The Summer I Turned Pretty

The Summer I Turned Pretty, while capturing the relatable experience of coming-of-age and first love, presents core themes and messaging that often diverge from biblical values. The narrative emphasizes evolving friendships, complex family dynamics, and navigating grief, which can offer points of connection regarding human relationships and loss. However, the show prominently features mature content, including significant romance and sexual intimacy, frequent profanity, and substance use (underage drinking, smoking pot, edibles). A notable concern from a Christian worldview is the portrayal of such adult content and language often without clear moral consequences, depicting a world where problematic behaviors are normalized rather than illustrating their natural repercussions. The overarching worldview presented leans heavily towards a relativistic perspective, focusing primarily on personal feelings and experiences, with characters coping with intense issues in a myriad of ways, yet largely devoid of explicit spiritual elements or a transcendent view of life and meaning. Regarding character morality, while characters like Belly are described as kind-hearted, their actions often involve what some reviews term "messy" choices, particularly within the love triangle, where loyalty and responsibility are executed questionably at best. There is a lack of consistent moral accountability for many of the characters' vices, implying that such behaviors do not carry significant negative weight within the narrative. However, elements of growth and redemption are present, particularly in Conrad's storyline, which showcases a journey of learning to find hope and the power of forgiveness as he grapples with loss and demonstrates a protective, self-sacrificing nature. Family values are depicted as complex; while strong family bonds are a positive aspect, parental figures exhibit varied styles, with Laurel being a reasonable and supportive mother, while Susannah struggles to confront her son's negative behaviors amidst her own health struggles. The show acknowledges the personal journeys of parents alongside their children, but also includes themes of divorce and distant parental relationships. Faith representation within the series is minimal; the show "does not explicitly handle topics of Christianity" and primarily maintains an agnostic view of life, with one character recalling feeling like an outsider in a church setting. While one of the actors, Gavin Casalegno (Jeremiah), is an outspoken Christian who uses his platform to discuss his faith, this aspect is external to the show's narrative itself. Therefore, Christian parents may find that while the show touches on universal themes of family and personal growth, its portrayal of morality, consequences, and the absence of a faith-infused worldview necessitates careful discussion and discernment for young viewers.