Why Are Millennials Obsessed With This Teen Show?

2025-09-14 00:00:26.915

The Summer I Turned Pretty (TSITP), a coming-of-age drama adapted from Jenny Han's novel trilogy, has transcended its target audience of teenagers to become a global phenomenon among millennial women. The show's third season premiere drew 25 million viewers, three times its debut audience. Its popularity has prompted articles in Vogue and Elle exploring this unexpected demographic. The show centers on Belly Conklin's love triangle with the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, mirroring the classic teen drama tropes of past decades. The series' nostalgic noughties aesthetic, coupled with a soundtrack featuring Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and other artists, taps into millennial viewers' experiences. The intense fandom has led to online discussions, fan theories, and even a request from Amazon for fans to behave more responsibly online. The show's appeal is attributed to its exploration of first love, heartbreak, and the confusing dynamics of adolescent relationships, providing a safe space for emotional time travel and revisiting the intensity of youth. The characters' emotional depth, particularly Conrad's portrayal, has also resonated with viewers, offering a fantasy of being pursued by emotionally intelligent men. The show's success highlights the power of nostalgia and its ability to connect generations through shared experiences.