"The Summer I Turned Pretty" Is For Everyone
While based on a young-adult book trilogy, The Summer I Turned Pretty has emerged as a surprising multi‑generational phenomenon. Both millennials and baby boomers have taken to rewatching seasons and engaging in online debates. So what’s behind this cross‑age appeal?
Jacopo Raule, Getty ImagesMillennials Read The Books As Teens
Jenny Han’s original The Summer I Turned Pretty novels were published from 2009 to 2011, meaning many millennials read them as teens. Now that they're adults, they have the opportunity to relive that bygone era through the show.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Book Series Review! (spoiler free) *I CRIED*, Kimberly Kardas
Jenny Han's Older Perspective
The author of the books, Jenny Han, now in her forties, has adapted them for the screen, infusing a millennial sensibility and an older perspective to the narrative; her own nostalgic tone shapes the show’s emotional architecture.
Rhododendrites, Wikimedia Commons
The Power Of Friendship: Laurel And Susannah
One of The Summer I Turned Pretty's most compelling emotional through-lines is its depiction of deep, enduring female friendships. Laurel and Susannah’s bond—rooted in decades of shared history, humor, and grief—resonates especially with Gen X and boomer women who’ve lived through layered, lifelong relationships.
Amazon Prime Video, The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–present)
The Power Of Friendship: Belly And Taylor
In contrast to the older characters, Belly and Taylor’s friendship captures the rollercoaster ride of adolescent closeness: marked by jealousy, loyalty, distance, and unconditional love.
These parallel storylines demonstrate how our friendships shape, sustain, and sometimes save us through life’s seasons.
Amazon Prime Video, The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–present)
Coastal Grandmother Meets Gen Z Chic
The fashion in The Summer I Turned Pretty has become a character in its own right—blending soft, elegant “coastal grandmother” vibes with youthful, on-trend Gen Z flair.
Amazon Prime Video, The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–present)
The Fashion Is On Point
For older viewers, Laurel and Susannah’s flowy linen dresses, wide-brimmed hats, and natural palettes offer aspirational style rooted in maturity and ease. Meanwhile, Belly’s wardrobe evolves with her character—from sporty and casual to romantic sundresses and denim, reflecting her internal journey.
However, it's not just the adult friendships that have the older generations hooked on this show.
Amazon Prime Video, The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–present)
Adult Relationships With Real-World Weight
While the teen romance takes center stage, The Summer I Turned Pretty gives equal emotional weight to its adult characters and their relationships. Laurel’s journey through grief, co-parenting, and rediscovering intimacy after divorce provides mature, resonant storytelling for viewers who’ve navigated similar terrain. But that isn't all.
It Touches On Something Deeper
Laurel's evolving dynamic with Cleveland, and later Julia, highlights the complexities of love, loss, and personal identity beyond youth. Meanwhile, Susannah’s deep affection for her children and her poignant friendship with Laurel illustrate the emotional legacy that adult relationships leave behind.
These storylines offer emotional depth and realism that many older viewers find more compelling than the teen drama itself.
Amazon Studios, The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022-)
Style Inspiration For Everyone
Fans across generations have flocked to TikTok and Pinterest for style guides inspired by the show, proving that the fashion speaks to every age—with both nostalgia and fresh aspiration.
Amazon Prime Video, The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–present)
The Power Of The Female Gaze
Unlike many teen dramas that prioritize objectification or action-driven male narratives, The Summer I Turned Pretty thrives under the lens of the female gaze. Every romantic glance, longing silence, and emotional unraveling is filtered through Belly’s experience.
Amazon Prime Video, The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–present)
The Power Of The Female Gaze
The camera lingers not to objectify, but to make the audience feel. Soft lighting, emotionally charged silences, and intimacy are built through vulnerability rather than physicality. It’s a subtle but transformative approach that resonates with viewers—especially women—who finally see a teen romance told on their terms, where desire is emotional, messy, and deeply internal.
Amazon Prime Video, The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–present)
Classic Film References That Charm Older Audiences
For boomer and Gen X viewers, the show offers delightful nods to the golden age of cinema—subtle references that younger viewers might miss, but which land with emotional resonance for older audiences.
Amazon Prime Video, The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–present)
Classic Film References That Charm Older Audiences
One standout is the show’s homage to the 1954 Audrey Hepburn film Sabrina, woven through both dialogue and visual styling. From Belly watching Sabrina at a drive-in to the promotional art echoing classic movie posters, these Easter eggs are exciting stand-outs for older viewers, who are more likely to recognize the references.
They not only lend the show a timeless aesthetic but also invite older viewers to engage in the narrative through a lens of nostalgia.
Paramount Pictures, Wikimedia Commons
A Soundtrack That Defines A Generation
From Olivia Rodrigo to Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, The Summer I Turned Pretty uses music not just as a backdrop, but as an emotional narrator. Though there are a ton of modern tracks that appeal to Gen Z, there are also many throwbacks for the millennials to enjoy.
Millennial Throwbacks
For millennials, the songs tap into the soundtrack of their 20s. Tracks like "Paper Planes" by M.I.A., "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver, "No Surprises" by Radiohead, and many more are peppered throughout the episodes. Of course, there's also something for Gen X and the boomers.
danieljordahl, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Balanced Blend Of Music To Delight Every Generation
Drawing from a deep well of music history, the show also lets some older artists shine. You can expect to hear numbers by The Rolling Stones, Otis Redding, Van Morrison, The Beatles, and Fleetwood Mac—to name a few.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
Chris Briney: A Modern-Day DiCaprio?
Chris Briney’s portrayal of Conrad Fisher has sparked comparisons to Leonardo DiCaprio in Romeo + Juliet and Titanic. With his brooding vulnerability, piercing gaze, and melancholic charm, Briney embodies a Gen Z version of the '90s heartthrob.
Amazon Prime Video, The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–present)
Chris Briney: A Modern-Day DiCaprio?
Like DiCaprio, Briney commands attention in scenes where little is said, but much is felt. The aesthetic parallels, from soft lighting to white linen shirts and sun-drenched beaches, are deliberate echoes. For older viewers, Briney’s screen presence stirs up memories of DiCaprio at his peak, bridging generations with shared longing.
Amazon Prime Video, The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–present)
Positivity About Youth Culture
Boomers and millennials often express relief watching a younger generation portrayed as caring, thoughtful, and emotionally literate—an idealistic hope for the future.
Amazon Studios, The Summer I Turned Pretty (Season 3, 2025)
Visually Beautiful And Calming
The cinematography and coastal aesthetics evoke a romanticized, gentle past. This just happens to be perfect for older viewers looking to unwind rather than binge adrenaline or suspense.
Amazon Prime Video, The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–present)
You May Also Like:
TV Friends Who Couldn't Stand Each Other In Real Life
Real Injuries That Made It Into The Final Cut
The Best Character Arcs Ever Written For TV
