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'{{Short description|2021 American teen drama thriller anthology series}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}} {{Infobox television | image = Cruel Summer (TV series) Title Card.png | image_size = | caption = | genre = {{Plainlist| * [[Teen drama]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/cruel-summer-show-book-true-story-inspirations-explained/|title=Is Cruel Summer Based On A Book? The Show's Inspiration Explained|website=[[Screen Rant]]|first=Kara|last=Hedash|date=April 21, 2021|access-date=April 21, 2021|archive-date=April 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422021504/https://screenrant.com/cruel-summer-show-book-true-story-inspirations-explained/|url-status=live}}</ref> * [[Thriller (genre)|Thriller]] }} | creator = [[Bert V. Royal]] | starring = {{Plainlist| * [[Olivia Holt]] * [[Chiara Aurelia]] * [[Froy Gutierrez]] * [[Harley Quinn Smith]] * [[Brooklyn Sudano]] * [[Blake Lee]] * Allius Barnes * Nathaniel Ashton * [[Michael Landes]] <!--Season 2--> * [[Sadie Stanley]] * [[Lexi Underwood]] * [[Griffin Gluck]] * Lisa Yamada * [[Sean Blakemore]] * [[KaDee Strickland]] <!--Starring cast order is according to original broadcasting credits (the pilot episode). Do NOT rearrange cast order, per MOS:TVCAST. In addition, new starring cast members will be at the bottom of the list.--> }} | music = {{Plainlist| * [[Wendy Melvoin]] * [[Lisa Coleman (musician)|Lisa Coleman]] }} | country = United States | language = English | num_seasons = 2<!--Only increment as a new season premieres, per the documentation of the template.--> | num_episodes = 12<!--Only increment as a new episode premieres, per the documentation of the template.--> | list_episodes = | executive_producer = {{Plainlist| * [[Max Winkler (director)|Max Winkler]] * Bert V. Royal * Tia Napolitano * [[Jessica Biel]] * Michelle Purple * Bill Purple * Elle Triedman }} | producer = {{Plainlist| * Nicole Colombie * Jamie Neese * Jason Neese * Rohit Kumar }} | cinematography = {{Plainlist| * Damián García * Jayson Crothers * Allan Westbrook * Mark Berlet }} | editor = {{Plainlist| * Christopher Nelson * Meridith Sommers * Damien Smith * Jeff Israel * Troy Takaki * Mark Bourgeois }} | camera = | location = {{Plainlist| * [[Texas]] * [[Richmond, British Columbia]] }} | runtime = 42–45 minutes | company = {{Plainlist| * [[Entertainment One]] * Iron Ocean Productions }} | network = [[Freeform (TV channel)|Freeform]] | first_aired = {{Start date|2021|4|20}} | last_aired = {{End date|present}} }} '''''Cruel Summer''''' is an American [[teen drama]] [[Thriller (genre)|thriller]] [[anthology series]]<ref name="S2mainandrecur"/> 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 the early 2000s. The series premiered on [[Freeform (TV channel)|Freeform]] on April 20, 2021.<ref name="SeriesPremiere"/> In June 2021, the series was renewed for a second season, which is scheduled to premiere in June 2023 at the [[ATX Television Festival]].<ref name="S2Renewal"/><ref name="ATX TV Festival"/> The second season's broadcast premiere on Freeform is set for June 5, 2023.<ref name="S2Premiere"/> ==Overview== Set in the fictional town of Skylin, [[Texas]], each episode focuses on the same day over the course of three years: 1993, 1994, and 1995. The series follows two teenage girls: Kate Wallis is a beloved popular girl who one day disappears without a trace at the hands of new vice-principal Martin Harris. Jeanette Turner is a socially awkward teenager who blossoms after Kate's disappearance as she takes over certain aspects of Kate's social life. Found alive a year later, Kate accuses Jeanette of witnessing her abduction but not reporting it, which results in Jeanette becoming the most despised person in the United States. Through a protracted legal battle and fractured families, friendships and relationships, everyone scrambles to pick sides as the true story unfolds. With all the rumors and no one knowing who to believe, Jeanette Turner looks like she is hiding something. Episodes alternate between Jeanette and Kate's viewpoint.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/reviews/cruel-summer-freeform-review-chiara-aurelia-olivia-holt-1234950402/|title=Freeform's ''Cruel Summer'' Tells a Haunting, Intriguing Story in Three Parts: TV Review|website=Variety|first=Daniel|last=D'Addario|date=April 13, 2021|access-date=April 16, 2021|archive-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415130945/https://variety.com/2021/tv/reviews/cruel-summer-freeform-review-chiara-aurelia-olivia-holt-1234950402/|url-status=live}}</ref> Disclaimers appear before certain episodes, cautioning viewers about themes such as [[child grooming]] and [[domestic abuse]]. ==Cast and characters== ===Main=== ====Season 1==== <!--Main cast order is according to original broadcasting credits (the pilot episode). Do NOT rearrange cast order, per MOS:TVCAST In addition, new main cast members will be at the bottom of the list.--> * [[Olivia Holt]] as Kate Wallis,<ref name="MainCast">{{cite web|url=https://www.dgepress.com/freeform/shows/cruel-summer/bios/|title=Cruel Summer Bios|work=Disney General Entertainment Content Press|access-date=February 28, 2021|archive-date=March 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320144603/https://www.dgepress.com/freeform/shows/cruel-summer/bios/|url-status=live}}</ref> a popular girl who goes missing without a trace * [[Chiara Aurelia]] as Jeanette Turner,<ref name="MainCast"/> a nerdy girl who takes over Kate's life after her disappearance. Aurelia wore a disheveled short-haired wig during the 1995 part of the first season. * [[Froy Gutierrez]] as Jamie Henson,<ref name="MainCast"/> Kate's, and later Jeanette's, boyfriend * [[Harley Quinn Smith]] as Mallory Higgins,<ref name="MainCast"/> one of Jeanette's best friends before her newfound popularity, and later Kate's best friend * [[Brooklyn Sudano]] as Angela Prescott,<ref name="MainCast"/> a bar owner and Greg's new girlfriend * [[Blake Lee]] as Martin Harris,<ref name="MainCast"/> the new [[vice-principal]] of Skylin High School who held Kate captive * Allius Barnes as Vince Fuller,<ref name="MainCast"/> one of Jeanette's best friends before her newfound popularity * Nathaniel Ashton as Ben Hallowell,{{efn|name=Ashton|Nathaniel Ashton was credited as a series regular for the first episode, but credited as guest starring starting from the second episode.}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/cruel-summer-freeform-best-characters/|title=Cruel Summer: The 10 Best Characters On The Show|website=[[Screen Rant]]|first=Devon|last=Hansen|date=May 25, 2021|access-date=June 7, 2021|archive-date=June 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608013659/https://screenrant.com/cruel-summer-freeform-best-characters/|url-status=live}}</ref> Jamie's best friend * [[Michael Landes]] as Greg Turner,<ref name="MainCast"/> Jeanette and Derek's father, Cindy's ex-husband, and Angela's boyfriend ====Season 2==== * [[Sadie Stanley]] as Megan Landry,<ref name="S2mainandrecur"/> an intelligent high school student and coder who wants to go to University of Washington as a Computer Science major after high school * [[Lexi Underwood]] as Isabella LaRue,<ref name="S2recasting"/><ref name=S2Maincastnames">{{cite web|url=https://www.dgepress.com/freeform/shows/cruel-summer/bios/|title=Cruel Summer Bios|website= Disney General Entertainment Content|access-date=June 6, 2023}}</ref> an exchange student who living with Landry family for a year * [[Griffin Gluck]] as Luke Chambers,<ref name="S2mainandrecur"/> Megan's best friend who comes from a well-known family * Lisa Yamada as Parker Tanaka<ref name="S2mainandrecur"/><ref name=S2Maincastnames"/> * [[Sean Blakemore]] as Sheriff Myer<ref name="S2mainandrecur"/> * [[KaDee Strickland]] as Debbie Landry,<ref name="S2mainandrecur"/> Megan's single mother ===Recurring=== ====Season 1==== <!--Reliably sourced or confirmed to make at least 4 appearances in the series. Do not include co-stars as they are just background actors.--> * [[Sarah Drew]] as Cindy Turner, Jeanette and Derek's mother and Greg's ex-wife * Barrett Carnahan as Derek Turner, Jeanette's older brother and Cindy and Greg's son * [[Nicole Bilderback]] as Denise, Jeanette's lawyer * [[Andrea Anders]] as Joy Wallis, Kate's wealthy self-centered mother with a Southern accent * Ben Cain as Rod Wallis, Joy's second husband and Kate's stepfather * [[Jason Douglas]] as Nick Marshall, Kate's lawyer ====Season 2==== <!--Reliably sourced or confirmed to make at least 4 appearances in the series. Do not include co-stars as they are just background actors.--> * Braedan De La Garza as Brent,<ref name="S2AddRecur"/> Luke's older brother * Nile Bullock as Jeff<ref name="S2AddRecur"/> * [[Paul Adelstein]] as Steve,<ref name="S2mainandrecur"/> Luke's father In addition, Jenna Lamb co-stars as Lily Landry,<ref name="S2AddRecur"/> Megan's younger sister. ==Episodes== ===Series overview=== {{Series overview | color1 = #50415A | link1 = #Season 1 (2021) | episodes1 = 10 | start1 = {{Start date|2021|4|20}} | end1 = {{End date|2021|6|15}} | color2 = #304D43 | link2 = #Season 2 (2023) | episodes2 = | start2 = {{Start date|2023|6|5}} | end2 = }} ===Season 1 (2021)=== {{Episode table |background=#50415A |overall= |season= |title= |titleR=<ref name="Disney General Entertainment Content">{{cite web|url=https://www.dgepress.com/freeform/shows/cruel-summer/episodes/|title=Cruel Summer Episodes|website=Disney General Entertainment Content|access-date=May 20, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |director= |writer= |airdate= |airdateR=<ref name="Disney General Entertainment Content"/>|viewers= |country=U.S. |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 1 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | Title = Happy Birthday, Jeanette Turner | DirectedBy = [[Max Winkler (director)|Max Winkler]] | WrittenBy = [[Bert V. Royal]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|4|20}} | Viewers = 0.274<ref name="1.01–1.02">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-20-2021.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421201636/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-20-2021.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 21, 2021|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.20.2021|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=April 21, 2021|work=[[Showbuzz Daily]]|access-date=April 21, 2021}}</ref> | ShortSummary = In 1993, Jeanette Turner bumps into popular Kate Wallis and her boyfriend, Jamie Henson, at the mall where Jeanette and her friends Mallory Higgins and Vince Fuller create a bucket list of daring activities. While playing hide-and-seek in a house her father Greg recently sold, Jeanette meets Martin Harris, the house's new owner and Skylin High's new vice principal. {{hr}} In 1994, Kate has been missing for a year, and the now-popular Jeanette celebrates her birthday with Kate's friends and Jamie, her now-boyfriend. A jealous Mallory confronts Jeanette for taking over Kate's life, which Jeanette dismisses. When it is announced that Kate has been found alive, Jeanette runs to see Jamie, who punches her in the face. {{hr}} In 1995, Jeanette{{snd}}now nationally despised{{snd}}spends her birthday meeting with lawyers and fighting with her father and his new girlfriend Angela. As Jeanette watches reruns of the news, it is revealed Kate was abducted by Martin, who was later killed in a shootout with the police. In another interview, Kate condemns Jeanette publicly, saying Jeanette saw her being held in captivity but did nothing. | LineColor = 50415A }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 2 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | Title = A Smashing Good Time | DirectedBy = Bill Purple | WrittenBy = Bert V. Royal | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|4|20}} | Viewers = 0.218<ref name="1.01–1.02"/> | ShortSummary = In 1993, Jeanette, Mallory, and Vince meet Jamie's best friend Ben, who offers advice on a prank the trio are planning. Kate believes her stepfather Rod is cheating on her mother, Joy. She tells Joy and attempts to find proof but discovers Rod is only planning a surprise cruise. Kate apologizes to Joy, who berates Kate for making accusations and being an embarrassment. Upset, Kate leaves the party and gets drunk. The gardener Scott returns Kate home, where she discovers Joy and Scott are having an affair. Distressed, Kate sneaks out again and is found by Martin Harris. {{hr}} In 1994, Jamie{{snd}}who has reconciled with Kate{{snd}}and Rod are worried that Kate refuses to talk to the police or go to therapy. Jamie secretly meets with Jeanette, who swears she is innocent, and the two kiss as Kate secretly watches. Angry, Kate goes to the police and offers Jeanette's necklace as proof of her accusation. {{hr}} In 1995, Kate has taken a dark turn, becoming acerbic and hostile. In an online abduction victims' chatroom, Kate confesses to an anonymous friend that she has not been completely honest. Kate later discovers Jeanette is suing her for defamation. | LineColor = 50415A }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 3 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | Title = Off with a Bang | DirectedBy = Kellie Cyrus | WrittenBy = Bert V. Royal | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|4|27}} | Viewers = 0.228<ref name="1.03">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-27-2021.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428201034/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-27-2021.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 28, 2021|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.27.2021|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=April 28, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=April 28, 2021}}</ref> | ShortSummary = In 1993, Mallory is furious when Jeanette flushes the stash of joints that Mallory brought. Cindy suggests Jeanette distance herself from Mallory, recalling her own high school popularity, but Jeanette instead sneaks over to Martin Harris' house to steal a yearbook as an apology gift for Mallory. {{hr}} In 1994, Greg and Derek furiously confront Jamie for punching Jeanette. Jeanette is questioned by the police and is shocked when they produce her necklace. Cindy begins to doubt Jeanette. Vince meets up with Ben, whom he is secretly dating. Jamie asks Jeanette to keep their kiss a secret and asks how she knew Kate went missing before everyone else did. {{hr}} In 1995, Kate angrily confronts Jeanette when they bump into each other driving, but Jeanette drives off. Jeanette, ignoring Cindy's calls, practices how to be likable by mimicking television shows. Vince, concerned about talking to Jeanette's lawyers about the lawsuit, calls Ben, but Ben tells Vince to stop calling him. During the fireworks, Jeanette breaks into Martin's house and finds Vince. They have a heart-to-heart, and Jeanette admits she has been to Martin's house many times. Vince later lies to Jeanette's lawyers, saying he does not know if she ever went back to Martin's house. | LineColor = 50415A }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 4 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | Title = You Don't Hunt, You Don't Eat | DirectedBy = Laura Nisbet-Peters | WrittenBy = [[Imogen Binnie]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|5|4}} | Viewers = 0.260<ref name="1.04">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-4-2021.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505203334/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-4-2021.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 5, 2021|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.4.2021|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=May 5, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=May 5, 2021}}</ref> | ShortSummary = In 1993, Kate attempts to bond with her step-sister Ash as the family prepares for their annual hunting trip. Kate tries to confide in Ash about Joy's affair, but Ash brushes her off. Kate abandons a date with Jamie in favor of stargazing with Martin. {{hr}} In 1994, Kate attends therapy where she meets Mallory; the two bond over their mutual hatred of Jeanette. The police tell Kate and Joy that they do not have a solid case against Jeanette. Ash attempts to bond with Kate, but Kate blames Ash for driving her to confide in Martin. After Derek jokes that Ash should assume an alter ego to reach Kate, Ash joins Kate's abduction victims chatroom under an alias. {{hr}} In 1995, Joy panics when she finds a note with the word "liar" on their door and organizes their annual hunting trip to ensure their friends will support Kate. Joy accuses Mallory of sending the note. At the campfire, Kate tells a ghost story about her abduction, using a character named Annabelle, and blames the adults for putting her in Martin's path. Later, Kate listens to tapes of her therapy sessions to catch inconsistencies. In a recording, she describes meeting "Annabelle" near the end of her abduction but cannot recall who that is. | LineColor = 50415A }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 5 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | Title = As the Carny Gods Intended | DirectedBy = Daniel Willis | WrittenBy = Tia Napolitano | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|5|11}} | Viewers = 0.236<ref name="1.05">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-11-2021.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512201734/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-11-2021.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 12, 2021|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.11.2021|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=May 12, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=May 12, 2021}}</ref> | ShortSummary = In 1993, Jeanette attends a date at the carnival with dorky out-of-towner Gideon but abandons him after people make fun of them. Martin later scolds her. Kate and Martin continue to bond, but he steals her scrunchie when she leaves. When Jeanette notices, she offers to return it to Kate and takes it. {{hr}} In 1994, Kate confronts Jamie about his kiss with Jeanette, but he accuses her of making it up. When he attempts to [[gaslighting|gaslight]] her by blaming her post-traumatic shaky memory, she breaks up with him. Jeanette and Derek attend the carnival in hopes of talking things out with Kate while Cindy starts to descend into alcoholism. Greg meets Angela at a video store. After Jeanette chases Kate and Mallory into a mirror maze, Derek tells her she should go back to being her old self, but Jeanette says she cannot. {{hr}} In 1995, Greg tells Jeanette how he has lost everything defending her. Kate and Mallory head to the carnival in hopes of finding Jeanette, but Kate finds Jamie instead, who finally admits to the kiss and apologizes to her. Angela brings Jeanette to her bar for karaoke. Mallory brings Kate to the cemetery where they desecrate Martin's grave. | LineColor = 50415A }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 6 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | Title = An Ocean Inside Me | DirectedBy = Kellie Cyrus | WrittenBy = Brian Otaño | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|5|18}} | Viewers = 0.261<ref name="1.06">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-18-2021.html|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.18.2021|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=May 18, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=September 15, 2021|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108092648/https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-18-2021.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | ShortSummary = In 1993, Jeanette, Mallory, and Vince shoplift as Tenille's mother Tanya flirts with Martin. Jeanette covers for Vince and goes to "mall jail", where she bonds with Jamie. Later, Jeanette sneaks into Martin's house. When Martin and Tanya return, Jeanette hides in a closet. Jeanette witnesses Tanya confiding in Martin in an attempt to seduce him. Tanya discovers Jeanette in the closet and allows Jeanette to leave without telling Martin. {{hr}} In 1994, Greg and Cindy argue as Derek prepares to go to college. Cindy snoops around Jeanette's room and finds Martin's house key. When Greg and Derek both belittle her concerns, Cindy leaves to stay with her sister. Later, Jeanette catches a near-kiss between Vince and Ben at the video store while Tanya gives an interview where she paints Martin, instead of herself, as the aggressor while recounting their date. Greg, to his disappointment, confirms the key Cindy found in Jeanette's room is Martin's house key. {{hr}} In 1995, Denise warns Jeanette that Tanya will be deposed. Jeanette blackmails Tanya with what Tanya had confided to Martin. Tanya does not testify against Jeanette. Cindy approaches Angela at her bar to ask about Jeanette's wellbeing. | LineColor = 50415A }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 7 | EpisodeNumber2 = 7 | Title = Happy Birthday, Kate Wallis | DirectedBy = Alexis Ostrander | WrittenBy = Savannah Ward | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|5|25}} | Viewers = 0.198<ref name="1.07">{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-25-2021.html|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.25.2021|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=May 25, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=September 15, 2021|archive-date=November 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117162049/https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-25-2021.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | ShortSummary = In 1993, Kate is uneasy when Jamie gifts her a [[Pre-engagement ring|promise ring]]. Jamie gets drunk at the mall with Kate and her friends, and the two accept a ride from Martin. When Kate arrives to her birthday dinner celebration late, a furious Joy tells her she already told everyone to go home. Kate reveals Joy's affair to Rod, and Joy slaps Kate. Devastated, Kate runs away to Martin's house. {{hr}} In 1994, Kate is unable to eat or sleep. After inviting Mallory over for the first time and disclosing this to her, the two get high along with Ash. Joy pressures a reluctant Kate to go on a talk show to which she later agrees after a random girl claims Martin had once tried to abduct her too. {{hr}} In 1995, Kate continues listening to her therapy tapes before Mallory brings her to a [[roller rink]] to celebrate her birthday. Mallory later finds out that Joy herself was behind the "liar" letter on the Wallis' front door. Kate confronts Joy, who reveals that she is upset Kate never forgave her. Derek discovers Ash's anonymous messages with Kate in the online chat room and prints a copy to take to Jeanette, which shows that Kate had originally gone to Martin's willingly. | LineColor = 50415A }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 8 | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | Title = Proof | DirectedBy = Daniel Willis | WrittenBy = Addison McQuigg | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|6|1}} | Viewers = 0.310<ref name="1.08">{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-1-2021.html|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.1.2021|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=June 1, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=September 15, 2021|archive-date=November 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117162055/https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-1-2021.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | ShortSummary = In 1993, Vince and Jeanette abandon their posts to keep watch while Mallory plays a prank video school-wide. Jeanette overhears a meeting between Martin and Joy where Joy discloses that Kate never came home the previous night. After Mallory is caught and her video confiscated by Martin, she angrily confronts Jeanette, who breaks off their friendship. Martin destroys the confiscated tape because it shows Kate in his house window momentarily. {{hr}} In 1994, Greg questions Jeanette about the key to Martin's house and forces her to give it to the police. Jeanette tries to pull away from Vince in order to protect his secret relationship with Ben and soon decides to drop out of school to avoid scrutiny. A drunken Jamie is arrested after accidentally crashing his car while driving Ben, leaving Ben with a serious arm injury. {{hr}} In 1995, Jeanette presents her newfound proof to her lawyer Denise before meeting her estranged mother for breakfast. Jeanette meets with Jamie, who finally apologizes for punching her. After he plays Jeanette a cryptic voicemail of heavy breathing that he received the Christmas Eve after Kate's abduction, Jeanette rushes to Mallory's and asks for "the" snow globe, which Mallory pretends she does not have. | LineColor = 50415A }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 9 | EpisodeNumber2 = 9 | Title = A Secret of My Own | DirectedBy = Alexis Ostrander | WrittenBy = Matt Antonelli | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|6|8}} | Viewers = 0.297<ref name="1.09">{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-8-2021.html|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.8.2021|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=June 8, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=September 15, 2021|archive-date=November 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117162049/https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-8-2021.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | ShortSummary = In 1993, Martin leaves Kate at his house where she stays the day instead of going to school. After Kate is designated a [[missing person]], Martin worries and tells her to go, but the two procrastinate instead by playing [[Never have I ever|Never Have I Ever]]. After twenty-one days together, the two have started a romantic relationship under the mutual agreement Kate must not leave his house. [[Halloween]] and [[Thanksgiving (United States)|Thanksgiving]] pass, and on [[Christmas Eve]] Kate has fallen into a depressive state as she misses the outside world. That night, Jeanette sneaks into Martin's house while he is out shopping and steals a snow globe (the one in Mallory's possession in 1995) but accidentally drops her necklace, which Kate picks up and keeps secret from Martin. Kate later sneaks out to spy on her parents and leaves with the assumption they are enjoying their lives without her. The following night, Kate attempts to leave for good but Martin locks her in the basement to protect his reputation. {{hr}} In 1994 during therapy, Kate recalls her first couple months of captivity in which she was not locked in the basement. Her therapist informs her Martin was [[Child grooming|grooming]] her. | LineColor = 50415A }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 10 | EpisodeNumber2 = 10 | Title = Hostile Witness | DirectedBy = Bill Purple | WrittenBy = Bert V. Royal | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|6|15}} | Viewers = 0.386<ref name="1.10">{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-later-and-abbreviated-edition-of-americas-got-talent-on-nbc-loses-steam/|title=Tuesday Ratings: Later and Abbreviated Edition of ''America's Got Talent'' on NBC Loses Steam|last=Berman|first=Marc|date=June 16, 2021|work=Programming Insider|access-date=July 12, 2021|archive-date=July 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725132816/https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-later-and-abbreviated-edition-of-americas-got-talent-on-nbc-loses-steam/|url-status=live}}</ref> | ShortSummary = In 1993, Mallory confronts Jeanette at her home over stealing Martin's snow globe. Jeanette gives her the snow globe and kicks her out of the house. {{hr}} In 1994, Jeanette again breaks into Martin's house and hears Kate calling for help from the basement but ignores her pleas. Kate does not realize Jeanette heard her. {{hr}} In 1995, the court case begins while Jamie and Jeanette continue to reconnect. Kate's honesty comes into question when her online chats are presented as evidence. Desperate, Kate has Jeanette meet her at Martin's house where they revisit the night Jeanette supposedly saw Kate. The two realize it was actually Mallory who saw Kate in captivity. Kate apologizes to Jeanette before the two visit the basement where Kate finally recalls that "Annabelle" is Martin's gun, which she used to shoot him after he could not bring himself to do it. Later, Kate publicly proclaims Jeanette's innocence before confronting Mallory. Mallory reveals she did not know it was Kate she had seen and only pieced it together after Kate's rescue but could not reveal her secret then without exposing that Kate was not always Martin's prisoner. Jeanette later forgives Kate on ''The Marsha Bailey Show'' while Kate and Mallory kiss. | LineColor = 50415A }} }} ===Season 2 (2023)=== {{Episode table |background=#304D43 |overall= |season= |title= |titleR=<ref name="TFC"/>|director= |writer= |writerR=<ref name="WGA">{{Cite web |url=https://directories.wga.org/project/1191204/cruel-summer/ |title=Cruel Summer |website=[[Writers Guild of America West]] |access-date=May 23, 2023}}</ref> |airdate= |airdateR=<ref name="TFC">{{cite web |title=Shows A-Z – Cruel Summer on Freeform |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/cruel-summer/listings/ |website=[[The Futon Critic]] |access-date=June 2, 2023}}</ref> |viewers= |country=U.S. |episodes= {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 11 |EpisodeNumber2 = 1 |Title = Welcome to Chatham |DirectedBy = Bill Purple |WrittenBy = Elle Triedman and Tia Napolitano |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|6|5}} |Viewers = |ShortSummary = In Summer 1994, Megan Landry is anxious about her family hosting new exchange student Isabella LaRue. Megan agrees to show Isabella around town and later gives her permission to pursue her best friend and secret crush, Luke Chambers. In Winter 1994, Megan and Isabella have become best friends and Megan is happy to receive her college scholarship. Megan and Luke are dating and later attend the Chambers family Christmas party. During the party a sex tape is projected in front of the guests showing Luke apparently having sex with Isabella. In Summer 1995, Megan is nervous to hear that a body has been discovered in the lake. She goes to the Chambers cabin and scrubs blood out of the floor, then heads to the marina where she sees Luke’s father Steve confirm the body as Luke’s. Isabella appears and tells Megan they have to get their story straight. |LineColor = 304D43 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 12 |EpisodeNumber2 = 2 |Title = Ride or Die |DirectedBy = Laura Nisbet-Peters |WrittenBy = Matt Morgan |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|6|5}} |Viewers = |ShortSummary = |LineColor = 304D43 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 13 |EpisodeNumber2 = 3 |Title = Bloody Knuckles |DirectedBy = |WrittenBy = Heather F. Robb |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|6|12}} |Viewers = |ShortSummary = |LineColor = 000000 }} <!--{{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 14 |EpisodeNumber2 = 4 |Title = |DirectedBy = |WrittenBy = Elle Triedman |OriginalAirDate = |Viewers = |ShortSummary = |LineColor = 000000 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 15 |EpisodeNumber2 = 5 |Title = |DirectedBy = |WrittenBy = Heather Thomason |OriginalAirDate = |Viewers = |ShortSummary = |LineColor = 000000 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 16 |EpisodeNumber2 = 6 |Title = |DirectedBy = |WrittenBy = Jason Sack |OriginalAirDate = |Viewers = |ShortSummary = |LineColor = 000000 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 17 |EpisodeNumber2 = 7 |Title = |DirectedBy = |WrittenBy = Matt Morgan & Elle Triedman |OriginalAirDate = |Viewers = |ShortSummary = |LineColor = 000000 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 18 |EpisodeNumber2 = 8 |Title = |DirectedBy = |WrittenBy = Heather Thomason & Diana Glogau |OriginalAirDate = |Viewers = |ShortSummary = |LineColor = 000000 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 19 |EpisodeNumber2 = 9 |Title = |DirectedBy = |WrittenBy = Elle Triedman |OriginalAirDate = |Viewers = |ShortSummary = |LineColor = 000000 }} {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 20 |EpisodeNumber2 = 10 |Title = |DirectedBy = |WrittenBy = Elle Triedman |OriginalAirDate = |Viewers = |ShortSummary = |LineColor = 000000 }}--> }} ==Production== ===Development=== On September 25, 2019, [[Freeform (TV channel)|Freeform]] gave ''Last Summer'' a pilot order.<ref name="PilotOrder">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/freeform-orders-pilot-last-summer-drama-thriller-bert-v-royal-jessica-biel-michelle-purple-max-winkler-eone-1202744316/|title=Freeform Orders ''Last Summer'' Drama Pilot From Bert V. Royal, Jessica Biel, Max Winkler & eOne|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|date=September 25, 2019|access-date=May 19, 2020|archive-date=December 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220045857/https://deadline.com/2019/09/freeform-orders-pilot-last-summer-drama-thriller-bert-v-royal-jessica-biel-michelle-purple-max-winkler-eone-1202744316/|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 17, 2020, ''Last Summer'' was picked to series. The series was created by [[Bert V. Royal]] who was also expected to executive produce alongside [[Jessica Biel]], Michelle Purple, and [[Max Winkler (director)|Max Winkler]] who also directed the pilot. The production companies involved with the series are [[Entertainment One]] and Iron Ocean Productions.<ref name="SeriesOrder">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/01/last-summer-freeform-picks-up-jessica-biel-thriller-to-series-1202834155/|title=''Last Summer'': Freeform Picks Up Jessica Biel-Produced Thriller To Series – TCA|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Peter|last=White|date=January 17, 2020|access-date=May 19, 2020|archive-date=January 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129163445/https://deadline.com/2020/01/last-summer-freeform-picks-up-jessica-biel-thriller-to-series-1202834155/|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 18, 2020, ''Last Summer'' was retitled as ''Cruel Summer''.<ref name="Retitled">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/last-summer-olivia-holt-cast-lead-recasting-freeform-series-cruel-summer-new-title-jessica-biel-1202937333/|title=''Last Summer'': Olivia Holt Set As Lead In Recasting, Jessica Biel-Produced Freeform Series Gets New Title|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|date=May 18, 2020|access-date=May 19, 2020|archive-date=May 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524091419/https://deadline.com/2020/05/last-summer-olivia-holt-cast-lead-recasting-freeform-series-cruel-summer-new-title-jessica-biel-1202937333/|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 15, 2021, Freeform renewed the series for a second season.<ref name="S2Renewal">{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2021/06/15/cruel-summer-renewed-season-2-freeform/|title=''Cruel Summer'' Renewed for Season 2|website=TVLine|first=Vlada|last=Gelman|date=June 15, 2021|access-date=June 15, 2021|archive-date=June 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618091740/https://tvline.com/2021/06/15/cruel-summer-renewed-season-2-freeform/|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 6, 2021, it was reported that Royal has exited the series after the pilot after disagreements with a network executive.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/cruel-summer-creator-depart-bert-v-royal-freeform-drama-season-2-1234787067/|title=''Cruel Summer'' Creator Bert V. Royal Exits Freeform Drama|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first1=Peter|last1=White|first2=Alexandra|last2=Del Rosario|date=July 6, 2021|access-date=July 6, 2021|archive-date=July 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706204014/https://deadline.com/2021/07/cruel-summer-creator-depart-bert-v-royal-freeform-drama-season-2-1234787067/|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 21, 2022, Elle Triedman was named as the new showrunner for the second season, replacing Tia Napolitano who boarded the series after Royal left. However, Napolitano is set to remain as an executive producer. It was also reported that the series is an anthology series.<ref name="S2mainandrecur"/> ===Casting=== On November 13, 2019, [[Michael Landes]], [[Brooklyn Sudano]], [[Harley Quinn Smith]], [[Chiara Aurelia]], Mika Abdalla, [[Froy Gutierrez]], Allius Barnes, Blake Lee, and Nathaniel Ashton were cast in series regular roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/11/last-summer-jessica-biels-freeform-thriller-eone-michael-landes-brooklyn-sudano-harley-quinn-smith-chiara-aurelia-mika-abdalla-froy-gutierrez-allius-barnes-blake-lee-nathaniel-ashton-1202785108/|title=''Last Summer'': Jessica Biel-Produced Freeform Thriller Sets Michael Landes, Brooklyn Sudano, Harley Quinn Smith And 6 More As Series Regulars|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Dino-Ray|last=Ramos|date=November 13, 2019|access-date=May 19, 2020|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214200247/https://deadline.com/2019/11/last-summer-jessica-biels-freeform-thriller-eone-michael-landes-brooklyn-sudano-harley-quinn-smith-chiara-aurelia-mika-abdalla-froy-gutierrez-allius-barnes-blake-lee-nathaniel-ashton-1202785108/|url-status=live}}</ref> By May 18, 2020, [[Olivia Holt]] had replaced Mika Abdalla.<ref name="Retitled"/> On October 30, 2020, [[Sarah Drew]] joined the cast in a recurring role.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/cruel-summer-sarah-drew-recur-jessica-biel-produced-freeform-series-1234606278/|title=''Cruel Summer'': Sarah Drew To Recur On Jessica Biel-Produced Freeform Series|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=October 30, 2020|access-date=December 3, 2020|archive-date=November 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101002801/https://deadline.com/2020/10/cruel-summer-sarah-drew-recur-jessica-biel-produced-freeform-series-1234606278/|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 11, 2021, Barrett Carnahan, [[Andrea Anders]], Benjamin J. Cain, and [[Nicole Bilderback]] were cast in recurring roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/cruel-summer-barrett-carnahan-andrea-anders-benjamin-j-cain-nicole-bilderback-freeform-thriller-series-recurring-1234711934/|title=''Cruel Summer'': Barrett Carnahan, Andrea Anders, Benjamin J. Cain & Nicole Bilderback Join Freeform Thriller Series As Recurring|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=March 11, 2021|access-date=March 11, 2021|archive-date=March 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311194404/https://deadline.com/2021/03/cruel-summer-barrett-carnahan-andrea-anders-benjamin-j-cain-nicole-bilderback-freeform-thriller-series-recurring-1234711934/|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 21, 2022, [[Sadie Stanley]], Eloise Payet, [[Griffin Gluck]], [[KaDee Strickland]], Lisa Yamada and [[Sean Blakemore]] joined the cast in starring roles while [[Paul Adelstein]] was cast in a recurring role for the second season.<ref name="S2mainandrecur">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/cruel-summer-season-two-new-cast-1235132395/|title='Cruel Summer' Overhaul: New Cast, Showrunner Set for Season 2 (Exclusive)|website=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Lesley|last=Goldberg|date=April 21, 2022|access-date=April 21, 2022|archive-date=April 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421201549/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/cruel-summer-season-two-new-cast-1235132395/|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 27, 2022, [[Lexi Underwood]] joined the series, replacing Payet in a recasting.<ref name="S2recasting">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/cruel-summer-season-2-lexi-underwood-to-star-in-recasting-1235136518/|title='Cruel Summer' Season 2: Lexi Underwood to Star in Recasting|website=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Lesley|last=Goldberg|date=April 27, 2022|access-date=April 27, 2022|language=en-US|archive-date=April 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427180303/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/cruel-summer-season-2-lexi-underwood-to-star-in-recasting-1235136518/|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 6, 2022, Braeden De La Garza, Nile Bullock, and Jenna Lamb were cast in recurring capacities for the second season.<ref name="S2AddRecur">{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/05/nile-bullock-jenna-lamb-braedan-de-la-garza-to-recur-in-cruel-summer-1235018216/|title='Cruel Summer': Nile Bullock, Jenna Lamb & Braedan De La Garza To Recur In Season 2 Of Freeform Series|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Alexandra|last=Del Rosario|date=May 6, 2022|access-date=May 6, 2022|archive-date=May 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506203531/https://deadline.com/2022/05/nile-bullock-jenna-lamb-braedan-de-la-garza-to-recur-in-cruel-summer-1235018216/|url-status=live}}</ref> ===Music=== Besides [[Wendy Melvoin]] and [[Lisa Coleman (musician)|Lisa Coleman]] serving as the main composers,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://filmmusicreporter.com/2021/03/30/wendy-lisa-scoring-freeforms-cruel-summer/|title=Wendy & Lisa Scoring Freeform's ''Cruel Summer''|website=Film Music Reporter|date=March 30, 2021|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428014953/https://filmmusicreporter.com/2021/03/30/wendy-lisa-scoring-freeforms-cruel-summer/|url-status=live}}</ref> the series heavily relies on a 90's inspired soundtrack.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2021/04/19/cruel-summer-series-premiere-preview-freeform/|title=''Cruel Summer'' Team Previews Freeform Drama's 'Thin Line Between Hero and Villain' and Its '90s Nostalgia Trip|website=TVLine|first=Vlada|last=Gelman|date=April 19, 2021|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428014955/https://tvline.com/2021/04/19/cruel-summer-series-premiere-preview-freeform/|url-status=live}}</ref> The second episode notably makes use of the [[Cranberries (band)|Cranberries]] song "[[Zombie (The Cranberries song)|Zombie]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/cruel-summer-stars-olivia-holt-chiara-aurelia-on-90s-culture-and-being-a-teenage-girl|title=The Most Thrilling Mystery in ''Cruel Summer'' Is Being a Teenage Girl|website=[[Teen Vogue]]|first=P. Claire|last=Dodson|date=April 20, 2021|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=April 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426094631/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/cruel-summer-stars-olivia-holt-chiara-aurelia-on-90s-culture-and-being-a-teenage-girl|url-status=live}}</ref> ===Filming=== The first season of ''Cruel Summer'' was filmed over six months in [[Dallas]], Texas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/what-cruel-summer-gets-right-about-texans/|title=What 'Cruel Summer' Gets Right About Texans|website=[[Texas Monthly]]|first=Cat|last=Cardenas|date=April 20, 2021|access-date=January 30, 2022|archive-date=January 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130094133/https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/what-cruel-summer-gets-right-about-texans/|url-status=live}}</ref> The second season began filming on April 21, 2022, and concluded on September 7, 2022, in [[Richmond, British Columbia]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dgc.ca/assets/Uploads/BritishColumbia/AvailsProductionLists/Production/Production-List.pdf |title=DGC BC Production List |work=[[Directors Guild of Canada]] |date=September 9, 2022 |access-date=September 12, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912211208/https://www.dgc.ca/assets/Uploads/BritishColumbia/AvailsProductionLists/Production/Production-List.pdf |archive-date=September 12, 2022}}</ref> ==Broadcast== The series premiered on Freeform on April 20, 2021.<ref name="SeriesPremiere">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/freeform-first-look-premiere-date-jessica-biel-cruel-summer-tca-1234701338/|title=Freeform Unveils First-Look At Jessica Biel-Produced Series ''Cruel Summer'' – TCA|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Amanda|last=N'Duka|date=February 26, 2021|access-date=February 28, 2021|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214200249/https://deadline.com/2021/02/freeform-first-look-premiere-date-jessica-biel-cruel-summer-tca-1234701338/|url-status=live}}</ref> The second season is set to screen its premiere at the [[ATX Television Festival]] in Austin, Texas, in June 2023.<ref name="ATX TV Festival">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/2023-atx-tv-festival-the-righteous-gemstones-cruel-summer-1235340022/|title='The Righteous Gemstones' and 'Cruel Summer' Set for 2023 ATX TV Festival|website=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Carly|last=Thomas|date=March 3, 2023|access-date=March 3, 2023|archive-date=March 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303161449/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/2023-atx-tv-festival-the-righteous-gemstones-cruel-summer-1235340022/|url-status=live}}</ref> The second season premiered on Freeform on June 5, 2023, with two new episodes.<ref name="S2Premiere">{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/freeform-premiere-dates-grown-ish-season-6-cruel-summer-season-2-1235326072/|title=Freeform Sets Premiere Dates For 'Grown-ish' Final Season & 'Cruel Summer' Season 2|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Katie|last=Campione|date=April 17, 2023|access-date=April 17, 2023|archive-date=April 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417163606/https://deadline.com/2023/04/freeform-premiere-dates-grown-ish-season-6-cruel-summer-season-2-1235326072/|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Reception== ===Critical response=== <!--AUDIENCE RECEPTION AND RATINGS: Do not include them! Wikipedia does not support user-generated content in its articles, and thus audience ratings cannot be included. Please refer to the talk page before proceeding to edit this section, and view the multiple discussions raised on the topic. No consensus has been formed to allow this article to differ from Wikipedia's guidelines and policies by including such content. Additions of audience ratings will be reverted.--> ''Cruel Summer'' received generally positive reviews from critics. On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the first season holds an approval rating of 94% based on 33 critic reviews, with an average rating of 7.8/10. The website's critics consensus states, "Though it may have a bit too much going on, ''Cruel Summer''{{'s}} delicious twists and delightful turns from its young stars are never less than entertaining."<ref>{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes|id=cruel_summer|title=Cruel Summer|type=tv|season=1|access-date=March 3, 2023|publisher_hide=y}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], it has a weighted average score of 74 out of 100 based on 15 critic reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{Cite Metacritic|id=cruel-summer|title=Cruel Summer|type=tv|season=1|access-date=January 30, 2022|publisher_hide=y}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Saloni Gajjar of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' gave the first season a B and wrote, "''Cruel Summer'' manages to overcome its convoluted storytelling because it finds interesting, grounded ways to explore the impact of society's expectations of these young girls, and how their town and own families contribute to the pressure they face."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tv.avclub.com/freeform-s-cruel-summer-is-a-riveting-thriller-hindered-1846712862|title=Freeform's ''Cruel Summer'' is a riveting thriller hindered by a convoluted format|website=[[The A.V. Club]]|first=Saloni|last=Gajjar|date=April 20, 2021|access-date=April 28, 2021|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428000405/https://tv.avclub.com/freeform-s-cruel-summer-is-a-riveting-thriller-hindered-1846712862|url-status=live}}</ref> On Rotten Tomatoes, the second season has an approval rating of 71% based on 7 critic reviews, with an average rating of 6.6/10.<!--The website's critics consensus reads, "."--><ref>{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes|id=cruel_summer|title=Cruel Summer|type=tv|season=2|access-date=June 6, 2023|publisher_hide=y}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On Metacritic, it holds a weighted average score of 63 out of 100 based on 5 critic reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{Cite Metacritic|id=cruel-summer|title=Cruel Summer|type=tv|season=2|access-date=June 6, 2023|publisher_hide=y}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ===Ratings=== On April 30, 2021, ''Cruel Summer'' was the most-watched overall series debut ever on [[Freeform (TV channel)|Freeform]] with an average 3.81{{nbsp}}million total viewers across multi-platforms for its first week.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/04/cruel-summer-premiere-ratings-freeform-multi-platform-record-1234747822/|title=''Cruel Summer'' Becomes Freeform's Biggest Multi-Platform Premiere Ever|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|date=April 30, 2021|access-date=April 30, 2021|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430204216/https://deadline.com/2021/04/cruel-summer-premiere-ratings-freeform-multi-platform-record-1234747822/|url-status=live}}</ref> <!--====Season 1====--> {{Television episode ratings | noshare = y | title1 = [[#ep1|Happy Birthday, Jeanette Turner]] | date1 = April 20, 2021 | rs1 = 0.1 | viewers1 = 0.274<ref name="1.01–1.02"/> | dvr1 = 0.1 | dvrv1 = 0.238 | total1 = 0.2 | totalv1 = 0.512<ref name="1.01–1.02dvr">{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-cbs-in-repeats-from-8-10-p-m-et-modest-results-elsewhere/|title=Tuesday Ratings: CBS in Repeats From 8-10 p.m. ET; Modest Results Elsewhere|last=Berman|first=Marc|work=Programming Insider|date=April 21, 2021|access-date=May 9, 2021|archive-date=May 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509155152/https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-cbs-in-repeats-from-8-10-p-m-et-modest-results-elsewhere/|url-status=live}}</ref> | title2 = [[#ep2|A Smashing Good Time]] | date2 = April 20, 2021 | rs2 = 0.1 | viewers2 = 0.218<ref name="1.01–1.02"/> | dvr2 = 0.1 | dvrv2 = 0.201 | total2 = 0.2 | totalv2 = 0.419<ref name="1.01–1.02dvr"/> | title3 = [[#ep3|Off with a Bang]] | date3 = April 27, 2021 | rs3 = 0.1 | viewers3 = 0.228<ref name="1.03"/> | dvr3 = 0.1 | dvrv3 = 0.302 | total3 = 0.2 | totalv3 = 0.530<ref>{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-clean-sweep-for-cbs/|title=Tuesday Ratings: Clean Sweep for CBS|last=Berman|first=Marc|work=Programming Insider|date=April 28, 2021|access-date=May 12, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512201542/https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-clean-sweep-for-cbs/|url-status=live}}</ref> | title4 = [[#ep4|You Don't Hunt, You Don't Eat]] | date4 = May 4, 2021 | rs4 = 0.1 | viewers4 = 0.260<ref name="1.04"/> | dvr4 = 0.1 | dvrv4 = 0.338 | total4 = 0.2 | totalv4 = 0.598<ref>{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-clean-sweep-for-cbs-2/|title=Tuesday Ratings: Clean Sweep for CBS|last=Berman|first=Marc|work=Programming Insider|date=May 5, 2021|access-date=May 26, 2021|archive-date=May 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522191257/https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-clean-sweep-for-cbs-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> | title5 = [[#ep5|As the Carny Gods Intended]] | date5 = May 11, 2021 | rs5 = 0.1 | viewers5 = 0.236<ref name="1.05"/> | dvr5 = 0.1 | dvrv5 = 0.341 | total5 = 0.2 | totalv5 = 0.577<ref>{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-diluted-remains-the-observation-on-the-broadcast-networks/|title=Tuesday Ratings: Diluted Remains the Observation on the Broadcast Networks|last=Berman|first=Marc|work=Programming Insider|date=May 12, 2021|access-date=May 26, 2021|archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521230155/https://programminginsider.com/tuesday-ratings-diluted-remains-the-observation-on-the-broadcast-networks/|url-status=live}}</ref> | title6 = [[#ep6|A Ocean Inside Me]] | date6 = May 18, 2021 | rs6 = 0.1 | viewers6 = 0.261<ref name="1.06"/> | dvr6 = | dvrv6 = | total6 = | totalv6 = | title7 = [[#ep7|Happy Birthday, Kate Wallis]] | date7 = May 25, 2021 | rs7 = 0.1 | viewers7 = 0.198<ref name="1.07"/> | dvr7 = | dvrv7 = | total7 = | totalv7 = | title8 = [[#ep8|Proof]] | date8 = June 1, 2021 | rs8 = 0.2 | viewers8 = 0.310<ref name="1.08"/> | dvr8 = | dvrv8 = | total8 = | totalv8 = | title9 = [[#ep9|A Secret of My Own]] | date9 = June 8, 2021 | rs9 = 0.1 | viewers9 = 0.297<ref name="1.09"/> | dvr9 = | dvrv9 = | total9 = | totalv9 = | title10 = [[#ep10|Hostile Witness]] | date10 = June 15, 2021 | rs10 = 0.2 | viewers10 = 0.386<ref name="1.10"/> | dvr10 = 0.1 | dvrv10 = 0.386 | total10 = 0.3 | totalv10 = 0.766<ref name="1.10"/> }}<!-- ====Season 2==== {{Television episode ratings | noshare = y | title1 = [[#ep11|Welcome to Chatham]] | date1 = June 5, 2023 | rs1 = | viewers1 = | dvr1 = | dvrv1 = | total1 = | totalv1 = | title2 = [[#ep12|Ride or Die]] | date2 = June 5, 2023 | rs2 = | viewers2 = | dvr2 = | dvrv2 = | total2 = | totalv2 = | title3 = [[#ep13|Bloody Knuckles]] | date3 = June 12, 2023 | rs3 = | viewers3 = | dvr3 = | dvrv3 = | total3 = | totalv3 = | title4 = [[#ep14|]] | date4 = | rs4 = | viewers4 = | dvr4 = | dvrv4 = | total4 = | totalv4 = | title5 = [[#ep15|]] | date5 = | rs5 = | viewers5 = | dvr5 = | dvrv5 = | total5 = | totalv5 = | title6 = [[#ep16|]] | date6 = | rs6 = | viewers6 = | dvr6 = | dvrv6 = | total6 = | totalv6 = | title7 = [[#ep17|]] | date7 = | rs7 = | viewers7 = | dvr7 = | dvrv7 = | total7 = | totalv7 = | title8 = [[#ep18|]] | date8 = | rs8 = | viewers8 = | dvr8 = | dvrv8 = | total8 = | totalv8 = | title9 = [[#ep19|]] | date9 = | rs9 = | viewers9 = | dvr9 = | dvrv9 = | total9 = | totalv9 = | title10 = [[#ep20|]] | date10 = | rs10 = | viewers10 = | dvr10 = | dvrv10 = | total10 = | totalv10 = }}--> ===Accolades=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ !Year !Award !Category !Nominee(s) !Result ! class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- | rowspan="3"| 2021 | rowspan="3"| [[1st Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards|Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards]] | rowspan="2"| Best Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Drama | data-sort-value="Aurelia, Chiara"| [[Chiara Aurelia]] | {{Nominated}} | rowspan="3" style="text-align: center;"|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/hca-tv-awards-nominations-2021-ted-lasso-handmaids-tale-nbc-hbo-netflix-1234788064/|title=HCA TV Awards Nominations: ''Ted Lasso'' Leads Programs For Inaugural Honors; NBC, HBO & Netflix Lead Nets|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Erik|last=Pedersen|date=July 8, 2021|access-date=July 14, 2021|archive-date=July 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210708152108/https://deadline.com/2021/07/hca-tv-awards-nominations-2021-ted-lasso-handmaids-tale-nbc-hbo-netflix-1234788064/|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | data-sort-value="Holt, Olivia"| [[Olivia Holt]] | {{Nominated}} |- | Best Cable Series, Drama | ''Cruel Summer'' | {{won}} |- | 2022 | [[27th Critics' Choice Awards|Critics' Choice Television Awards]] | [[Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series|Best Actress in a Drama Series]] | Chiara Aurelia | {{nom}} | {{cn|date=December 2022}} |} ==Notes== {{Notelist}} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== * {{Official|https://www.freeform.com/shows/cruel-summer}} * {{IMDb title}} {{Freeform}} [[Category:2020s American anthology television series]] [[Category:2020s American LGBT-related drama television series]] [[Category:2020s American teen drama television series]] [[Category:2021 American television series debuts]] [[Category:American thriller television series]] [[Category:English-language television shows]] [[Category:Freeform (TV channel) original programming]] [[Category:Kidnapping in television]] [[Category:Nonlinear narrative television series]] [[Category:Television series about missing people]] [[Category:Television series about teenagers]] [[Category:Television series by Entertainment One]] [[Category:Television series set in 1993]] [[Category:Television series set in 1994]] [[Category:Television series set in 1995]] [[Category:Television shows set in Texas]]'