Internet's preferred summer heartthrob: Conrad, from 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' series
The third season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, a popular YA romance show on Prime Video, is currently captivating audiences with its intricate love triangle and the appeal of its main character, Conrad Fisher.
Conrad's portrayal as a new kind of male hero is resonating with viewers. His emotional maturity, intellect, and calm nature are winning over the audience, offering a refreshing take on the romantic ideal. Conrad is depicted as a fully functioning, self-sufficient grown-up who prioritizes Belly's needs, often seen in the kitchen cooking or cleaning.
This modern hero is contrasted with Jeremiah, who is portrayed as immature and self-centered, often putting his own needs before Belly's. A viral TikTok video suggests that Conrad "wants a marriage not a wedding," in contrast to Jeremiah's character. This contrast is a significant aspect of the appeal of Conrad's character this season.
By the start of season 3, Belly has been in a four-year relationship with Jeremiah, while Conrad has been secretly loving her from afar. After a series of miscommunications, Belly felt rejected by Conrad and swore not to be with him again. However, Conrad's thoughtful acts, like baking Belly’s favorite dessert and fixing his family's house for a loved one's wedding, have been winning her back.
Fans are going "absolutely feral" for Conrad's character this season. His wardrobe, which includes linen button-downs and crisp white tees, adds to his appeal. The analog watch he wears is another endearing detail that fans find appealing.
Conrad's actions, such as hand-washing dishes and taking care of Belly's needs, are often described as "husband-coded" by TikTok users. This portrayal of a man who yearns deeply and prioritizes others, as seen when he wrestles with his feelings for Belly but ultimately puts his brother’s happiness first, highlights his complexity and emotional depth.
The show centers around a love triangle between Isabella "Belly" Conklin and the two sons of her mom's BFF, Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher. Belly has had a crush on Conrad since childhood but dated Jeremiah after a flirtation during puberty. Jeremiah's dynamic with Belly is influenced by a lifetime of playing second fiddle to his older brother, and he longs to have the things Conrad seems to have without even trying.
Despite this, Jeremiah is not portrayed as evil, but rather as having his own baggage that affects his behavior. Conrad's character is contrasted with Jeremiah's, with the former being seen as mature, attentive, and selfless, while the latter is seen as emotional, self-centered, and potentially holding Belly back.
The appeal of Conrad Fisher's character lies in his embodiment of the modern romantic ideal: he is emotionally vulnerable yet responsible, takes accountability for his actions, attends therapy, and shows care through thoughtful acts. His connection with Belly feels sensual, romantic, and effortless, providing viewers with a softer, safer, and more real version of love that many adult women find deeply resonant. This nuanced portrayal, combined with cultural shifts towards valuing emotional vulnerability in men, explains why Conrad has become a cultural phenomenon and a beloved character among viewers.
- Viewers are captivated by the third season of The Summer I Turned Pretty on Prime Video, with the character Conrad Fisher becoming a cultural phenomenon, particularly on TikTok, where his actions are often described as "husband-coded."
- Conrad's character stands in stark contrast to Jeremiah, with fans praising Conrad's emotional maturity, intellect, and selflessness, in contrast to Jeremiah's perceived immaturity and self-centeredness.
- Amazon Prime Video is not the only streaming platform supporting the fashion-and-beauty evolution of Conrad's character, as his wardrobe, consisting of linen button-downs and crisp white tees, is increasingly appealing to viewers, especially on Google.
- Influential relationships, intricate love triangles, and the exploration of entertainment's impact on lifestyles and fashion-and-beauty are themes explored in The Summer I Turned Pretty, making it a notable show in the realm of streaming media and contemporary romance.
