In a recent conversation with Jenna Bush Hager on her podcast, Open Book, author Jenny Han shared an inspiring story about incorporating Taylor Swift's music into her hit Prime Video series, "The Summer I Turned Pretty." Han, known for her beloved novels and executive producing work, revealed how she went to extraordinary lengths to secure Swift's songs for pivotal moments in the show. The effort paid off, as multiple tracks from Swift's catalog have since become integral to the series' emotional depth and fan experience.

From Vision to Reality: How Taylor Swift's Music Came to Life in "The Summer I Turned Pretty"

In the enchanting world of "The Summer I Turned Pretty," one of the most memorable scenes unfolds during the season 1 finale. As Conrad (Christopher Briney) finally dances with Belly (Lola Tung) at her debutante ball, the moment is underscored by Taylor Swift’s poignant song, “The Way I Loved You.” This scene was more than just a fleeting musical choice; it was a carefully planned vision that Han had nurtured from the beginning.

Han, who has long admired Swift's work, knew exactly which song she wanted when planning the season. Determined to make this moment unforgettable, she embarked on a mission to secure the rights to Swift’s music. Working closely with Amazon Music, Han even penned a heartfelt letter to Swift, explaining how meaningful it would be—not only to her but also to the fans. To everyone's surprise, Swift not only granted permission for “The Way I Loved You” but also allowed additional songs to feature in the series.

Swift’s contributions didn’t stop there. Her song “This Love (Taylor’s Version)” made its debut in the season 1 trailer, and “Back to December (Taylor’s Version)” appeared in the season 2 teaser. Over two seasons, more than a dozen of Swift’s tracks have enriched the narrative, including the unreleased “Delicate (Taylor’s Version).” Han expressed immense gratitude for Swift’s support, feeling that the singer truly believed in the project and its audience.

Han also disclosed that Fearless was her go-to playlist while writing the original book trilogy, and she even considered dedicating one of the books to Swift. Although attempts to include Swift’s music in her earlier Netflix films were unsuccessful, Han remains thrilled about the ongoing collaboration in "The Summer I Turned Pretty."

Looking ahead, fans can anticipate even more magic in the upcoming third season, set to premiere in summer 2025.

As a reader, it's clear that the synergy between Jenny Han and Taylor Swift has elevated "The Summer I Turned Pretty" to new heights. Their collaboration serves as a powerful reminder of the impact artists can have when they align their creative visions. It also underscores the importance of persistence and passion in bringing one's dreams to life, no matter how challenging the journey may be. Ultimately, this story highlights the transformative power of music and storytelling, creating moments that resonate deeply with audiences.