Steven's Primary Love Interest
In the Amazon Prime series The Summer I Turned Pretty, Steven Bradford is primarily linked romantically with Belly Conklin. The show, based on the Jenny Han novel, positions their connection as a central emotional thread across the seasons. Belly is portrayed as the main love interest, with Steven often serving as the supportive best friend figure who eventually reveals deeper feelings. Their dynamic shifts from friendship to romantic tension, especially during pivotal summer moments at Cousins Beach. The casting of Christopher Briney as Steven and Isabela Merced as Belly anchors this storyline in the first two seasons. For more on the casting choices, you can check the official Amazon Studios announcement page Amazon Studios.
Steven's romantic arc with Belly is marked by unspoken tension and gradual confession. Unlike the love triangle involving Conrad, Steven's path is defined by loyalty and patience. He supports Belly through her insecurities and family drama, which makes his eventual romantic payoff feel earned. The show's second season, released in 2023, expands on this by showing Steven actively pursuing Belly after years of hesitation. This shift is driven by Belly's own growth and her realization of Steven's feelings. The source material by Jenny Han provides additional context for this slow-burn romance.
Secondary Romantic Dynamics
While Belly is Steven's main love interest, the series also explores his brief connection with other characters. In the first season, Steven shares a flirtatious moment with a minor love interest, but this is quickly overshadowed by the central Belly-Steven dynamic. The show uses these secondary interactions to highlight Steven's character growth and his eventual focus on Belly. The secondary dynamics serve to contrast with the main romance, showing Steven's capacity for connection beyond just one person. The show's creator, Jenny Han, has discussed these dynamics in interviews about the adaptation.
Steven's relationship with his brother Conrad also influences his romantic choices. Conrad's own complicated history with Belly creates a protective dynamic that initially keeps Steven at bay. However, as the series progresses, Steven steps out of Conrad's shadow to pursue his own feelings. This brotherly dynamic adds layers to Steven's romantic arc, making his eventual choice to be with Belly a defining character moment. The show's writers use this family tension to heighten the emotional stakes of Steven's romantic decisions. For more on the show's narrative structure, you can visit the official Jenny Han author page Jenny Han.
Character Development and Relationship Outcomes
Steven's romantic journey culminates in a clear pairing with Belly by the end of the second season. The show resolves the main love triangle by having Belly choose Steven over Conrad in a decisive moment. This outcome is consistent with the emotional trajectory built across both seasons. Steven's character development from a loyal friend to a confident romantic partner is a key part of this resolution. The finale scenes emphasize Steven's vulnerability and Belly's reciprocal feelings, cementing their status as the primary couple. The adaptation stays true to the novel's romantic arc while adding visual and emotional depth.
The show's portrayal of Steven and Belly's relationship focuses on mutual respect and emotional honesty. Steven is depicted as a grounded, supportive figure who prioritizes Belly's well-being over his own desires. This portrayal aligns with modern relationship dynamics and resonates with the show's target audience. The series uses Steven's romance to explore themes of patience, self-worth, and the courage to express feelings. The show's success, measured by viewership and critical reception, underscores the strength of this central pairing. For more on the show's viewership data, you can check the official Amazon Prime Video press release Amazon Studios Press.