Los Angeles, California — The fervor surrounding the Amazon Prime Video series “The Summer I Turned Pretty” illustrates the intense passions of its fan base, particularly as a love triangle unfolds in its storyline. Created by Jenny Han and based on her beloved book series, the show centers on the complex relationships involving Belly Conklin, portrayed by Lola Tung, and the Fisher brothers, Jeremiah and Conrad, played by Gavin Casalegno and Christopher Briney. This narrative has ignited a divisive fan culture, pitting “Team Jeremiah” against “Team Conrad” in an online battle that has generated a torrent of TikTok videos and Reddit discussions.
As anticipation builds for the show’s third and final season, launching this week, creators have taken a proactive stance against negative behaviors within their fan community. In a public service announcement released on social media, the team behind the series emphasized a strict “zero tolerance policy” for bullying and harassment directed at the cast and crew. The announcement serves as a stark reminder that the relationships fans develop with characters should not cross the line into vitriol.
The problem of toxicity in online fandoms isn’t new, but recent incidents have prompted networks to respond more vigorously. This summer, “Love Island USA” similarly addressed cyberbullying amid rising concerns about hate directed at contestants. Abigail De Kosnik, an associate professor at the Berkeley Center for New Media, highlighted the ongoing struggle networks face in balancing viewer engagement with protecting their talent. As De Kosnik notes, these shows draw in vast audiences, making it crucial for producers to establish boundaries that safeguard the performers who bring these stories to life.
Despite this effort, the effectiveness of such measures remains uncertain. For instance, reactions to the “Love Island USA” PSA varied, with some fans disregarding it while the cyberbullying persisted. In contrast, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” had previously not released such a statement, making this proactive approach all the more significant. Since its debut in 2022, the show has skyrocketed in popularity, becoming the number one series on Prime Video within days of its release. The associated social media buzz quickly turned into millions of views and significant scrutiny, sometimes directed unkindly at the cast.
Following the release of the second season in July 2023, the show faced a wave of online criticism that particularly affected Elsie Fisher, who portrayed Skye, the half-cousin to the Fisher brothers. Fisher was subjected to derogatory comments and misgendering that stirred broader conversations about the repercussions of fandom-driven scrutiny.
In response to growing concerns, Han took to Instagram to implore fans to remember that the harmful comments directed toward actors did not align with the spirit of the series. Despite the noise, Fisher and the other cast members have largely refrained from addressing the negativity publicly.
As the fan discussions continue, the PSA draws attention to the fine line between enthusiasm and toxicity. Some fans express concern that the emotional investment in characters might be leading to unhealthy parasocial relationships. A TikTok user highlighted this issue, urging followers to recognize that such relationships can become overly intense.
While opinions vary, many fans appreciate the message the series conveyed through the PSA. Some liken the situation to the ongoing challenges faced by reality shows like “Love Island,” with one TikTok creator emphasizing the need for accountability in fandom interactions. This sentiment echoes a growing demand for sensitivity in fan actions, especially as shows grow in prominence through platforms like social media.
As the final season unfolds, both the creators and cast remain hopeful that the measures taken will foster a more supportive and respectful environment among fans. In her reflections on the series, Tung urged viewers to keep their passion in check, noting the numerous challenges inherent in storytelling. The series’ social media echoed her sentiments, reminding fans that “Cousins is our safe place” and encouraging a culture of kindness.