Every episode is packed with songs that make you want to cry in your car. Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, that one indie band you forgot existed. It’s the musical equivalent of finding an old mixtape. You can’t help but sing along, even if you’re off-key and in traffic.
I once re-watched a scene just for the song choice. Guilty. It’s like the show knows exactly what chord to pull in your heart. That’s not easy to do. Most shows just play generic pop. This one plays your entire emotional history on a loop.
The Summer I Turned Pretty: Skip It or Stream It?
The Mom Factor
We can’t ignore Susannah, Belly’s mom. She’s the mom everyone wishes they had—warm, honest, and always making summer cocktails. She’s the kind of person who says, “Life is short, eat the cake,” and actually means it.
Your own mom probably said something like “Eat your vegetables first,” which is also valid. But Susannah represents that ideal of parental chillness. When she tells Belly to follow her heart, you’re secretly hoping your own mom will cut you some slack during the next family barbecue.