Ashley Chavez

The show everyone is talking about.

In the past years, The Summer I Turned Pretty has grown to be one of the most-watched series among many teens and adults. The series is based on Jenny Han’s novels, and it streams on Prime Video. The series follows a young Belly Conklin in a love triangle while also including strong themes of loss, growing up, and heartbreak. These themes are a very significant factor to why the series has gained so much popularity over the years. These themes, modern-day elements, and background music, and the dramatic love affairs are what tie people to keep watching the series.

One reason for its big popularity right now is the release of its newest season. Each summer, fans are waiting for new episodes every week to unveil new plots and twists. The episodes keep people locked in on the series, creating a space for debates, theories, and excitement. The constant conversations about it make it a cultural event–not just a regular TV show.

Tying in with the show being a cultural event, the show’s presence on social media is appalling. TikTok and Instagram are full of edits, breakdown, and debates about the series. Regularly, people are taking sides on these platforms which largely contribute to the show’s imminent popularity. A student at YLHS, Rupal Tyagi (12), truly believes that the reason for this series popularity is due to its social media presence. She says, “I see it everywhere on my TikTok.” This online presence is especially powerful during 2025 because it is how people connect.

The music in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” also helps explain the show’s current popularity. The soundtrack uses popular songs that help paint an audible picture that really entices fans during the scenes. The producers also focus on incorporating songs by popular artists like Taylor Swift to help catch another genre of fans. The songs incorporated make key scenes memorable and nostalgic which keep fans talking about how good the series is.

Sadie Smith (12), a senior at YLHS claims, “I love to watch the show because of the songs incorporated by Taylor Swift.” Fans will make a playlist of these songs which boost the popularity of the show and fans to connect.

Finally, the themes of the show feel especially meaningful right now. The show is more than a romance. It deals with grief, family and change. Many teens and adults can relate to these themes. By showing imperfect characters who make mistakes but continue to push allows the series to feel real. It allows fans to relate and see their own emotions through the screen.