The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3: Love, heartbreak, and the final choice

After years of love triangles, heartbreak, and dreamy summers in Cousins Beach, The Summer I Turned Pretty is heading toward its dramatic finale. As Belly prepares to walk down the aisle, the question lingers: Is she marrying the right brother? With emotional twists, surprise returns, and long-awaited answers, season 3 promises to close the chapter with all the intensity fans have come to expect.

A final season filled with high stakes and higher emotions

When Prime Video dropped the official trailer for season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty in June 2025, fans were both thrilled and anxious. The trailer confirmed what many had hoped—and feared: this season marks the end of Belly’s journey. Based on Jenny Han’s third novel, We’ll Always Have Summer, the season picks up two years after Belly chose Jeremiah over his older brother, Conrad.

Now college students, Belly and Jeremiah are in a seemingly steady relationship. But their announcement that they’re getting married sends shockwaves through their families. What should be a joyful milestone quickly becomes complicated when Conrad reappears—living in California and still holding onto unspoken feelings. Belly finds herself torn once again between the two Fisher brothers, just as she stands at the altar.

The show’s synopsis sums it up best: “Now on the brink of adulthood, Belly finds herself at a crossroads and must decide which brother has her heart.” As love stories clash with the reality of growing up, season 3 sets the stage for a decision that’s been three seasons—and three books—in the making.

The cast returns with familiar and new faces

The core cast returns for season 3: Lola Tung as Belly, Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah, and Christopher Briney as Conrad. Joining them are Sean Kaufman (Steven), Rain Spencer (Taylor), and Jackie Chung (Laurel), each continuing their own storylines of love, identity, and family.

But the new season also brings fresh characters into the fold. Deadline reported that Isabella Briggs and Kristen Connolly have joined the series as regulars, alongside new recurring actors Sofia Bryant, Lily Donoghue, Zoé de Grand’Maison, Emma Ishta, and Tanner Zagarino. Notably absent is Kyra Sedgwick, who played Aunt Julia in season 2 and confirmed her departure from the series.

These casting changes suggest that season 3 isn’t just about Belly’s love life. Subplots involving her mother, her best friend Taylor, and brother Steven are also given space to grow, offering a deeper look into the evolving relationships around her.

From page to screen: How true will season 3 stay to the book?

While seasons 1 and 2 took creative liberties with Jenny Han’s novels, the showrunners have repeatedly emphasized that season 3 will stick closely to We’ll Always Have Summer. As Han told Entertainment Weekly, she’s committed to “honoring the emotional blueprint of the book” while leaving room for surprises.

Gavin Casalegno echoed that sentiment during a previous interview with PEOPLE, noting, “Jenny is really strong on staying as true to the books as possible and hitting the main points.” Tung added that the cast has been fortunate to work with such a strong foundation, saying, “There’s a blueprint of a book, which we’ve been lucky to have for two seasons now, and to have Jenny on set with us has been incredible.”

That said, Han hinted that the show’s two-year time jump—unique to the third book—will be respected and used to explore deeper emotional maturity in Belly and the people around her. It’s not just about who she loves anymore, but about who she wants to be as an adult.

A wedding, a love triangle, and a twist

The trailer for season 3 offers more than just romantic nostalgia. As Belly narrates her inner conflict—“When I’m with J, everything is easier, but everywhere I go, there’s a memory of Conrad”—we see flashbacks of college life, beach memories, and heartfelt confrontations. In one key scene, Belly’s best friend Taylor calls Conrad out: “Are you going to blow up her whole life because you suddenly remember she exists?”

And then there’s the cliffhanger: Belly in a wedding dress, walking toward someone at the altar. But who is she marrying—Jeremiah, the steady choice, or Conrad, the first love? The teaser gives no clear answer.

Meanwhile, Taylor and Steven’s budding romance gets its own screen time, while Laurel (Belly’s mother) may be embarking on a new chapter with fellow writer Cleveland Castillo, now newly single. These side plots promise a more complete exploration of love, both romantic and familial.

Behind the scenes and release details

Production for season 3 began in May 2024 in Wilmington, North Carolina, as confirmed by Prime Video. Fans also spotted the cast filming in Paris later that fall, sparking speculation about new plot settings and international storylines. A behind-the-scenes clip showed the main cast relaxing on the beach—keeping the summer vibe alive.

Originally announced with 10 episodes, Prime Video later expanded the count to 11, making it the longest season yet. And while fans may be eager for more after the finale, Jenny Han has made it clear: this is the end. “Three books, three seasons,” Han confirmed. “It feels right to me.”

The final season premieres July 16, 2025, and will stream exclusively on Prime Video.

What’s next for the Summer universe?

While this season concludes Belly’s story, Amazon has hinted at possible spinoffs. Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon and MGM Studios, teased in late 2023 that they were already “developing complementary pieces.” Although no official spinoff has been announced, Han has a clear vision for continuing the world she built. With a loyal fanbase and plenty of rich backstory, a spinoff focusing on characters like Taylor, Steven, or even the Fisher brothers before Cousins Beach could be a natural next step.

The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 marks the end of an era: one filled with coming-of-age moments, shifting loyalties, and the emotional messiness of love. As Belly walks toward her future—wedding dress and all—viewers will finally get the closure they’ve been waiting for. Whether you’re Team Jeremiah, Team Conrad, or simply Team Belly, this final summer promises to be unforgettable.