
Why fictional love triangles have Gen Z in a chokehold
Whether you're Team Conrad Or Team Jeremiah, experts tell Newsweek being invested in a love triangle is actually that deep.
"The Summer I Turned Pretty" continues to captivate audiences, and a recent fan-created video has reignited the passionate debate between "Team Conrad" and "Team Jeremiah." Uploaded by TikTok user @d4l_0, the video, titled "Reasons why I'm Team Conrad," compiles various scenes from the popular Amazon Prime series to make a compelling case for Conrad Fisher as Belly's true love interest. The compilation highlights several key moments, including Conrad's early affection for Belly before her "glow-up," his efforts to teach her to dance, and his thoughtful gesture of spending 40 dollars to win her a Junior Mint prize. The video also features the poignant "infinity" scene, where Conrad explains the concept and later gifts Belly a matching necklace, symbolizing their enduring connection. Further clips show Conrad quitting smoking for Belly, his crucial role in her volleyball tournament victory, and his remarkable memory of her preferences, such as her dislike for Swedish Fish and her love for sour candy. The video also touches on more emotional aspects of their relationship, depicting Conrad reassuring Belly about her father's new girlfriend and the countless hours he spent talking to her on the phone. A particularly impactful segment includes Conrad's confession of deep love and the physical pain he feels at not being able to express it. The compilation concludes by emphasizing Conrad's desire for Belly's happiness, even if it's not with him, and his belief that she is "the only one for him." This fan edit, which has garnered over 3.1 million views and 421,100 likes, reflects the intense engagement of the series' fanbase. Comments on the video range from ardent support for "Team Conrad" to strong counter-arguments for "Team Jeremiah," illustrating the ongoing and deeply felt nature of the show's central love triangle. The video serves as a testament to the series' ability to create emotionally resonant characters and spark widespread discussion among its dedicated viewers.
Whether you're Team Conrad Or Team Jeremiah, experts tell Newsweek being invested in a love triangle is actually that deep.