In the universe of teen TV love triangles, only a few shows ignite as much discourse as ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty.’ Conrad or Jeremiah? Brooding or bubbly? Tortured or the golden retriever? It’s the classic “which brother” dilemma that’s had BookTok and binge-watchers alike drawing battle lines. But what if we’ve been missing the bigger picture this whole time? What if the real villain isn’t a Fisher brother at all—but Belly herself?
Just hear me out.
Belly Conklin (Lola Tung) has been sold to us as the relatable girl-next-door: awkward but charming, unsure yet desirable, the kind of girl who “didn’t know she was pretty”— until everyone suddenly tells her. It’s a coming-of-age tale, dipped in golden-hour nostalgia and soundtracked by Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo. But once you peel back the pastel-tinted layers, her indecision, emotional manipulation, and lack of accountability start to look less like relatable teenage confusion and more like red flags.
Let’s start with the love triangle. Conrad (Christopher Briney), the brooding eldest Fisher, is emotionally distant and clearly traumatized by his mother’s illness. Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), the younger, sun-kissed sibling, is emotionally available and charming—basically the human embodiment of a poolside mocktail. Both brothers are drawn to Belly in their own way, and both are repeatedly hurt by her inability to make a choice— and stick with it.
this is me: i’m anti-belly #TheSummerITurnedPretty #TheSummerITurnedPretty2 pic.twitter.com/ir9xThxAl6
— fede. 🦋 (@just_fede_) August 18, 2023
Belly’s emotional flip-flopping doesn’t come across as romantic tension; it starts to feel selfish. In season 1, she pines after Conrad while stringing along Jeremiah. In season 2, she pivots to Jeremiah when Conrad pulls away, but conveniently finds herself confused again once Conrad shows signs of interest. And in season 3 (spoiler alert, for those still catching up), it seems the cycle will continue. Belly’s decisions always come at the cost of someone else’ heart, and somehow, she still paints herself as the victim.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not, in any way, alluding that Belly is a bad person. She’s young, and young people tend to make messy choices— especially in the haze of summer and first love. But the frustrating part is how the show often frames her indecisiveness as depth, rather than immaturity. Conrad and Jeremiah, for all their flaws, are open books by comparison. Conrad wrestles with grief and communication, Jeremiah with jealousy and loyalty. But Belly? Oh Belly! She often seems like she’s just along for the ride, swept from one emotional wave to the next, leaving heartbreak in her wake.
And y’all wanted me to believe he’s the best option for belly… yeah no #TheSummerITurnedPretty pic.twitter.com/MhVmfPNz6q
— geraldine (@solozb1) July 16, 2025
And yet, the fandom wars rage on: “Team Conrad” praises his poetic soul and wounded vulnerability. “Team Jeremiah” hypes up his stability, humor, and consistent affection. There are compelling arguments on both sides— but why are we ignoring the third option?
Maybe the real answer isn’t choosing between the brothers at all. Maybe it’s realizing that neither of them deserves the emotional whiplash Belly constantly delivers.
Of course, this critique doesn’t mean Belly doesn’t have the potential to grow. Coming-of-age stories are about mistakes, after all. But so far, the series hasn’t pushed her to confront the consequences of her choices in any meaningful way. Instead, the emotional labour falls to Conrad and Jeremiah, who continue to orbit her despite the chaos she unintentionally brings in the wake of her indecisiveness.
It’s just the first episode of #TheSummerITurnedPretty S2 and I know which team I am on.
Anti Belly. pic.twitter.com/ocCpawAq7K
— B. (@monchatonns) September 5, 2023
PLS GOD KEEP FAR FAR AWAY THE BELLY AND JEREMIAH TYPE OF LOVE FROM MEEEEEE #TheSummerITurnedPretty pic.twitter.com/1DflHrZzHl
— finitaaa (@feeeeercc) July 16, 2025
What would ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ look like if Belly took a season off from romance and actually focused on herself, her grief, her friendships, and her future? What if she learned to be okay without being the center of someone’s universe and forge a definitive path for herself? That’s a story I’d like to see.
Now, with season 3 releasing on July 16, it remains to be seen where this story leads us. But the next time someone asks you if you’re Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah, don’t feel like you have to pick a side.
End of ep. 8 and I can confidently say I’m both team conrad and team anti-belly #TheSummerITurnedPretty pic.twitter.com/bAhWhXvUZZ
— Bruna (@hessaeverhappy) August 18, 2023
belly soo delusional girl wake up #TheSummerITurnedPretty
— sadity (@saditysyniia) July 16, 2025
i’m actually team no boys for belly because she’s pissing me off #thesummeriturnedpretty pic.twitter.com/zLhjLnNfTI
— abs 📚🍵🍒 mustacherry lover (@orchidteabooks) August 18, 2023
Maybe, just maybe, it’s time to join a new team: Team Anti-Belly.
Or better yet—Team Belly Needs Therapy.
Because growing up pretty shouldn’t mean leaving a trail of broken hearts in your wake.
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