The Ultimate Guide to Season 2 of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' on Amazon Prime Video

The Summer I Turned Pretty created a buzz with its release on Prime Video. The love triangle between Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah is set to become even more intricate in season 2. Jenny Han, the creator and showrunner, discussed her efforts to bring the book series to life as a TV show prior to the season 1 premiere in June 2022.

"I approached the task by considering the key elements of the story that I believe are crucial to keep intact. Additionally, I took into account the concerns and preferences of the dedicated fanbase, drawing inspiration from the numerous emails, letters, and comments I have encountered over the years. This served as our foundation for this adaptation," she explained to Collider. "We prioritized understanding what the original fans hold dear."

Han further emphasized, "Simultaneously, I sought to find the aspects that would bring the most enjoyment and excitement to the exploration of this story. As a writer, it is important to me to offer something new and innovative, ensuring that it is not a mere repetition of the original material. I aimed to introduce a fresh approach and breathe new life into this narrative."

According to the author, incorporating Taylor Swift's music into season 1 was a cherished addition. The author expressed that fans of the books had often asked about the possibility of Taylor Swift's music being included, and while it wasn't solely up to the author, she was delighted to be able to grant that wish to the fans. She understood the significance it held for them.

During that time, the author also expressed her excitement about witnessing Tung's portrayal of Belly in her own unique way. Finding actors who felt authentic, genuine, and new was a priority for the author. Belly was the linchpin of the story, and it was crucial to find the perfect fit for that role.

The newcomer in The Summer I Turned Pretty franchise brought a refreshing perspective to the lead character, according to the author of To All the Boys I've Loved Before. She explained that Lola, the character portrayed by the newcomer, had a sense of freshness and innocence that is difficult to manufacture. It was her first role, adding a meta element to both Belly's and Lola's big summers. Tung also shared her experience of being introduced to The Summer I Turned Pretty franchise.

"I was somewhat of a fan of Jenny. Although I hadn't read The Summer I Turned Pretty until I got the role, I truly enjoyed the To All The Boys movies and frequently had Netflix parties with my friends to watch them because they were so fantastic," the New York native shared in an interview with Seventeen magazine in June 2022. "It's truly incredible, I still can't believe that I am now a part of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Jenny is also amazing, so it's really fantastic and surreal that I have developed a relationship with her as well."

Keep reading to find out everything we know about season 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty:

Credit: Dana Hawley/Prime Video

Everything to Know About Season 2 of Amazon Prime Video's 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'

Things are about to get even more interesting in season 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty on Prime Video. Belly's (Lola Tung) love triangle with brothers Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) is about to reach new levels of complexity.

Ahead of the debut of season 1 in June 2022, Jenny Han, the creator and showrunner, discussed her strategy for transforming the book series into a television show. She focused on identifying the key elements of the story that should be preserved and considered the desires of the passionate fanbase. Drawing from a plethora of emails, letters, and comments she had received from fans throughout the years, Han and her team approached the adaptation with the question: "What aspects do the original fans hold dearest?"

"And for me, what I find most enjoyable and thrilling is the opportunity to explore something new. As a writer, it's important to feel like you're embarking on a fresh approach, rather than just repeating the same old formula. So, what can I do to make this feel invigorating?"

The author also expressed their delight in incorporating Taylor Swift's music into season 1, a beloved addition for the fans. "Throughout the years, fans of the books have often asked me if Taylor Swift's music could be included, and while I always wanted to, I couldn't make any promises as it wasn't solely up to me," she revealed to The Wrap in the same month. "However, being able to give the fans this gift was truly a joyful experience for me, as I understood the significance it held for them."

Han also expressed her excitement about witnessing Tung's portrayal of Belly. She emphasized the importance of finding actors who felt authentic and genuine, and Tung's performance as Belly was crucial as the entire story revolved around her character. In an interview with Variety in June 2022, Han, the author of To All the Boys I've Loved Before, explained that Tung brought a fresh perspective to the lead character. Despite being 18 years old when casted, Tung was able to capture the innocence and novelty that was essential to the character. Han acknowledged the meta elements involved in Tung's first acting role, which mirrored Belly's transformative summer experience.

Tung revealed her experience with The Summer I Turned Pretty franchise, expressing her admiration for Jenny and her previous work. Prior to landing the role, she had not read the book but was already a fan of the To All The Boys movies. Tung frequently enjoyed watching them with her friends through Netflix party. In an interview with Seventeen magazine in June 2022, the actress from New York shared her excitement and disbelief at being part of The Summer I Turned Pretty. She also praised Jenny, emphasizing the joy and astonishment she feels in building a relationship with her.

Scroll down for everything we know about season 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty:

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Credit: Erika Doss/Prime Video

What Did the Season 2 Stills Reveal?

In May 2023, Prime Video offered a glimpse at Belly and Conrad's romance after they previously made their relationship official.

Credit: Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Prime Video

Who Is Returning?

Tung, Briney, Casalegno, Sean Kaufman, Jackie Chung, Alfredo Narciso and Minnie Mills are all expected to reprise their roles in the sophomore season.

Credit: Erika Doss/Prime Video

What Will Season 2 Be Based On?

Season 2 will be inspired by the next book in the series, It’s Not Summer Without You.

Credit: Erika Doss/Prime Video

Will There Be More Seasons?

Han expressed her hopes of getting three seasons for the show, as there are three books in the series. She desires to complete telling the story in the manner she originally wrote it. However, she remains humble and does not assume anything. Han simply wishes for the show to find its audience and receive love and support, in hopes of garnering more seasons. Prior to the show's renewal, Han secured a comprehensive film and television agreement with the network.

Credit: Erika Doss/Prime Video

What Story Will Season 2 Introduce?

In the second book, the death of Susannah causes a strain in Belly's newfound relationship with Conrad, as both of them try to cope with the heartbreaking loss. When Conrad goes missing, Belly teams up with Jeremiah to search for him at the beach house. During their road trip, Belly's feelings for Jeremiah intensify, along with her growing affection for his older brother.

Credit: Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Prime Video

Will Susannah Come Back?

In June 2022, Han addressed the show's plans to explore Susannah’s story line ahead of her death between the first and second book.

"We often discuss Susannah's journey and all the cast members have read the books, so everyone came into it with a solid understanding. Personally, I believe that Susannah is one of the most significant characters in the first season," Han shared with Variety. "I feel like every person revolves around her in some way, and they are all there because of her. She is greatly cherished by all of them."

While the screenwriter didn't confirm if the character will appear in more flashbacks, they emphasized, "She sets people off on different journeys, so it was crucial for me to cast someone who could captivate others, someone you could easily fall in love with."

Credit: Erika Doss/Prime Video

Is There a Set Endgame for 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'?

After the first episode of the show aired, Han hinted that not all the intricate details from the books would be included in the on-screen adaptation. In an interview with Variety, she stated, "I don't want to give away too much, but considering the books have been available for quite some time, anything could happen with the show. I approached it with an open mind, exploring various possibilities."

Credit: Erika Doss/Prime Video

When Will Filming Begin?

During an interview with CBS in June 2022, Han confirmed that she is "about to leave" to start production and filming on season 2.

One month later, the official Twitter account for the show shared a glimpse at Han on set with Tung. "And we're rolling on season 2 ," the July 2022 tweet read. 

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Who Else Is Appearing in Season 2?

Elsie Fisher delighted fans in August 2022 when she announced that she and Kyra Sedgwick would be joining the cast for the second season of the show. In a fun Instagram video, the talented Eighth Grade actress playfully opened the door of her trailer, which was labeled with the name "Skye," presumably her character's name on the show. Interestingly, Skye is not a character from the original book.

The camera then turned to Sedgwick, who was seen engrossed in reading Han's It's Not Summer Without You, the sequel that serves as the basis for the series. Fisher captioned the post with "#TheSummerITurnedPretty" and added, "SEE U SOON PALS."

Credit: Todd Williamson/January Images/Shutterstock

"It's truly more amazing than I could have ever imagined. Especially since I was anxious about joining a show that already had an established presence," Fisher shared with E! News in October 2022, reflecting on her role as Skye in the series. "We have the opportunity to bring to life a completely new character. What really attracted me to this project is the chance to portray someone who remains authentic to myself, yet is distinct from the characters I have portrayed in the past."

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Who Won't Be Coming Back?

In April 2023, Minnie Mills announced that she won't be back to play Shayla in season 2.

"I will always cherish Shayla and the impact she had on those who loved and found inspiration in her. She will forever be a beacon of strength, ready to comfort and guide whenever needed. If given the opportunity, I would be thrilled to continue her journey and delve deeper into her story," expressed the actress on Instagram. "I am grateful for the unwavering support you have all shown Shayla and me. My first acting role was blessed with an incredible cast, crew, and character, and I eagerly anticipate what lies ahead."

Mills further reflected, "Portraying Shayla was an honor that enriched my growth as both an actor and an individual. I learned invaluable lessons from her and had the privilege of representing a character I have yearned to see on screen. It was truly a dream come true and held immeasurable significance to me."

Credit: Courtesy of Prime Video

When Does Season 2 Premiere?

The sophomore season will release the first three episodes on July 14. Every Friday after that, one new episode will drop on Prime Video until August 18.

Credit: Erika Doss/Amazon Prime Video

What Did the Official Trailer Reveal?

Prime Video gave viewers a sneak peek at the highly anticipated second season in June 2023, accompanied by Taylor Swift's "August" playing in the background. The focus of the preview clip is the blossoming romance between Belly and Conrad, while the entire group of friends navigate their individual highs and lows.