Cruel Summer (TV series)

Last updated

Cruel Summer
Cruel Summer (TV series) Title Card.png
Season 1 title card
Genre
Created by Bert V. Royal
Starring
Music by
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes20
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Nicole Colombie
  • Jamie Neese
  • Jason Neese
  • Rohit Kumar
Production locations
Cinematography
  • Damián García
  • Jayson Crothers
  • Allan Westbrook
  • Mark Berlet
Editors
  • Christopher Nelson
  • Meridith Sommers
  • Damien Smith
  • Jeff Israel
  • Troy Takaki
  • Mark Bourgeois
  • Diandra Kendall Luzon
Running time42–45 minutes
Production companies
Original release
Network Freeform
ReleaseApril 20, 2021 (2021-04-20) –
July 31, 2023 (2023-07-31)

Cruel Summer is an American teen drama mystery thriller anthology television series created by Bert V. Royal. The first season follows two teenage girls in the mid-1990s and the repercussions on everyone's lives after one disappears and the other seemingly takes her place. The second season follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship between two girls in 1999 and 2000.

Contents

The series premiered on Freeform on April 20, 2021. In June 2021, the series was renewed for a second season, which premiered at the ATX Television Festival on June 2, 2023, ahead of its broadcast premiere on Freeform on June 5, 2023. In December 2023, the series was canceled after two seasons.

Overview

Season 1: Jeanette and Kate

The first season takes place between 1993 and 1995 in the fictional town of Skylin, Texas, and follows two teenage girls: Jeanette Turner and Kate Wallis. Sweet, socially awkward Jeanette blossoms after beautiful, popular Kate disappears without a trace, with Jeanette even going as far as adopting various aspects of Kate's life. Over a year later, Jeanette becomes nationally despised after Kate is rescued alive and accuses Jeanette of witnessing her abduction but failing to report it. As a legal battle ensues, families and friends must determine who is telling the truth; however, Jeanette and Kate may be hiding something.

Season 2: Megan, Isabella, and Luke

The second season takes place between 1999 and 2000 in the fictional town of Chatham, Washington, and follows three teenage friends: Megan, Isabella, and Luke. Megan, an aspiring coder, and her family welcomes Isabella, a foreign exchange student, into their home for a year. Megan and Isabella develop a friendship that quickly becomes complicated when both become romantically involved with Luke, Megan's childhood best friend. Within months, things unravel quickly when a leaked sex tape results in Megan and Isabella becoming prime suspects in Luke's murder.

Cast and characters

Main (season 1)

Recurring (season 1)

Main (season 2)

Recurring (season 2)

In addition, Jenna Lamb co-stars as Lily Landry, [8] Megan's younger sister.

Episodes

Series overview

SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
1 10April 20, 2021 (2021-04-20)June 15, 2021 (2021-06-15)
2 10June 5, 2023 (2023-06-05)July 31, 2023 (2023-07-31)

Season 1 (2021)

No.
overall		No. in
season		Title  [9] Directed byWritten byOriginal air date  [9] U.S. viewers
(millions)
11"Happy Birthday, Jeanette Turner" Max Winkler Bert V. Royal April 20, 2021 (2021-04-20)0.274 [10]

In 1993, Jeanette Turner bumps into popular Kate Wallis and her boyfriend, Jamie Henson, at the mall where Jeanette and her friends Mallory Higgins and Vince Fuller create a bucket list of daring activities to challenge each other. While playing hide-and-seek in a house her father Greg recently sold, Jeanette meets Martin Harris, the house's new owner and Skylin High's new vice principal.

In 1994, Kate has been missing for a year, and the now-popular Jeanette celebrates her birthday with Kate's friends and Jamie, her now-boyfriend. A jealous Mallory confronts Jeanette for taking over Kate's life, which Jeanette dismisses. When it is announced that Kate has been found alive, Jeanette runs to see Jamie, who punches her in the face for what she did.

In 1995, Jeanette –now nationally despised –spends her birthday meeting with lawyers and fighting with her father and his new girlfriend, Angela. As Jeanette watches reruns of the news, it is revealed Kate was abducted by Martin, who was later killed in a shootout with the police on rescuing Kate. In another interview, Kate condemns Jeanette publicly, saying Jeanette saw her being held in captivity but did nothing.
22"A Smashing Good Time"Bill PurpleBert V. RoyalApril 20, 2021 (2021-04-20)0.218 [10]

In 1993, Jeanette, Mallory, and Vince meet Jamie's best friend Ben who offers advice on a prank the trio are planning. Kate believes her stepfather Rod is cheating on her mother, Joy. She tells Joy and attempts to find proof but discovers Rod is only planning a surprise cruise. Kate apologizes to Joy, who berates Kate for making accusations and being an embarrassment. Upset, Kate leaves the party and gets drunk. The gardener Scott returns Kate home where she later discovers Joy and Scott are having an affair. Distressed, Kate sneaks out again and is found by Martin Harris.

In 1994, Jamie –who has reconciled with Kate –and Rod are worried that Kate refuses to talk to the police or go to therapy. Jamie secretly meets with Jeanette, who swears she is innocent and begs Jamie to believe her; the two kiss as Kate secretly watches. Angry, Kate goes to the police and offers Jeanette's necklace into evidence as proof of her accusation.

In 1995, Kate has taken a dark turn, becoming acerbic and hostile. In an online abduction victims' chatroom, Kate confesses to an anonymous friend that she has not been completely honest. Kate later discovers Jeanette is suing her for defamation and screams, enraged.
33"Off with a Bang"Kellie CyrusBert V. RoyalApril 27, 2021 (2021-04-27)0.228 [11]

In 1993, Mallory is furious when Jeanette flushes the stash of joints that Mallory pilfered from her mother. Cindy suggests Jeanette distance herself from Mallory, recalling her own high school popularity and friendship/rivalry with Kate's mother. Jeanette instead sneaks over to Martin Harris' house to steal an old yearbook as an apology gift for Mallory.

In 1994, Greg and Derek furiously confront Jamie for punching Jeanette. Jeanette is questioned by the police and is shocked when they produce her necklace. Cindy begins to doubt Jeanette. Vince meets up with Ben, whom he is secretly dating. Jamie asks Jeanette to keep their kiss a secret and asks how she seemingly knew Kate went missing before everyone else did.

In 1995, Kate angrily confronts Jeanette when they bump into each other out driving, but Jeanette drives off. Jeanette, ignoring Cindy's calls, practices how to be more likable by mimicking television shows. Vince, concerned about talking to Jeanette's lawyers about the lawsuit, calls Ben, but Ben tells Vince to stop calling as it pains him to hear from Vince. During the fireworks, Jeanette breaks into Martin's house and encounters Vince in the basement. They have a heart-to-heart, and Jeanette admits she has been to Martin's house many times. Vince later lies to Jeanette's lawyers, saying he does not know if she ever went back to Martin's house.
44"You Don't Hunt, You Don't Eat"Laura Nisbet-Peters Imogen Binnie May 4, 2021 (2021-05-04)0.260 [12]

In 1993, Kate attempts to bond with her step-sister Ash as the family prepares for their annual hunting trip. Kate tries to confide in Ash about Joy's affair, but Ash brushes her off before she's able to. Kate abandons a date with Jamie in favor of stargazing with Martin.

In 1994, Kate attends therapy where she meets Mallory; the two bond over their mutual hatred of Jeanette. The police tell Kate and Joy that they do not have a solid case against Jeanette, as fingerprints on necklace were inconclusive. Ash attempts to bond with Kate, but Kate blames Ash for driving her to confide in Martin. After Derek jokes that Ash should assume an alter ego to reach Kate, Ash joins Kate's abduction victims' chatroom under an alias.

In 1995, Joy panics when she finds a note with the word "liar" on their front door and organizes their annual hunting trip to ensure their friends will support Kate. Joy accuses Mallory of sending the note. At the campfire, Kate tells a "ghost story" about her abduction, using a character named Annabelle, and blames the adults for putting her in Martin's path. Later, Kate listens to tapes of her therapy sessions to catch inconsistencies. In a recording, she describes meeting "Annabelle" near the end of her abduction but cannot recall who that is.
55"As the Carny Gods Intended"Daniel WillisTia NapolitanoMay 11, 2021 (2021-05-11)0.236 [13]

In 1993, Jeanette attends a date at the carnival with dorky out-of-towner Gideon but abandons him after people make fun of them. Martin later scolds her. Kate and Martin continue to bond, then steals her left-behind scrunchie when she leaves. When Jeanette notices, she offers to return it to Kate and takes it from him.

In 1994, Kate confronts Jamie about his kiss with Jeanette, but he accuses her of making it up. When he attempts to gaslight her by blaming her post-traumatic shaky memory, she breaks up with him. Jeanette and Derek attend the carnival in hopes of talking things out with Kate, while Cindy starts to descend into alcoholism. Greg meets Angela at a video store. After Jeanette chases Kate and Mallory into a mirror maze, Derek tells her she should go back to being her old self, but Jeanette says she cannot.

In 1995, Greg tells Jeanette how he has lost everything defending her. Kate and Mallory head to the carnival in hopes of finding Jeanette, but Kate finds Jamie instead, who finally admits to the kiss and apologizes to her. Angela brings Jeanette to her bar for karaoke. Mallory brings Kate to the cemetery where they desecrate Martin's grave.
66"An Ocean Inside Me"Kellie CyrusBrian OtañoMay 18, 2021 (2021-05-18)0.261 [14]

In 1993, Jeanette, Mallory, and Vince shoplift as Tenille's mother Tanya flirts with Martin. Jeanette covers for Vince and goes to "mall jail", where she bonds with Jamie. Later, Jeanette sneaks into Martin's house. When Martin and Tanya return, Jeanette hides in a closet. Jeanette witnesses Tanya confiding in Martin in an attempt to seduce him. Tanya discovers Jeanette in the closet and allows Jeanette to leave without telling Martin.

In 1994, Greg and Cindy argue as Derek prepares to go to college. Cindy snoops around Jeanette's room and finds Martin's house key. When Greg and Derek both belittle her concerns, Cindy leaves to stay with her sister. Later, Jeanette catches a near-kiss between Vince and Ben at the video store; while Tanya gives an interview where she paints Martin, instead of herself, as the aggressor while recounting their date. Greg, to his disappointment, confirms the key Cindy found in Jeanette's room is Martin's house key.

In 1995, Denise warns Jeanette that Tanya will be deposed. Jeanette blackmails Tanya with what Tanya had confided to Martin. Tanya does not testify against Jeanette. Cindy approaches Angela at her bar to ask about Jeanette's wellbeing.
77"Happy Birthday, Kate Wallis"Alexis OstranderSavannah WardMay 25, 2021 (2021-05-25)0.198 [15]

In 1993, Kate is uneasy when Jamie gifts her a promise ring. Jamie gets drunk at the mall with Kate and her friends, and the two accept a ride from Martin. When Kate arrives to her birthday dinner celebration late, a furious Joy tells her she already told everyone to go home. Kate reveals Joy's affair to Rod, and Joy slaps Kate. Devastated, Kate runs away to Martin's house.

In 1994, Kate is unable to eat or sleep. After inviting Mallory over for the first time and disclosing this to her, the two get high along with Ash. Joy pressures a reluctant Kate to go on a talk show to which she later agrees after a random girl claims Martin had once tried to abduct her too.

In 1995, Kate continues listening to her therapy tapes before Mallory brings her to a roller rink to celebrate her birthday. Mallory later finds out that Joy herself was behind the "liar" letter on the Wallis' front door. Kate confronts Joy, who reveals that she is upset Kate never forgave her. Derek discovers Ash's anonymous messages with Kate in the online chat room and prints a copy to take to Jeanette, which shows that Kate had originally gone to Martin's willingly.
88"Proof"Daniel WillisAddison McQuiggJune 1, 2021 (2021-06-01)0.310 [16]

In 1993, Vince and Jeanette abandon their posts to keep watch while Mallory plays a prank video school-wide. Jeanette overhears a meeting between Martin and Joy where Joy discloses that Kate never came home the previous night. After Mallory is caught and her video confiscated by Martin, she angrily confronts Jeanette, who breaks off their friendship. Martin destroys the confiscated tape because it shows Kate in his house's window momentarily.

In 1994, Greg questions Jeanette about the key to Martin's house and forces her to give it to the police. Jeanette tries to pull away from Vince in order to protect his secret relationship with Ben and soon decides to drop out of school to avoid scrutiny. A drunken Jamie is arrested after accidentally crashing his car while driving Ben, leaving Ben with a serious arm injury.

In 1995, Jeanette presents her newfound proof to her lawyer Denise before meeting her estranged mother for breakfast. Jeanette meets with Jamie, who finally apologizes for punching her. After, he plays Jeanette a cryptic voicemail of heavy breathing that he received the Christmas Eve after Kate's abduction, Jeanette rushes to Mallory's and asks for "the" snow globe, which Mallory pretends she does not have.
99"A Secret of My Own"Alexis OstranderMatt AntonelliJune 8, 2021 (2021-06-08)0.297 [17]

In 1993, Martin leaves Kate at his house where she stays the day instead of going to school. After Kate is designated a missing person, Martin worries and tells her to go, but the two procrastinate instead by playing Never Have I Ever. After twenty-one days together, the two have started a romantic relationship under the mutual agreement Kate must not leave his house. Halloween and Thanksgiving pass, and on Christmas Eve Kate has fallen into a depressive state as she misses the outside world. That night, Jeanette sneaks into Martin's house while he is out shopping and steals a snow globe (the one in Mallory's possession in 1995) but accidentally drops her necklace, which Kate picks up and keeps secret from Martin. Kate later sneaks out to spy on her parents and leaves with the assumption they are enjoying their lives without her. The following night, Kate attempts to leave for good but Martin locks her in the basement to protect his reputation.

In 1994 during therapy, Kate recalls her first couple months of captivity in which she was not locked in the basement. Her therapist informs her Martin was grooming her.
1010"Hostile Witness"Bill PurpleBert V. RoyalJune 15, 2021 (2021-06-15)0.386 [18]

In 1993, Mallory confronts Jeanette at her home over stealing Martin's snow globe. Jeanette gives her the snow globe and kicks her out of the house.

In 1994, Jeanette again breaks into Martin's house and hears Kate calling for help from the basement but ignores her pleas. Kate does not realize Jeanette heard her.

In 1995, the court case begins while Jamie and Jeanette continue to reconnect. Kate's honesty comes into question when her online chats are presented as evidence. Desperate, Kate has Jeanette meet her at Martin's house where they revisit the night Jeanette supposedly saw Kate. The two realize it was actually Mallory who saw Kate in captivity. Kate apologizes to Jeanette before the two visit the basement where Kate finally recalls that "Annabelle" is Martin's gun, which she used to shoot him after he could not bring himself to do it. Later, Kate publicly proclaims Jeanette's innocence before confronting Mallory. Mallory reveals she did not know it was Kate she had seen and only pieced it together after Kate's rescue but could not reveal her secret then without exposing that Kate was not always Martin's prisoner. Jeanette later forgives Kate on The Marsha Bailey Show while Kate and Mallory kiss.

Season 2 (2023)

No.
overall		No. in
season		Title  [19] Directed byWritten byOriginal air date  [19] U.S. viewers
(millions)
111"Welcome to Chatham"Bill PurpleElle Triedman and Tia NapolitanoJune 5, 2023 (2023-06-05)0.223 [20]

In summer 1999, a reluctant Megan Landry, her sister, Lily, and their mother, Debby, welcome exchange student Isabella LaRue. Megan shows Isabella around town before Megan's best friend, Luke Chambers, introduces Isabella to their friend group and invites her to a party at the lake during an annual bioluminescence event. Isabella asks Megan's permission to hook up with Luke to which Megan agrees (though immediately regrets).

In winter 1999, Megan, now dating Luke and best friends with Isabella, receives a scholarship to University of Washington. Debby and her coworker Steve (who is also Luke's father) are dating as well. While hooking up at the Chambers' cabin, Megan and Luke witness a local conspiracy theorist shooting a gun in the woods. At the Chambers' Christmas party, a video of Isabella and Luke having sex is played. Megan storms out, heartbroken.

In summer 2000, Megan is now taking care of Lily after Debby has fallen ill. She simultaneously avoids the police who have been trying to question her. After hearing a body has been found in the lake, Megan drives to the cabin and cleans blood from the floor before joining a crowd of people at the lake as the police recover the corpse, which has been identified to be Luke. Isabella tells Megan they have to get their stories straight.
122"Ride or Die"Laura Nisbet-PetersMatt MorganJune 5, 2023 (2023-06-05)0.116 [20]

In summer 1999, Isabella writes to her boarding school roommate, Lisa. Isabella convinces Luke to throw a party at his pool. Attendees include Brent, Luke's older brother, Parker, Brent's girlfriend, and Jeff, a boy filming everything with his video camera. Isabella and Megan agree to find a way to tolerate each other before Isabella and Luke kiss.

In winter 1999, Isabella is put on probation at school for the video, but it's revealed it was actually Megan in the video and Isabella is taking the fall to protect Megan's scholarship. The two burn the video tape and plan to find out who played it at the party. Suspecting Brent, Isabella and Parker break into the Chambers household and steal all their video tapes. Upset after overhearing Megan call Luke the most important person in her life, Isabella tells Debby there's something she should know.

In summer 2000, Luke's autopsy reveals he drowned, but was also drugged with muscle relaxants and grazed by a bullet. The police question Megan, Isabella, and their friend group, revealing that Luke was last seen on News Year's Day. However, Sheriff Myer becomes more suspicious of Isabella due to her past. Isabella calls her lawyer for help before flushing down medication.
133"Bloody Knuckles"Bill PurpleHeather F. RobbJune 12, 2023 (2023-06-12)0.124 [21]

In summer 1999, Megan and Isabella tag along with the Luke and the boys to Luke's family cabin for their annual camping trip. On the trip, it is revealed that Jeff has a crush on Megan, but she fails to notice it as she grows suspicious of Luke and Isabella's growing friendship. As they go home from the campout, Megan finds her mother and her estranged father kissing on their front porch. Isabella and Megan bond over their parents' terrible history.

In winter 1999, Megan is upset that Isabella confessed to Debbie that it was actually Megan on the tape, and they get into an argument about loyalty. Meanwhile, a box of the tapes is mysteriously dropped off at the sheriff's office, showing Brent having filmed sex with minors, but managed to avoid the any punishment from the law as his father gets it swept under the rug. Megan and Isabella discover that Jeff knows about Megan being on the tape, and decide to blackmail him for his silence.

In summer 2000, as the case intensifies, the sheriff informs Megan and Debbie that the murder weapon used in Luke's death had Isabella and Megan's fingerprints on it. Isabella's parents send her a lawyer who helped her out of trouble in a previous incident in St. Barts in 1999, and as a friendly gesture, Isabella advises Megan to obtain a good lawyer. While in the sheriff office getting interrogated, Megan and Isabella stick to their stories of last seeing Luke on New Year's Day and dropping him off at home. However, security footage from his house proves them wrong. When the sheriff asks them about the cabin, the girls insist that they have not been to the cabin in months, but the sheriff shows Isabella a bag filled with cash that was found in the cabin.
144"Springing a Leak"Ben Hernandez BrayElle TriedmanJune 19, 2023 (2023-06-19)0.073 [22]

In summer 1999, Megan and Jeff create fake IDs so that they, along with Luke and Isabella, can go to a bar. Megan and Isabella gain entrance, though Jeff and Luke have to wait outside before Sheriff Myer discovers them. Hanging out at the Chambers', Luke kisses Isabella out of jealousy after seeing Jeff and Megan kissing.

In winter 1999, Megan's ceiling begins leaking and the Landrys, along with Isabella, attempt to stay with the Chambers. However, at dinner, Brent's behavior, along with the fact that Steve got Myer to drop the charges against them, creates a rift between Steve and Debbie. Isabella offers a share of $5000 for the repairs, but Megan declines.

In summer 2000, Megan disposes of bloody blankets in the garbage, though does not spot Isabella watching her. Meyer interrogates Megan that she was the last person to see Luke alive before he was killed, adding that things were not the same from the time of the sex tape, to when she got pregnant.
155"All I Want for Christmas"Hiromi KamataHeather ThomasonJune 26, 2023 (2023-06-26)0.095 [23]

In summer 1999, Isabella writes another letter to her best friend Lisa and is shaken by the unexpected arrival of Trevor, her former lover and Lisa's brother. Tagging along to a Christmas in July party, Trevor realizes that Isabella has not told Megan about what happened in St. Barts before her arrival. Isabella attempts to seduce Trevor when confronted, but he rebuffs and leaves. Afterward, Isabella and Luke have sex at the Cabin, though later she discovers Megan has feelings for him, and decides to break up telling Megan she is not ready for a serious relationship.

In winter 1999, Isabellas gift to Megan gains more resentment at Isabella for social status. Megan goes to Ned and agrees to do a job for him. Debbie discovers Isabella's unsent letters to Lisa, to which Isabella responds by saying that her friend is "patient".

In summer 2000, Isabella's lawyer outs Megan's secret pregnancy to the public, which causes further rift between Megan and Isabella. Being told by Megan to pick "her side", Debbie tells Isabella to leave. Later, Megan receives a letter from Trevor revealing what happened in St. Barts and how Lisa has been dead the whole time.
166"The Plunge"Laura Nisbet-PetersJason SackJuly 3, 2023 (2023-07-03)0.145 [24]

In summer 1999, Megan plans a party for Luke's 17th birthday and learns that Isabella dumped him the night before. Later at the party, Megan is dumped by Jeff.

In winter 1999, Megan prepares to spend a day with Isabella and Luke at "The Plunge", but bails last minute to work for Ned at his home. After jumping into the ice cold lake and sharing a towel, Luke kisses Isabella, but she backs away out of respect for her and Megan's friendship. After returning from Ned's, Megan has sex with Luke, who lies to her by claiming that Isabella tried to kiss him.

In summer 2000, everyone is remembering Luke as his 18th birthday rolls around. Megan learns about Isabella fleeing St. Barts after her best friend Lisa drowned from swimming while drunk. Megan then confronts Isabella for not being honest since her arrival and suspects that she killed Luke. Unknown to them, Parker was eavesdropping on their conversation and shares what she heard to Sheriff Myer. Debbie discovers the bloody sheets in Isabella's airstream and demands Megan to tell the truth.
177"It's the End of the World"Bill PurpleMatt Morgan & Elle TriedmanJuly 10, 2023 (2023-07-10)0.081 [25]

In summer 1999, Megan and Isabella clean up after her party when Luke invites her to help him clean up the cabin. While at the cabin, they reminisce about the past when they come across walkie talkies. They then head out through the woods to the dock where Megan learns that Luke remembers the night before and they share a kiss.

In winter 1999, Megan is still upset that Isabella kissed Luke and did not tell her. In an effort to save a New Year's party, Luke takes the keys to an abandoned property that his father owns. Megan learns she is pregnant. At the party, she confronts Isabella, who reveals that Luke was the one who kissed Isabella. When Megan goes to talk to Luke, she finds him bragging about cheating on Megan. After speaking to Isabella, they plan their revenge on Luke, with Megan luring him to Luke's family's cabin.

In summer 2000, Megan is arrested for producing the fake IDs. She learns that it was due to Jeff pointing the police in her direction. Luke's father has a private investigator look into Megan, who discovers she has been spending time with Ned. Brent warns her of what his father has discovered. Megan approaches Ned, hoping he will be able to erase her charges and save her scholarship. He admits he cannot help her and grows angry when she tells him about Steve Chambers looking into his past. As Ned begins to look into Steve, Steve arrives, with Brent, looking to confront Ned. Brent encounters Megan as she flees out the back door. Later, Megan receives a call confirming that her scholarship has been rescinded.
188"Confess Your Sins"Ben Hernandez BrayHeather Thomason & Diana GlogauJuly 17, 2023 (2023-07-17)0.112 [26]

In summer 1999, Megan and Luke have sex together for the first time while Isabella goes to the high school car wash. There, she overhears Brent talking about making sex tapes before he makes a lewd pass at her, despite Steve witnessing, and condoning.

In winter 1999, Megan traps Luke at the cabin as she and Isabella drug him and coerce him into confessing his misconduct. He confesses to making the sex tape, but does not know who exposed it at the party before putting Isabella on the spot for having sex with him once before he and Megan got together. Enraged, Isabella takes out a gun and shoots at him.

In summer 2000, Megan and Isabella break into Ned's house to search his surveillance footage before Myer catches and arrests them both. Interrogating them separately, he shows Jeff's footage of the New Year's Eve party, and an enhancement showing the two of them conspiring against Luke. Under pressure of being his abductors, Megan and Isabella point the blame at one another.
199"The Miseducation of Luke Chambers"Laura Nisbet-PetersElle TriedmanJuly 24, 2023 (2023-07-24)0.165 [27]

In October 1999, Luke announces his plan to join the Coast Guard Academy instead of attending Branson, much to his father's disappointment. In November, Brent and his friends harass Luke saying he does not have the courage to make a sex tape. In December, Luke tells Steve of his acceptance into both Branson and the Coast Guard Academy, angering Steve. At the Christmas party, after Steve threatens Luke into attending Branson, a frustrated Luke has an employee play his sex tape with Megan at the party. His relationship with Megan becomes strained.

On January 1, 2000, Megan, Isabella, and Luke are in the cabin dealing with the aftermath of the gunshot which only grazed his ear. Isabella warns Luke to keep quiet before fleeing the scene while Megan tends to Luke's injury. Megan reveals she is pregnant and Luke suggests that she undergo an abortion. Hurt, Megan storms out of the cabin without setting Luke free, declaring that she never wants to see him again. Luke frees himself of his bonds and leaves the cabin. He eventually makes it to the dock and pages an unknown number. Some time later, an unknown figure approaches Luke at the dock.
2010"Endgame"Bill PurpleElle TriedmanJuly 31, 2023 (2023-07-31)0.174 [28]

In January 2000, the unknown figure is revealed to be Brent. After an argument, Brent pushes Luke into the lake, where he apparently drowns. Steve looks for a way to cover this up as Megan and Isabella hide their involvement with Luke's disappearance. Megan puts up missing person fliers and later gets into an argument with Isabella resulting in her breaking off the friendship.

In summer 2000, Megan and Isabella are released from police custody after accusing each other. After Megan rejects Isabella's attempt to renew their friendship, the latter leaves town. Megan is arrested when Myer comes into possession of the tape they made at the cabin with Isabella edited out. Out of guilt, Brent comes forward and turns himself in to the police resulting in Steve's arrest for his corruption and cover-ups. On a plane to Ibiza, Isabella introduces herself to the girl beside her as Lisa and offers to be her tour guide. Megan finds a security camera pointed at the dock where Luke was killed and discovers that Isabella returned there to find Luke barely alive before she purposely uses her foot to drown him and set his body adrift, leaving Megan devastated.

Production

Development

On September 25, 2019, Freeform gave Last Summer a pilot order. [29] On January 17, 2020, Last Summer was picked to series. The series was created by Bert V. Royal who was also expected to executive produce alongside Jessica Biel, Michelle Purple, and Max Winkler who also directed the pilot. The production companies involved with the series are Entertainment One and Iron Ocean Productions. [30] On May 18, 2020, Last Summer was retitled as Cruel Summer. [31] On June 15, 2021, Freeform renewed the series for a second season. [32] On July 6, 2021, it was reported that Royal has exited the series after the pilot after disagreements with a network executive. [33] On April 21, 2022, Elle Triedman was named as the new showrunner for the second season, replacing Tia Napolitano who boarded the series after Royal left. However, Napolitano is set to remain as an executive producer. It was also reported that the series is an anthology series. [3] On December 8, 2023, Freeform canceled the series after two seasons. [34]

Casting

On November 13, 2019, Michael Landes, Brooklyn Sudano, Harley Quinn Smith, Chiara Aurelia, Mika Abdalla, Froy Gutierrez, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee, and Nathaniel Ashton were cast in series regular roles. [35] By May 18, 2020, Olivia Holt had replaced Mika Abdalla. [31] On October 30, 2020, Sarah Drew joined the cast in a recurring role. [36] On March 11, 2021, Barrett Carnahan, Andrea Anders, Benjamin J. Cain, and Nicole Bilderback were cast in recurring roles. [37] On April 21, 2022, Sadie Stanley, Eloise Payet, Griffin Gluck, KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada and Sean Blakemore joined the cast in starring roles while Paul Adelstein was cast in a recurring role for the second season. [3] On April 27, 2022, Lexi Underwood joined the series, replacing Payet in a recasting. [6] On May 6, 2022, Braeden De La Garza, Nile Bullock, and Jenna Lamb were cast in recurring capacities for the second season. [8]

Music

Besides Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman serving as the main composers, [38] the series heavily relies on a 1990s-inspired soundtrack. [39]

Filming

The first season of Cruel Summer was filmed over six months in Dallas, Texas. [40] The second season began filming on April 21, 2022, and concluded on September 7, 2022, in Richmond, British Columbia. [41]

Broadcast

The series premiered on Freeform on April 20, 2021. [42] Following its premiere at the ATX Television Festival in Austin, Texas, on June 2, 2023, [43] [44] the second season premiered on Freeform on June 5, 2023, with two new episodes. [45]

Reception

Critical response

Cruel Summer received generally positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season holds an approval rating of 94% based on 33 critic reviews, with an average rating of 7.8/10. The website's critics consensus states, "Though it may have a bit too much going on, Cruel Summer's delicious twists and delightful turns from its young stars are never less than entertaining." [46] On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 74 out of 100 based on 15 critic reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". [47]

Saloni Gajjar of The A.V. Club gave the first season a B and wrote, "Cruel Summer manages to overcome its convoluted storytelling because it finds interesting, grounded ways to explore the impact of society's expectations of these young girls, and how their town and own families contribute to the pressure they face." [48]

On Rotten Tomatoes, the second season has an approval rating of 69% based on 9 critic reviews, with an average rating of 6.6/10. [49] On Metacritic, it holds a weighted average score of 63 out of 100 based on 5 critic reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". [50]

Ratings

On April 30, 2021, Cruel Summer was the most-watched overall series debut ever on Freeform with an average 3.81 million total viewers across multi-platforms for its first week. [51]

Season 1

Viewership and ratings per episode of Cruel Summer
No.TitleAir date Rating
(18–49)		Viewers
(millions)		DVR
(18–49)		DVR viewers
(millions)		Total
(18–49)		Total viewers
(millions)
1"Happy Birthday, Jeanette Turner"April 20, 20210.10.274 [10] 0.10.2380.20.512 [52]
2"A Smashing Good Time"April 20, 20210.10.218 [10] 0.10.2010.20.419 [52]
3"Off with a Bang"April 27, 20210.10.228 [11] 0.10.3020.20.530 [53]
4"You Don't Hunt, You Don't Eat"May 4, 20210.10.260 [12] 0.10.3380.20.598 [54]
5"As the Carny Gods Intended"May 11, 20210.10.236 [13] 0.10.3410.20.577 [55]
6"A Ocean Inside Me"May 18, 20210.10.261 [14] ————
7"Happy Birthday, Kate Wallis"May 25, 20210.10.198 [15] ————
8"Proof"June 1, 20210.20.310 [16] ————
9"A Secret of My Own"June 8, 20210.10.297 [17] ————
10"Hostile Witness"June 15, 20210.20.386 [18] 0.10.3860.30.766 [18]

Season 2

Viewership and ratings per episode of Cruel Summer
No.TitleAir date Rating
(18–49)		Viewers
(millions)
1"Welcome to Chatham"June 5, 20230.10.224 [20]
2"Ride or Die"June 5, 20230.00.116 [20]
3"Bloody Knuckles"June 12, 20230.10.124 [21]
4"Springing a Leak"June 19, 20230.00.073 [22]
5"All I Want for Christmas"June 26, 20230.00.095 [23]
6"The Plunge"July 3, 20230.10.145 [24]
7"It's the End of the World"July 10, 20230.00.081 [25]
8"Confess Your Sins"July 17, 20230.00.112 [26]
9"The Miseducation of Luke Chambers"July 24, 20230.10.165 [27]
10"Endgame"July 31, 20230.10.174 [28]

Accolades

YearAwardCategoryNominee(s)ResultRef.
2021 Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards Best Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Drama Chiara Aurelia Nominated [56]
Olivia Holt Nominated
Best Cable Series, DramaCruel SummerWon
2022 Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Actress in a Drama Series Chiara AureliaNominated[ citation needed ]

Notes

  1. ↑ Nathaniel Ashton was credited as a series regular for the first episode, but credited as guest starring starting from the second episode.

Related Research Articles

<i>Queen Sugar</i> 2016 American drama television series

Queen Sugar is an American drama television series created and executive produced by Ava DuVernay, with Oprah Winfrey serving as an executive producer. DuVernay also directed the first two episodes. The series is based on the 2014 novel of the same name by American writer Natalie Baszile. Queen Sugar centers on the lives of three siblings in rural Louisiana who must deal with the aftermath of their father's sudden death and decide the fate of his 800-acre sugarcane farm. The mainstream themes in the series often accompany episodes centered on racial profiling, the long reach of chattel slavery in American history and the inequities in the criminal justice system, and other issues related to African Americans.

<i>Famous in Love</i> 2017 American drama television series

Famous in Love is an American drama television series that premiered on Freeform on April 18, 2017, and is based on the novel of the same name by Rebecca Serle. The series stars Bella Thorne, Charlie DePew, Georgie Flores, Carter Jenkins, Niki Koss, Keith Powers, Pepi Sonuga, and Perrey Reeves. On June 29, 2018, Freeform announced that it had cancelled the series after two seasons.

<i>The Bold Type</i> 2017 American comedy-drama television series

The Bold Type is an American comedy-drama television series created by Sarah Watson and produced by Universal Television for Freeform. It is inspired by the life and career of former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine Joanna Coles, who is executive producer of the series. Filmed in Toronto, Montreal, and New York City, the series chronicles the lives of three millennial women, portrayed by Katie Stevens, Aisha Dee, and Meghann Fahy, all of whom are employed at a fictional global publication called Scarlet in New York City.

<i>The Last O.G.</i> American comedy TV series (2018–21)

The Last O.G. is an American comedy television series created by Jordan Peele and John Carcieri that premiered on March 31, 2018, on TBS. The series follows a convict released after serving fifteen years who returns to Brooklyn to find his old neighborhood has changed, and his ex-girlfriend is raising their children with another man. It stars Tracy Morgan, Tiffany Haddish, Allen Maldonado, Ryan Gaul, Taylor Christian Mosby, Dante Hoagland, and Cedric the Entertainer.

<i>Good Trouble</i> (TV series) American drama television series

Good Trouble is an American drama television series created by Joanna Johnson, Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige for Freeform. A continuation of the Freeform series The Fosters, it follows Callie Adams Foster and Mariana Adams Foster after they move out of the family home and into a communal living space in Los Angeles, while embarking on the next phase of their lives. A supporting ensemble cast includes Sherry Cola, Tommy Martinez, Roger Bart, Emma Hunton, Josh Pence, Beau Mirchoff, Bryan Craig, Priscilla Quintana and Booboo Stewart.

<i>Miracle Workers</i> (2019 TV series) American anthology comedy television series

Miracle Workers is an American anthology comedy television series created by Simon Rich for TBS. It is based in part on Rich's writings, with the first season being based on his 2012 novel What in God's Name, while the short story "Revolution" provided the basis for the second season. The series stars an ensemble cast comprising Daniel Radcliffe, Steve Buscemi, Geraldine Viswanathan, Jon Bass, Karan Soni, Sasha Compère, and Lolly Adefope. The show is a co-production between TBS and FX, whose in-house production company FXP is involved.

<i>David Makes Man</i> 2019 American drama television series

David Makes Man is an American coming-of-age drama television series that premiered on August 14, 2019, on OWN. In December 2019, OWN renewed the series for a second season which premiered on June 22, 2021.

<i>Motherland: Fort Salem</i> 2020 American supernatural drama television series

Motherland: Fort Salem is an American supernatural drama television series created by Eliot Laurence that premiered on Freeform on March 18, 2020. The series stars Taylor Hickson as Raelle Collar, Jessica Sutton as Tally Craven, and Ashley Nicole Williams as Abigail Bellweather, three witches conscripted into the U.S. Army. In August 2021, the series was renewed for a third and final season which premiered on June 21, 2022, and concluded on August 23, 2022.

<i>Two Sentence Horror Stories</i> American anthology horror television series

Two Sentence Horror Stories is an American anthology horror television series. It was acquired by The CW for an airing in the U.S. in mid-2019 and premiered on August 8, 2019, after being originally set up at CW Seed. In May 2020, The CW renewed the series for a second season that premiered on January 12, 2021. In September 2020, the series was renewed for a third season that premiered on January 16, 2022. TVLine reported in June 2023 that the show had been cancelled by The CW.

<i>Mr. Mayor</i> American TV sitcom (2021–22)

Mr. Mayor is an American sitcom television series created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock for NBC. The series stars Ted Danson, Bobby Moynihan, Holly Hunter, Vella Lovell, Mike Cabellon, and Kyla Kenedy. It aired from January 7, 2021, to May 17, 2022. In March 2021, the series was renewed for a second season. A holiday special episode aired on December 15, 2021, and the second season premiered on March 15, 2022. In May 2022, the series was canceled after two seasons.

<i>Superman & Lois</i> 2021 American superhero drama television series

Superman & Lois is an American superhero drama television series developed for The CW by Todd Helbing and Greg Berlanti, based on the DC Comics characters Superman and Lois Lane, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch star as the title characters Clark Kent / Superman and Lois Lane, respectively. Jordan Elsass and Alex Garfin portray the couple's twin sons Jonathan and Jordan Kent, with Michael Bishop replacing the former in the third season. The series also stars Erik Valdez, Inde Navarrette, Wolé Parks, Adam Rayner, Dylan Walsh, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Tayler Buck, Sofia Hasmik, Chad L. Coleman and Michael Cudlitz.

<i>Everythings Gonna Be Okay</i> American comedy television series

Everything's Gonna Be Okay is an American comedy television series created by Australian comedian Josh Thomas. Everything's Gonna Be Okay premiered on Freeform on January 16, 2020. In May 2020, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on April 8, 2021. In August 2021, the series was canceled after two seasons.

<i>Fantasy Island</i> (2021 TV series) American fantasy drama television series

Fantasy Island is an American fantasy drama television series developed by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain for Fox. It is a sequel to and maintains continuity with the original 1977 series. The series premiered on August 10, 2021, with a preview special, Welcome to the New Fantasy Island, which aired two days before.

<i>Single Drunk Female</i> 2022 American comedy television series

Single Drunk Female is an American comedy television series created by Simone Finch that premiered on Freeform on January 20, 2022, and ended on May 10, 2023. In April 2022, the series was renewed for a second season, which premiered on Freeform on April 12, 2023, with all second-season episodes released on Hulu on April 13. In June 2023, the series was cancelled after two seasons.

<i>The Cleaning Lady</i> (American TV series) American crime drama TV series

The Cleaning Lady is an American crime drama television series developed by Miranda Kwok, based on the 2017 Argentine television series La chica que limpia. The series premiered on Fox on January 3, 2022. In April 2022, it was renewed for a second season, which premiered on September 19, 2022. In February 2023, the series was renewed for a third season, which premiered on March 5, 2024. In May 2024, the series was renewed for a fourth season.

<i>The Winchesters</i> American dark fantasy television series

The Winchesters is an American dark fantasy drama television series developed by Robbie Thompson and is a spin-off of Supernatural (2005–2020), set in an alternate continuity. It premiered on The CW on October 11, 2022, and concluded on March 7, 2023. In May 2023, the series was canceled after one season.

<i>American Auto</i> American television sitcom series

American Auto is an American television sitcom created by Justin Spitzer, that aired from December 13, 2021, to April 18, 2023, on NBC. In May 2022, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on January 24, 2023. In June 2023, the series was canceled after two seasons.

References

  1. ↑ Hedash, Kara (April 21, 2021). "Is Cruel Summer Based On A Book? The Show's Inspiration Explained". Screen Rant . Archived from the original on April 22, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
  2. ↑ Alston, Joshua (June 5, 2023). "Freeform's 'Cruel Summer' Returns With a Tepid Second Season: TV Review". Variety . Archived from the original on June 10, 2023. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Goldberg, Lesley (April 21, 2022). "'Cruel Summer' Overhaul: New Cast, Showrunner Set for Season 2 (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter . Archived from the original on April 21, 2022. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Cruel Summer Bios". Disney General Entertainment Content Press. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  5. ↑ Hansen, Devon (May 25, 2021). "Cruel Summer: The 10 Best Characters On The Show". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on June 8, 2021. Retrieved June 7, 2021.
  6. 1 2 Goldberg, Lesley (April 27, 2022). "'Cruel Summer' Season 2: Lexi Underwood to Star in Recasting". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 27, 2022. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
  7. 1 2 "Cruel Summer Bios". Disney General Entertainment Content. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Del Rosario, Alexandra (May 6, 2022). "'Cruel Summer': Nile Bullock, Jenna Lamb & Braedan De La Garza To Recur In Season 2 Of Freeform Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 6, 2022. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
  9. 1 2 "Cruel Summer Episodes". Disney General Entertainment Content. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Metcalf, Mitch (April 21, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.20.2021". Showbuzz Daily . Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
  11. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (April 28, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.27.2021". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
  12. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (May 5, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.4.2021". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
  13. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (May 12, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.11.2021". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  14. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (May 18, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.18.2021". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on November 8, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  15. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (May 25, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.25.2021". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  16. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (June 1, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.1.2021". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  17. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (June 8, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.8.2021". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  18. 1 2 3 Berman, Marc (June 16, 2021). "Tuesday Ratings: Later and Abbreviated Edition of America's Got Talent on NBC Loses Steam". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  19. 1 2 "Shows A-Z – Cruel Summer on Freeform". The Futon Critic . Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  20. 1 2 3 4 Salem, Mitch (June 6, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Monday 6.5.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on June 6, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  21. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (June 13, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Monday 6.12.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on June 13, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  22. 1 2 Salem, Mitch (June 21, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Monday 6.19.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  23. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (June 27, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Monday 6.26.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on June 27, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  24. 1 2 "Cruel Summer: Season Two Ratings". TV Series Finale. July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  25. 1 2 "Cruel Summer: Season Two Ratings". TV Series Finale. July 11, 2023. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
  26. 1 2 "Cruel Summer: Season Two Ratings". TV Series Finale. July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  27. 1 2 "Cruel Summer: Season Two Ratings". TV Series Finale. July 25, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  28. 1 2 "Cruel Summer: Season Two Ratings". TV Series Finale. August 1, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  29. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (September 25, 2019). "Freeform Orders Last Summer Drama Pilot From Bert V. Royal, Jessica Biel, Max Winkler & eOne". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  30. ↑ White, Peter (January 17, 2020). "Last Summer: Freeform Picks Up Jessica Biel-Produced Thriller To Series – TCA". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 29, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  31. 1 2 Andreeva, Nellie (May 18, 2020). "Last Summer: Olivia Holt Set As Lead In Recasting, Jessica Biel-Produced Freeform Series Gets New Title". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  32. ↑ Gelman, Vlada (June 15, 2021). "Cruel Summer Renewed for Season 2". TVLine. Archived from the original on June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
  33. ↑ White, Peter; Del Rosario, Alexandra (July 6, 2021). "Cruel Summer Creator Bert V. Royal Exits Freeform Drama". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on July 6, 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
  34. ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (December 8, 2023). "'Cruel Summer' and 'Good Trouble' Canceled at Freeform (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 8, 2023. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  35. ↑ Ramos, Dino-Ray (November 13, 2019). "Last Summer: Jessica Biel-Produced Freeform Thriller Sets Michael Landes, Brooklyn Sudano, Harley Quinn Smith And 6 More As Series Regulars". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  36. ↑ Petski, Denise (October 30, 2020). "Cruel Summer: Sarah Drew To Recur On Jessica Biel-Produced Freeform Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  37. ↑ Petski, Denise (March 11, 2021). "Cruel Summer: Barrett Carnahan, Andrea Anders, Benjamin J. Cain & Nicole Bilderback Join Freeform Thriller Series As Recurring". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 11, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  38. ↑ "Wendy & Lisa Scoring Freeform's Cruel Summer". Film Music Reporter. March 30, 2021. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
  39. ↑ Gelman, Vlada (April 19, 2021). "Cruel Summer Team Previews Freeform Drama's 'Thin Line Between Hero and Villain' and Its '90s Nostalgia Trip". TVLine. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
  40. ↑ Cardenas, Cat (April 20, 2021). "What 'Cruel Summer' Gets Right About Texans". Texas Monthly . Archived from the original on January 30, 2022. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  41. ↑ "DGC BC Production List" (PDF). Directors Guild of Canada . September 9, 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 12, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2022.
  42. ↑ N'Duka, Amanda (February 26, 2021). "Freeform Unveils First-Look At Jessica Biel-Produced Series Cruel Summer – TCA". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  43. ↑ Thomas, Carly (March 3, 2023). "'The Righteous Gemstones' and 'Cruel Summer' Set for 2023 ATX TV Festival". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  44. ↑ "Cruel Summer presented by Freeform". Guidebook. Archived from the original on June 10, 2023. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  45. ↑ Campione, Katie (April 17, 2023). "Freeform Sets Premiere Dates For 'Grown-ish' Final Season & 'Cruel Summer' Season 2". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 17, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  46. ↑ "Cruel Summer: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes . Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  47. ↑ "Cruel Summer: Season 1". Metacritic . Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  48. ↑ Gajjar, Saloni (April 20, 2021). "Freeform's Cruel Summer is a riveting thriller hindered by a convoluted format". The A.V. Club . Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
  49. ↑ "Cruel Summer: Season 2". Rotten Tomatoes . Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  50. ↑ "Cruel Summer: Season 2". Metacritic . Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  51. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (April 30, 2021). "Cruel Summer Becomes Freeform's Biggest Multi-Platform Premiere Ever". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 30, 2021. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
  52. 1 2 Berman, Marc (April 21, 2021). "Tuesday Ratings: CBS in Repeats From 8-10 p.m. ET; Modest Results Elsewhere". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  53. ↑ Berman, Marc (April 28, 2021). "Tuesday Ratings: Clean Sweep for CBS". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  54. ↑ Berman, Marc (May 5, 2021). "Tuesday Ratings: Clean Sweep for CBS". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on May 22, 2021. Retrieved May 26, 2021.
  55. ↑ Berman, Marc (May 12, 2021). "Tuesday Ratings: Diluted Remains the Observation on the Broadcast Networks". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on May 21, 2021. Retrieved May 26, 2021.
  56. ↑ Pedersen, Erik (July 8, 2021). "HCA TV Awards Nominations: Ted Lasso Leads Programs For Inaugural Honors; NBC, HBO & Netflix Lead Nets". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 8, 2021. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.