Sean Kaufman on Steven's Heartfelt Evolution and Finding His Own Summer Love Story

In the beloved world of Cousins Beach, where teenage romance and summer dreams intertwine, Steven Conklin has always been a steadfast presence—the protective older brother, the loyal friend. But as 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' soared through its second season, Steven, portrayed brilliantly by Sean Kaufman, underwent a profound transformation, moving beyond the sidelines to carve out his own emotionally rich narrative.

In an exclusive interview, Kaufman peeled back the layers of Steven's journey, revealing the depth of his character's growth and the magic behind his burgeoning romance.

Kaufman shared that from the outset of season two, the show's creators conveyed a clear vision for Steven: it wasn't about external conflict, but an internal odyssey.

"They said, 'This season is about Steven finding his own internal happiness,'" Kaufman recalled, highlighting a shift that saw Steven mature beyond his initial, sometimes superficial, concerns. This newfound maturity meant confronting his feelings, navigating difficult family moments, and ultimately, understanding what truly makes him happy—a journey often overshadowed by Belly's tumultuous love triangle, but no less significant.

A cornerstone of Steven's evolution was his blossoming relationship with Taylor (Rain Spencer).

Unlike the dramatic push-and-pull of Belly's love life, Steven and Taylor's connection felt refreshingly stable and genuinely supportive. Kaufman emphasized the unique nature of their bond: "It's a very solid, beautiful love story that Steven has." He believes this relationship provided Steven with a safe space to be vulnerable and explore his emotions without judgment, a stark contrast to the often chaotic romantic dynamics prevalent in the series.

The season's climax, particularly the poignant prom scene, served as a powerful turning point for Steven.

It was a moment of deep reflection and a significant rite of passage, symbolizing his transition into a more self-aware, emotionally intelligent young man. Kaufman spoke passionately about the scene's weight, describing it as the culmination of Steven's entire arc, where he truly steps into his own and embraces the happiness he's discovered.

This scene was not just about a dance; it was about Steven realizing his worth and finding joy in his own story.

While Steven's romance with Taylor blossomed, his inherent role as Belly's protective older brother remained a central theme. Kaufman explained that Steven's protectiveness stems from a place of deep love and responsibility, an instinct ingrained from childhood.

However, this season saw Steven learn to navigate that protectiveness with a growing understanding that Belly, and indeed everyone, needs space to make their own choices. He learns to support, rather than control, a vital step in his journey to becoming a well-rounded young adult.

Beyond the narrative, Kaufman cherished the strong camaraderie among the cast, describing their bond as a "big family." He believes this genuine connection off-screen translates into the authentic, heartfelt relationships viewers see on screen, adding an undeniable layer of warmth and realism to the show.

This environment allowed for collaborative storytelling, with Kaufman praising the creative freedom given to the actors to explore their characters' emotional landscapes.

As Steven looks ahead, Kaufman hopes his character continues to pursue his passions, perhaps even finding love for the first time on his own terms.

"It’s a different experience when you’re looking for it yourself," he reflected, hinting at an exciting future where Steven actively seeks out his own path, rather than reacting to circumstances. Sean Kaufman’s portrayal has undeniably cemented Steven as a fan favorite, a testament to the character’s relatable journey of growth, love, and self-discovery that resonates deeply with audiences.