The Summer I Turned Pretty, the book-turned-show that rocked the world, is returning with its highly anticipated third season this July. Starting July 16th, a new episode will air each week, continuing through September with a total of 11 episodes. The beloved TV show has captured viewers’ hearts and pulled them into the complicated love triangle between the two Fisher brothers. Fans everywhere, and especially at Cresskill High School, are split over which brother is best for Belly, the emotionally deep Conrad, or the charming, fun-loving Jeremiah. 

Many fans of the TV show are very passionate about which brother Belly will choose by the end, including those at Cresskill. Between Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher, many have opposing opinions. Some fans believe that Belly will end up choosing Jeremiah because of his personality, as well as because of what Jenny Han had stated about the third season. According to Entertainment Weekly, author of the trilogy Jenny Han revealed that, “There are going to be surprises. There are the things that they [readers of the book trilogy] know and then there are things they think they know, and then there’s going to be, hopefully, things that surprise them.” This comment has led many Jelly (Jeremiah and Belly) fans to believe that Belly will end up with Jeremiah in the show instead of the path followed in the books, where Conrad and Belly end up together. However, many Bonrad (Conrad and Belly) fans are unmoved by this comment made by the author, trusting that Han will remain loyal to the books, making minor changes instead of changing the entirety of who Belly ends up with. They believe that despite the persistent Jelly stans, Conrad will be the winning brother. According to a poll we conducted, 50% of the respondents are confident that Belly will end up with Conrad. However, the other 50% believe that Belly will end up choosing neither and instead choose herself. Belly choosing herself could be an extreme plot twist, shocking fans of both the book and show. One anonymous responder from the poll said that Belly would most likely choose herself because, “They can’t disappoint their audience by choosing one side.” Both Conrad and Jeremiah have garnered large support from the watchers, and one side will ultimately be let down if she chooses one brother instead of the other. Many fans wish to see Belly end up with one of the Fisher brothers instead by herself, however, no one can surely predict which decision Han and the producers chose, whether that is Conrad, Jeremiah, or neither.

While Team Conrad may be loud, Team Jeremiah is just as passionate and ready to defend their favorite Fisher brother. According to our poll, 37.5% of responders are team Jeremiah. Many Cresskill students believe Jeremiah is better for Belly because of his charm, goofy personality, and emotional openness. One student simply stated, “Jeremiah is hotter, more athletic, tanner, blue-eyed, taller, curly-haired, a beach surf boy, wow, he’s amazing.” Others agreed, adding that Jeremiah is “better for Belly” because “he’s hot and yeah.” But looks aren’t the only reason people side with Jeremiah, fans appreciate his constant loyalty and easygoing personality. As one student put it, “Because Jeremiah is better, if she doesn’t end up with Jeremiah, then she shouldn’t be with anyone else.” Some even believe that a major plot twist is coming, with one responder saying, “She’s a weirdo, I don’t like her, and both of the boys will see that in the end and not let a girl get between them since they’re siblings. Brothers always come first.” While the opinions may be mixed, the confidence from Jeremiah fans is clear. Their belief in the Jelly endgame is STRONG, especially with the creator, Jenny Han, teasing little easter eggs in Season 3. Whether it’s because of his looks or the hope for a new ending, Team Jeremiah is holding out for their win.

Regardless of team Jeremiah’s persistent efforts, team Conrad is just as passionate. 62.5% of the responders from our poll are team Conrad and feel very strongly about their decision. One respondent defended their answer by saying, “I think Belly will end up with my choice because Belly always says it will be Conrad in the end, and she always finds her way back to him. Even when she’s with Jeremiah, she’s still thinking about Conrad. Her and Jeremiah have more of a best friendship type instead of a romance type of relationship with each other. Also, Jeremiah is immature when it comes to Belly and relationships.” Despite dating his brother, Belly still has Conrad on her mind, an evident sign that their story is not over yet. Cresskill students also believe that Conrad is the better brother because of his emotional intelligence and maturity, “Conrad is the better brother because he’s way more emotionally and actually intelligent. Plus, he’s always loved Belly even before she became ‘pretty.’” Conrad is not only a pre-med student at an Ivy League school – he is also an extremely sensible and responsible character, as well, which goes beyond physical appearance. “Conrad is so much better because he remembers the little things about her and would always know how to comfort her when Jeremiah is just hot… that’s it” is how one put it. Conrad has one the hearts of many students at Cresskill and will continue throughout the third season.

Many are opposed to Conrad and Belly because of the way he treated her while they were dating, more specifically, on prom night. However, many forget the fact that Conrad was struggling with Susannah’s cancer and knew that she did not have much time left. Because of Susannah’s illness and lack of time left, he was unable to think about anything else and did not have the mental capacity to put on a front that he was okay. Many Team Jeremiah fans use Conrad’s grief as a reason to villainize him unfairly, lacking empathy for him and forgetting how well he treated Belly previously before Susannah’s worsening condition. Preparing for grief is no easy task and often takes over people’s thoughts as it did to Conrad, so it is reasonable for him to act distant towards Belly. Navigating grief is extremely difficult in itself and should not be something we shame one for doing. Conrad did not want to burden Belly with his problems because he loved her so much, which ultimately led to their breakup. Because of the love that he carried for Belly, he would rather lose her than stay with her, as he believed it would make her unhappy. Conrad’s selflessness and undying love for Belly have caused many to support him and hope for a Bonrad endgame.

As Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty approaches, anticipation has been at an all-time high, especially at Cresskill. Whether you’re Team Conrad, Team Jeremiah, or hoping for a twist where Belly chooses herself, one thing is certain, this show has sparked many debates, conversations, and passionate loyalty from many fans across all sides. With Jenny Han promising surprises, viewers can only wait and watch to see which path Belly ultimately takes. Until then, the debate between Bonrad and Jelly will continue, and Cresskill students will be on the lookout for these new episodes with eager eyes and an even stronger opinion.