Fans Fearful as "The Summer I Turned Pretty" Finale Sparks Death Theories

With the highly anticipated series finale of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" just days away, fans are in a frenzy of speculation and anxiety over the fate of the show's core characters, particularly Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah. The penultimate episode's dramatic developments have left many fans convinced that the story could take a dark turn, possibly resulting in the death of a major character—a twist that would depart sharply from the series’ previous tone and narrative arc .

Online forums, Reddit threads, and TikTok videos are teeming with theories, ranging from plausible predictions to wild conjecture. While some viewers believe the finale will focus on healing and new beginnings, others fear that a tragic twist is imminent. This outpouring of speculation has transformed the show’s online presence into a charged, emotional space, reflecting its impact on a diverse and passionate audience .

"The Summer I Turned Pretty" has resonated deeply with queer fans, who have found solidarity and affirmation in the show’s nuanced portrayal of relationships and identity. The series' exploration of friendship, romance, and self-discovery—while not always centering explicit queer narratives—has offered storylines that many queer viewers find relatable and meaningful. The prospect of a major character’s death, therefore, carries significance beyond simple storytelling: it raises concerns about how the show’s conclusion might influence perceptions of queer and allied characters, and how it might affect ongoing conversations about positive representation in mainstream entertainment .

For LGBTQ+ fans, the stakes are personal. Many recall instances where queer or allied characters have been killed off for dramatic effect, a trope criticized for its negative impact on representation. This history adds emotional weight to current fears, with commentators cautioning against an ending that could undermine the progress made throughout the series in terms of inclusivity and visibility .

Among the most widely discussed theories circulating ahead of the finale:

- A major time jump: Some fans have pointed to clues suggesting the final episode may leap forward several years, allowing for resolution without immediate tragedy. These clues include ambiguous timeline cues and hints dropped by cast and crew in interviews .

- A character’s death: The intensity of the narrative’s recent developments—especially as Conrad boards a plane for Paris and Belly confronts pivotal life choices—has led some fans to brace for a shock ending, such as the unexpected death of a central figure. The lack of explicit spoilers has only fueled this speculation, with many expressing both dread and morbid curiosity .

- A focus on self-discovery: Another popular theory suggests the show will subvert expectations by centering Belly’s personal growth and choices, rather than traditional romantic resolutions or melodramatic tragedy. This would align with recent comments from showrunner Jenny Han, who hinted that the finale might diverge from the source material and prioritize character development .

Social media platforms are playing a critical role in amplifying queer perspectives on the series’ end. On TikTok, users of all identities have posted emotional reactions, analysis videos, and calls for respectful storytelling, while Twitter/X has seen trending hashtags urging writers to avoid harmful tropes and to honor the emotional investment of marginalized viewers. Fan art and memes celebrating the show’s diversity have also proliferated, serving both as expressions of hope and as reminders of what is at stake .

To date, producers have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the finale, fueling both anticipation and anxiety. In recent interviews, creator Jenny Han has acknowledged the intensity of fan attachment and the importance of representation, stating, “We know how much these characters mean to people, and we are committed to telling stories that feel true and respectful to all our viewers.”