Finished ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’? Let’s find your next binge

If, like me, you've finished "The Summer I Turned Pretty" (TSITP) and now feel a little lost without Belly, Conrad, Jeremiah, and the emotional chaos of Cousins Beach, then welcome to the club. You're not alone in replaying the soundtrack, scrolling edits, and secretly debating Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah for the thousandth time.

The good news? That mix of swoony romance, messy love triangles, heartfelt family drama, and bittersweet coming-of-age moments doesn't end here. Plenty of shows and movies capture the exact same feelings that hooked us on TSITP—so consider this a fan-to-fan guide to what to watch next. Each of these picks delivers a flavor of TSITP, whether it's the romance, the setting, or the emotional gut punches we secretly live for.

'My Life with the Walter Boys'

After losing her parents in a tragic accident, Jackie Howard moves from New York City to rural Colorado to live with her new guardians, the Walters, and their chaotic household of eleven kids—most of them boys. What starts as an overwhelming adjustment quickly becomes a whirlwind of sibling drama, first loves, and the inevitable love triangle between Alex, the sweet and stable boy-next-door, and Cole, the charismatic heartbreaker. What makes the show click for TSITP fans is its balance of cozy family moments with heart-fluttering romance. Jackie, much like Belly, finds herself torn between two very different futures, while also grappling with grief and identity. It's messy, warm, and deeply addictive—the kind of series where you'll pick teams and passionately defend them in group chats. If TSITP left you yearning for more summer-infused drama, "Walter Boys" delivers that same blend with a mountain-town twist.

'Outer Banks'

If TSITP is all about sun-kissed coming-of-age love, "Outer Banks" adds a thrilling treasure-hunt twist. Set on the North Carolina coast, the show follows John B and his group of friends, the working-class Pogues, as they chase hidden riches while clashing with the wealthy Kooks. Romance sparks when John B falls for Sarah Cameron, the ultimate forbidden love across class lines. Fans of TSITP will instantly connect with the tension between loyalty, love, and identity, as well as the beach-town atmosphere that makes summer feel alive on screen. But "Outer Banks" raises the stakes with action-packed chases, dangerous secrets, and life-or-death dilemmas. While it's wilder and grittier than Jenny Han's world, it scratches the same itch for heartfelt romance tangled with complicated choices. Imagine TSITP with a treasure map and a whole lot more danger, and you've got the addictive chaos of Outer Banks.

'XO, Kitty'

From Jenny Han herself comes "XO, Kitty", a spinoff of her "To All the Boys" universe. While not set on a beach, it carries the same DNA that makes TSITP so charming: a teenage girl caught between first loves, cultural discovery, and self-realisation. Kitty Covey travels to Korea to reunite with her long-distance boyfriend, only to find herself tangled in new crushes, unexpected friendships, and plenty of chaos. Like Belly, Kitty is endearingly flawed and figuring things out as she goes, making her incredibly relatable. The series is lighter and breezier than TSITP, with a more playful rom-com energy, but it still digs into themes of identity and belonging. Fans of Jenny Han's knack for heartfelt character work will find this spinoff irresistible. If TSITP was your summer escape, "XO, Kitty" is the international adventure your heart will thank you for.

'Dawson's Creek'

Before there was Belly choosing between Conrad and Jeremiah, there was Joey Potter stuck between Dawson Leery and Pacey Witter. "Dawson's Creek" remains one of the most iconic teen dramas of all time, set in a sleepy coastal town where friendships evolve, heartbreaks sting, and growing up feels impossibly complicated. What makes it timeless—and a must-watch for TSITP fans—is its unflinching look at the messiness of first love. Joey's relationships mirror Belly's tug-of-war between comfort and passion, and the dialogue is still some of the sharpest in teen TV. Watching Joey row her boat across the creek to Dawson's window has the same nostalgia as Belly showing up at Cousins Beach. For fans craving a classic, "Dawson's Creek" offers a slow-burn emotional ride that set the stage for every teen drama that followed. It's heartfelt, angsty, and perfect for late-night binges.

'Never Have I Ever'

If Belly's story is about summer love, Devi Vishwakumar's story is about the chaos of growing up and it's glorious. Mindy Kaling's teen dramedy manages to be laugh-out-loud funny while still digging into grief, identity, and the awkward rollercoaster of adolescence. Devi isn't perfect; she's impulsive, dramatic, and sometimes self-sabotaging, but that's what makes her so relatable. The love triangle between Paxton, the school heartthrob, and Ben, her academic rival, echoes the same kind of "who's right for me?" tension that keeps TSITP fans debating Conrad versus Jeremiah. But like Belly, Devi's journey isn't just about who she ends up with; but about how she becomes more self-aware, healing after the loss of her father, and figuring out what kind of person she wants to be. It's messy, funny, heartfelt and utterly bingeable.

'One Tree Hill'

If TSITP left you craving a long, character-driven teen drama, "One Tree Hill" is your binge-worthy answer. Set in a small town, the show follows half-brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott as they battle both on and off the basketball court while navigating complicated friendships and romances. The love stories here are unforgettable—from Lucas and Peyton's brooding passion to Nathan and Haley's wholesome journey. Much like TSITP, the relationships evolve over time, with characters facing heartbreak, betrayal, and the bittersweet process of growing up. The show is unapologetically dramatic, but that's what makes it fun—you'll laugh, cry, and probably scream at the TV more than once. For TSITP fans, it offers the same feeling of growing up alongside a group of friends, where every season brings new choices and challenges. With nine seasons, it's a ride you won't want to end.

'The Kissing Booth'

For something lighter and full of guilty-pleasure fun, "The Kissing Booth" trilogy is a perfect pick. Elle Evans finds herself in the ultimate teen predicament of breaking her own rules when she falls for her best friend's older brother. Cue messy love triangles, secret relationships, and plenty of summer vibes. Unlike TSITP, this one leans more toward rom-com than drama, but the themes are familiar, as we see the characters navigating friendship, romance, and the confusing transition from teen years to adulthood. Fans of Belly's torn-between-two-loves arc will find plenty to relate to here. It's playful, sometimes over the top, but undeniably binge-worthy. Whether you're in it for the swoony moments, the feel-good soundtrack, or the sheer escapism, "The Kissing Booth" delivers the kind of breezy entertainment that makes you want to rewatch it with friends. If TSITP is your emotional fix, this is your candy-coated chaser.

'Friday Night Lights'

Don't be fooled by the football backdrop—"Friday Night Lights" is about so much more than sports. Set in a small Texas town, the show explores the lives of teenagers and adults alike as they navigate love, ambition, loss, and the pressures of community expectations. The romance between characters like Julie and Matt, or Tyra and Landry, brings the same heartfelt intensity that makes TSITP so addictive. What makes "Friday Night Lights" special is its realism: the relationships feel raw, the heartbreak stings, and the victories (romantic or otherwise) feel earned. Like TSITP, it's about how the choices we make in our youth define us, but with the added weight of a town where everyone is watching. Whether you come for the romance, the friendships, or the emotional punch, this is a show that stays with you long after the final whistle.

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