If you enjoyed the mix of young love, family drama, and beach vibes in The Summer I Turned Pretty, there are plenty of other series that offer similar stories. This Prime Video show, based on Jenny Han’s books, follows Belly as she deals with romance and growing up during summer vacations. Fans often look for more teen-focused romances with emotional depth and light-hearted moments. Below, find 11 picks that share themes like first crushes, friendships, and coming-of-age experiences, available on various streaming platforms.
Why These Shows Fit the Bill
Many viewers who finished The Summer I Turned Pretty seasons seek out series with relatable teen characters facing love triangles or personal growth. These recommendations draw from common fan favorites, pulling in elements like summer settings, heartfelt relationships, and real-life issues. Each one has been praised for its engaging plots and strong casts, making them solid next watches.
Start with Outer Banks on Netflix. This adventure-filled drama follows a group of teens in North Carolina hunting for treasure while navigating class divides and romances. Like Belly’s story, it blends mystery with young love, especially through the bond between John B and Sarah. The show has four seasons as of 2025, with the latest part released in October 2024. It keeps viewers hooked with cliffhangers and scenic coastal backdrops.
Next up is Heartstopper, also on Netflix. Based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novels, it tracks the sweet romance between Charlie and Nick in a British high school. The series handles topics like identity and acceptance with care, much like the emotional layers in The Summer I Turned Pretty. Season three dropped in October 2024, bringing more depth to the characters’ journeys.
Teen Dramas with Emotional Twists
Never Have I Ever from Netflix wraps up teen life with humor and heart. Created by Mindy Kaling, it stars Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi, a high schooler dealing with grief, crushes, and cultural expectations. The four seasons, ending in 2023, mirror the awkward yet touching moments of young romance seen in Belly’s world.
For a lighter take, try XO, Kitty on Netflix. This spin-off from the To All the Boys films follows Kitty Song Covey as she moves to Seoul for school and explores love. Anna Cathcart leads the cast in this 2023 series, with a second season confirmed for 2025. It shares the same author roots as The Summer I Turned Pretty, offering fun, cross-cultural dating adventures.
Ginny & Georgia brings family dynamics into focus on Netflix. Antonia Gentry and Brianne Howey play a mother-daughter duo starting over in a small town, complete with secrets and teen romances. Over three seasons, with the latest in 2024, it tackles heavier themes like mental health alongside lighter love stories, echoing the family ties in the original show.
Series with Summer Vibes and Romance
If the beach setting drew you in, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+ delivers musical fun and young relationships. Running from 2019 to 2023, it follows students at East High putting on shows while sorting out their feelings. Stars like Olivia Rodrigo rose from here, and the four seasons mix songs with relatable teen drama.
Dawson’s Creek is a classic worth revisiting on platforms like Hulu. From 1998 to 2003, it stars James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, and others as friends in a coastal town exploring love and life. Though older, its six seasons still resonate with fans of slow-burn romances and thoughtful talks, similar to Belly’s summer reflections.
For something fresher, Cruel Summer on Freeform/Hulu offers thriller elements with romance. Set across summers in the 1990s, it flips between timelines to show teen lives upended by a disappearance. Two seasons aired by 2023, with twists that keep the emotional stakes high, much like the tensions in The Summer I Turned Pretty.
More Picks for Binge-Watching
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before started as movies but ties into the same vibe through its Netflix series connections. While not a show, fans often pair it with recommendations, but sticking to series, consider The O.C. on Hulu. This 2003-2007 drama about wealthy teens in California includes iconic romances like Ryan and Marissa’s. Its four seasons blend humor, drama, and coastal living.
Euphoria on HBO Max takes a grittier approach to teen life. Zendaya stars as Rue in this 2019-ongoing series, with seasons exploring addiction, love, and identity. Season three is set for 2025, offering intense emotional arcs that contrast yet complement lighter romances.
Lastly, Riverdale on Netflix, based on Archie comics, ran from 2017 to 2023 with seven seasons. It mixes mystery, romance, and small-town secrets, following characters like Archie, Betty, and Veronica. The show’s wild plots and love stories provide an entertaining escape.
These selections come from recent viewer discussions and streaming trends in 2025, where teen romances remain popular. Platforms like Netflix dominate with quick renewals, while older shows gain new fans through reruns. For instance, The Summer I Turned Pretty season three is slated for 2025, keeping the genre alive. Viewers can stream most on major services, with some free on ad-supported tiers.
“I love how these shows capture that feeling of first love and summer freedom,” shared a fan on social media about similar picks.
Recent updates show Heartstopper expanding its cast for more stories, while Outer Banks part two of season four hit in November 2024. Keep an eye on release dates for fresh episodes.
Also Read: Easter Eggs and References You Probably Missed in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Finale
Credits: Netflix Life, Collider, Screen Rant
