The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 1: Time Jump, Jeremiah’s Betrayal & Belly’s Engagement Shock
Three years after that fateful summer, Belly Conklin’s life seems perfect—until one phone call shatters everything. The Season 3 premiere of The Summer I Turned Pretty (TSITP) delivers a jaw-dropping time jump, setting the stage for the most dramatic season yet.
Episode 1 Breakdown: Three Years Later
Belly’s New World at Finch University
We meet a 21-year-old Belly (Lola Tung) navigating sorority life, but Laurel’s gift of a Susannah photo triggers flashbacks showing:
- Her strained long-distance relationship with Jeremiah
- Turning down a Paris study program to stay close to him
- The impulsive engagement after Jeremiah’s graduation
Jeremiah’s Betrayal Revealed
During a frat party (set to Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO!”), Jeremiah’s phone lights up with a call from Lacie—the girl he hooked up with in Cabo during their “break.” Key moments:
- Belly’s devastated reaction mirrors book!Belly but with added TV drama
- Jeremiah’s defense: “We were broken up!” (Hello, Ross Geller!)
- The engagement ring now feels like a guilt offering
Character Arcs & Hidden Details
Conrad’s Therapy Journey
At Stanford, Conrad (Christopher Briney) shows remarkable growth:
- Actually discusses feelings in therapy (versus S2’s silent brooding)
- New friend Agnes pushes him to confront his Belly feelings
- Skips Susannah’s memorial garden dedication—his avoidance pattern continues
Steven’s Shocking Cliffhanger
The episode ends with Steven’s car crash after:
- His “no strings” arrangement with Taylor turns messy
- A drunken call to Belly foreshadows future family drama
Book vs Show: Key Differences
- Time Jump: The books transition gradually; the show’s 3-year leap accelerates conflict
- Jeremiah’s Cheating: More ambiguous in the books; the show makes it undeniable
- New Subplot: Steven’s crash is entirely original to the show
Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah After Episode 1?
Vote in our poll and explain your choice in the comments!
Final Thoughts & Episode 2 Predictions
With Jeremiah’s lie exposed and Conrad returning in “Last Christmas,” we predict:
- A holiday reunion filled with tension
- Belly questioning her engagement
- More Agnes-Conrad scenes stirring fan debates
Explore More: Full Cast Profiles • Season 3 Release Schedule