The Ultimate Steven Conklin Breakdown: What Happens To Belly's Brother In The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3?

Steven Conklin’s character arc has become one of the most compelling and surprisingly expanded storylines in The Summer I Turned Pretty series, far surpassing his role in the original books. As of the current date, December 12, 2025, fans are eagerly anticipating the final season, which is expected to adapt the third book, We’ll Always Have Summer, and finally reveal the fate of Belly’s protective, yet often oblivious, older brother.

The biggest question surrounding Steven Conklin is not whether he gets the girl, but how he navigates the high-stakes drama of the Fisher and Conklin families while achieving his own personal and academic goals. His journey from a typical, often-teasing older sibling to a central figure in the Cousins Beach saga is a highlight of the Amazon Prime Video adaptation.

Steven Conklin: The Overachieving Conklin Brother (Biography & Profile)

Steven Conklin is the oldest child of Laurel and the older brother of Isabel "Belly" Conklin. He is a high-achieving, intelligent, and fiercely loyal character who often provides comedic relief and a grounded perspective amidst the romantic turmoil of his sister and the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah.

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• Full Name: Steven Conklin
• Family: Laurel Conklin (Mother), Belly Conklin (Younger Sister)
• Best Friends: Conrad Fisher (Childhood friend), Jeremiah Fisher (Childhood friend)
• Love Interest (Series): Taylor Jewel
• Academic Pursuit: Attends Princeton University
• Character Portrayer: Sean Kaufman
• Actor Profile: Sean Kaufman, born in 1999 or 2000, is an American actor best known for this breakout role. He has successfully brought a depth and prominence to Steven that was less explored in the Jenny Han novels.

In the series, Steven’s character is significantly expanded. While the books focus almost exclusively on Belly’s perspective, the show dedicates substantial screentime to Steven’s personal struggles, including his first serious relationship, his summer job, and the pressure of getting into an Ivy League school.

Steven's Academic Path: From Summer Job to Princeton Honors

One of the most consistent aspects of Steven’s character is his academic ambition. He is portrayed as the studious, responsible foil to Belly’s more emotionally driven personality.

The Princeton Dream and Internship

Steven’s dedication pays off early in the story. He successfully gains admission to Princeton University, a major achievement that serves as a source of pride for the Conklin family.

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As the story progresses into the events of the third book, We’ll Always Have Summer, Steven’s academic journey continues. He graduates early from Princeton with honors, a testament to his hard work and focus.

In the show's upcoming season, Steven is expected to be navigating a demanding internship, likely in a field like Computer Science, which is a popular fan theory for his major. This professional focus places him in a different world than the emotional chaos surrounding Belly’s love triangle, offering him a sense of stability.

His Role in the Fisher Family Tragedy

Steven’s maturity is tested by Susannah Fisher’s passing. He serves as a crucial emotional anchor for both his mother, Laurel, and his sister, Belly, helping them cope with the loss of the beloved matriarch of the Fisher family. This period highlights his supportive side, proving he is more than just a sarcastic older brother.

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His deep, lifelong friendship with Conrad and Jeremiah also puts him in the difficult position of mediator. He is one of the few characters who can see the situation from both sides, understanding Belly’s feelings while also remaining fiercely loyal to the Fisher brothers, particularly as they grieve.

The Steven and Taylor Romance: A Series-Defining Relationship

The most significant deviation and expansion of Steven’s storyline in the Amazon series is his on-again, off-again relationship with Belly’s best friend, Taylor Jewel (played by Rain Spencer).

From Hookup to Main Pairing

In the original books, the relationship between Steven and Taylor is brief, amounting to a single hookup on the beach in the first summer, which causes a temporary rift with Belly. The show, however, elevates them to one of the main romantic pairings, giving them a full, complex arc that runs parallel to the main love triangle.

Their dynamic is characterized by witty banter, intense chemistry, and genuine emotional connection, making them a fan-favorite couple affectionately nicknamed "Staylor." Their relationship struggles often mirror the main plot’s themes of communication, jealousy, and growing up.

What Happens to Steven and Taylor in Season 3?

The end of the book trilogy, which Season 3 will cover, strongly suggests a final, happy resolution for Steven and Taylor. The show has consistently built toward this outcome, making their eventual reunion a highly anticipated plot point.

In the final season, Steven and Taylor are expected to navigate their relationship as they both transition into post-college life. They are shown to work things out, deciding to be together permanently after a period of uncertainty, solidifying their status as the secondary endgame couple of the series.

Steven Conklin's Final Role in the Cousins Beach Saga

As the series concludes, Steven’s primary role shifts from a personal journey of academic success and romance to a supportive figure in his sister’s life.

• The Engagement Reaction: In the third book, Steven plays a visible and critical role in the drama surrounding Belly and Jeremiah’s rash engagement. He expresses his concerns about the decision, showcasing his protective nature and maturity.
• The Best Man: Despite his reservations, Steven stands by his friend and serves as Jeremiah Fisher’s best man during the wedding planning chaos. This act underscores his loyalty to both the Conklin and Fisher families.
• The Wedding: Steven is present for the final wedding ceremony, which ultimately sees Belly marry Conrad. His presence at the wedding, alongside his resolved relationship with Taylor, signifies his own stable and happy ending.

Ultimately, Steven Conklin’s story is a powerful narrative about personal growth, loyalty, and finding success outside of the main romantic spotlight. He achieves his academic goals at Princeton, finds lasting love with Taylor Jewel, and remains a steadfast, supportive brother to Belly through all her major life decisions. His fate is one of stability and happiness, a calm port in the storm of the Cousins Beach love triangle.