Prime Video released the eight‑episode adaptation of Carley Fortune’s bestseller ‘Every Summer After’ on June 10, starring Sadie Soverall and Matt Cornett as the adult versions of Persephone Percy Fraser and Sam Florek. the show toggles between their teenage summers in Barry’s Bay and a present‑day reunion, but critics note that the adult chemistry and the altered setting undermine the novel’s spirit.

Barry’s Bay, British Columbia: A Misplaced Setting That Fans Reject

The series relocates the story from the real‑life Barry’s Bay, Ontario, to a fictionalized Barry’s Bay in British Columbia,a shift that "frustrates fans" according to the source. in the novel, the town itself acts as a character, but the on‑screen version feels "generically idyllic" rather than the vivid summer fantasy readers expect.

Teen Timeline Shines While Adult Plot Stalls

The youthful flashbacks, featuring Juliette Hawk as young Percy and Blue Carke as teen Sam, receive praise for their earnest bubbliness and authentic dockside moments, which "more than compensate for the adult timeline’s initial woodenness." By contrast, the present‑day storyline spends too much time on a "shell of her former self" and lacks the spark needed to sustain the romance.

Supporting Cast Elevates a Flawed Adaptation

Elisha Cuthbert’s portrayal of Sue, Sam’s mother, stands out as an emotional anchor , while Michael Bradway’s Charlie adds warmth to the ensemble. The source notes that these performances "add warmth and depth" and help keep the series enjoyable despite its shortcomings.

Chemistry Gap Between Soverall and Cornett Undermines the Core Romance

While Soverall excels in the past timeline, especially when Percy aims to swim across the lake, Cornett’s Sam is described as "less compelling" and the pair’s on‑screen chemistry is deemed insufficient to "anchor the show ." This lack of connection leads to a "heel turn" for Sam that makes the couple "less shippable."

Unanswered Questions:Why Change the Locale and How Will Future Seasons Adapt?

The source does not explain the production’s decision to move the setting to British Columbia, nor does it reveal whether future seasons will address the chemistry issue or realign with the novel’s beloved setting.