Everything We Know About Netflix's Romance Drama This Summer Will Be Different

Icy winter love may have taken over the TV landscape lately, but everyone knows that when it comes to hot and steamy romance, summer is where it's at. That's one of the reasons why Carley Fortune has been heating up the bestselling-book lists since her 2022 debut, Every Summer After.

One of our favorite novels since then has got to be This Summer Will Be Different, Fortune's third novel that was published in 2024 and quickly became a best-seller. Recently, Netflix announced a 10-episode series order based on that book, and we're counting down the days until we see the characters brought to life onscreen. Until then, shuck some oysters and keep scrolling to learn everything we know about the upcoming series. 

What is This Summer Will Be Different about?

This Summer Will Be Different is all about a woman named Lucy, who falls for her best friend Bridget's younger brother, Felix, during a trip to Bridget's family home on Prince Edward Island. It's a story of best friends, forbidden romance, and past trauma, set against gorgeous Canadian landscapes. Seriously, it's impossible not to start planning a trip to PEI after reading this book and learning all about its summer energy, fresh food, and tight-knit communities.

When does This Summer Will Be Different come out?

We don't have a premiere date yet, but we're guessing a 2027 debut based on its development cycle. 

Where will This Summer Will Be Different film?

Netflix has revealed This Summer Will Be Different will film in the two Canadian locations the book is based: Prince Edward Island and in Toronto. Here's hoping for a side trip to the Anne of Green Gables house, Green Gables Heritage Place, in PEI, which is definitely a notable scene in the book. 

Who is behind This Summer Will Be Different?

Dane Clark (Suze, One More Time) and Linsey Stewart (Workin' Moms, North of North) are the series' official showrunners. They will also executive produce alongside Fortune, Jennifer Kawaja (Sort Of, Wayward), and Elise Cousineau (Cardinal, Small Achievable Goals).

"I fell in love with Prince Edward Island first in the pages of L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables and again when I visited with my best friend in my early twenties," Fortune said in a statement.

"That vacation, the beauty of the island, the warmth of its people, and the friendships that sustain us — are the foundation of This Summer Will Be Different. I'm thrilled to bring this sweeping love story to the screen with Netflix and to transport audiences to the glittering shores and windswept beaches of PEI."

Who will star in This Summer Will Be Different?

Unfortunately, there's no cast yet, but given the book's popularity and Netflix's involvement, we're expecting an intense search for the perfect actors to embody these beloved characters. 

What does This Summer Will Be Different add to Netflix's slate?

We all know winter romances are covered on Netflix, what with series like Finding Her Edge and the growing number of holiday flicks. This Summer Will Be Different brings summer into the romance chat, and it fits in with other romantic novel adaptations, like Bridgerton and To All The Boys I've Loved Before. 

Are there other Carley Fortune adaptations to check out?

Good news for fans of the Canadian romance author: This Summer Will Be Different isn't the only project of hers that's coming to screens. Her first novel, Every Summer After, is being turned into a series on Prime Video called Every Year After, starring Sadie Soverall as Percy, Matt Cornett as Sam, Michael Bradway as Charlie, and Elisha Cuthbert as Percy and Sam's mom, Sue Florek.

Fortune's second book, Meet Me At The Lake, was also selected for development at Archewell Productions, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's production company, in 2023 as part of their deal with Netflix. The goal was to turn it into a film, however the project hasn't been formally greenlit yet and there is no cast or creative team announced. Sadly, Archewell's deal with Netflix expired in September 2025, so it's unknown if Meet Me At The Lake will happen anytime soon.