Netflix’s To All the Boys franchise has captivated audiences with its heartwarming portrayal of teenage romance, and at the center of it all is Peter Kavinsky. As the quintessential popular guy, Peter initially sweeps Lara Jean off her feet, making viewers swoon with classic rom-com charm. In the first movie, a pivotal scene unfolds at a hot tub party, a moment that solidified Peter as a dream boyfriend for many. But beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect romantic gesture lies a twist that recontextualizes everything we thought we knew about Peter’s intentions. The question lingers: Who Was Peter Kavinsky Waiting For In The Hot Tub that night? The answer is more complicated, and frankly, more human, than initial impressions might suggest.
The iconic hot tub scene in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is crafted as a classic romantic setup. Peter and Lara Jean are engaging in their fake relationship, designed to make Peter’s ex-girlfriend, Gen, jealous. However, in this scene, there’s a palpable shift. Peter’s actions and words hint at a genuine connection forming between him and Lara Jean. He seems to be waiting, almost expectantly, for someone to join him, and when Lara Jean does, the moment feels charged with romantic possibility. The audience is led to believe that Peter, despite the initial pretense, was secretly hoping for Lara Jean all along. This scene became a defining moment for “Team Peter,” reinforcing the idea that he had deep-seated feelings for Lara Jean from early on.
However, To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You throws a curveball that reshapes our understanding of that hot tub encounter. In a moment of truth, it’s revealed that Peter Kavinsky was actually waiting for Gen in the hot tub. This revelation reframes the entire scene. It wasn’t about a secret longing for Lara Jean, but rather a lingering connection to his past relationship. This twist is crucial for understanding Peter’s character arc. It shows that his feelings are complex and not always aligned with the perfect rom-com image he initially projects. He’s not simply the flawless dream boyfriend; he’s a teenager navigating complicated emotions, still somewhat entangled with his ex while simultaneously developing feelings for Lara Jean.
This revelation of who Peter Kavinsky was actually waiting for in the hot tub doesn’t diminish his character, but rather adds depth and realism to him. It highlights his flaws and vulnerabilities. Throughout the series, Peter grapples with abandonment issues, which become evident in his reaction to Lara Jean’s college decision in Always and Forever. His initial inability to fully support her choice to attend NYU, far from Stanford, stems from these insecurities. While not excusable, understanding his flaws makes him a more relatable and human character. He’s not perfect, and his journey is about growth and learning to navigate relationships in a healthy way.
Despite these imperfections, Peter’s capacity for grand gestures and genuine care for Lara Jean ultimately shines through. He learns and grows throughout the trilogy. While John Ambrose, the other love interest introduced in the second film, might seem like a safer, more predictable choice for Lara Jean, it’s Peter’s imperfections and the challenges they overcome together that make their relationship compelling. Their dynamic is not always smooth, but it’s real and transformative for both of them. In the end, Peter’s willingness to learn, adapt, and fight for his relationship with Lara Jean, despite his flaws and past mistakes (like waiting for Gen in that hot tub), is what truly makes him a memorable and ultimately beloved romantic lead. He proves that love isn’t about perfection, but about growth and choosing each other, even when things get complicated.
