The best summer TV shows, movies, and books - Episode 59

Written By Austen Tosone

When I start consuming seasonal content, that is truly what gets me into that oh so delicious summery mindset.

And when it comes to this season, I love to fully immerse myself in the shows, books, and music that transport me there mentally.

Whether you’re spending your summer in the city, escaping to the beach, or jetsetting somewhere new, this list is for you.

 
 

Create & consume

What Austen is creating this week: IG carousel and LinkedIn post celebrating Keep Calm and Chiffon’s 13th birthday!

What Austen is consuming this week: Love Island USA! I’m on episode 18, I think I’m nearly caught up to present day so hopefully by the time you’re listening I’m fully there.

In this episode:

TV shows that scream summer

From teen love triangles to glamorous European vacations and messy reality TV, these summer-ready series will put you in a sunshine state of mind:

  • The Summer I Turned Pretty (3 seasons, Prime)

    • Season 3 premieres on July 16th and I’m ready to sob my eyes out

  • The Perfect Couple (1 season, Netflix)

  • The White Lotus (3 seasons, HBO Max)

    • Season 2 is my favorite but watch them chronologically to understand the full story

  • Sex and the City (6 seasons, HBO Max)

  • Love Island (many seasons, Hulu/Peacock)

    • Currently watching season 7 of Love Island USA but also recommend season 6 of USA and seasons 4 and 5 of the original U.K. version

  • Bachelor in Paradise (Season 10 premieres July 7, Hulu/ABC)

  • Emily in Paris (Season 5 premieres later this year, Netflix)

  • Dawson’s Creek (6 seasons, Hulu)

    • A classic, soapy early aughts show

Summer movies you’ll want to rewatch

If it gives beach, camp, teen nostalgia, or dreamy vacation vibes, it made the cut. Here are my all-time favorite movies that capture the feeling of summer:

  • Aquamarine

  • The Parent Trap

  • Dirty Dancing

  • The Hannah Montana Movie

  • The Lizzie McGuire Movie

  • Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

  • Jaws (I actually haven’t seen it yet but I feel that I should add it to the summer queue.)

  • Mamma Mia

  • National Treasure (I rewatch every year on the 4th of July)

  • The Great Gatsby

  • High School Musical 2

  • Barbie

  • 500 Days of Summer

Summer book recs (and what’s on my TBR)

I love a good summer romance, small town setting, or twisty mystery that unfolds on the east coast. Here’s what I’ve read (and loved) and what I’m hoping to dive into next:

Books I’ve Read:

Some beach reads to bring down the shore with you from thrillers to rom-coms

Books on My TBR:

I shared some mid-year reading updates in a prior episode but here’s a quick recap of what’s on my summer reading list:

Music that feels like a summer road trip

Whether you’re poolside, road tripping, or just romanticizing your daily errands, this playlist delivers sunshine in audio form:

  • "Island in the Sun" by Weezer

  • "Summer Paradise" by Simple Plan feat. Sean Paul

  • "Banana Pancakes" by Jack Johnson

  • "Cruel Summer" by Taylor Swift

  • "Burn" by Ellie Goulding

  • "Burnin’ Up" by The Jonas Brothers

  • "Sally is a..." by Shwayze

  • "3 Nights" by Dominic Fike

  • "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter

  • "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus

  • "Green Light" by Lorde

  • "Move Along" by The All-American Rejects

  • "Timber" by Pitbull feat. Kesha

  • "Cigarette Daydreams" by Cage the Elephant

  • "Chicken Fried" by Zac Brown Band

  • "Should’ve Said No" by Taylor Swift

  • "Picture to Burn" by Taylor Swift

  • "Good Time" by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen

  • "Daylight" by Matt & Kim

  • "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus

  • "She (For Liz)" by Parachute

  • "Counting Stars" by OneRepublic

  • "Check Yes Juliet" by We The Kings

  • "Memories" by David Guetta feat. Kid Cudi

  • "Cake by the Ocean" by DNCE

  • "My House" by Flo Rida

  • "Ocean Avenue" by Yellowcard

  • "Animal" by Neon Trees

  • "Hard Times" by Paramore

  • "august" by Taylor Swift

 
 

Summary

Wherever you're spending summer—whether it’s IRL or just in your imagination—I hope this episode gave you a seasonal watchlist, reading list, and playlist to match your vibe.

This is definitely the roundup I turn to when I need to get into a summer state of mind, and I’ll be referring back to it all season long.


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Watch on YouTube:

 
 
Austen Tosone
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