'XO, Kitty' Season 3: A Step Backwards?

When XO, Kitty premiered, it promised a vibrant continuation of the world established in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, following Kitty Song Covey’s journey to South Korea. While the initial season faced criticism, Season 2 showed promising growth, developing its characters and finding its own voice. Unfortunately, Season 3 reverts to the issues that plagued the show’s beginning.

Kitty's Senior Year and Romantic Roadblocks

Season 3 focuses on Kitty’s final year at KISS, balancing her desire to enjoy her senior year with the looming question of college and the future of her relationship with Min-ho. However, the central romance between Kitty and Min-ho is hampered by a recurring issue: a frustrating reliance on miscommunication. Problems that could be easily resolved with a simple conversation are unnecessarily prolonged, slowing the pace and diminishing the impact of the finale.

The Miscommunication Trap

The show’s inability to move past the miscommunication trope is a significant drawback. This prevents the central romance from reaching its full potential, despite the space and opportunity for a compelling arc. While some episodes offer brief moments of interest by focusing on individual insecurities, the overall effect is a sluggish and ultimately unsatisfying narrative.

Min-ho's Character Regression

A key disappointment lies in the portrayal of Min-ho, played by Sang Heon Lee. The show seemingly undoes the character development from Season 1, stripping away the nuances that made him appealing and turning him into a less engaging figure. Despite Lee’s performance, Min-ho feels more like an accessory than a fully realized character.

Supporting Characters Shine

Where XO, Kitty Season 3 truly excels is in its supporting storylines. Yuri’s journey navigating the fallout from a family lawsuit is particularly compelling, with Kim portraying the complexities of identity and independence without relying on wealth. Q’s storyline also provides a welcome distraction, offering a more engaging narrative thread in the first half of the season. The introduction of Gigi adds a much-needed spark to the series.

Coming-of-Age Strengths

The show demonstrates strength as a coming-of-age story, particularly in Kitty’s willingness to acknowledge her mistakes and embrace personal growth, as portrayed by Anna Cathcart. Moments of vulnerability from Min-ho also offer glimpses of his former self, adding depth to his arc. As a story about friendship and navigating the complexities of adolescence, XO, Kitty remains a feel-good watch, even with its flaws.

Nostalgia and Missed Opportunities

XO, Kitty continues to lean on nostalgia for To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, with the return of Lara Jean Condor this season. While this provides a familiar touch, it also highlights the show’s struggle to fully establish its own identity. The season also features a more substantial storyline for Kitty’s cousin, Jiwon, which provides one of the season’s most moving moments.

Ultimately, Season 3 represents a step backward for XO, Kitty, failing to build on the momentum of Season 2. The strongest elements of the show reside in the friendships and personal growth of the supporting cast, leaving viewers longing for a more memorable conclusion to Kitty’s senior year.

  • Release Date: May 18, 2023
  • Network: Netflix
  • Showrunner: Jenny Han