As the last summer comes to the end in Cousins beach so does the ongoing debate of who will capture Belly’s hearts in Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty finale which will premiere on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Throughout the past 3 seasons, the audience, as well as some of the readers have gravitated towards the funny, carefree, and thoughtful Jeremiah Fisher; however, my loyalties will forever side with the charming, complex, loyal, and timid Conrad Fisher.
There’s something oddly romantic about wet hair, a brooding personality, as well as the occasional savior complex. Throughout the duration of the show, we see the character development of Conrad as well as his overall growth as he’s gotten older. Conrad is a character who has a complexity to him that many misunderstand. He is more than someone who comes off as cold and deceiving, because behind that there is a story of someone who is hurting and who doesn’t want to harm others. His vulnerability in his own quiet moments throughout the show truly allow us to see how much he suppresses his emotions and how he never wants to be a burden regardless of any situation. For example, his mother’s death or his long term yearning for Belly. As we see this throughout the series, we watch as Conrad goes from hiding his flaws to ultimately embracing them by admitting them to not only himself but to others as well. In his vulnerable moments some of us see ourselves. His vulnerability is our relatability and that is one of the most important factors on why such a complex character is one that would compliment Belly.
San Marcos Junior Saydee Gazga Fernandez stated, “Conrad is more mature, handles situations and doesn’t act like a man child, such as someone…”
Some may continue to argue that Jeremiah is the best fit brother for Belly; however, I don’t believe that that should be the case. Jeremiah is a funny, lighthearted, and unserious character that the majority of us grew to love. His relationship with Belly is fun, comforting, and easy, but, what relationship is supposed to be easy? There should always be a fight to be put up with when it comes to love, and Jeremiah and Belly’s relationship does not justify that statement. There is no challenge and there is no complex depth within their relationship, not the way Conrad and Belly’s is. In this final season of the show it is also revealed that Jeremiah had cheated on Belly on their so-called “break” and then apologized by proposing to ratify his guilt and action. This justifies the overall claim on how Conrad is the better Fisher.
As most of us know, the Conklin family as well as the Fisher family have known each other their whole lives, meaning, the relationship between Conrad and Belly has been developing way before they even address it. Their dynamic is based on nostalgia, jokes, friendship, and shared memories. Their relationship is based on a straight connection from childhood into adulthood, they understand, remember, and know each other on different levels that no one else in their families can understand. For example, in season 3 episode 5, there is a flashback scene that shows young Belly and young Conrad where they are riding their bikes with the other kids and Belly is falling behind the rest and is struggling. To that, Conrad comes in with a rescue. He then states, “When Belly needs help with something, my first thought has historically been, “How do I fix it?”.
This quote ultimately shows Conrad’s care and savior complex that will always shine through, specifically for Belly. They complement and complete the complexities of each other while also making the other stronger in more ways than one.
In conclusion, I believe that the superior team is and always will be team Conrad. Being team Conrad means you stand for honesty, loyalty, and overall a deeper love that comes with friendship. Their entire complex relationship dynamic is filled with a deep sense of nostalgia and yearning. They challenge each other in ways that no one else could, especially Jeremiah. At the end of the day, it will all be up to Belly. If she chooses one over the other once again as she has during the previous seasons, I hope that it will be Conrad. If not I hope she goes and finds someone else out there, outside of the Fisher family. We will find out on Wednesday the ultimate decision which will probably alter the mental stability of its fans and I cannot wait for it.
The Summer I (Somehow) Fought For Jeremiah Fisher
SABRINA RASHTI
Copy Editor
As many know already, the final episode of our beloved show, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” comes out on Wednesday, September 17th. If you aren’t aware of this information, you’ve obviously been living under a rock these past three summers. Since the summer of 2022, we have been pitted against each other, rooting for one of two brothers to see which one is more “deserving” of Belly’s love: Conrad or Jeremiah (I’m personally Team Conrad, but I have been chosen to write for the other side and no hate towards the other team!). In honor of the finale of the show, we here at the Kings Page decided to settle this once and for all: which Fisher brother is better? Conrad or Jeremiah?
Throughout the entire series, Jeremiah has proven to the fans that he’s a pocketful of sunshine. He is the funny, outgoing, golden retriever brother we’ve all grown to love that never fails to make our girl Belly happy. Whether it’s a late-night swim or a witty joke to break tension, Jere’s energy reminds us of the carefree summer magic we all miss. He’s the kind of person who makes you feel like everything will be okay, even when life gets a little messy.
Honesty is Jeremiah Fisher’s policy. From the beginning, he has never been afraid to share what he’s feeling, even when it’s difficult at times. It’s refreshing to see his openness towards Belly to show how much he values her in his life. He may not have the greatest timing ever, but he means well and it’s the thought that counts, right? This quality is rare to find in a complicated world filled with teenage drama and love triangles.
This brother is not only known for his golden retriever personality, but also his loyalty to his friends and family. Through the highs and lows, he’s always had a steady presence in Belly’s life, supporting her in ways both big and small. His reliability and warmth give their relationship a sense of balance that the fans can’t resist to root for. When we see Belly with Jeremiah, instead of a storm cloud overhead, there’s nothing but sunshine, laughter, and a sense of being seen how you truly are.
But like anyone, Jeremiah isn’t so perfect, which is a part of his charm. He’s not afraid to stumble, mess up, and then try again. Him putting himself out there and making himself vulnerable is one of the many reasons why he’s such a lovable character. He’s our reminder that love doesn’t always have to be complicated or guarded to be real. When Conrad has a tendency to retreat in silence, Jeremiah always steps forward with sincerity. That bravery to show up for someone, even imperfectly, is a reason including many others that Team Jeremiah stands out so much.
So as we all tune in to the finale, just remember that it’s not just about the team you’re rooting for, but also marking the end of an era. For the past three summers, we waited every Wednesday for a new episode, eager to see what the wonderful Jenny Han prepared for us that week. We have had many endless debates with our friends, made TikToks, and for some, maybe even shedded a few tears. Now, it’s our time to say goodbye to Cousins Beach, the Fisher’s, and Belly’s unforgettable summers filled with adventures.
Sooner or later it will all come to an end and we’ll need to find something better to do with our Wednesdays. But for now, while we still have one more episode of “The Summer I Turned Pretty”, let’s celebrate Jeremiah Fisher and hope that we’ve settled the argument on which brother is better. Whether or not you’re Team Jere, you can’t deny the fact he has brought light, loyalty, and love to the story. And maybe, just maybe, that’s what makes him the better Fisher brother. In the end, it will be up to Belly to decide what’s best for her and who knows who she will choose: will it be Jeremiah, Conrad, or will she leave the brothers alone and choose herself? But to put all of that to the side, let’s sit back and enjoy what the cast, producers, writers, etc. put together and bring one final episode of a show that has become dear to all of us to life.