The show gets its 12 rating mainly because of romantic themes and mild language. You’ll see some kissing, a bit of flirting, and characters talking about “first times” and heartbreak in a fairly realistic way. It’s like the emotional rollercoaster of a Taylor Swift album, but with more sunscreen and less screaming in the rain.
There’s no graphic violence or anything scary, but the show does explore some mature emotions—like grief, jealousy, and the awkwardness of growing up. If your younger viewer can handle a character having a serious conversation about losing a parent, they’re probably fine. But if they still cry when a cartoon character stubs their toe, maybe wait a year.
Fun Comparison: How Does It Stack Up?
Think of it this way: The Summer I Turned Pretty is like a softer version of Euphoria—no drugs, no explicit scenes, just a lot of longing looks and dramatic beach walks. It’s closer to something like Gilmore Girls or Heartstopper in vibe, but with a bit more teenage angst. You know, the kind where a song by Phoebe Bridgers plays while someone stares out a window.
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Compare it to To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before—that’s a solid 12 too. Both are about first love, identity, and making big mistakes in front of your entire family. The big difference? This one has a love triangle that actually makes you feel for all three people. It’s messy, but it’s the good kind of messy, like a spilled smoothie on a hot day.
