Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
YA romance-turned-show is sweet and summery.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 70 parent reviews
Parents say that the series resonates well with some viewers, particularly younger audiences who enjoy its relatable themes, but many express concern over its mature content, including extensive language, underage drinking, and sexual situations that they feel are inappropriate for younger viewers. While some highlight its engaging storyline and potential for valuable discussions among families, others warn that it glamorizes risky behavior and lacks positive role models, prompting parents to recommend it primarily for older teens or adults.
- mixed content opinions
- age-appropriateness concerns
- strong themes for discussion
- risky behavior portrayal
- some find it relatable
- parental guidance suggested
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 212 kid reviews
Kids say the show is engaging and entertaining, featuring a love triangle that resonates with young viewers; however, it includes mature themes such as drug use, swearing, and sexual content that may not be suitable for children under 13. While some appreciate the relatable characters and plot twists, others express disappointment over the differences from the books and the notable amount of inappropriate material, causing a divide in recommendations based on maturity levels.
- suitability concerns
- love triangle
- mature themes
- book differences
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Every year, THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY's Belly (Lola Tung), her mom, Laurel (Jackie Chung), and her brother, Steven (Sean Kaufman), go to Cousins, a New England beach town to spend the summer with Laurel's longtime best friend, Susannah (Rachel Blanchard), and her two sons: Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno). Every time, it's a whirl of fun at the beach and at the pool, but now that Belly is turning 16 and romance seems to be entering the picture, things get a lot more complicated. The show is based on the young adult romance novel of the same name by Jenny Han, who also created and scripted the series.
Is It Any Good?
As sweet and refreshing as a soda on ice by the swimming pool, this book-based drama tackles the confusion and loveliness of an awkward coming of age. Last year, Belly had glasses and braids—but as her BFF tells her, she looks "a lot different" this summer, with "new boobs" and everything. Boys notice her, talk to her; movie night with the moms doesn't feel the same, and neither does hanging out with her family and longtime friends—one handsome family friend in particular. Wonderfully, terrifyingly, Conrad seems to notice her, too, but what does that mean when he has personal drama of his own?
Han's same-named novel is beloved and bestselling, and here she shows she has a deft touch with spoken dialogue and pacing, too. As personified by Tung, Belly is beguiling and conflicted, on one hand wanting to play like a puppy in the pool with her good old friends and, on the other, feeling intoxicated by the sudden rush of power she feels. She wants to put on a white dress and please Susannah with a coming-out season at the country club and also to wear something slinky and short that will make all the boys notice her at the bonfire. In later episodes, the teens grow up even faster as they go to college and grapple with the death of a beloved adult. It's easy to love this ensemble and painful yet satisfying to watch as characters fight for what they want while trying not to hurt each other—something that isn't always possible. It's enough to make viewers remember their own coming of age in all its embarrassment and glory, equal parts cringe and magic, just like this series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why books are frequently adapted for the movies or television. Which version do you usually prefer? Does it enhance your enjoyment to have read the book first? Have you read the book that the series The Summer I Turned Pretty is based on? Did it make you like the show more or less?
How does this series seem to feel about Belly's romantic interests? Do you relate to Belly? Look down on her? Fear for her? How does The Summer I Turned Pretty try to make Belly and her adventures relatable? Does it succeed? Why, or why not?
All of the "teen" characters in this show are played by actors over age 18. Do the actors read as too old for their characters? Do you mind the age disparity? What are the practical reasons for using adult actors to play teens?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 15, 2022
- Cast : Lola Tung , Jackie Chung , Rachel Blanchard
- Network : Prime Video
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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