Spoiler-Free Review of “Cruel Summer” Season 2 on Freeform: The Dangerous Secrets Return

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“You coming here has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me…”

Cruel Summer season two premiered on Freeform on June 5th 2023 (episodes also stream on Hulu) with the first two episodes. The series is set to air ten weekly episodes. It stars Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck, and KaDee Strickland. Each episode runs for approximately 46-48 minutes.

The events we witness take place over one year from 1999-2000, involving a new set of characters and a new murder mystery to untangle.

Here is the trailer:

Cruel Summer is back and presents us with another mystery told from two perspectives across different timelines, but does it pack the same punch as the first season? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Freeform

Likable characters for the most part…

I’m not sure that anyone can outshine Jeanette and Kate from season one, but so far I like the characters of Megan and Isabella and I think the actresses are doing a good job with their portrayals. The friendship is a lot different this time around and so are the circumstances, which will make things feel fresh and new…even though it’s an already familiar premise.

I’m not a huge fan of the character of Luke, but I didn’t really like that actor on Locke & Key either so maybe that’s why. The other supporting characters aren’t really adding too much to the series yet. We need another Mallory to really shake things up…

I’m hopeful that we’ll get there.

The soundtrack is on point!

Similar to season one, season two is doing a solid job of bringing us back in time with some fantastic music. From Sugar Ray to Lit to The Spice Girls! The show is channeling this time well and I’m looking forward to the rest of the soundtrack in the remaining episodes. Some movie references would be nice too!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Freeform

The mystery needs more edge.

Cruel Summer season one was so addicting and I had so many working theories throughout my watch, which made it a lot of fun. While we have lots of drama and scandal in season two, the mystery just feels kind of lukewarm. We need a lot more to live up to season one.

The time jumps are trippy once again and maybe even more so this time around. They also feel a little rushed since this series takes place over one year rather than three summers. 

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Freeform

I’m in about 75 percent…

Cruel Summer season two has some potential and is doing just enough to lure me back for more, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the mystery in season one.

Either way, it should make a fun summer watch to indulge in!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Cruel Summer (season two) in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

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A harmless night of fun turns deadly for six college friends but the game has only just begun. Take a mystery thrill ride right from your own living room. Dash and Seek is out now!

Play if you dare…

Dash and Seek is available here!

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Predictions for the “Cruel Summer” Season Finale: Who is Annabelle?

Happy Monday TV Fans! As we approach the season finale of Cruel Summer, there is quite a lot I want to see, but will we be able to answer all of our questions or will there be more of the mystery left to uncover?

**Please note spoilers are ahead if you are not caught up with this series.**

Cruel Summer has quickly become one of my favorite shows to premiere this year and even though the trippy time jumps may have your head spinning here and there, the mystery is a good one and I have had so many theories and questions about this particular show.

Just when you think you have it all figured out, the show throws you for a loop which reminds us that seeing things from each perspective is not always clear cut and sometimes there is a lot more to the truth. 

So, what can we expect from the season finale?

Images courtesy of Freeform

Well, now that we have witnessed the events leading to Kate being locked up in the basement, we are going to be watching the trial between Kate and Jeanette. We know that Kate did have a relationship with Martin, but it did escalate into something truly horrific and my heart does go out to her.

We now understand how Jeanette’s necklace showed up at the house, but Kate seems still pretty convinced that Jeanette saw her and that wasn’t evident at all from the flashbacks we witnessed. 

The trial is probably going to have a lot of drama, but will we learn anything new?

I still have two major questions and I want some answers in the season finale.

Is Mallory hiding something?

Images courtesy of Freeform

Everything in my gut tells me that Mallory has a secret. I’m not exactly sure what her part is in this all, but maybe she saw more on that videotape than she is letting on…

Mallory lied to Jeanette about the snow globe, but what else does she know and can she be trusted at all?

Let’s talk about Annabelle…

Images courtesy of Freeform

The biggest question I have had has been around who Annabelle is. I have theories about it being another victim, part of Kate’s personality or part of Martin’s own issues, but I really hope that we finally get to explore the answer to this burning question because I think it has the potential to truly surprise the audience.

Don’t let us down!

Will there be another twist?

Images courtesy of Freeform

The series has only been approved for one season, but that doesn’t mean that Freeform won’t decide to bring it back for a second one, but what would actually happen in the second season?

We would need another shocking twist to bring us back for more and the only thing that comes to mind is perhaps Martin isn’t actually dead after all? Maybe Jeanette did actually see her?

I also think that one of the parents knows a lot more than they are saying or maybe there was another witness.

Honestly I don’t know, but I really like this show and would be happy to see another season only if we have more to the mystery left to uncover.

Stay tuned!

If you haven’t watched Cruel Summer yet, you can catch up now on Freeform and Hulu!

Feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Cruel Summer in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My new young adult horror thriller comes out October 7th 2021! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

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