The energy was electric at Bryant Park in New York City as devoted fans gathered for a special surprise screening of the first two episodes of The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3.

Fans came prepared with picnic blankets and snacks, eager to dive back into Belly Conklin's world and her tangled romance with the Fisher brothers. 

As the sun dipped behind the massive outdoor screen, the excitement reached a fever pitch when the cast – including Lola Tung, Gavin Casalegno, Christopher Briney, Sean Kaufman, Rain Spencer, Jackie Chung, Zoé de Grand, Isabella Briggs, Sofia Bryant – along with author Jenny Han, appeared on stage. 

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The crowd erupted with cheers, capturing photos and sharing their love and support for the show and its stars. This close-knit fandom's passion was unmistakable, their emotional investment in the storyline palpable. The cast expressed heartfelt gratitude, sharing how meaningful this final season is to them. After watching the two-episode premiere, it's clear the journey will be a rollercoaster for fans and characters alike.

"My theory is that Belly chooses herself this summer, and I think that's really cool for her," a fan told Fandom Daily at the screening. "I'm team Conrad, hopefully Belly ends up with him," added another. 

The first two episodes plunge right into the aftermath of Belly's decision last season to move on from Conrad and commit to Jeremiah, setting the stage for a season steeped in complicated relationships and emotional turmoil. Belly's choice to attend Finch College to be near Jeremiah initially promises a bright future for the couple, but cracks quickly appear. 

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Jeremiah faces unexpected delays in his graduation, a symbol of the uncertainty looming over their relationship. The tension escalates when Belly overhears that Jeremiah cheated on her during a spring break trip to Cabo with a girl from Taylor's sorority. This betrayal shatters her trust, leaving her reeling. The heartbreak is raw and believable, skillfully portrayed by Tung and Casalegno, whose chemistry carries the weight of this emotional storm.

Meanwhile, the show doesn't shy away from exploring the messy dynamics between Steven and Taylor. Their relationship is a cycle of breaking up, secretly hooking up, and pushing each other away, culminating in a dramatic car accident that becomes a turning point for several characters. Taylor's emotional confession to a comatose Steven and her decision to break up with her current boyfriend to be with him adds layers of complexity to this tangled web of relationships.

Conrad's storyline offers a compelling counterpoint, revealing his internal struggle as he grapples with lingering feelings for Belly while trying to advance his career. His move to Stanford and the pressure of a demanding job bring new challenges, and his eventual firing due to emotional distractions signals that he's at a crossroads. The quiet, tender moments he shares with Belly over winter break highlight the deep emotional undercurrents that run beneath the surface of this season's drama.

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The premiere expertly balances moments of heartbreak, tension, and subtle intimacy, setting up high stakes for the final season. The writing remains sharp, with Han's signature blend of nostalgia and emotional honesty shining through every scene. 

Fans will be captivated by Belly's journey of self-discovery as she navigates betrayals, friendships, and the daunting task of choosing her future. With the stakes higher than ever, these episodes leave viewers eagerly anticipating how the tangled relationships will unfold and whether Belly will finally find the happiness she deserves.

Photo Credit: @nyfw on Instagram.