created by: jenny han
Based on: Characters by Jenny Han
Mould: Anna Cathcart, Sang Heon Lee, Jia Kim, Peter Thurnwald, Anthony Keown, Choi Min-young, Jocelyn Shelfo, Théo Augier Bonaventure, Regan Aliyah, Ryu Han-bi, Yunjin Kim, Sunny Oh, Michael K. Lee, Lee Sung-wook, Lee Hyung-chul.
Episode: 8
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
Following the end of Season 1, which ends with Min Ho confessing his love for Kitty and his expulsion from KISS (The Korean Independent School of Seoul) for living in the boys’ dorm for the entire semester, Season 2 Kitty faces new challenges and setbacks.
Co-directed by Jenny Han, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series and The Summer I Turned Pretty series,’xo kitty‘It feels like an add-on season. Many scenes felt unnecessary, and the introduction of new characters overshadowed existing characters, reducing their prominence on screen. The storytelling feels scattered at times, juggling multiple storylines without providing enough depth to any of them.
Kitty Song Covey’s character seems more frustrating than relevant as she navigates her life throughout the series. Although the season highlights homosexual relationships, it fails to adequately address the struggles of these individuals. This makes the plot seem rushed, an attempt to grab attention. The depiction of same-sex relationships felt superficial, lacking the emotional weight and nuance needed to make them impactful.
Kitty travels to Korea to find love and learn more about her mother, but the series fails to immerse viewers in Korean atmosphere or teach them about Seoul and Korean culture.
Min Ho’s transformation is evident when he transforms from a playboy to a loyal friend of Kitty in Season 1. Her growth is one of the few well-developed arcs in the season. However, Kitty’s ex-husband Dey loses his importance in Kitty’s journey. Their unresolved tension makes their relationship feel incomplete, and Day’s character remains underdeveloped.
The script lacked pacing, making it difficult to follow the eight-episode format due to multiple storylines. The chaotic story failed to make the characters’ situations relevant or emotionally engaging. The show attempts to engage themes of identity, love and friendship but often sacrifices depth for convenience. Many moments that could have been emotionally impactful were rushed, leaving the audience disconnected from the characters’ struggles.
Despite its flaws, Season 2 had some great things to offer. Noah Centineo’s cameo as Peter Kavinsky provided a nostalgic moment recalling ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’. Her appearance, though brief, was reminiscent of the charm and heart that initially attracted audiences to Jenny Han’s work. Additionally, the selection of high-end songs added value to the series, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and creating memorable moments.
The performances of the cast are worth mentioning. Despite the script’s shortcomings, Anna Cathcart brings energy and enthusiasm to the role of Kitty. Sang Heon Lee’s portrayal of Min Ho is particularly noteworthy, showing the complexity of his character’s development. The ensemble cast tries their best with the material, but the writing often fails to give them the opportunities they need to shine.
Ultimately, XO Kitty struggles to hold her own in Season 2. While it attempts to tackle important themes and expand on its characters, the execution often falls short.
XO Kitty Season 2 is available to stream on Netflix.
