I’m a Grown Man Obsessed With 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'

Somewhere between the Taylor Swift bops and the shirtless volleyball montages, I stopped asking myself if I was the target demo for The Summer I Turned Pretty.

I’m not. I’m a grown man. I’m a gay man. And I’m fully invested.

Some people unwind with reality shows. Others rewatch The Sopranos or spend hours debating The Bear’s kitchen realism.

Me? I’ve spent the better part of my lonely nights (drinking more cabernet than I care to admit) watching teenage love triangles play out on a New England beach — and I’m not even pretending to hate it.

Yes, I’m still talking about The Summer I Turned Pretty, the Amazon Prime show built for hormonal chaos, Conrad stares, and emotionally catastrophic fireworks displays.

It’s melodramatic, over-scored, out of touch, completely unrealistic — and I absolutely cannot get enough.

I pay taxes (too much). I’ve been through heartbreak, therapy, an endless supply of Lexapro, and more than one failed situationship.

PSA: Don’t let a DL straight man leave a hickey on you. He won’t be seen with you in public, but he’ll make sure you're seen.

And still, here I am, hanging on every whispered “I still love you” like my well-being depends on it. Maybe it’s nostalgia. Perhaps it’s jealousy. Also, the fact that I've never had a summer like Belly Conklin’s.

It could be the dreamy male leads (okay, definitely that). Or maybe — stay with me here — it’s just love. And who doesn’t want to be loved?

Unhinged, Unrelatable, and Totally Addictive

Let’s be clear: this show is ridiculous.

Belly has two impossibly hot brothers fighting over her, a best friend who stuck around when most would’ve dipped, and just enough broken adults to let the idiots run wild.

It is not relatable. It is not grounded. And yet, I’d defend it like it’s Grey’s Anatomy. Belly has absolutely ruined these brothers’ lives — and I want it to continue.

There’s something hypnotic about the emotional stakes being this high over Fourth of July parties, volleyball tournaments, and driving lessons.

As a gay man, I’m contractually obligated to love a little camp and pettiness.

But beneath the over-the-top love triangle and “choose your brother” drama lies something deeper: a sincere attempt to capture what it feels like to fall in love for the first time — the hope, the ache, the euphoria.

It’s not just about Conrad vs. Jeremiah. It’s about wanting to be chosen.

The Belly of It All

Lola Tung, who plays Belly, might be one of the most amazing actresses I’ve ever seen make me hate a character so much — and yet I need to watch her every move.

Is she infuriating? Yes. Is she a confused young woman trying to navigate life, and therefore allowed to be? Also, yes.

Watching her fumble through love, grief, and whatever Conrad’s problem is this week gives me joy. I like watching her fail, just to pick herself back up and try again.

As someone who grew up closeted, I didn’t get this kind of teenage romance. I didn’t have two cute boys fighting over me (publicly).

But watching Belly get that — even in its heightened, cinematic form — is healing in its own strange way. The teenage version of me, buried under years of real life, sits up and pays attention.

It’s Not That Deep — But Also, It Is

Sure, you can dismiss TSITP as YA fluff. Plenty of critics have.

But the show taps into something primal: the desire to be wanted, the fantasy of a perfect summer, the illusion that love can solve everything.

Even when it’s absurd — especially when it’s absurd — it hits. And that’s why I keep watching. Because underneath the pop songs, plot holes, and Connie’s tragic Season 3 haircut, there’s something honest.

This show may be built for teen girls, but it found a home in my gay little heart, too.

Don’t judge me. Or do. I’ll just be over here, wine-tipsy and waiting to see which terrible choice Belly makes next.

Although secretly? I’m hoping the brothers come to their senses and kick her to the curb.

Donny Meacham

But we all know the drill — Belly won’t choose, the boys won’t quit, and I’ll be watching: eyes rolling, heart invested, already bracing for whatever mess they serve up next.

Donny Meacham is the co-host of PopCrush Nights, a syndicated radio show heard on more than 100 pop radio stations nationwide. He has chatted with some of today's top stars, like Olivia Rodrigo, Selena Gomez, Coldplay's Chris Martin, Meghan Trainor, Charlie Puth, Benson Boone and more! As the resident love expert, Donny is unafraid to give his thoughts on your dating dilemmas. Listen to PopCrush Nights every weeknight starting at 7PM by downloading the PopCrush App.