Okay, here’s the good stuff. Gavin Casalegno (Jeremiah) is a former competitive swimmer. That’s why he looks like he was manufactured by the ocean. Lola Tung had never acted in a TV series before this—she was a college student who auditioned via Zoom. Talk about a summer job upgrade.
Who Is David Iacono? Everything to Know About 'The Summer I Turned
The book series sold over 5 million copies worldwide. That’s more copies than my will to live. And the author, Jenny Han, included a character named “Cameron” who is basically a joke about white people. In the books, the character “Steven” is Belly’s brother, and he gets into a rivalry with a guy named “Alex.” In the show, Steven is played by Sean Kaufman, who is so awkwardly hilarious that he steals every scene he’s in. He’s the only character who seems to have a functional brain.
The Final Verdict: Watch It, But Bring tissues
If you want a show that makes you feel like you’re at the beach even when you’re stuck in a cubicle, this is it. It’s dramatic, slightly over-the-top, and obsessed with the word “summer.” But it also has heart. One episode made me cry so hard I had to call my mom—and she lives three hours away.
So grab a soda, prepare to argue with your friends about which brother is better, and remember: it’s just a show. Unless you’re Team Conrad. Then you’re wrong. Just kidding. Sort of.
Now go binge it. The summer isn’t going to turn pretty by itself.
