Before The Summer I Turned Pretty, these 3 shows brought all the flirtation and drama

Lola Tung and Gavin Casalegno in The Summer I Turned Pretty (Image via Prime Video)
Lola Tung and Gavin Casalegno in The Summer I Turned Pretty (Image via Prime Video)

The Summer I Turned Pretty is the show everyone is talking about currently. But even before this Prime Video show, there were already a few that gave us all the flirtation and drama we could handle. These shows made us laugh, swoon, and sometimes even cry. They also showed what it’s like to grow up, fall in love, and figure out life. They set the stage for the kind of romance stories that we now love so much.

These shows put romance and friendship in the same box in ways that we can easily relate to. We see characters trying to figure out who they are, who they like, and what they want out of life. There is drama, but it’s also fun. The shows make us remember what it’s like to have crushes, messy relationships, and exciting moments—just like we see in The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Even though each show has its own style, they all explore the same things: love, friendship, and growing up. They have charm, they have heartbreak, and they make us care about the characters. Before The Summer I Turned Pretty, these three shows gave us the romance and drama we didn’t know we needed.


Before The Summer I Turned Pretty, these 3 shows brought all the flirtation and drama

1) Never Have I Ever

This show on Netflix is about Devi. She is a teenage girl trying to figure out life, school, and family. Her world is full of crushes, first kisses, and all the awkward moments that come with growing up. She also has to deal with a generation gap with her mom, her grandma, and even her cousin, which often leads to funny and heartwarming situations.

As Devi figures out who she likes and who she is, we get to see her make mistakes, learn lessons, and sometimes just embarrass herself in the most relatable ways. The show is full of laughs, emotional moments, and heartfelt stories that make us care about her journey as she grows up. So, if you like The Summer I Turned Pretty, you’ll definitely love this one.


2) Gilmore Girls

Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, and Melissa McCarthy in Gilmore Girls (Image via The CW)
Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, and Melissa McCarthy in Gilmore Girls (Image via The CW)

A classic show that’s perfect to watch on a rainy day, all curled up in bed with some cozy hot chocolate. It gives you all the butterflies, the heartwarming moments, and the small-town charm that just feels so comforting. The mother-daughter duo, Lorelai and Rory, is exactly the kind of relationship everyone wishes they could have. The show is witty, funny, and full of cozy vibes, especially during the winter scenes that make the town feel like home.

The romance in the show is sweet and real, just like The Summer I Turned Pretty. We watch Rory figure out her first love and her first breakup with midnight ice cream binges and crying in bed. Lorelai is there to guide her, even though she’s figuring out her own relationships at the same time. It’s complicated and absolutely relatable. And that’s what makes the show funny, heartwarming, and unforgettable.


3) Emily in Paris

Lily Collins in Emily in Paris (Image via Netflix)
Lily Collins in Emily in Paris (Image via Netflix)

This is the kind of show that makes you want to dress up and stroll through cute cafes. The streets of Paris, the chic outfits, and the lovely locations give it such a glamorous and adventurous vibe. Watching Emily move to a new city on her own and handle culture shocks and other challenges is inspiring as well as entertaining. This show will definitely remind you of The Summer I Turned Pretty in some ways.

Her love life and work life are both equally important. Emily’s crushes, breakups, and relationships coexist with her career adventures. It shows how she manages everything with a smile on her face. It’s a different kind of romance. There is no teenage love here, but the challenges of adult relationships and figuring things out for yourself are relatable to anyone.


So, whichever show suits you, be it teenage romance, cozy small-town drama, or glamorous city life, these three shows will speak to you in ways you won’t forget. If The Summer I Turned Pretty is your vibe, Never Have I Ever, Gilmore Girls, and Emily in Paris are must-watch shows that should be on your list.


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Edited by Parishmita Baruah