Jenny Han is reassuring fans that The Summer I Turned Pretty isn’t completely turning away from Taylor Swift’s music. While season 3 has so far featured only one Swift track—2022’s “You’re Losing Me” in the premiere—Han says the season isn’t over yet.
The hit Prime Video teen drama, adapted from Han’s bestselling trilogy, has become known for its carefully placed Taylor Swift songs, many of which have served as emotional backdrops for Belly Conklin’s most pivotal moments. So far this season, though, Swifties have noticed a shortage—and they’ve been vocal about it online.
When asked by Variety if there would be more Taylor moments ahead, Han offered a teasing reply:
“I guess… keep watching.”
Why the Lack of Swift Songs?
Fan theories have been swirling on social media. One popular theory suggests that Swift’s tracks in the show have symbolized Belly’s inner monologue, a storytelling tool that has been largely absent from season 3 so far.
As one Instagram user noted:
“There’s a major lack of Belly’s narration and flashbacks this season… shielding us from knowing what she’s truly thinking and feeling.”
The show previously pulled off impressive Swift placements, including a never-before-heard Reputation (Taylor’s Version) re-recording of “Delicate” in season 2—despite the album not being officially released. Han has described these choices as “gifts” and emphasized that every song is intentional.
“I never said that Taylor was only for Belly and Conrad,” Han explained. “‘Delicate’ is speaking to where Belly’s head and heart are at in that moment.”
She also recalled the haunting use of “Snow on the Beach” in season 2, noting that it was meant to evoke a bittersweet memory.
Swift Songs Teased in the Trailer
The season 3 trailer already promised more Swift, featuring “Red” and “Daylight”. Fans are now eagerly waiting for these moments to appear in upcoming episodes, which could bring back the music-driven emotional punch the series is known for.
Season 3 Storyline Highlights (So Far)
- A Bigger Time Jump — Season 3 skips ahead to Belly’s junior year at Finch University, meaning Jeremiah’s cheating with Lacie Barone happens four years into their relationship, not two.
- No Name Rebrand — While the books see Belly introducing herself as “Isabel” at college, the show keeps her nickname.
- To All The Boys Easter Eggs — Belly’s dorm features a photo of her and Jeremiah dressed as Peter Kavinsky and Lara Jean Covey from Han’s other hit series.
- Conrad’s Mental Health Journey — The show continues to explore Conrad’s anxiety and therapy sessions as he prepares to return to Cousins Beach.
- Belly’s Paris Plans — In the series, Belly learns she’s off the waitlist to study abroad, shifting her future plans.
- Steven & Taylor’s Complicated Romance — A car accident and emotional tensions put their rekindled relationship on shaky ground.
With several episodes still to air, Han’s “keep watching” promise suggests that Swifties may yet get the emotional soundtrack moments they’ve been hoping for. Whether they’ll rival the impact of “Delicate” or “Back to December” remains to be seen—but given Han’s history, fans can expect every Taylor track to carry meaning.
