If you’ve recently completed “The Summer I Turned Pretty” (TSITP) and find yourself missing Belly, Conrad, Jeremiah, and the emotional rollercoaster of Cousins Beach, you’re not alone. Many of us are replaying the soundtrack, browsing edits, and internally debating Team Conrad versus Team Jeremiah repeatedly.
The good news is that the blend of romantic swoons, tangled love triangles, genuine family drama, and poignant coming-of-age moments doesn’t have to end with TSITP. Numerous shows and movies capture the same captivating essence that drew us in with TSITP. This guide is a fan-to-fan recommendation on what to watch next, each offering a taste of TSITP, whether through its romance, setting, or emotional depth that resonated with us.
‘My Life with the Walter Boys’ tells the story of Jackie Howard, who moves from New York City to rural Colorado after a tragic accident claims her parents. Living with her new guardians, the Walters, and their bustling household of eleven children, mainly boys, Jackie’s journey unfolds into a tapestry of sibling dynamics, first loves, and the inevitable love triangle between Alex, the reliable boy-next-door, and Cole, the charming heartbreaker. Fans of TSITP will appreciate the show’s blend of cozy family moments with heart-fluttering romance, mirroring Belly’s struggle between divergent paths while dealing with grief and self-discovery. “Walter Boys” offers the same mix of summer-infused drama with a mountain-town twist that will leave you picking sides and defending them passionately in conversations.
Set against the sun-kissed backdrop of the North Carolina coast, ‘Outer Banks’ injects a thrilling treasure-hunt element into the coming-of-age love story. Following John B and his group of friends, the working-class Pogues, as they pursue hidden riches while clashing with the affluent Kooks, the show captures the essence of forbidden romance across class boundaries, particularly between John B and Sarah Cameron. Fans of TSITP will resonate with the themes of loyalty, love, and identity, alongside the vibrant beach-town ambiance that breathes life into the summer narrative. While “Outer Banks” introduces action-packed sequences, dangerous secrets, and life-altering dilemmas, it retains the heartfelt romance and intricate choices that echo TSITP. Picture TSITP with added treasure hunts and heightened danger, and you have the enthralling chaos of ‘Outer Banks.’
‘XO, Kitty,’ a spinoff from Jenny Han’s “To All the Boys” universe, offers a different but equally charming narrative. Although not beach-centric, the series captures the essence of TSITP with a teenage girl navigating first loves, cultural exploration, and self-discovery. As Kitty Covey embarks on a journey to Korea to reunite with her long-distance boyfriend, she finds herself entangled in new crushes, unexpected friendships, and delightful chaos. Similar to Belly, Kitty’s journey of self-discovery amidst flaws and uncertainties makes her incredibly relatable. While lighter and more whimsical than TSITP, “XO, Kitty” delves into themes of identity and acceptance, appealing to fans of Jenny Han’s poignant character portrayals. For those seeking an international adventure akin to TSITP’s escapism, “XO, Kitty” is a delightful choice.
Before Belly’s dilemma between Conrad and Jeremiah, there was Joey Potter caught between Dawson Leery and Pacey Witter in the iconic teen drama ‘Dawson’s Creek.’ Set in a tranquil coastal town where friendships evolve, heartbreaks sting, and the complexities of growing up unfold, the series mirrors TSITP’s exploration of first love. Joey’s romantic entanglements reflect Belly’s emotional tug-of-war between comfort and intensity, with sharp dialogue reminiscent of teen drama classics. For fans yearning for a timeless narrative, “Dawson’s Creek” offers an emotional journey akin to growing up alongside a group of friends, where each season brings new challenges and decisions. Heartfelt, angsty, and ideal for late-night marathons, “Dawson’s Creek” is a must-watch for TSITP enthusiasts.
Devi Vishwakumar’s story in ‘Never Have I Ever’ offers a refreshing take on the tumultuous journey of growing up. Mindy Kaling’s teen dramedy seamlessly blends humor with themes of grief, identity, and the awkward phases of adolescence. Devi’s imperfect yet relatable character, navigating a love triangle between Paxton, the school heartthrob, and Ben, her academic rival, presents a familiar dilemma akin to TSITP’s Conrad versus Jeremiah debate. Like Belly, Devi’s evolution transcends mere romantic choices, delving into self-awareness, healing from loss, and self-discovery. With its blend of messiness, humor, and heartfelt moments, “Never Have I Ever” is a binge-worthy series that encapsulates