If you’ve ever felt that specific, achey nostalgia for a beach house summer that wasn't actually yours, you’ve probably spent time in Cousins Beach. Jenny Han didn’t just write a book series; she created a seasonal mood that feels like salt air and Taylor Swift lyrics. But keeping track of the emotional wreckage across two seasons is a lot. Honestly, the timeline of who is dating whom and which brother is currently pining in the hallway can get messy. This the summer i turned pretty episode guide is here to map out the chaos, the soundtracks, and the inevitable heartbreak.
Season 1: The Transformation and the Debutante Ball
It starts with the glow-up. Isabel "Belly" Conklin returns to the Fisher house, but she isn't the awkward kid with glasses anymore.
Episode 1: Summer House
This is the setup. We see the classic "coming of age" trope executed perfectly. Belly arrives, and for the first time, Conrad and Jeremiah actually notice her. It’s awkward. It’s sweaty. The tension at the bonfire sets the tone for the rest of the series. You see that first glimpse of Conrad’s brooding distance, which, let’s be real, is his entire personality this season.
Episode 2: Summer Love
Belly starts exploring life outside the Fisher boys by dating Cam (the "Cam-eron" from the books). It’s a safe relationship. It’s sweet. But it’s obviously a distraction. This episode introduces the debutante ball subplot, which serves as the backbone for the season’s social structure.
Episode 3: Summer Nights
The Fourth of July. It’s a staple for a reason. There’s a lot of drinking, a lot of teenage posturing, and the first real cracks in Conrad’s "cool" exterior. We start to see that Susannah and Laurel are hiding something big. The adults are just as messy as the kids, which is a hallmark of Han’s writing.
Episode 4: Summer Feelings
Belly’s 16th birthday. It should be a vibe, but it’s mostly just stressful. Conrad gives her a cold shoulder, then almost gives her a necklace (the infinity scarf of jewelry, basically). Jeremiah is the one who actually shows up for her, reinforcing the "Team Jeremiah" argument early on.
Episode 5: Summer Vacation
The tension peaks at the local yacht club. Belly is trying to be a "deb," but she feels like an imposter. We see more of the friendship between Susannah and Laurel. Their bond is the secret heart of the show. If you aren't crying at their scenes, you might be a robot.
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Episode 6: Summer Throwdown
The party episode. Everyone gets a little too honest. We get the iconic pool scene with Jeremiah. It’s a massive shift in the dynamic because suddenly, the "golden boy" brother isn't just a friend anymore. He’s a contender.
Episode 7: Summer Love
The finale. The ball happens. The secret about Susannah’s cancer finally breaks everyone. It’s a heavy pivot from the light, airy romance of the earlier episodes. Belly and Conrad finally have their moment on the beach, but it’s overshadowed by the grief waiting in the wings.
Season 2: Grief, Growth, and the Fight for the House
Season 2 hits different. It’s darker. It’s based on It’s Not Summer Without You, and the title isn't lying. Susannah is gone, and the beach house is under threat from Aunt Julia.
Episode 1: Love Lost
The premiere uses flashbacks to show us the "honeymoon phase" of Belly and Conrad’s brief relationship. It’s bittersweet because we know where it’s going. In the present, Belly’s grades are tanking, and she’s miserable. Conrad has disappeared from college.
Episode 2: Love Scene
Belly and Jeremiah team up to find Conrad. The road trip energy is high. It’s the first time we see how much Jeremiah has grown up in the wake of his mother’s death. He’s bitter, sure, but he’s also the one holding things together.
Episode 3: Love Sick
They find Conrad at the beach house. He’s trying to save it from being sold. This episode is where the "Team Conrad" fans usually start screaming at the TV because he’s so bad at communicating. The "Snow on the Beach" scene—even if it's a flashback—is a highlight for the cinematography alone.
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Episode 4: Love Game
To blow off steam, the group heads to the boardwalk. It’s a classic teen drama trope: competition as a metaphor for romantic tension. We get the introduction of Skye, a new character for the show, who adds a different perspective to the family drama.
Episode 5: Love Fool
A lot of the episode takes place in a golf club where they have to stay overnight. It’s cozy and claustrophobic. Belly and Jeremiah have a moment that reminds everyone why their chemistry is so grounded compared to the "star-crossed" drama of Belly and Conrad.
Episode 6: Love Fest
The house party to end all house parties. They decide to go out with a bang before the house is sold. It’s chaotic. Taylor and Steven finally get their moment, which is honestly one of the best parts of the season. Their banter is top-tier.
Episode 7: Love Affair
The adults return. Laurel finally steps in to deal with Julia. It’s a reckoning. The kids have been trying to play grown-up all season, and this episode shows how much they still need the "parents" in the room, even if those parents are grieving too.
Episode 8: Love Triangles
The finale is a gut punch. It’s a lot of back-and-forth in a motel room during a storm. Belly makes a definitive choice. Whether you agree with her picking Jeremiah or not, the emotional stakes are undeniable. The season ends on a note of "what now?" as they head back to their separate lives.
Why the Soundtrack Matters More Than You Think
You can't talk about a the summer i turned pretty episode guide without mentioning Taylor Swift. The show is basically a multi-million dollar music video for the "Taylor's Version" era. From "The Way I Loved You" to "Exile," the songs aren't just background noise; they are the internal monologue Belly doesn't always say out loud.
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But it’s not just Swift. The inclusion of Olivia Rodrigo, Phoebe Bridgers, and even older classics like Fleetwood Mac gives the show a multi-generational appeal. It bridges the gap between the Gen Z viewers and the Millennial moms who read the books when they first came out.
The Controversy: Changes from the Books
Hardcore fans of the trilogy often point out how much the show expands the universe. In the books, Jeremiah’s POV is much more limited until the third installment. The show makes him a co-lead from day one.
Also, the debutante ball? Totally new for the show. Jenny Han has stated she wanted to give Belly a more "active" role in her own social ascent. In the books, Belly is often a passive observer of the boys’ lives. The show flips that, making her the sun that everyone else orbits.
Key Takeaways for Your Rewatch
If you’re planning a marathon before Season 3 drops, keep an eye on the recurring motifs:
- Water: Every major emotional shift happens near or in water—the pool, the ocean, the rain.
- The Infinity Necklace: It’s a symbol of Conrad’s inability to let go, even when he can't hold on.
- Colors: Notice how Belly’s wardrobe shifts from bright, childish pinks in Season 1 to more muted, mature tones in Season 2.
Essential Next Steps for Fans
To truly get the most out of the Cousins Beach experience, don't just stop at the episodes. Read the original trilogy by Jenny Han to see where the nuances differ—especially the letters at the end of the third book. Pay close attention to the cinematography in Season 2, Episode 3; the lighting changes between the "memory" of the beach and the "reality" are a masterclass in visual storytelling. Finally, if you're tracking the soundtrack, many official playlists on Spotify categorize the songs by which "Team" they represent, which is a fun way to dive deeper into the character psychology.