Cruel Summer

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. 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. 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.