Why 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' fans are split between Jeremiah and Conrad?

Jenny Han’s series adaptation of her novel The Summer I Turned Pretty officially came to an end on September 17, 2025.

During its run it had sparked a major heated discourse online: 'Team Jeremiah versus Team Conrad.'

As the three seasons aired on Prime Video, fans of the show have passionately argued over which Fisher brother is truly meant for Belly.

Many have stormed social media taking sides, and defending their favourite characters, with many believing that Belly, played by Lola Tung, should choose Conrad, played by Christopher Briney, while many make the case for Jeremiah, portrayed by Gavin Casalegno, being the one who will treat her better.

In reference to the last couple of episodes of the season finale fans have continued to express their love for Jeremiah.

"Jeremiah being mischaracterized as a shallow person when in actuality he’s starved for any compliments because he doesn’t believe good things about himself," a user said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"People can make fun of him all they want but Jeremiah has had more growth in just these past two episodes alone than Conrad has had in this past entire season," another wrote.

"Conrad has consistently played mind games with Belly, making her question herself and their love, throws her insecurities in her face, is hot and cold towards her, plays with her emotions, belittles her as being emotionally unavailable and called her a mistake," a third wrote.

But many have also come in defense of Conrad and stood by him, labelling his younger brother as 'immature.'

A user wrote, "I'm tired of Jeremiah’s immature a**. Always punching people, can you learn how to communicate?"

The love triangle between Belly and the Fisher brother, although central to the story, also highlights themes of not only a complicated love triangle but a slow burn romance and also focuses on maturity and the nature of first love versus a steady relationship.

This show has seemingly brought a lot of people together globally, but with so many people watching there are bound to be many differences of opinions. 

With fans split over their favourite characters, here is a look at what makes each one so appealing.

Why do fans like Conrad?

Conrad has the appeal of being the first love. He is Belly’s first love, and apart from nostalgia, many viewers root for him because they believe he’s far more mature and their bond feels deep, complicated, and more romantic.

Fans are also drawn to his brooding persona and he encapsulates the "tortured yet caring," which often resonates with the demographic that enjoys flawed but complex characters.

However, while there are endless amounts of fans who like Conrad, there are some who aren’t swayed by his appeal. 

A break down on why some fans dislike Conrad

Although many find Conrad’s broody persona appealing, many are also put off by it.

Conrad’s emotional unavailability had caused a stir online. Throughout the seasons many fans have seen him shut Belly out, leaving her confused about where they stand and unintentionally hurt her at times.

His inability to communicate with frustrated fans who believe love requires openness and communication.

"Conrad cannot keep a relationship no matter what it is. Romantic, Familial, and Friendship. He doesn’t realize at the end of the day, his actions hurt people and that he’s not the only one going through something," a fan of the series penned on X.

This is where people step up in defense of Jeremiah, and vouch for him being the better love interest for Isabel Conklin. 

Why do fans adore Jeremiah?

Many fans see Jeremiah as the symbol of warmth and stability.

He is easy going and affectionate, making him quite likeable.

He expresses his feelings and emotions freely, offering security and consistent attention.

Their romance was a classic best friends to lovers trope as well. The foundation of their relationship was their heartfelt friendship and that strong connection slowly blossoms into a steady romance.

This dynamic seems appealing to many who seem to value trust, companionship, and laughter as well as a good time in a relationship.

 He is also seen as a more reliable candidate for Belly as he represents someone who shows up for Belly during the hard times and good times and doesn’t play any emotional or mind games with her.

For many viewers, Jeremiah seems like a much 'healthier' long-term choice.

However, just like Conrad, Jeremiah also is a flawed character and has many who don’t appreciate him. 

Why do fans dislike Jeremiah?

A lot of fans have expressed their dislike for the character Jeremiah.

They claim that he is the rebound and Belly’s second choice, especially since her heart belongs to Conrad and they are meant to be soulmates.

Some argue that Jeremiah has less emotional depth to him, compared to Conrad’s brooding intensity, his lightheartedness and overall sunny and cheery personality can come off as superficial to some fans.

He often also lets his insecurities get the better of him which is also off putting for many.

Why do fans love Belly?

Her coming of age journey reflects confusion, mistakes, and emotional intensity of growing up, which is relatable to some. Fans appreciate that she isn't perfect and often makes decisions that a teen is likely to make. 

Isabel also wears her heart on her sleeve. She fights for love even when there is risk of heartbreak, and this positively portrays her emotional vulnerability.

However, there are some fans who have expressed not being fond of Belly’s character as well.

Many fans have been frustrated with Belly’s indecisiveness and the constant back and forth between the brothers.

Although it is worth noting the double standard and the part of the backlash Lola’s character faces is seemingly tied to gender expectations. 

Male characters who often struggle or act indecisively are often excused as “complex” or even “relatable” to some extent, all while Belly is criticised more harshly for similar behaviour. (Let's not forget when Conrad was with Nicole before confessing his love for Belly and Jeremiah's flirtaious nature.)

While some dislike originates from her characterization, some also comes from this imbalance, where young female characters in love triangles are judged more than their male love interests.

The debate between Team Jeremiah and Team Conrad continues on because each brother represented a different vision of love.

Conrad symbolizes the all-consuming, once-in-a-lifetime passion that feels like destiny, where as Jeremiah represents a more grounded, healthy partnership rooted in openness and loyalty.

Over the seasons filled with romance and drama, viewers have reflected their own versions of love on to the characters, unintentionally and indirectly shifting the focus from Belly’s love story to the love they aspire to have.

And Belly’s role in the triangle had sparked mixed opinions as well, due to her indecisiveness between the brothers.

However, at its core her journey wasn’t just about picking a 'team,' but about the messiness of growing up and the ups and downs that come along with life and figuring out love.