“We always have summer,” but it doesn’t last forever.
The team behind “The Summer I Turned Pretty” has hinted at what fans can expect as the series nears its finale.
Creators and co-showrunners Jenny Han, Laura Tung, Christopher Briney, and Gavin Casalegno are set to release the final season on Wednesday, July 16th.
Han expressed satisfaction with the show’s journey in an interview, stating, “Personally, I feel very satisfied.”
The series is based on Han’s well-loved trilogy, focusing on Belly and her complicated love life involving the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. Season 3 draws from the 2011 book “We Always Have a Summer,” where Belly finally makes her choice.
Set two years after Season 2’s events, the storyline revolves around Belly and Jeremiah planning to marry, despite their mother’s objections. However, the unexpected return of Belly’s first love, Conrad, complicates her feelings and choices.
Tung shared that filming the final season was an emotional experience for her, especially during the last scene. “Of course I cried over and over again,” she recalled, noting she started at 18 and wrapped up at 22. “It felt like a big chapter of my life.”
While Tung didn’t shed tears during the final wrap, Han did become emotional when reflecting on the series’ conclusion. “It was surreal,” she remarked. “I remember Laura saying, ‘You’re not crying that hard,’ meaning this character will always be part of my life.”
Casalegno, who plays Jeremiah, expressed his fondness for how the storyline concludes for his character, indicating a sense of growth throughout the series. “The final scene felt like a lovely and happy conclusion for Jeremiah,” he said.
Briney, portraying Conrad, described the end as “bittersweet,” acknowledging that each season felt like a gift. “It was great to finalize the stories we signed up for,” he noted.
For fans of the books, Han revealed that some moments from the third book may surprise viewers, indicating that adaptations can differ from expectations. “I really wanted to ensure I serve the fans who have been with the story for so long,” she explained.
She tries to stay attuned to audience reactions while also staying true to her vision. “It’s sometimes challenging, but you have to follow your own inner voice,” she added.
Han understands it’s impossible to please every fan. “At the end of the day, you have to support what you’ve created,” she said, emphasizing her pride in the series.
The final season of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” premieres on Prime Video with two episodes releasing on July 16th, followed by weekly episodes until September 17th, when the long-standing love triangle comes to a close.
