Every Year After Review: Is this emotional Summer romance worth your time?

Image Credit: Justine Yeung/Prime Video

Prime Video is betting big on romance once again with Every Year After, an adaptation of Carley Fortune’s bestselling novel Every Summer After. The eight-episode series, which premiered on June 10, follows a story of first love, heartbreak, regret and second chances spanning nearly two decades.

With comparisons already being made to Prime Video’s breakout hit The Summer I Turned Pretty, viewers are asking one question: Is Every Year After worth watching?

Early reviews suggest the answer depends on what you’re looking for in a romance drama. While some critics praise its emotional storytelling and nostalgic summer atmosphere, others argue the series struggles under the weight of its own heartbreak.

What Is Every Year After About?

The series centers on Persephone “Percy” Fraser, a woman forced to return to the lakeside town where she spent her teenage summers after learning of the death of a woman who was like a second mother to her.

Returning to Barry’s Bay means confronting painful memories and, more importantly, reconnecting with Sam Florek, her first love and the man she has not spoken to in a decade.

The story unfolds across multiple timelines, moving between Percy and Sam’s teenage years and their adult lives. Through flashbacks, viewers witness the evolution of their relationship, the mistakes that separated them and the lingering emotions that continue to shape their lives.

Why Critics Are Praising Every Year After

One of the strongest elements highlighted by reviewers is the show’s nostalgic summer setting.

The lakeside backdrop, bonfires, friendship bracelets, first kisses and coming-of-age experiences create an atmosphere that many viewers will find emotionally engaging. Critics also praised the chemistry between lead actors Sadie Soverall and Matt Cornett, particularly during the characters’ younger years.

The series explores themes beyond romance, including friendship, personal growth, grief and the lasting impact of formative experiences. Several reviewers noted that supporting characters receive meaningful development rather than existing solely to support the central love story.

Another major strength is the show’s exploration of how people evolve over time. By covering nearly twenty years of the characters’ lives, the narrative examines how dreams, relationships and life circumstances change with age.

Why Some Reviews Are More Critical

Not all critics were convinced.

Some reviewers argued that the series spends too much time focused on Percy and Sam’s emotional suffering, making the story feel repetitive. Critics from more skeptical publications described the romance as overly melodramatic and occasionally frustrating.

A common criticism centers on the protagonists’ inability to move on from their past relationship. Some reviewers felt that the constant emotional back-and-forth weakened the show’s momentum and made certain plot developments predictable.

Others noted that while the series aims to be deeply emotional, it sometimes leans heavily on familiar romance tropes without adding enough originality.

Comparisons to The Summer I Turned Pretty

Perhaps the biggest challenge facing Every Year After is the inevitable comparison to The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Both series feature summer settings, first loves, emotional longing and nostalgic coming-of-age storytelling. However, Every Year After takes a more mature approach by following its characters into adulthood and exploring the consequences of past decisions.

While The Summer I Turned Pretty focuses heavily on teenage romance, Every Year After incorporates themes of grief, regret, personal responsibility and second chances.

For viewers seeking a more emotional and reflective romance, that distinction may prove appealing.

Cast and Performances Shine

The series stars:

Sadie Soverall as Percy Fraser
Matt Cornett as Sam Florek
Aurora Perrineau as Chantal
Abigail Cowen as Delilah
Elisha Cuthbert as Sue Florek

Many critics singled out the supporting cast for bringing depth and realism to the story, helping elevate the series beyond a straightforward romance.

Is Every Year After Worth Watching?

For fans of emotional romance dramas, the answer is likely yes.

If you enjoyed shows such as The Summer I Turned Pretty, Virgin River or Sweet Magnolias, you’ll probably appreciate Every Year After’s mix of nostalgia, longing and relationship drama.

However, viewers looking for fast-paced storytelling or unconventional plot twists may find the series slower and more predictable than expected.

Ultimately, Every Year After succeeds when it focuses on the emotional complexity of growing up, making mistakes and learning whether some loves truly deserve a second chance.

Its beautiful setting, strong performances and heartfelt themes make it one of Prime Video’s most talked-about romance releases of 2026.

FAQ

What is Every Year After about?

Every Year After follows Percy Fraser as she returns to the lakeside town where she spent her teenage summers. Her return forces her to confront memories of her first love, Sam Florek, and the events that changed both of their lives forever.

Is Every Year After based on a book?

Yes. The series is based on Carley Fortune’s bestselling novel Every Summer After, which became a popular romance book among readers worldwide.

Where can I watch Every Year After?

Every Year After is available exclusively on Prime Video.

Is Every Year After worth watching?

If you enjoy emotional romance stories, nostalgic summer settings and second-chance love stories, critics generally agree the series is worth watching despite some predictable plot elements.

How many episodes are in Every Year After?

The first season consists of eight episodes released on Prime Video.

Who stars in Every Year After?

The main cast includes Sadie Soverall as Percy Fraser, Matt Cornett as Sam Florek, Aurora Perrineau, Abigail Cowen and Elisha Cuthbert.

Is Every Year After similar to The Summer I Turned Pretty?

Yes. Both series focus on summer romance, coming-of-age experiences and emotional relationships. However, Every Year After follows its characters into adulthood and explores more mature themes.

What genre is Every Year After?

The series is primarily a romantic drama with elements of coming-of-age storytelling, family drama and emotional character development.

When does Every Year After take place?

The story spans nearly twenty years, moving between Percy and Sam’s teenage years and their adult lives through multiple timelines.

Who are Percy and Sam in Every Year After?

Percy Fraser and Sam Florek are childhood friends whose relationship evolves into a romance. Their love story serves as the emotional foundation of the series.

Does Every Year After have a happy ending?

The first season focuses on whether Percy and Sam can overcome the mistakes and heartbreak of their past. Viewers will need to watch the series to see how their journey unfolds.

Why is Every Year After getting attention online?

The show is attracting attention because it adapts a bestselling novel and has drawn comparisons to Prime Video’s hit romance series The Summer I Turned Pretty, making it one of the most anticipated romance releases of 2026.