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Why “The Summer I Turned Pretty” Has Aussie Teens and Their Mums Hooked

September 18, 2025 3:30 pm in by

There’s a new teen drama making waves, and it’s not set in the Aussie suburbs but somehow feels all too familiar. The Summer I Turned Pretty, streaming on Prime Video, is the coming-of-age series bringing the feels, the heartbreak, and the heat to living rooms across Australia.

A Classic Love Triangle

At the heart of the story is 16-year-old Belly, who returns to Cousins Beach for the summer, only to find that both brothers next door are seeing her in a new light. Cue the love triangle between moody Conrad and charming Jeremiah.

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PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 17: Gavin Casalegno, Lola Tung and Christopher Briney (Photo by Lyvans Boolaky/Getty Images)

It sounds like typical teen drama fare, but thanks to author-turned-showrunner Jenny Han (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before), there’s a depth and emotional honesty that makes it feel refreshingly real.

Why Aussies Are So Into It

We might not have Cousins Beach, but from Byron to the Bellarine, we know the magic of a coastal summer. The show’s nostalgic vibes, sun-soaked scenes, and a killer soundtrack (hello, Taylor Swift) hit just right, whether you’re 16 or 46.

It’s also quietly diverse, with characters and storylines that reflect real-world families and friendships.

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PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 17: (L-R) Rachel Blanchard, Rain Spencer, Gavin Casalegno, Jenny Han, Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, Sean Kaufman, and Jackie Chung (Photo by Lyvans Boolaky/Getty Images)

More Than Just a Teen Show

While the romance gets the spotlight, the show also tackles grief, identity, and the growing pains of adolescence. It’s sweet, sad, and surprisingly heartfelt, and yes, you’ll probably cry.

What’s Next?

Season 2 brought even more drama, and with Season 3 officially on the way, the Belly-Conrad-Jeremiah debate is only heating up. Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah? Aussies are choosing sides.

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Final Word

If you’re chasing a heartfelt, beachy binge that delivers both swoon and substance, The Summer I Turned Pretty is your next watch. It’s all the feelings of summer love.

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