“The Summer I Turned Pretty” Echoes “Friends” Infamous “On a Break” Debate
New season premiere reignites discussion of a classic TV relationship trope
Prime Video’s highly anticipated third and final season of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* has launched, and an early plot point is drawing direct comparisons to a television moment etched in pop culture history: the “we were on a break” argument.
A Familiar Relationship Rift
The season’s opening episodes reveal that **Belly** learns **Jeremiah** was intimate with another person, **Lacie Barone**, during a spring break trip. **Jeremiah** defends his actions, stating it occurred while they were apart and he believed their relationship had ended. This sparks a heated exchange with **Belly**, who insists the separation was temporary and not a definitive breakup.
When confronted by **Belly’s** friend, **Taylor**, **Jeremiah** reiterates his stance: “We were on a break.”
**Taylor** quickly retorts, “You’re not getting off on this, like, technicality. You were broken up for all of two seconds, Jeremiah.”
The Origin of “On a Break”
This contentious phrase, now central to *The Summer I Turned Pretty*’s narrative, famously originated in season three of the iconic sitcom *Friends*. In the episode “The One Where Ross And Rachel Take A Break,” **Rachel** and **Ross** experience a significant relationship crisis.
Following an argument fueled by **Ross’s** suspicion of **Rachel’s** coworker, **Mark**, **Rachel** suggests: “Maybe we should just take a break… A break from us.”
The implication of this pause leads to **Ross** sleeping with another woman, **Chloe**, shortly thereafter. The ensuing fallout defines a pivotal moment in their relationship, establishing the enduring debate over whether a “break” constitutes a full “breakup.”
The Summer I Turned Pretty is already making me feel THINGS. That ending of episode 1?! @PrimeVideo #TheSummerITurnedPretty #TSITP
— Sarah (@sarahx247) June 7, 2024
The “on a break” argument became a recurring theme and a signature element of *Friends*, continuing to be a widely recognized pop culture reference decades later. Its resurgence in *The Summer I Turned Pretty* ensures this classic relationship dilemma will likely remain a hot topic among fans, just as it was for **Ross** and **Rachel**.
Addressing Sensitive Storylines
The recent premiere also sparked online discussion regarding **Jeremiah’s** encounter, with some viewers raising concerns about consent. Several social media users have labeled the scene as problematic, with one X user stating author/creator **Jenny Han** wrote “that scene VERY HORRIBLY.”
The sentiment suggests the depiction of **Jeremiah’s** intoxicated and emotionally vulnerable state during his interaction with **Lacie** warrants serious consideration.
In a related development, the official social media channels for *The Summer I Turned Pretty* recently issued a statement cautioning viewers against bullying and harassment directed at the cast and crew. This warning comes as fans engage deeply with the final season’s narrative and its complex character arcs.
