<p id=”par-1_24″>Can’t help yourself from hitting play on the next episode of your favorite <a href=”http://cheatsheet.com/tag/tv”>TV show</a>? Turns out, there’s a science behind your binge watching. </p>
<p id=”par-2_22″>Shows like <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/news/the-summer-i-turned-pretty-season-2-ending-set-things-season-3.html/”><em>The Summer I Turned Pretty</em></a><em> </em>“function as emotional simulators,” said Steven Buchwald, a licensed therapist at <a href=”https://manhattanmentalhealthcounseling.com/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Manhattan Mental Health Counseling</a>. </p>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-the-summer-i-turned-pretty-characters-feel-like-close-personal-friend-s”>‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ characters feel like ‘close personal friend[s]’</h2>
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<iframe title=”The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 – Official Trailer | Prime Video” width=”925″ height=”520″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/faL_S-7z4_I?feature=oembed” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p id=”par-3_42″>The characters in <em>The Summer I Turned Pretty </em>might be fictional. But the emotions we feel as <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/news/lola-tung-isnt-afraid-the-summer-i-turned-pretty-ending-differently-books.html/”>Belly (Lola Tung)</a> navigates her complicated love triangle with brothers Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) are very real, the mental health expert explained. </p>
<p id=”par-4_40″>“Our brains respond to fictional characters through mirror neurons, which fire as if we’re experiencing the emotions ourselves,” Buchwald said. “That’s why Conrad or Belly can feel like a ‘close personal friend’: our brains interpret them as socially significant figures.”</p>
<p id=”par-5_33″>“On a neurochemical level, narrative arcs provide predictable releases of dopamine and serotonin. Anticipating a climactic scene or processing a heartbreak triggers these neurotransmitters, giving viewers a sense of emotional satisfaction,” he continued. </p>
<p id=”par-6_19″>Those feelings might be heightened if you’re watching a show to escape from something challenging in your real life. </p>
<p id=”par-7_21″>“Parasocial relationships or one-sided attachments to characters … can be comforting during times of social isolation or personal stress,” Buchwald said.</p>
<p id=”par-8_45″>Whether you can’t get enough of <em>The Summer I Turned Pretty, </em>keep returning to <em>Gilmore Girls, </em>or are obsessed with <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/news/virgin-river-season-6-ending-shocking-twist-mel-jack.html/”>Mel’s journey in <em>Virgin River</em></a><em>, </em>your favorite show could also be a way for you to experience complex emotions “in a safe environment,” he added. </p>
<p id=”par-9_40″>“We explore love, jealousy, and conflict vicariously, without real-world consequences,” Buchwald explained. “Rewatching episodes reinforces these benefits, creating a familiar, emotionally stabilizing routine. The communal aspect: fan debates, social media discussions, further amplifies a sense of belonging and shared experience.”</p>
<p id=”par-10_27″>“In short, we cling to these stories because they help regulate our emotions, provide dopamine-fueled enjoyment, and offer parasocial companionship that’s both meaningful and safe,” he concluded. </p>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-the-summer-i-turned-pretty-movie-is-in-the-works”>‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ movie is in the works</h2>
<p id=”par-11_56″>Whatever is driving people’s interest, relationship-driven shows like <em>The Summer I Turned Pretty </em>have clearly resonated with millions of viewers. And the good news is that Belly’s journey isn’t over yet. The day of <em>TSITP </em>series finale, Amazon announced that the hit series would conclude its story with a feature film directed by writer Jenny Han. </p>
<p id=”par-12_54″>“There is another big milestone left in Belly’s journey, and I thought only a movie could give it its proper due,” Han said in a statement. “I’m so grateful to Prime Video for continuing to support my vision for this story and for making it possible to share this final chapter with the fans.”</p>
<p id=”par-13_13″>All episodes of <em>The Summer I Turned Pretty </em>are streaming on Prime Video.</p>
<p id=”par-14_11″><em>For more news and exclusive interviews, follow </em><a href=”https://www.instagram.com/showbizcheatsheet/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”><em>Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s Instagram</em></a><em>.</em></p>