly to move forward.
Post-wedding, the show shifted its focus to Belly’s adventures in Paris. In “Last Call,” viewers watched as Belly struggled to find her footing after losing her spot in a study abroad program and having her backpack stolen. Meanwhile, Jeremiah was left to process the fallout back home, throwing what many described as a tantrum as he grappled with his feelings of rejection. These episodes, though slower in pace, provided important context for the characters’ growth and set the stage for the series’ emotional conclusion.
The finale, “At Last,” delivered the long-awaited reconciliation between Belly and Conrad, this time in the romantic setting of Paris. The two spent a day and night together, finally having the honest conversation about their insecurities and hopes for the future. Just when it seemed like things might fall apart for good, Belly made a grand gesture at the train station, chasing after Conrad and cementing their bond. Meanwhile, back in Cousins, Jeremiah channeled his energy into preparing an important meal, signaling a new chapter in his own journey.
Throughout its run, The Summer I Turned Pretty was defined by its soundtrack, and no artist was more central to the show’s identity than Taylor Swift. As Screen Rant highlighted, Swift’s music became synonymous with the series, with several of her “Taylor’s Version” tracks making their television debut during pivotal scenes. Jenny Han, the series’ creator, even wrote a handwritten note to Swift requesting the use of “The Way I Loved You” for the show’s iconic debutante ball scene. The gesture paid off, with Swift’s passionate and introspective lyrics serving as the perfect backdrop for Belly’s internal struggles—a clever way of bridging the gap between the book’s rich inner monologues and the show’s visual storytelling.
Swifties, of course, took notice. For three years, The Summer I Turned Pretty was the most consistent source of Taylor Swift soundtracks on TV. From “This Love (Taylor’s Version)” debuting in a season one trailer to songs from her album The Tortured Poets Department premiering in later episodes, the show became a launchpad for Swift’s latest musical offerings. The synergy between the series and the superstar elevated both, creating an emotional resonance that few other shows could match.
With the series finale, however, comes the end of Swift’s TV soundtrack era—at least for now. Fans are already speculating about the possibility of Swift writing original music for the upcoming movie, a move that would undoubtedly fill the void left by the show’s conclusion. In the meantime, other series like Bridgerton and The Bear have picked up the torch, featuring Swift’s songs in memorable moments and ensuring her presence remains felt on the small screen. And with Swift’s highly anticipated 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, set for release on October 3, 2025, there’s no telling where her music might pop up next.
Looking back, The Summer I Turned Pretty delivered more than just a love triangle or a catchy soundtrack. It captured the messy, exhilarating journey of growing up, the pain of heartbreak, and the hope that comes with new beginnings. As fans await the next chapter in Belly and Conrad’s story, one thing’s for sure: the magic of those summers—and those songs—will linger long after the final credits roll.
