WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Introduction
This year, on July 16, 2025, a new season of The Summer I Turned Pretty came out. Two episodes were released, and the rest were scheduled to come out every Wednesday after that until September 17, 2025. When I started to watch Season 3, I was very nervous and scared. I wanted this season to feel more mature, but it ended up being messy in some ways. Belly was now in college and dating Jeremiah, while Conrad kept his distance from both of them. This love triangle develops as the show goes on and causes many emotional rollercoasters. One thing that I felt was different this season is that Belly found herself and became more aware. She left her old life and tried to do things on her own. Along the way, she became a better version of herself and more responsible. Overall, I think Season 3 is more emotional and passionate, but it felt a bit rushed, leaving some characters with barely any screentime. 

Plot Summary
This season focuses on Belly figuring out who she wants to be with, Jeremiah or Conrad. She starts off in a happy relationship with Jeremiah, but as the show evolves, challenges come along the way. They face school and trust issues, which take a toll on their life. Then, Conrad reappears, and Belly’s old feelings start coming back. Other than that, new characters are also seen, and surprising events occur in the storyline. In this season, there is also a time jump, so the characters are more grown than in previous seasons. Some viewers like this, but others feel it makes the first episodes feel faster. But the final episodes make up for that by leaving the viewers with a heartfelt feeling.

Main Character Development
Belly (Lola Tung): Belly has evolved a lot since Season 1. She’s more independent than before and thoughtful now, but she still struggles with her feelings. Sometimes it’s frustrating to see her go back and forth between the brothers. She confuses each one and leaves them hurt. However, that’s what makes her a more realistic character because she’s still trying to manage her emotions. 

Episodes Debrief (Spoilers Ahead!)
In episode 1, we get to see a huge time jump with the characters and how their lives are now that they are a bit older. Belly goes to Finch College, accompanied by her boyfriend, Jeremiah, one of the brothers. Their relationship seems to be very exciting and happy, but soon problems start to occur. Belly thinks about studying abroad in Paris, while Jeremiah is struggling with classes. We also learn that Conrad has been living away, focusing on med school, and hasn’t spoken to Belly or Jermiah in a while. This episode demonstrates the idea that the love triangle is yet to be over, and something is still there. 

In episode 2, Belly, Jeremiah, Steven, Taylor, and a few others return to Cousins Beach for the summer. The house looks the same, but the mood is different. Everyone is more serious and distant. When Conrad unexpectedly shows up, things get awkward fast. Belly tries to act like she’s moved on, but it’s obvious that seeing Conrad again makes her remember her old feelings. By the end of the episode, Jeremiah starts noticing the tension between Conrad and Belly.

In episode 5, the show takes a more dramatic turn, and Belly has a conversation alone with Conrad for the first time in years. Their conversation is honest and painful. Conrad admits he still has feelings for Belly, but he doesn’t want to ruin her relationship with Jeremiah. Belly is overly confused between what she wants and what she thinks.

In episode 7, Belly and Jeremiah’s relationship starts falling apart. After another fight, Jeremiah admits he feels like Belly never fully got over Conrad. Belly doesn’t deny it, which makes things even worse and extra emotional. Conrad, on the other hand, tries to stay away, but everyone can tell he still loves her. Soon, the beach house ends up becoming a symbol of their memories together and how hard it is to move on from the past. 

In episode 9, everything comes to a breaking point. Belly and Jeremiah officially break up after realizing they’re forcing something that isn’t right anymore. This left some viewers satisfied because it was mature, but others were disappointed. Conrad comforts Belly afterward, and the chemistry between them comes back. Their final beach scene feels like deja vu from Season 1. It was quiet, nostalgic, and emotional to them.

In episode 11, the final episode, Belly finally makes her choice. She chose Conrad.. Both of them have a deep conversation where Conrad pours his heart out to Belly in Paris. But as always, she lets her thoughts get in the way and neglects him. But she then regrets that and chases after him to the train station, where they confess their love and kiss. The final scene shows another time change to a future summer where Belly and Conrad are back at the Cousins Beach house together, enjoying their relationship.