Latest news with #JennyHan
Elle
5 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
How Jenny Han Went From Taking Orders at Olive Garden to Writing Your Favorite Love Stories
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. In ELLE's series Office Hours, we ask people in powerful positions to take us through their first jobs, worst jobs, and everything in between. This month, we spoke with Jenny Han, the bestselling author of the To All the Boys I Loved Before and The Summer I Turned Pretty book series. She's also brought the beloved coming-of-age stories to the screen as the executive producer of the To All the Boys film trilogy and creator and executive producer of the spin-off, XO, Kitty. And, as the creator and showrunner of The Summer I Turned Pretty's TV adaptation, she kicked off the series' third and final season this month, amassing 25 million views globally on Prime Video in a week. While the show is coming to a close, Han has more projects in the works, thanks to an overall deal with Amazon Studios and another season of XO, Kitty on the way. As her literary and cinematic universe continues to expand, the stories still hit close to home. 'This idea that you can make mistakes and stumble but you're still a person that's worthy of love is something that's really important to me, and [it's] something that I think I explore in all my characters,' she says. What also stands out about her work onscreen is that it revolves around Asian American young women. The To All the Boys film, which came out in 2018 and became a modern classic, marked a rare case of an Asian woman, Lana Condor, leading a rom-com. Lola Tung (who stars as Belly in TSITP) and Anna Cathcart (who plays the titular role in XO, Kitty) are also both of Asian descent. Han, who is Korean, praises the growing representation. 'That makes me really proud,' she says. 'It's very exciting to see that.' Below, the multi-hyphenate discusses her unique approach to writing, her go-to advice for authors, and her thoughts on the TSITP fandom. I had campus jobs, but my first more official job was when I was a server at Olive Garden for a summer. I was the best server you ever had if I only had one or two tables, and then I was a disaster if I had more than two tables. My go-to [order] was the lunch portion chicken alfredo, but I would add spinach to it, and then I would have a raspberry lemonade, breadsticks, and salad. And then if I'm doing dessert, I'm doing the white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. When I was first living in New York and I was going to grad school [to get my master's in creative writing], I was temping on the side. My grad program was only at night, so I worked during the day. Every week, I would be doing something different. Usually I'd just be in some sort of office, and I would be answering the phones or putting in the lunch orders and stuff. And I was always scared to say if I was proficient at Excel. You made more money if you said that you were, but I was afraid I was going to get asked to make crazy spreadsheets, so then I would never put that [on my resume]. But then I only made $10 an hour. I should have just done that. But I abide by the rules. I was temping probably for a few months, and then I got a job working part-time at a children's bookstore in the city. It's different when I'm writing a novel versus a script. I don't write in order when I'm writing a novel. I just write whatever I feel compelled to write that day, whatever I'm excited to write about. I call it 'dessert first.' To me, it feels good because then I can gather a bunch of scenes together and figure out the connective tissue and what's missing and what I need to build on. It feels a lot better when you see you have 40,000 words already. It's less daunting. Filmmaking is really collaborative, and you get to work with so many different people, and you really get the benefit of their expertise, creativity, and their wide amount of knowledge. For instance, a production designer [might say], 'This color on the walls is going to be better for us because of the light here or there.' When you're writing a novel, it is a solitary process. It's just you and the page. So you decide everything, and you are the director, the producer, the production designer, the costume designer. You're the person who creates the whole world on your own, so that's very different. I feel proud when I feel like I understand what my audience wants and I'm able to give it to them. To me, telling stories, making TV, and writing books is really all about connection. I feel really lucky to feel like I am connected to the audience. I first heard about this in an interview with Nancy Pelosi. They were asking her about being the most hated woman in America. She said, 'You're in the arena; you've got to take a punch getting in that arena.' And if you're not taking hits, then you're just a 'spectator.' That's really smart for risk-taking or being in the spotlight. It is really fun to be able to expand out and to tell stories in more mediums. Because the books will always be there for [the fans]. People were dressing up as Lara Jean [from To All the Boys I Loved Before] before the movies. They had their own ideas about who she was and what she would wear, and they would come to my book signings dressed up as her. And people felt connected to Belly's story when it was just on the page, and now it's definitely reached a far bigger audience. I would say The Summer I Turned Pretty has always been my most popular story globally, because I think people can put themselves in Belly's shoes, and you really could be sitting on a Swedish beach, a beach in the Philippines, or really anywhere and imagine that you're her. It feels very universal. I've always approached telling stories about young people as not really different from telling stories about adults. I think it's being respectful of that experience and taking it seriously. To me, the most important thing is to really honor that and see that a young person's experience is valid and their point of view is valid. They haven't lived as long yet, and they have a more limited experience because they're younger, but that doesn't make it any less important or real. If you have a big fight with your best friend and you're in high school, it can be very earth-shattering. It can really destabilize your whole existence. I don't feel that's any less real or important than something happening to an adult. Those feelings are the same, and sometimes they're even deeper because you're experiencing it for the first time, and you don't know yet that it will get better and you just have to keep going. You haven't been able to experience that yet. Sometimes you just need time to heal, and so it can feel really intense and sharp. The first time is always going to be a shock to the system in some ways. Gavin [Casalegno] is filming a movie right now in Thailand with Lana [Condor], and they FaceTimed me this morning. It's been very cool to see the two of them working together. And then Lola [Tung] actually was on Broadway in Hadestown with Jordan Fisher, who was also in the To All the Boys universe. We all know each other very well. When you're working on set, you're together for sometimes 12 hours a day. We were in Wilmington, which is a small beach town in North Carolina. I would stay there the whole time because I was just really focused on the work. Everyone was doing that; people weren't leaving a ton. You really bond working on something together. It really does have that theater-troupe feeling. I think it's also that feeling of, we are experiencing this thing together, and we're really in it together. That's unique. I'm protective over the cast, and I just like to remind people that everyone sees what you're saying online, and there are real people who are playing these characters. I don't think it's easy to be in the public eye and have people dissecting everything about you. I don't think that's healthy for anybody. I think the Summer I Turned Pretty cast aren't super online. I want to do what I can to protect them, but also I really love the audience as well. It's always really fun to see people celebrating and having their watch parties. People are so smart and funny and create really fun videos around the show that I enjoy watching. That can be just rewarding too, to see people do their own thing with it. If I was going to say there's a message, it's just to know that everyone is human, people make mistakes, but you're still somebody who's worthy of love. I'm working on a couple of movies. I'm developing a series, but nothing I could speak to at the moment. It's too soon. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Pink Villa
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 4: Know When and Where to Watch on July 30 as Series Hits 25 Million Views in One Week
The much-loved coming-of-age drama The Summer I Turned Pretty returns with Episode 4 of its third and final season today, July 30. The new episode will be available to stream on Prime Video at 12:30 PM IST. The final season features 11 episodes, with one new episode dropping every Wednesday until the series finale airs on September 17, 2025. Based on Jenny Han's bestselling trilogy, the show has become a hit with audiences worldwide, thanks to its emotional storytelling and relatable characters. The current season focuses on Belly's summer after finishing her junior year of college, as she heads back to Cousins Beach expecting peace, but things get complicated with Conrad's return, leading to emotional conflict between him and Jeremiah. The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 viewership breaks records According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 has already drawn 25 million viewers worldwide in its first week since premiering on July 16, 2025. This marks a nearly 40% jump compared to Season 2's first-week numbers, which reached 17.9 million viewers. Amazon revealed that the series is now the No. 5 most-watched returning show in Prime Video history. It trails only behind Reacher Season 2 and 3, The Rings of Power Season 2, and The Boys Season 4. Jenny Han, the creator and co-showrunner, told The Hollywood Reporter, 'Seeing how The Summer I Turned Pretty has resonated with millions, how the story has sparked so many fan conversations, sent the books back on the bestseller lists, and inspired so many viewers' reactions across social media, it's everything I could have hoped for and more.' Here's why Season 3 is a must-watch Season 3 is raising emotional stakes and exploring deeper themes like growing up, letting go, and making life-changing choices. Belly's return to Cousins Beach puts her at a crossroads as she finds herself stuck between two brothers once again. According to Lola Tung, who plays Belly, 'It was really fun to feel like it was a little bit more of a mature journey…she feels more grown up, and you can sort of tell in the decisions that she makes.' Alongside Lola Tung, the main cast includes Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah and Christopher Briney as Conrad, with returning faces like Jackie Chung, Rachel Blanchard, and Sean Kaufman continuing their pivotal roles.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
'The Summer I turned Pretty' Season 3 scores 25 million views in just 7 days: Where can you watch Episode 4?
Wedding bells are ringing in 'The Summer I turned pretty' and it is back for Episode 4. The show, in its third and final season, has a quickly become a fan favourite. Most of the viewers are anxious (but excited) to learn which Fisher brother will win Belly's heart once and for all. Based on the beloved book trilogy by bestselling author Jenny Han, the story, at its core, is a tale about "first love, first heartbreak, and the magic of that one perfect summer". The final season of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" is in full swing, and so far, it's featured a shocking betrayal, a surprise proposal and a long-awaited reunion. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category CXO Technology Degree Digital Marketing PGDM Data Science Operations Management Product Management Leadership Artificial Intelligence Management Others MBA healthcare others Public Policy Project Management Design Thinking Cybersecurity Data Analytics MCA Finance Data Science Healthcare Skills you'll gain: Technology Strategy & Innovation Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation Leadership in Technology Management Cybersecurity & Risk Management Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Technology Officer Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Strategy Development Expertise Emerging Technologies & Digital Trends Data-driven Decision Making Leadership in the Digital Age Duration: 40 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Digital Officer Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Operations Strategy for Business Excellence Organizational Transformation Corporate Communication & Crisis Management Capstone Project Presentation Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow Chief Operations Officer Programme Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Customer-Centricity & Brand Strategy Product Marketing, Distribution, & Analytics Digital Strategies & Innovation Skills Leadership Insights & AI Integration Expertise Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Starts on Apr 7, 2024 Get Details The third and final season made a splash with its July 16 debut, raking in 25M viewers globally on the streamer in its first seven days of availability, per data shared by Amazon, according to Deadline. Season 3 viewership was up 40% in the first seven days compared to Season 2's performance. Even more impressive, series viewership has tripled from Season 1 to Season 3 in the seven-day window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo ALSO READ: 10-feet high tsunami waves could hit parts of Hawaii after powerful earthquake in Russia. Check latest update Where to watch 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' season 3? 'The Summer I turned pretty' Season 3 countdown is on as the final episodes are finally here. The final season of the beloved Jenny Han series is set to pick up four years after the events of season 2, with Belly (Lola Tung) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) in a long-term relationship, soon to be married. But when Conrad (Christopher Briney) returns, her feelings for him are reignited. "The Summer I Turned Pretty," which premiered July 16 on Amazon Prime Video, hinges on a love triangle between Belly Conklin (Lola Tung) and brothers Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno) as they navigate life, growing pains and one immeasurable loss. Live Events ALSO READ: Largest great white shark ever captured in Florida leaves scientists stunned. It measures 13.8 feet and weighs 1,653 pounds Each episode of The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 will be released on Prime Video at the exact same time globally (12AM PT), but it will differ depending on your time zone. Episode 4 of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" Season 3 premieres Wednesday, July 30 at 3 a.m. ET / midnight PT on Prime Video. New episodes drop weekly, on Wednesdays, through the Sept. 17 finale. Here's the full remaining schedule: Episode 1: 'Last Season' – July 16th Episode 2: 'Last Christmas' – July 16th Episode 3: 'Last Supper' – July 23rd Episode 4: Wednesday, July 30 Episode 5: Wednesday, Aug. 6 Episode 6: Wednesday, Aug. 13 Episode 7: Wednesday, Aug. 20 Episode 8: Wednesday, Aug. 27 Episode 9: Wednesday, Sept. 3 Episode 10: Wednesday, Sept. 10 Episode 11 (finale): Wednesday, Sept. 17 'The Summer I turned Pretty' streaming time in UK The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 episode 4 will be released on Wednesday July 30th at 12 A.M. PT. For viewers in the UK, that means each new episode of The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 will be released at 8 A.M. BST. ALSO READ: New Covid variant symptoms seen in US amid surge in summer wave: Check symptoms and states at the highest risk Here's a full list of release times for various other timezones: United States (PT) - 12:00 AM United States (ET) - 3:00 AM Canada - 3:00 AM (Toronto), 12:00 AM (Vancouver) Brazil (Rio De Janiero) - 4:00 AM United Kingdom BST) - 8:00 AM Europe (CET) - 9:00 AM South Africa (Cape Town, Central Africa Time) - 9:00 AM India (New Delhi) - 12:30 PM Indonesia (Jakarta) - 2:00 PM Philippines (Manila) - 3:00 PM Hong Kong - 3:00 PM Singapore - 3:00 PM Australia - 3:00 PM (Perth), 5:00 PM (Sydney) Japan (Tokyo) - 4:00 PM New Zealand (Auckland) - 7:00 PM
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First Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
'The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3' Clocks a Record-Breaking Premiere with a 40% Jump in Viewership
Prime Video's young-adult drama series The Summer I Turned Pretty returned with its much-awaited Season 3 on July 16, and has proved to be a smashing hit worldwide. With author Jenny Han as the showrunner, and pop-star Taylor Swift's record-breaking songs as the soul of the series, this Lola Tung, Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno starrer drama attracted 25 million unique global viewers with its first two episodes within a week of its premiere. This marks a substantial 40% increase in viewership compared to Season 2, and a remarkable growth with its viewership, tripling since Season 1. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sharing her elation on the smashing success of the series, creator, showrunner, and executive producer Jenny Han said, 'Seeing how 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' has resonated with millions—how the story has sparked so many fan conversations, sent the books back on the bestseller lists, and inspired so many viewers' reactions across social media—it's everything I could have hoped for and more. As creator and co-showrunner, I'm incredibly proud of what we made. I'm grateful we got to make all three seasons, one for each book, and grateful that audiences have been so passionately embracing the story I wanted to tell.' The series is a major hit among women, making a place for itself in Prime Video's most-watched TV season among women ages 18-34. It also ranks as the fifth most-watched returning season overall on the streaming service. Globally, it was the top title on Prime Video during its first week, with over half its audience being international in 120+ countries. Strategic Release and Fan Connection Vernon Sanders, head of TV content at Amazon MGM Studios, explained how the decision to release Season 3 episodes weekly, despite heightened anticipation from fans, was a deliberate move. He said, 'This has been a strategy that we've rolled out with our second seasons and beyond — whether that's with 'The Boys' or 'Reacher,' even 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Season 2 was weekly. And we see that the audience, even though they're craving every episode, we're able to engage them in a longer conversation. And it's great for the service, because we have people coming back week after week. But that discussion, the community that gets built by having that shared experience and being in one conversation, we see lots of benefits to it. So when and where it makes sense, we'll keep doing that.' Additionally, the 12 a.m. PT/3 a.m. ET release time aims to streamline messaging and accommodate global viewers. Proactive Stance on Fandom Ahead of the Season 3 launch, the show's creators issued a polite disclaimer against mistreating fans or cast for the happenings within the fictional series. Sanders clarified this was a proactive move, given the massive fandom the original books have amassed over the years, as well as the global reach that the first two seasons had. 'We've had similar situations in the past with adaptations, where there is a fanbase out there that I think can get rowdy, and it sometimes can blur the line between characters and actors or overstep,' he stated. 'And so we really appreciate them and appreciate their passion, but we're trying to be more proactive about setting expectations of what we want to encourage and maybe what we find not appropriate. And I think our creators and our cast really appreciate us taking a proactive stance there.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With the first three episodes now streaming, fans across the internet have left no stones unturned in sharing theories for possible story arcs, debating on current plots and discussing what to expect in the upcoming episodes - creating unforgettable pop-culture moments of its own. In Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty, Belly's perfect summer with Jeremiah is upended when Conrad re-enters her life, forcing her to confront old feelings. As adulthood looms, she must finally choose where her heart truly lies. The final season is led by showrunners Jenny Han and Sarah Kucserka, and features Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, Gavin Casalegno, Sean Kaufman, Jackie Chung, and Rachel Blanchard in pivotal roles. Viewers can check out the first two seasons of this heartfelt series exclusively on Prime Video. The season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty premiered with the first two episodes on July 16, with new episodes releasing every Wednesday, until the season finale on September 17, exclusively on Prime Video, in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 breaks Prime Video viewership record with 25 million global streams
The final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty has hit a major milestone, drawing over 25 million global viewers within a week of its July 16 premiere, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This marks a 40% increase compared to Season 2, which garnered approximately 17.9 million viewers in the same time frame in 2023. Additionally, the show's debut season has seen its audience triple during this period. With this surge, the series ranks as Prime Video's fifth most-watched returning show of all time. It follows only Reacher Seasons 2 and 3, The Rings of Power Season 2, and The Boys Season 4 in terms of returning season viewership, according to internal data from the platform. Series creator and author Jenny Han, who co-showruns the adaptation, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming response. 'Seeing how The Summer I Turned Pretty has resonated with millions... it's everything I could have hoped for and more,' Han said in a statement. 'I'm grateful we got to make all three seasons, one for each book.' Lead actress Lola Tung, who plays the main character Belly, reflected on her character's arc in the final season. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Tung said, 'It was really fun to feel like it was a more mature journey… and you can sort of tell in the decisions that she makes.' The series concludes with Season 3, wrapping up its adaptation of Han's bestselling trilogy on a record-breaking note.
