By Isabelle Termath, Staff Writer
The debate between viewers on Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah has sparked plenty of conversation online.
The long-awaited third season of the popular TV show, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” created by Jenny Han, had its first two episodes debut earlier this summer. Since then, each Wednesday, one more episode has aired to streaming. The third and final season wraps up what has been a journey not only for the main character, Belly, who seems to be destined for one of the Fisher brothers, but for viewers as well. With each addition unveiling more drama, discourse online intensifies. Yet no other discussion seems to be as heated as that of Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah.
Please be aware there may be spoilers ahead.
Since the beginning of the show, it has been debated who the better brother is for Belly. Season one laid the foundation of each brother’s qualities and Belly’s long history with both of them. Season two explored new relationships and heartbreak. And now with season three, viewers wait anxiously as the pendulum swings back and forth between the brothers, wondering how Jenny Han will conclude the story.
Despite the lack of clarity on how the show will end, there seems to be a newfound unity among fans and casual viewers alike. This trend is concurrent with, and seems to be caused by, a growing sentiment for Conrad, the eldest Fisher brother. The beginning of season three unveiled the betrayal of Jeremiah, who cheated on the heroine of the show. Since then the tides have shifted, and more and more fans find themselves being Team Conrad. As Olivia Bollenbach puts it, cheating “is a dealbreaker” and very telling of Jeremiah’s character. Additionally, the general opinion of Conrad is that he has always had true intentions with. He’s “always loved her, even before she ‘turned pretty,’” insists Addie Ballantyne.
This seems to be a defining argument point for Team Conrad, and could reflect the youth’s desire for true connection in a world where that only seems to be based on one’s appearance. Jeremiah’s character may represent what viewers see as the superficialities of society, and how what one thinks is a true connection, is only founded off of looks. On the flipside, Conrad seems to symbolize and encompass yearning, true love, and sincerity. With the ever-increasing integration of social media, in teenagers’ lives especially, seeing a character who is the antithesis of shallowness and indifference can be not only refreshing but also invoke a sense of hope in the younger generation for true connection, whether that be in romance or friendships. Themes of the show include first love, summer, heartbreak, friendship, coming-of-age, and complex family dynamics. While all of these themes can impact any viewer, the ones that seem to resonate the most with fans are first love, friendship, and coming-of-age, and may account for the strong attachment to the show some may have. “Having experienced some of the themes in the show, I’ve been able to connect with some of the characters better [and] sympathize with them,” states Aubrey Cochran, who has been closely following the release of the latest episodes.
But why is this show so popular with young people in the first place? Of course, there is the standard appeal of a romance, with elements such as the summer setting and a love triangle. “It’s a coming-of-age TV show where the audience can relate to having their first relationship,” states Olivia Buranasiri. It makes sense that a show about young people, for young people, would be appealing to said young people. But beyond the commercial aspect of the show, there is a reason it has made such an impact on popular culture and online discussion. It reveals the newer generation’s hope for love and friendship, for something beyond the surface. It shows that in a world where social media and superficiality is thriving, an emphasis on real connection with others is something that is not only being made, but, most importantly, being embraced by the youth.