Okay, let’s talk about the real mystery of The Summer I Turned Pretty—and no, it’s not whether Belly ends up with Conrad or Jeremiah. (Team Conrad, but I digress.) The burning question on everyone’s lips is: How old is Steven, actually? And why does he look like he could legally rent a car, buy a lottery ticket, and still have time to fix your Wi-Fi? Let’s break down this gorgeous enigma.
The Short Answer (With a Side of Sass)
Steven Conklin, Belly’s older brother, is 17 years old in the first season of the show. That’s right—he’s just a year older than Belly, who’s 16. But hold on, before you spit out your lemonade, let’s talk about how the books and the show love to play dress-up with ages.
In Jenny Han’s original novels, Steven is also a senior in high school, making him 17 going on 18 during the summer events. The show, however, leans into his “college-bound, too-cool-for-summer” vibe, so he feels older. But the math checks out: 17, baby. That’s it. That’s the whole age—no hidden time-travel subplot.
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Why Does He Seem 25?
Let’s be real: Steven has the energy of a guy who’s already filed his taxes and has a 401(k) plan. The actor, Sean Kaufman, was 23 years old when filming season one, which explains the chiseled jawline and the “I’ve seen things” smirk. Hollywood loves a good age gap—it’s practically a casting tradition.
So, in-universe, Steven is a teenager, but out-of-universe, he’s a full-on adult who probably drinks his coffee black and complains about traffic. It’s a little jarring, but honestly, it adds to his charm. He’s the big brother who should be handing out life advice, even if he’s technically still in high school. We just pretend he’s our age and move on.
Book vs. Show: A Tiny Age War
In the books, Steven is a bit more of a nerd—loyal, awkward, and very much a 17-year-old. The show ramps up his coolness, making him the “hot friend” who gives terrible romantic advice but looks great doing it. His age stays the same, though, which is good because we don’t need a Thirteen Reasons Why timeline here.
One fun detail: Steven’s birthday is mentioned in the books, and it falls during the summer, meaning he turns 18 right around the time Belly is having her emotional breakdowns. So, technically, by season two, he’s a legal adult. But in the show, they keep him at 17 for that relatable “senior year” angst. Ah, the magic of television.
Why Steven and Taylor Are the Real Love Story on 'TSITP' - BuddyTV
Why It Matters (Or Does It?)
Honestly, Steven’s age matters less than his role as the comic relief and the voice of reason. He’s the guy who drives Belly to the beach, makes fun of her crush, and then secretly cheers her on. Knowing he’s 17 helps us understand his own little subplot—like his flirty friendship with Shayla or his awkward “I’m not jealous” moments with Taylor. He’s still figuring out life, just like everyone else.
But let’s not pretend we don’t side-eye the show’s casting choices. When a 23-year-old plays a 17-year-old, we all suspend disbelief. It’s like when you see a “high school” student with a five-o’clock shadow and a mortgage. We don’t question it; we just enjoy the ride.
The Final Verdict (With a Confetti Cannon)
So, to answer the question one more time: Steven is 17 in TSITP, both on the page and on your screen. He’s a teenager with a driver’s license, a growing sense of style, and the emotional maturity of a golden retriever. And yes, he’s older than Belly, but he’s still young enough to make dumb mistakes and eat an entire pizza by himself.
Here’s the uplifting part: age is just a number when the story’s this good. Steven’s age doesn’t define his love for his sister or his awkward attempts at romance. He shows us that you don’t have to have it all figured out at 17—or 23, for that matter. You just need to show up, crack a joke, and hope your hair stays perfect in the summer humidity.
So next time you watch The Summer I Turned Pretty, don’t sweat his age. Just smile knowing that Steven is out there, being the world’s most handsome 17-year-old, and that we’re all a little bit in love with his chaos. And hey, if he ever needs to borrow a car, we’ll let him—even if he’s only got a learner’s permit in our hearts.