All the Bye Bye Birdie References in The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3

Season three of Amazon Prime’s The Summer I Turned Pretty draws inspiration from the classic Charles Strouse musical Bye Bye Birdie, weaving story beats, character parallels, and even musical nods into its narrative.

The series, which has captured a new generation of fans—whether they’re Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah—has never shied away from tipping its hat to classic films and musicals. References to Casablanca, The Notebook, It Happened One Night, Sabrina, Funny Face, and more have appeared throughout its run. But in its third and final season, one musical takes center stage: Bye Bye Birdie.

Conrad and Belly: Modern Echoes of Birdie and Kim

The similarities go beyond just names. Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney) mirrors teen idol Conrad Birdie from the musical in one key way: his magnetic pull over the story’s heroine, Belly Conklin (Lola Tung). Belly shares traits with Kim McAfee, Birdie’s love interest: both are sixteen, navigating the cusp of adolescence and the complexities of young love.

However, their personalities diverge sharply. Birdie is a motorcycle-riding, cocky rockstar, while Fisher is a sensitive, introspective teen reminiscent of 1990s Leonardo DiCaprio. Meanwhile, Conrad’s brother, Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno), channels Hugo Peabody’s jealousy and possessiveness. Much like Hugo, Jeremiah struggles with Conrad’s influence over Belly, creating tension and emotional drama reminiscent of the musical.

Romantic Tensions and Broken Engagements

Throughout Season 3, Belly is engaged to Jeremiah, echoing Hugo’s role in Bye Bye Birdie. Yet her heart continually leans toward Conrad. Her inner conflict mirrors Kim McAfee’s dilemma, with loyalty clashing against desire. This tension culminates in confrontations that reflect the musical’s iconic moments, including punches thrown and egos bruised, bridging the classic story with this modern adaptation.

Easter Eggs and Musical Homages

Season 3 includes visual nods to Bye Bye Birdie. In Episode 2, a poster of the musical appears on Belly’s college bedroom door. But the most heartfelt tribute comes in Episode 6, during a flashback of Belly’s childhood movie nights with her mother, Laurel. The musical on screen? Bye Bye Birdie, Belly’s favorite.

Young Belly is shown singing “We Love You, Conrad” into her bathroom mirror, reimagining the original scene from Jenny Han’s books. Here, the series deepens the story: her childhood infatuation with Conrad Fisher is layered with themes of longing and enduring love, establishing an emotional thread that carries into adulthood. This makes the farewell scene on her wedding day, where Conrad kisses her forehead before leaving, all the more poignant—Belly quietly whispers, “bye-bye, Birdie.”

A Modern Take on a Classic Ending

While Bye Bye Birdie concluded with Kim choosing the safe, conventional Hugo over the daring Conrad, The Summer I Turned Pretty flips the narrative. Belly chooses Conrad, the one who challenges her and ignites her passion, over the dependable Jeremiah. This contemporary twist offers a 21st-century happy ending while paying homage to its musical roots.

Introducing a New Generation to a Classic

For many young viewers, The Summer I Turned Pretty serves as their first encounter with Bye Bye Birdie. Through Belly’s journey, the series reintroduces the musical’s themes of coming-of-age, love, and choice to a modern audience. With cleverly placed Easter Eggs and thematic echoes, the show not only references the classic but revitalizes it for today’s fans.

Following the series finale on September 17, Amazon Prime confirmed on Instagram that Belly’s story isn’t over: a movie is in development to conclude the saga. Fans can expect even more nostalgic nods to beloved musicals—and a chance to say “hello” again to Belly and her Conrad.