Jenny Han eagerly desires her fans to be aware that there remains ample whitespace in the upcoming third season of "The Summer I Turned Pretty," just waiting to be filled with the melodic magic of Taylor Swift's tracks. While Taylor's 2022 hit "You're Losing Me" serenaded the premiere episode, as Belly discovered Jeremiah's betrayal in Mexico, Taylor's tunes have since taken a backseat—leaving fans eagerly anticipating their return, particularly given the series' reputation for featuring numerous songs from the Grammy-winning artist.
Fortunately, Jenny has offered a glimmer of hope, hinting that fans may not have to endure the wait for much longer. During an interview with Variety published on August 7, she teased, "I think I'll say… keep watching," leaving fans on the edge of their seats with anticipation.
Speculation has been rampant among fans regarding the noticeable scarcity of Taylor Swift songs this season, with some even postulating that her tracks have historically served as a vehicle for Belly's inner monologue—a storytelling device that has been notably absent so far this season. "There's a major lack of Belly's narration and flashbacks this season so far," pondered one user on Instagram on July 27. "It's almost as if we, the viewers, are being shielded from understanding her true thoughts and emotions."
Indeed, Swifties and "TSITP" fans alike have harbored high expectations, given that "Red" and "Daylight" featured prominently in the season three trailer, and the show had even managed to secure an exclusive, never-before-heard re-recording of "Delicate" for season two—despite Taylor never officially releasing Reputation (Taylor's Version). "It was a secret, even within Amazon," Jenny revealed to The Los Angeles Times in August 2023. "It was a true gift to obtain it, and I am incredibly grateful and respectful of the bond our show shares with Taylor Swift."
She further noted her awareness of fans' scrutiny over her selection of Taylor's songs, particularly since she had primarily used them to represent Belly and Conrad's relationship until the unreleased track's inclusion. "Many fans felt betrayed," she joked about the fan reaction to using the song in a scene centered on Belly's relationship with Jeremiah. "But I never stated that Taylor's songs were solely for Belly and Conrad. 'Delicate' perfectly captures Belly's emotional and mental state in that moment."
Jenny emphasized that each song she chooses is meticulously considered. When fans questioned her decision to use Taylor's "Snow on the Beach" in a season two flashback episode, she explained that it was far from a spur-of-the-moment choice. "Using 'Snow on the Beach' later in the season creates an eerie ambiance, transporting you back to that pivotal moment," she elaborated. "It serves almost as a painful memory, haunting you in a way."
