Unveiling the Truth: Is Branson a Genuine College in Cruel Summer Season 2?

Warning: Spoilers ahead for season 2 of Cruel Summer! Branson is a college that is referenced by characters throughout all three time periods in the show. Whether it is based on a real college or not, Branson plays a crucial role in the second season of this mystery thriller anthology series. The story revolves around the close bond between three teenagers from Washington state: Megan Landry, Isabella LaRue, and Luke Chambers. Despite Megan's initial reservations, she and Isabella become inseparable, for better or for worse.

While the timeline of Cruel Summer season 2 differs from the first season, the sophomore season also utilizes a non-linear structure, taking place in three distinct time periods: summer 1999, winter 1999, and summer 2000. The first summer section sets the foundation for the girls' friendship, while the winter segment focuses on the evolving dynamics and unsettling events during their final year of high school. The second summer follows Megan and Isabella, prime suspects in Luke's death, as they uncover the dark secrets of their town. Branson, the college that Luke planned to attend, plays a significant role in multiple timelines throughout Cruel Summer.

Branson Is A Fictional College In Cruel Summer Season 2

Branson, despite its name, is a fictional college introduced in episode 1 of Cruel Summer season 2, titled "Welcome to Chatham." This episode takes viewers into the small Washington community and its residents. In the summer of 1999, Isabella arrives in town hoping to befriend the reserved Megan. As they get to know each other, Megan reveals her desire to study computer science at the University of Washington. It becomes evident that Cruel Summer blends fiction with real-life locations and references by mentioning the University.

In the winter of 1999, the high school principal commends Luke for his aspirations of attending college. Luke's father, Steve, has informed the principal that Luke wishes to carry on the family tradition of attending Branson. The show reveals that Luke's brother, Brent, is currently studying at Branson. Later, Luke confesses to his girlfriend at the time, Megan, that he actually has no interest in attending Branson or its business program. However, he feels compelled to keep quiet about his true feelings because he fears his dad's strong negative reaction. This implies that Branson serves as a fictional representation of an esteemed Ivy League college or a similarly prestigious institution.

Branson Is Likely A Private College

Steve Chambers, who is Luke and Brent's dad, often talks highly of his alma mater, Branson. This suggests that Branson is likely a private college rather than a state school. While some viewers may believe Brent is a strong suspect for Luke's killer in the second season of Cruel Summer, it is evident that the two brothers often have different perspectives. Brent, who is deceitful and rebellious, chose to follow in their father's footsteps and attended Branson to study business, whereas Luke is unable to make the same decision. The true significance of the school in relation to the plot, if any, is yet to be revealed. Although it is doubtful that Luke's disregard for Branson is the main motive for his killer, Cruel Summer thrives on uncovering the hidden connections. Be sure to catch the season finale of Cruel Summer season 2 on July 31, 2023, on Freeform, with the option to stream it on Hulu the next day.