The New Summer Series Everyone Is Talking About ‘Every Year After’
The new Prime Video series ‘Every Year After’ is rapidly becoming one of the most discussed summer shows online. It has already established a strong presence on social media, with viewers sharing a mix of praise and criticism after binge-watching the first season.
Based on the popular novel ‘Every Summer After’ by Carley Fortune, the series follows Persephone “Percy” Fraser, portrayed by Sadie Soverall, as she returns to a small lakeside town after many years away. The story kicks off when Percy attends a wedding celebration in Seattle, but her life takes an unexpected turn upon receiving a phone call that revives memories she has tried to bury.
The call comes from Charlie Florek, played by Michael Bradway, who informs her of his mother’s passing. This news compels Percy to return to Barry’s Bay, a fictional town in rural Ontario where she spent her teenage summers. The return is filled with emotional turmoil, as it also means confronting Sam, her former love, and the past she left behind.
The series navigates between two timelines. One timeline captures Percy as a teenager in 2011, when her family acquires a summer house near the lake. There, she meets Sam and Charlie, forming strong bonds that shape her adolescence. Sam becomes her closest friend and eventually her first love. The second timeline follows adult Percy, who must face the repercussions of choices made during those formative summers.
Much of the narrative centers on the emotional tension between Percy and Sam. Their relationship is complex, marked by breakups, misunderstandings, and long stretches of silence. When they reunite as adults, both are forced to reevaluate what transpired between them and whether reconciliation is possible.
The setting significantly contributes to the series’ charm. Barry’s Bay is depicted as a tranquil lakeside community filled with forests, quaint shops, and a close-knit atmosphere where everyone knows each other. Viewers on social media have noted that the summer backdrop and romantic undertones are among the show’s most appealing aspects, even as the narrative delves into heavier emotional themes.
The cast also features Matt Cornett as Sam and Joseph Chiu as Jordie, along with Aurora Perrineau as Percy’s best friend Chantal. Many viewers have remarked on the strong presence of young male characters in the series, which has fueled its online popularity and discussions.
Reactions to the show have been mixed. Some viewers feel the chemistry between Percy and Sam doesn’t always come across as genuine, while others appreciate the slow and emotional evolution of their relationship. A common critique is the narrative’s shifts between past and present, which some found initially confusing.
According to audience comments gathered from social platforms, one viewer expressed, “I loved it and hated it at the same time. The cliffhangers kept me watching, even when I was frustrated.”
Despite the critiques, many agree that the series is easy to watch and highly addictive. Each episode concludes with a cliffhanger, prompting viewers to continue watching late into the night.
The season builds toward a significant reveal regarding why Percy and Sam lost touch for a decade. While some fans found the explanation moving, others felt it didn’t fully align with the buildup.
The season wraps up with another cliffhanger involving Charlie, leaving the narrative open for a potential continuation. Although it remains unconfirmed if Prime Video will adapt the rest of the book series, early reactions indicate there is sufficient interest to proceed.
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