A Cryptic Instagram Post from Lola Tung Just Confirmed the Release Date of The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 4 — But Fans Think It Hides a Bigger Twist

The Summer I Turned Pretty, Prime Video’s beloved adaptation of Jenny Han’s bestselling novel trilogy, has kept fans on edge as they await the fourth and final season. The series, known for its heartfelt coming-of-age narrative and swoon-worthy love triangle, has sparked a new wave of excitement following a cryptic Instagram post from star Lola Tung. Posted on August 12, 2025, the post appears to confirm the Season 4 release date, but fans are buzzing with speculation that it also teases a major plot twist. This article explores the frenzy surrounding Tung’s post, the fan theories it has ignited, and what lies ahead for the final chapter of this cultural phenomenon.

Lola Tung’s Cryptic Post Sets the Internet Ablaze

Lola Tung, who plays the central character Isabel “Belly” Conklin, took to Instagram with a post that sent the The Summer I Turned Pretty fandom into a frenzy. The post featured a dreamy beachside photo of Tung holding a journal with the date “June 17, 2026” scrawled on the cover. The caption read, “Some summers stay with you forever. 📖✨ #TSITP.” While the image and caption seemed innocuous at first glance, fans quickly zeroed in on the date as a likely confirmation of Season 4’s premiere. The post, which garnered over a million likes within hours, sparked a flood of reactions across Instagram, X, and TikTok.

On X, fans wasted no time dissecting the post. One user tweeted, “Lola just dropped the Season 4 release date in the most Belly way possible! June 17, 2026, let’s go!” Another posted, “That journal in Lola’s post is giving MAJOR plot vibes. Is it just the release date, or is something big coming?” The cryptic nature of the post, combined with Tung’s subtle nod to the show’s nostalgic aesthetic, fueled speculation that the date was only part of the story.

Why Fans Are Obsessed with The Summer I Turned Pretty

Since its debut in 2022, The Summer I Turned Pretty has become a staple for fans of romantic dramas, blending sun-soaked visuals with the emotional rollercoaster of youth. The series follows Belly as she navigates love, friendship, and family during her summers at Cousins Beach. The love triangle between Belly, Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney), and Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno) has polarized fans into “Team Conrad” and “Team Jeremiah,” with heated debates dominating social media. The show’s universal themes of first love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, paired with its iconic soundtrack featuring artists like Taylor Swift, have made it a global hit.

Season 3, which aired in summer 2024, ended on a dramatic note, leaving fans desperate for resolution. Without diving into spoilers, the finale raised stakes for Belly’s romantic choices and the Fisher family’s future. Prime Video’s announcement that Season 4 would be the final season, with 10 episodes, has only intensified anticipation. Fans are eager to see how Jenny Han, the show’s creator and showrunner, will wrap up the story while staying true to the books and the series’ emotional core.

Decoding the Instagram Clue

Tung’s Instagram post is a masterclass in subtle fan engagement. The journal, a recurring motif in the series symbolizing Belly’s inner thoughts, was an intentional choice that resonated deeply with fans. The date “June 17, 2026” aligns with the show’s tradition of summer releases, matching the June or July premieres of previous seasons. This date also corroborates a recent Prime Video teaser that hinted at the same timeline, strengthening fans’ belief that it’s the official premiere date.

However, the journal itself has sparked theories about a deeper twist. In the books and series, Belly’s journal entries often reveal pivotal moments in her emotional journey. Fans on Reddit speculate that the journal in Tung’s post could hint at a new narrative device in Season 4, such as flashbacks or letters that unpack Belly’s past summers. One user wrote, “What if the journal reveals a secret about Belly’s choice between Conrad and Jeremiah? I’m not ready!” Others believe the journal might tie into a time jump, given that Season 4 is expected to explore the characters’ transitions into adulthood.

Some skeptics argue the date could be a misdirection, a tactic Prime Video has used before to keep fans guessing. “Lola’s post feels too on-the-nose,” one X user cautioned. “What if the journal is a plot point, not the release date?” While possible, the alignment with the earlier teaser makes June 17, 2026, a strong contender for the premiere.

Fan Reactions: Meltdown Mode Activated

The fan response has been a mix of euphoria and anxiety, with social media platforms lighting up with reactions. On TikTok, creators have posted videos analyzing every detail of Tung’s post, from the journal’s design to the beach setting. One viral video, with over 700,000 views, zooms in on the date while the creator exclaims, “Lola Tung just broke the internet!” The hashtag #TSITPSeason4 has trended globally, with fans sharing fan art, edits, and theories about the twist.

X has been a hotbed for memes, with fans posting GIFs of crying, celebrating, and spiraling. One popular meme featured a clip of Belly running on the beach with the caption, “Me sprinting to June 17, 2026, for Season 4.” Another user shared, “Lola’s post has me in shambles. I need to know what that journal means!” The emotional stakes are high, as fans brace for the end of a series that has defined their summers.

The fandom’s passion reflects the show’s ability to evoke nostalgia. For many, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a love letter to youth, capturing the magic and messiness of growing up. “This show feels like my teenage summers,” one Instagram commenter wrote. “Lola’s post just reminded me how much I’ll miss Cousins Beach.”

What’s Next for Season 4?

While plot details remain scarce, Jenny Han has promised a “bittersweet” finale that honors the characters and fans. In a recent interview, she teased, “Season 4 will tie up loose ends while surprising viewers with new layers to the story.” The returning cast includes Tung, Briney, Casalegno, Sean Kaufman (Steven), and Rain Spencer (Taylor), with rumors of new characters adding fresh dynamics. Fans are particularly curious about how the love triangle will resolve, with some hoping for a bold departure from the books.

Production wrapped in spring 2025, per cast updates on X, giving Prime Video ample time for post-production. The 10-episode season is expected to lean heavily on the show’s signature elements: emotional depth, stunning visuals, and a soundtrack that amplifies every moment. Fans are already speculating about potential song choices, with Taylor Swift’s Evermore and Midnights albums frequently mentioned for their thematic fit.

The Power of Fandom and Cryptic Marketing

Tung’s Instagram post highlights the evolving role of social media in fan culture. By dropping a subtle clue, she and Prime Video tapped into the fandom’s love for sleuthing, turning a single post into a global event. Platforms like X and TikTok have transformed fans into active participants, amplifying excitement through user-generated content. The The Summer I Turned Pretty fandom exemplifies this, with fans driving the show’s visibility through their passion and creativity.

As June 17, 2026, approaches, fans are preparing for an emotional farewell. Will the journal reveal a game-changing twist? Will Belly’s story end with the closure fans crave? One thing is certain: the fandom will keep the Cousins Beach spirit alive, dissecting every clue and celebrating every moment until the final credits roll.