5 Shocking Hurdles Steven And Taylor Face In The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 (Plus, Are They Endgame?)

The "Stevlor" phenomenon has officially taken over Cousins Beach, transforming a minor book subplot into one of the most compelling and stable relationships in The Summer I Turned Pretty series. As of December 2025, anticipation for Season 3, which is expected to air in 2025, is reaching a fever pitch, with fans desperate to know if Steven Conklin and Taylor Jewel can navigate the transition from summer romance to real-world commitment. The latest updates and fan theories suggest the final season will throw some shocking, high-stakes hurdles their way—challenges far bigger than a simple misunderstanding.

The journey of Belly's older brother, Steven, and her best friend, Taylor, has been a refreshing counter-narrative to the Belly-Conrad-Jeremiah love triangle. Their dynamic, which evolved from antagonistic flirting to a genuine, deep connection, has captivated the audience. However, showrunner Jenny Han has confirmed that Season 3 will closely follow the events of the third book, We'll Always Have Summer, meaning the show's favorite new couple will face significant, unexpected drama that will truly test their "endgame" status. Here is an in-depth look at the actors, their characters' journey, and the biggest theories for their final chapter.

Steven and Taylor: The Actors Behind the Unexpected Romance

The electric chemistry and natural banter between Steven and Taylor are a testament to the talent of the actors who portray them. Their dedicated fanbase, often called the "Stevlor" shippers, has propelled their storyline to the forefront of the series.

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Sean Kaufman (Steven Conklin) Biography

• Full Name: Sean Kaufman
• Date of Birth: June 22, 2000
• Age (as of 2025): 25 years old
• Hometown: New York City, New York, USA
• Career Highlights: Kaufman is best known for his breakout role as Steven Conklin in The Summer I Turned Pretty. Prior to this, he had roles in TV series such as Manifest (2018), FBI: Most Wanted (2020), and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2019). His portrayal of the protective, ambitious, yet deeply emotional Steven has earned him widespread recognition.
• Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Rain Spencer (Taylor Jewel) Biography

• Full Name: Nina Rain Spencer
• Date of Birth: February 21, 1999
• Age (as of 2025): 26 years old
• Hometown: Los Angeles, California, USA (Born in Germany)
• Career Highlights: Spencer is a rising American actress. Her critically acclaimed role as a troubled teenager in the 2022 film Good Girl Jane earned her the Best Performance Award at the Tribeca Film Festival. Her role as Taylor Jewel, Belly’s fierce and loyal best friend, is her most prominent television credit, showcasing her ability to handle complex, quick-witted characters.
• Zodiac Sign: Pisces

The Evolution of Stevlor: From Hookup to Heartbreak

Steven and Taylor's relationship, which is a significant deviation and expansion from the source material, has provided much-needed comic relief and romantic stability to the often-tense drama of Cousins Beach. Their journey is a masterclass in the enemies-to-lovers trope.

• Season 1: The Antagonistic Spark. Their initial interactions were marked by playful hostility and a brief, unconfirmed hookup on the beach, which Belly was unhappy about. Steven viewed Taylor as a distraction, while Taylor saw Steven as arrogant.
• Season 2: The Slow Burn & The Dance. The second season saw their dynamic shift dramatically. After Steven’s breakup with Shayla and Taylor’s own relationship drama, they found themselves leaning on each other. A pivotal moment was their slow dance at the deb ball, an intimate scene that solidified their chemistry and convinced fans they were destined for "endgame" status. This season ended with them officially becoming boyfriend and girlfriend, a beacon of stability amidst the Fisher-Conklin family chaos.
• The "Endgame" Debate: Show vs. Book. In the original books by Jenny Han, Steven and Taylor’s relationship is barely a footnote. The show’s decision to elevate their pairing demonstrates a commitment to exploring the full range of summer romances, giving fans a couple to root for outside of the main love triangle. Many believe their chemistry "blows Jeremiah and Belly's away."

5 Shocking Hurdles Steven and Taylor Must Overcome in Season 3 (2025)

Interviews with Sean Kaufman and Rain Spencer, combined with the latest plot rumors for Season 3, suggest that the final season will not be smooth sailing for the couple. They will face significant "hurdles" that will test their young love.

1. The Geographic Separation: East Coast vs. West Coast

The most concrete threat to their relationship is the college factor. Steven is confirmed to be heading to college, likely on the East Coast, while Taylor’s post-high school plans are less defined, though some theories suggest a move to California with Jeremiah and Denise. The finale of Season 2 hinted at this challenge, with Steven's ambition pulling him away. A long-distance relationship, especially during the tumultuous freshman year of college, is a classic relationship killer, forcing them to confront whether their summer love can survive the distance and the introduction of new people.

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2. The "Car Accident" and Steven's Recovery

A major, and dark, fan theory for Season 3 involves a potential car accident involving Steven. While the book does not feature this, the show has taken significant creative liberties. If this were to happen, Steven would be dealing with a physical and emotional recovery, which would place an immense strain on Taylor. She would have to transition from a fun-loving girlfriend to a full-time emotional support system, a burden that can break a young relationship. This theory suggests a major deviation designed to force Steven to mature and re-evaluate his priorities.

3. The Wedding Drama: Belly and Jeremiah's Engagement

Season 3 is based on the final book, which features Belly and Jeremiah's engagement. This shocking event will undoubtedly affect Steven and Taylor. As the older brother and the best friend, they will be forced to take sides and navigate the emotional fallout of a rushed, possibly doomed wedding. Their discussions about Belly and Jeremiah’s future could force them to examine the seriousness and stability of their own relationship. Are they ready for that level of commitment, or will the wedding chaos expose their own insecurities?

4. The Pregnancy Theory: A Life-Altering Challenge

One of the more dramatic fan theories circulating is that Taylor might be pregnant in Season 3, a development that would immediately put her and Steven in a life-altering situation. While highly speculative, this theory represents the ultimate hurdle: a permanent commitment forced upon them before they are ready. It would challenge Steven’s college ambitions and Taylor’s future, forcing them to grow up instantly and decide if they are truly "endgame" under the most extreme pressure.

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5. The Financial and Future Ambition Clash

Steven's storyline has always been rooted in his ambition and his desire to earn his own way, often driven by his family's financial struggles. Taylor, while supportive, is a free spirit. As they both enter their adult lives, their differing priorities—Steven's focus on academics and a stable career versus Taylor's more artistic or spontaneous path—could lead to a fundamental clash in values. This struggle over long-term goals is a more realistic, yet equally devastating, threat to their relationship than any dramatic plot twist.

Will Steven and Taylor Be Endgame? What the Actors Say

Despite the looming hurdles, the overwhelming sentiment from fans and the actors themselves is that Steven and Taylor are destined to be together. The show has invested too much in their unique, non-toxic dynamic to break them up permanently.

Sean Kaufman and Rain Spencer have both discussed their hopes for the couple, with Spencer noting that they are "working things out" in the final season. Their relationship is a symbol of progress and stability in a series defined by shifting allegiances. Their Season 2 slow dance was seen by many as the show's way of confirming their "endgame" status, a romantic moment that felt earned and complete.

Ultimately, the final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty will not just be about Belly's choice, but also about the enduring power of the relationships around her. Steven and Taylor’s journey from bickering acquaintances to a beloved couple is a powerful narrative thread. While they will face significant struggles—distance, trauma, and the chaos of a rushed wedding—their foundation of mutual respect, humor, and undeniable chemistry makes them the strongest candidates for a definitive, happily-ever-after ending at Cousins Beach.