The third and final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty has arrived on Prime Video, and fans are noticing big differences from Jenny Han’s book We’ll Always Have Summer. While the show keeps the core love triangle between Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah, many key moments have been altered. Here are the five biggest changes so far.
Steven and Taylor’s Relationship Gets More Screen Time
In the books, Steven Conklin (Belly’s brother) and Taylor Jewel (Belly’s best friend) have very minor roles. But in Season 3, their relationship becomes a major storyline. The show adds new drama, including a car accident that never happened in the books.
After breaking up with his girlfriend, Steven tries to win Taylor back. During an argument, he gets into a serious crash. This event changes his perspective, and he decides to end things with Taylor—just as she was about to ask for another chance.
“The accident alone is a significant change from the novel, and the storyline involving Steven and Taylor was also nonexistent.”
Fans are surprised by this new plot, as it shifts focus from the main love triangle.
Belly and Jeremiah’s Engagement Happens Later
In the book, Jeremiah proposes to Belly right after their breakup, which feels impulsive. But in the show, the engagement happens after Steven’s accident, making it feel more emotional and urgent.
Belly and Jeremiah have been together for four years in the show, unlike the book where they were much younger. This change makes their decision to marry seem more serious.
“The decision is more grounded because Belly and Jeremiah are older, and enrolled in college rather than high school.”
Some fans think this fixes a major issue from the book, where the engagement felt rushed.
Conrad’s Struggles Are More Detailed
Conrad Fisher has a bigger emotional journey in Season 3. While the books don’t focus much on his future, the show reveals he’s studying medicine at Stanford. He also deals with panic attacks and job rejections, adding depth to his character.
Another change is Agnes, a minor character in the books. In the show, she becomes Conrad’s close friend and helps him process his feelings about Belly and his mother’s death.
“These scenes enhance his mental journey, adding vulnerability and development.”
Fans who expected Conrad to stay emotionally distant are surprised by his growth.
Time Jump Moves the Story Forward
The book picks up after Belly’s freshman year, but the show jumps to her junior year at Finch University. This change gives more time to develop relationships and conflicts.
Jeremiah is now a senior, Conrad is in medical school, and Steven has already graduated. Belly also considers studying abroad in Paris, unlike the book where she goes to Spain.
“The four-year gap between the events of Season 2 and where Season 3 picks up was genius because it makes the storyline easier to adapt.”
This shift makes the characters’ choices feel more realistic.
Jeremiah’s Cheating Is Worse in the Show
In the book, Jeremiah cheats on Belly once during spring break. But in Season 3, he admits to two incidents, making his betrayal even bigger.
Belly finds out from Lacie, a sorority sister, and is heartbroken. Despite this, she later accepts his proposal, leaving fans wondering if their relationship will last.
“It gets worse when Jeremiah reveals that there was a second instance in which he was unfaithful, making it much worse than the novel.”
This change raises the stakes and makes the drama more intense.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 is now streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes every Wednesday until September 17, 2025.
Also read: The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Breaks Records With 25 Million Viewers in First Week
Credits: Sources include E! Online, TheWrap, US Magazine, The Tab, PrimeTimer, MovieWeb, and TV Insider.
