Cruel Summer: Season 1

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 15 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 16 Ratings

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6.5

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6.5	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 16 Ratings

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Season Details & Credits

Freeform | Season Premiere Date: April 20, 2021

Summary: In 1993, popular teenager Kate (Olivia Holt) disappears from her small Texas town. Nerdy Jeanette (Chiara Aurelia) transforms into the new popular girl and by 1995, the prime suspect in this thriller created by Bert V. Royal and executive produced by Jessica Biel.

Genre(s): Drama, Suspense

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Season 1 Episodes

tbd
S1:E10. Hostile Witness
Air Date: June 15, 2021
tbd
S1:E9. A Secret of My Own
Air Date: June 8, 2021
tbd
S1:E8. Proof
Air Date: June 1, 2021

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

Alexis Gunderson

Apr 20, 2021

Ultimately, where Cruel Summer will end up fitting in a teen drama-meets-psychological thriller landscape that includes everything from Pretty Little Liars to Élite will depend on how satisfyingly Kate and Jeanette’s story ends. For now, though, the show is playing on Expert Mode, and I can’t wait to see where it goes. Read full review

Kristen Baldwin

Apr 13, 2021

For now, Cruel Summer is addictive and fresh — and with any luck, viewers won't get burned. Read full review

IndieWire Kristen Lopez

Apr 21, 2021

“Cruel Summer” will easily snatch up fans of “Pretty Little Liars,” but there’s just as many comparison points to “Big Little Lies” within this story of wealth and privilege shattered by crime. Both Holt and Aurelia’s acting keeps things moving, as does the series’ technical production. This is a delicious slice of fun akin to a great beach read. Read full review

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Rob Owen

Apr 15, 2021

The show piles on enough mysteries to make it intriguing and then answers some questions fast enough to be satisfying. Read full review

Saloni Gajjar

Apr 20, 2021

When it focuses on character and performances, Cruel Summer finds unexpected depth. It almost makes up for the slow-burn answers to the mystery of Kate’s kidnapping and what she might have experienced, whether or not Jeanette was involved, and how this entire puzzle is presented in an unnecessarily complex storytelling device. Read full review

Allison Picurro

Apr 20, 2021

While the show sets up a lot in its first episode — so much that later episodes almost feel devoid of action compared to it — it keeps you hooked, and Jeannette and Kate are strong enough as narrative foils to make it work. In fact, Cruel Summer works best when it focuses on them. Read full review

The Playlist Andrew Crump

Apr 22, 2021

“Cruel Summer” is smart, original, and just pulpy enough to give the story texture. It’s the overeager construction that holds it back from being something truly special. Read full review

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User Score

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6.5

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User Reviews

bwangerz

Jun 16, 2021

OMG. OH MY GOD. THIS SEASON WAS SO GOOD!!!!! All the episodes are amazing and the actors involved are so talented. So proud of the cast for making this.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Rinne77

Apr 21, 2021

So far a solid show. A nice mix of suspense, darkness coupled with the quintessential young teen growing into themselves.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

juan1000000

Apr 24, 2021

There isn't anything avant-garde about 'Cruel Summer', but it's the type of show that keeps your attention and makes you want more and more by the end of each episode. The plot is interesting, the characters are unreliable, the setting is great, it's just the right combination to make a TVThere isn't anything avant-garde about 'Cruel Summer', but it's the type of show that keeps your attention and makes you want more and more by the end of each episode. The plot is interesting, the characters are unreliable, the setting is great, it's just the right combination to make a TV show become an addiction. Can't wait to see how everything will unfold and really hope it doesn't disappoint me.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

RidingHood

Apr 27, 2021

Terrible acting and the dialogues are so twee and canned they make you wince. The time switches between periods - not as innovative either these days - cannot compensate for the rest of it, which is dreck.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Seasons & Episodes

74

Series Overview
Season 1

74
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: April 20, 2021
- tbd
  S1:E10. Hostile Witness
  Air Date: June 15, 2021
- tbd
  S1:E9. A Secret of My Own
  Air Date: June 8, 2021
- tbd
  S1:E8. Proof
  Air Date: June 1, 2021
- tbd
  S1:E5. As The Carny Gods Intended
  Air Date: May 11, 2021
- tbd
  S1:E3. Off With a Bang
  Air Date: April 27, 2021
- tbd
  S1:E2. A Smashing Good Time
  Air Date: April 20, 2021
- tbd
  S1:E1. Happy Birthday, Jeanette Turner
  Air Date: April 20, 2021