The Surprising Return Of Nicole: Everything We Know About Conrad’s Ex In The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3

The character of Nicole Richardson, a pivotal figure in the early drama of The Summer I Turned Pretty (TSITP), remains one of the show’s most discussed additions. As of December 13, 2025, the latest updates confirm that the actress, Summer Madison, is seemingly set to reprise her role in the highly anticipated third and final season, which is expected to premiere in 2025.

Nicole’s story is a fascinating example of how the Prime Video series, based on the novels by Jenny Han, expanded its world, giving Belly Conklin a direct rival for Conrad Fisher’s affection. While she was a central antagonist in Season 1, her absence in Season 2 left many fans curious about her fate. Her potential return for the finale season promises to bring a new layer of complexity to the already intense love triangle at Cousins Beach.

Summer Madison: Full Biography and Filmography of the Actress

The character of Nicole is brought to life by the talented American actress and model, Summer Madison. Her portrayal of Conrad's first girlfriend and Belly's "big sister" for the Debutante Ball was a breakout role that anchored much of the Season 1 conflict.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Here is a detailed profile of Summer Madison:

• Full Name: Summer Madison
• Nationality: American
• Birthplace: Tallahassee, Florida
• Occupation: Actress, Model
• Breakout Role: Nicole Richardson in The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022)
• Key Filmography:
  • The Summer I Turned Pretty (TV Series, 2022–): Nicole Richardson
  • Emergency (Film, 2022): June
  • Mike (TV Series, 2022): Role details vary, but she appeared in the series.
  • Almost There (Short Film, 2018): June (Film Debut)
  • Other Work: Has been noted for her work in various films and television shows, showcasing her range beyond the YA genre.

Madison’s career has seen a steady rise, with her role in the critically acclaimed film *Emergency* (2022) proving her versatility. Her work often highlights her ability to handle both dramatic and comedic roles, making her a compelling presence on screen.

Nicole’s Pivotal Role: From Debutante Big Sister to Belly’s Rival

Nicole Richardson serves a crucial narrative function in the first season of *The Summer I Turned Pretty*—she represents the established reality that Belly Conklin must confront. She is not merely a placeholder girlfriend for Conrad Fisher; she is a mirror reflecting Belly’s own insecurities as she enters the world of young adulthood.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

The Debutante Ball Connection

Nicole is introduced as Belly’s assigned "big sister" for the Debutante Ball process. This role initially positions her as a mentor and friend, guiding Belly through the unfamiliar social rituals, including the waltz training and etiquette lessons.

This early connection makes the eventual conflict all the more impactful. The Debutante process is meant to usher Belly into a new, more mature phase of her life, and Nicole is the gatekeeper. The friendship quickly dissolves once Nicole realizes Belly’s true feelings for Conrad, the boy Nicole is dating.

Conrad’s First Girlfriend and the Love Triangle

Nicole is Conrad’s official girlfriend at the start of the summer. Their relationship is a key plot device that prevents Belly and Conrad from immediately pursuing their feelings, which are clearly bubbling beneath the surface.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

For Conrad, Nicole represents an attempt at a normal, stable relationship outside the complicated emotional history of Cousins Beach and the looming shadow of his mother Susannah Fisher’s cancer diagnosis. Fans often debate whether Conrad truly cared for Nicole or if she was a distraction from his deeper, more confusing feelings for Belly. The relationship’s failure is a necessary step in the development of the "Team Conrad" storyline, forcing Conrad to confront his true emotional attachments.

Book vs. Show: The Significant Character Change

One of the most significant changes the TV series made from the original Jenny Han novel involved the character of Nicole. In the book, the girl Conrad is dating is a minor, less-developed character often referred to by fans as the "Red Sox Girl" due to her attire.

The show's decision to create a fully fleshed-out character named Nicole Richardson, and to cast a Black actress, Summer Madison, in the role, was a deliberate move by the showrunners to add depth, diversity, and a stronger sense of realism to the world of Cousins Beach.

• Book Character: A minor, often unnamed presence (The Red Sox Girl).
• Show Character (Nicole): A main supporting character in Season 1, given a name, a backstory, and a direct, personal connection to Belly through the Debutante Ball.

This change elevated Nicole from a simple plot obstacle to a three-dimensional character who experiences genuine heartbreak and betrayal, making the emotional stakes of the love triangle feel more real and impactful for the audience. Her character arc highlights the show's theme of the complexities of female friendships and romantic rivalry.

What Nicole’s Seeming Return Means for The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3

With the news that Summer Madison is "seemingly returning" for the final season, anticipation is high for how Nicole Richardson will re-enter the narrative. *The Summer I Turned Pretty* Season 3 is expected to follow the plot of the final book, *We’ll Always Have Summer*, which heavily focuses on Belly’s college life and the ultimate choice between Conrad and Jeremiah.

Nicole’s return could serve several key purposes:

1. A College Connection: Since the final book takes place in a college setting, Nicole could reappear as a fellow student, re-igniting old tensions or, perhaps, offering a surprising moment of reconciliation with Belly.
2. Conrad’s Past: Her presence would serve as a reminder of Conrad’s tumultuous time in Season 1, forcing him to reflect on his past relationships as he makes his final decisions about Belly.
3. A New Perspective: Nicole, having been on the receiving end of the love triangle drama, could offer Belly or one of the Fisher brothers a valuable outside perspective on their seemingly endless romantic turmoil.

While Nicole’s screen time in Season 3 may be limited compared to Season 1, her confirmed presence is a signal that the show is tying up all loose ends. It ensures that the emotional fallout from the first summer—the one that started it all—is fully addressed before the definitive conclusion of the series. The return of this fan-favorite side character is a welcome update for those who felt her departure in Season 2 was too abrupt.