WhenThe Summer I Turned Prettybooks were released, it didn’t take long before the word “adaptation” was being floated around. The author, Jenny Han, who also wrote theTo All Boys I Loved Beforetrilogy, did it right by staying majorly involved with the show’s writing. The series that’s currently in its sophomore season, has been deemed the show of the summer, and rightfully so. It’s everything you could want in a summer show; a love triangle, the perfect beach town, and teens experiencing their first big love.
Now that the second season is out, episodes are being released on a weekly basis, which might test your patience if you find yourself loving the series. While you wait each week, you might be searching for something similar while a week passes for each new episode. That being said, let’s take a look at ten shows to watch if you loveThe Summer I Turned Prettyseries.
Dash & Lily
While The Summer I Turned Prettythrives on being based in the summer and released in the sunny season,Dash & Lilyis for the winter. It has one season on Netflix, and that’s all it needs, several follow-up seasons are unnecessary for this show. It follows two people who learn of each other by chance after Lily leaves in a book at a small bookstore. They spend most of the series apart, following each other’s dares and scavenger hunts until they finally meet. It’s a slow burn that’s worth the wait as you watch Dash and Lily see each other for the first time.
Related:The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 1: 10 Differences Between the Series and the Book
Outer Banks
If you like the beach vibes and the found family aspect ofThe Summer I Turned Pretty, but crave a bit of adventure that the series lacks, then you should addOuter Banksto your watch list. It was released in 2020, smack in the middle of the pandemic, and it seemed that just about everyone was tuning in.
There’s more than just one love triangle, if you’re into that, there’s treasure,betrayals, and even death.Outer Banksis considered to be a popular show, but it’s also a hidden gem if you’ve never seen it before.
One Tree Hill
Speaking of drama-filled moments, just about every single episode ofOne Tree Hillwill leave you with your jaw dropped. The plot twists on this show will leave you gobsmacked because, for a show that focuses on a group of friends, it features an abundance of betrayals, musical guest stars, and murders!
You’ll be falling in love with Nathan and Haley as you try to figure out what Lucas is really about, when, meanwhile, someone is bleeding out in the next room! If you enjoy a bit of unrealistic drama with your high school shows,One Tree Hillhas to be next on your list.
Ginny & Georgia
Similar toGilmore Girls, there is a draw to shows that appeal to both teens and adults, especially mother-and-daughter duos.Ginny and Georgiais a great comedy-drama that focuses on the great lengths a mother will go to in order to protect her kids, as well as to have a life herself. Even if that life is based on a mountain of lies. This Netflix show has gained quite a bit of popularity, and fans are hopeful foran announcement for season three, but until then, there’s plenty of time to catch up with the two seasons already out on the streaming platform.
Dawson’s Creek
Dawson’s Creekis one of those shows you either watched every week when it came out, or you discover it years later and binge-watch the entire thing. It’s slightly corny, and you might not even like Dawson, but it’s still a great show. You might find yourself caring more about Pacey’s story and his love story with Joey, but that’s what makes it so great. Similar toThe Summer I Turn Pretty, Dawson’s Creektakes place in a beachside town, where everyone seems to know everyone, and the friends that come and go on this show make it that much more memorable.
Heartstopper
With thesecond season quickly approachingand gaining much hype as the release date draws near,Heartstopperis a great show to watch for all ages and all types of people. It focuses on a boy named Charlie Spring, who was outed as gay to his school, and has a massive crush on an upperclassman named Nick Nelson. It’s based on a series of books of the same name, and it’s a really sweet story that focuses on issues that the LGBTQ+ community faces on a day-to-day basis, especially the younger generation.
Gilmore Girls
If you enjoy the certain warmth and familiarity inThe Summer I Turned Pretty, then you’ll be pleased to know that you can get the same feeling while watchingGilmore Girls. It’s the perfect show to have on in the background while you’re doing work, cleaning, or just using it for white noise. As Rory and Lorelaiget themselves into shenanigansand drink copious amounts of coffee, you’ll start to feel connected with the characters and their easy-going lives.
Related:The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Review: A Mostly Satisfying Second Trip to Cousins Beach
Sweet Magnolias
Sweet Magnolias, which isalso based on a series of books, will charm just about anyone who turns it on. A trio of friends who grew up in the same quaint town are now adults with complicated lives and relatable issues. The town is progressive in some areas and a bit backward in others, and if you love shows that are dedicated to people figuring out their lives, then you must check outSweet Magnolias.The love triangle aspect is featured, and there are plenty of drama-filled moments that keep you on the edge of your seat.
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
Even though you won’t find many musical moments inThe Summer I Turned Pretty, except for the great soundtrack,High School Musical: The Musical: The Seriesis a perfect watch for teens that aren’t looking for something as intense as the other entries on this list. This series is very pure and lighthearted while also touching on real topics, such as anxiety and divorce, and it could be a great watch if you need something exciting after a particularly sad episode ofThe Summer I Turned Pretty.
The O.C.is likeGossip Girlbut relaxed and based in California rather than New York, and you’ll be relieved to know that thesecharacters are far more likable and redeemable.The Summer I Turned Prettydoes a great job of making you care for all the characters in the show, even if they’re in the background, asThe O.Cis similar in that aspect.
The love story between Seth and Summer is genuinely so great and special, and the drama is more realistic than other teen shows. If you love Belly and Jeremiah/Conrad, you’ll loveThe O.C, especially Marissa and Ryan.
