Spoilers ahead.
On Wednesday, Sept. 17, popular teen romance series “The Summer I Turned Pretty” came to a close. The series, based on Jenny Han’s beloved YA trilogy, has captured the hearts of audiences all over the world.
Even though fans still argue over Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah, all can agree that they are excited to see Belly’s coming-of-age story conclude.
The show’s finale opens in Paris, with Belly living out her study abroad getaway. An unaware Belly is interrupted when Conrad, who is still hopelessly in love, makes a surprise visit.
Belly, rubbed the wrong way, reluctantly gives Conrad a tour of the city. As a Team Conrad member, it was nice to see his appearance. It is easy to feel torn as Conrad’s unannounced arrival feels intrusive. On the other hand, it seems like a grand gesture “Team Conrad” fans have been waiting for.
Their rooftop catch-up scene is filled with blasts from the past and longing glances. As tension continues to build between Conrad and Belly, fans wonder what will happen next.
Back in Cousins, Jeremiah works toward getting over his ex-fiancée, Belly. After his father, Adam, cut Jeremiah off financially, he pursues his up-and-coming chef career. Jeremiah plans his first catering gig for 30 guests at the iconic beach house.
All while setting up for Jeremiah’s first big project as a new chef, Taylor finds out about Denise and Steven moving to California for their company’s seed funding.
Taylor, being able to hold a strong grudge, makes digs at her partner Steven, hinting she knows his secret of moving to California. The two have a classic Taylor-Steven blowout. Taylor ultimately agrees to move to California with Steven. Her decision shows her character development while also proving growth in the couple’s relationship.
Back in Paris, Belly gives in to Conrad’s charm and invites him to stay longer for her birthday dinner.
At Belly’s party he is introduced to all of her friends in Paris. The friends make subtle remarks, hinting that Belly still thinks about Conrad. Conrad is told he is “a legend in Paris” by Belly’s former lover, Benito. During the dinner, Conrad and Benito make passive-aggressive exchanges to remind Belly just who is the better ex.
Conrad’s gift to Belly turns out to be a corny bottle of sand from Cousins Beach. This small gift was another declaration of Conrad’s love, bringing a sentimental piece of home to Belly.
Belly and Conrad walk home to Belly’s apartment and romantically dance under the Paris streetlights. The song “I Only Have Eyes for You” by The Flamingos plays during this scene, which perfectly captures how Conrad feels towards Belly.
The two reminisce on old events that ended their relationship. Through comedic banter, they apologize for their past mistakes.
Conrad asks why Belly took months to reply to his love letters, and Belly explains that it was because she needed to “move on.” Conrad, searching for clarity, asks, “Did you move on?” Belly answers with a kiss that signifies she could not move on.
This is the perfect transition for Belly and Conrad to start rekindling their history.
Still not smooth sailing, Belly opens up about her concerns that if Susannah hadn’t gotten sick again they wouldn’t have gotten together. In response, Conrad confesses that he will never stop loving her.
As emotions rise, Conrad leaves for his train to Brussels, defusing the argument. In an intense chase down with an amazing song choice, “Out of the Woods” by Taylor Swift, Belly realizes she doesn’t want to lose Conrad again. She tracks him down and confesses her feelings to Conrad on the train. They share a passionate kiss that solidifies their reconnection.
Back in the States, Adam shows maturation by confessing his support for Jeremiah’s accomplishments. By expressing this support, Adam gives Jeremiah the confidence he needs to continue on his new path. This scene was a small but very impactful moment that rounds out Jeremiah’s new journey.
The episode concludes with a touching montage showcasing each character’s new chapter. Belly and Conrad are seen reuniting with the cherished Cousins Beach house hand-in-hand.
While the series finale did reunite Bonrad, it also seemed rushed in the development of Belly and Conrad. There was no exploration of how their relationship will play out or how it will affect others.
Luckily, Jenny Han has a solution to this problem. She announced at the series finale red carpet that there will be “The Summer I Turned Pretty: The Movie.” The film will focus on concluding Belly’s story and perhaps answering the question of where her heart really stands.
The closing of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” wasn’t perfect, but it gave viewers a meaningful send-off. Fans hope the movie will include Jeremiah’s reaction to Belly and Conrad’s reconnection and Bonrad’s official ending, as that was a vital piece missing from the finale. For now, fans will be counting down the days until the upcoming film, expected in 2027.
