Bowls of popcorn on the coffee table, dimmed lights around the apartment and layers of cozy throw blankets spilling from the couch.
As chatter turned into silent anticipation, a group of young women at Kent State huddled around the TV as the opening credits for the final episode of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” lit up the screen.
What started as a casual way for friends to keep up with the show, which is released every Wednesday on Prime Video, has turned into a weekly tradition. For some, it’s not just about watching the newest episode, but having a chance to connect and share the excitement.
“It just keeps pulling you in every episode,” said Hannah Long, a freshman business management student. “You never know what’s going to happen next.”
Based on Jenny Han’s bestselling books, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” follows Isabel “Belly” Conklin as she navigates relationships, friendships and self-identity.
At the center of the story is the rivalry between the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, for Belly’s love. The love triangle has fueled debates among fans, many of whom claim to be either “Team Jeremiah” or “Team Conrad.”
Kasey Crosier, a junior business management student, said she and her friends relate to the show.
“I’ve related to Belly about not knowing who I am outside of a relationship,” she said. “The fact that Belly and Jeremiah were navigating a relationship in college is very relatable for people our age.”
The coming-of-age romance has risen in popularity over the years, especially among young women.
“Girls relate to the love, the drama, the heartbreak,” Crosier said. “I think we watch this show almost to live our own experiences through these characters.”
However, the appeal for the show might run deeper than just the drama. Gretchen Hoak, a journalism professor, said the series taps into familiar or hopeful feelings around love and relationships.
“Those are all feelings young women have felt or wanted to feel,” Hoak said.
Shows like “The Summer I Turned Pretty” offer situations and experiences that everyday life often does not, Hoak added.
“Romance is hard,” Hoak said. “There’s that cultural ideal of the happily ever after. Most people don’t achieve that, so I think people are drawn to it because it is not something that happens in real life.”
The growing popularity has extended beyond private watch parties. Some public spaces have hosted watch events, giving fans a chance to see the episodes together.
“We all want an in-group, right? We all want to be in a community,” Hoak said. “So, it satisfies that need too.”
Despite its appeal, it is important to be aware when watching, Hoak emphasized. While the series resonates with viewers, it should not be taken as a guide to real relationships.
“Something like ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ is close enough to real life that we can be immersed in it and believe it,” Hoak said. “But it is still incredibly fictional and not a true depiction of what a relationship is. We want to make sure we understand where that line is.”
Elliana Steiner is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].