The Summer I Turned Pretty Recap: What You Need to Know Before Season 3 Drops

We’ve waited two years (thanks to the writers’ strike) but Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah are finally back on our screens this summer. Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty is almost here – and it’s the final season. Yup, this is the big one. Based on We’ll Always Have Summer, the third and final book in Jenny Han’s iconic trilogy, this season promises major drama, big decisions, and possibly some heartbreak. If you’re not ready, better get ready.

But before we get into what’s coming, let’s rewind. Here’s your refresher on Seasons 1 and 2…

Season 1: First Loves and Summers That Change Everything

Meet Isabel “Belly” Conklin. Every summer, she heads to Cousins Beach with her family and her mum’s best friend Susannah – plus Susannah’s two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher. Belly’s always been the little sister of the group…until this summer. Something’s changed. She’s grown up, and people (aka boys) are noticing.

This season was all about Belly coming into her own. She got caught in a love triangle between the Fisher brothers, kissed both of them, and tried to figure out what her heart actually wanted. Meanwhile, Susannah was secretly battling cancer, and the emotional weight of that hung over everything.

By the end of the season, Susannah agrees to try treatment (thanks to a heartfelt push from Belly and Conrad), and Conrad finally admits he has feelings for Belly. They kiss on the beach. Romantic, right?

But it wasn’t a fairytale ending – more like the start of a very complicated story.

Season 2: Grief, Breakups, and That Beach House Drama

Season 2? Chaos.

Susannah’s cancer came back – and this time, she passed away. Everyone was heartbroken, especially the Fisher boys. Belly and Conrad tried being together, but the relationship couldn’t handle the grief, the distance, and the secrets. They broke up. And Jeremiah, who had also been in love with Belly, was left wondering if he still had a chance.

But the biggest plot twist? The beach house was going to be sold. Enter Belly, Steven (her brother), and the Fisher boys teaming up to save the house and hold onto the memories of their mums and childhood summers.

By the final episodes, feelings between Belly and Jeremiah start to heat up again, just as Conrad realises (too late?) that he still loves her. It ended on a cliffhanger – with Belly choosing Jeremiah, but Conrad clearly still holding on. Cue the screaming.

Season 3: What We Know (And What We Think Might Happen)

Based on the third book in Jenny Han’s trilogy, We’ll Always Have Summer, this season is going to be intense. And emotional. And messy in the best way.

Here’s what we can expect:

• Time jump alert: The book picks up two years after the events of the second one, so we might see the characters a little older, a little wiser… or maybe still just as confused.
• Love triangle finale: Belly will have to choose—for real this time. Who will she end up with: steady and sweet Jeremiah or moody, poetic Conrad?
• College drama: Expect distance, new relationships, and big growing-up moments. This isn’t just summer love anymore—it’s real life.
• The end of an era: This will be the last time we see Cousins Beach. The final season is expected to wrap up every storyline—so prepare your tissues now.

Jenny Han has confirmed that this season will stay true to the heart of the book, but we know she’s not afraid to switch things up for the show (cough Taylor’s bigger role, Steven and Taylor as a couple cough). So even if you’ve read the books, you might be surprised.

This Is The Summer

Whether you’re Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah, this is the summer we’ve all been waiting for. Break out your beach towel, charge your phone for live-texting your group chat, and prepare to cry, scream, and maybe swoon one last time.

Because after this? It’s goodbye, Cousins Beach.

Want more?
Keep an eye on Missy.ie for episode breakdowns, cast interviews, and all the drama once Season 3 drops.