Through wild anticipation, and a successful first season, The Summer I Turned Pretty has spiked numbers with its second season release. Doubling its viewership from when the show first aired, its popularity is nothing short of consuming social media and being talked about amongst the majority of teens and young adults alike.
Encompassing the essence of summer and twinkling nights on the beach, that we all wish we could experience, there are many reasons for the attention it has been given. The only drawback for fans who have been waiting over a year to see its release, is the unfortunate episode schedule, limited to only one episode a week.
Even with those who wait anxiously for every Friday to come with a comfy bed and a bowl of snacks at hand, there are just as many who have given up after only the first three episodes. There is a large group of viewers who would not deny the fact that the start of the season was relatively underwhelming. Although certain plot lines are scarily accurate to the book, such as the heartbreaking funeral scene or the breakup at prom, the core of the characters seem to have been lost. Whether it is the writing, or the portrayal given by the actors, the argument of ‘Team Jeremiah’ or ‘Team Conrad’ has gone to ‘What’s so great about either of them?.’ An unlikeable love triangle is just the beginning of fan-hated characters; the introduction of new people in ‘Cousins Beach’ has not been received well by those that have read both the books and watched the show.
Just as certain love triangles have disappointed fans, the different ships have taken controversial changes from the series, such as Steven and Taylor, or Cam Cameron and Skye. At the time this is written, six episodes have been aired, and fans still do not know the potential outcome of the series; the author and director, Jenny Han, stating to the fans that she is open to changing the final love interest for each character, opposite of what is within the books.
The ever-growing cast, as annoying as their characters may be, seem to have the kind of off-screen chemistry that translates to the screen just well enough to keep viewers engaged. From funny TikToks to cast interviews, the cast is as much the reason for high viewership this season as the books are.
Another reason for the current season’s popularity, buzzing over social media and exciting fans, is the iconic soundtrack throughout the season so far. A poster child of Taylor Swift’s best songs, One Direction throwbacks, and tension filled scenes with Frank Ocean and Tyler the Creator in the background, there is always something to listen for. Guessing the scenes that correlate with certain fan-favorite songs, fill the long awaited time between each episode for viewers. Embarrassing plot lines can be overlooked when the music behind them is distracting enough to move past it.
Whether one is a die-hard fan of the series so far, or just there to fill up a Friday night, there’s no doubt this season has had its fair share of ups and down, disappointing plot lines followed by book anticipated moments portrayed perfectly. No matter how the second season ends, the third has officially been confirmed to follow, so fans shouldn’t be too disappointed or too hopeful with its outcome, but just prepared to be waiting on the edge of our seats for a whole other season to arrive.
