Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama XO, Kitty, which has completely taken over Netflix and become a global phenomenon that’s impossible to ignore.
XO, Kitty premiered on May 18, 2023, delivering 10 episodes of approximately 30 minutes each on Netflix. This romantic comedy drama series serves as a spin-off of the beloved “To All the Boys” film franchise, following teen matchmaker Kitty Song Covey as she navigates love and life at an elite international school in Seoul.
Following her heart to an elite high school in Seoul, teen matchmaker Kitty learns that life, love and family are more complicated than she ever imagined. The series brilliantly combines coming-of-age themes with cultural exploration, creating a fresh take on the teen romance genre that resonates with audiences worldwide.
The show explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of modern teenage relationships while showcasing the vibrant culture of South Korea through Kitty’s American perspective.
The journey of Kitty Song Covey
XO, Kitty follows the journey of Kitty Song Covey, who travels from the United States to Seoul to attend the prestigious Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS) to be closer to her long-distance boyfriend Dae. What begins as a romantic pursuit quickly transforms into a deeper exploration of her Korean heritage and family history.
At KISS, Kitty discovers that her matchmaking skills, which worked so well for her sisters back home, don’t translate as smoothly in a new cultural environment. She finds herself navigating complex social dynamics, academic pressures, and unexpected romantic complications that challenge everything she thought she knew about love and relationships.
The series weaves together multiple storylines involving classmates, family secrets, and cultural identity, all while maintaining the charming, heartfelt tone that made the original “To All the Boys” franchise so beloved.
Main Character A: Kitty Song Covey’s Journey
Anna Cathcart shines as Kitty Song Covey, bringing infectious energy and authentic vulnerability to the role. Kitty’s character arc throughout the season showcases tremendous growth as she transitions from a confident matchmaker to someone questioning her own understanding of love and identity.
Her journey in Seoul forces her to confront uncomfortable truths about her family’s past and her own assumptions about Korean culture. Rather than simply being the quirky younger sister from the films, Kitty emerges as a fully realized protagonist with her own desires, fears, and complexities.
The character’s evolution is particularly compelling as she learns to balance her American upbringing with her Korean heritage, creating a nuanced portrayal of the multicultural experience that many young people can relate to.
Supporting Characters and Relationships
The ensemble cast brings depth and authenticity to the KISS community. Minyeong Choi as Dae provides the initial romantic catalyst, while Sang Heon Lee as Min Ho creates compelling romantic tension. Gia Kim as Yuri adds layers of friendship and potential romance that keep viewers guessing.
Each supporting character has their own distinct personality and storyline, preventing them from becoming mere plot devices. The dynamics between these characters create a rich tapestry of relationships that mirror the complexity of real teenage social circles.
The series excels at showing how cultural differences can both unite and divide people, particularly through the various international students at KISS who each bring their own perspectives and challenges.
Climax and Resolution
The season builds to emotional revelations about Kitty’s mother’s past and her connection to Seoul, providing satisfying answers while opening new questions for future seasons. The romantic resolution feels earned rather than forced, with Kitty making choices that prioritize her personal growth over simply following her heart.
The climax effectively balances the romantic elements with the deeper themes of identity and belonging, creating a conclusion that feels both emotionally satisfying and narratively complete while setting up future storylines.
Success on Netflix
XO, Kitty Season 2 premiered on Jan. 16 and debuted at No. 2 on the English TV List with 14.2 million views. The young adult romantic comedy, produced by Awesomeness Studios and ACE Entertainment, appeared in the Top 10 in 89 countries in its first week. The series has proven to be a global success, resonating with audiences across different cultures and age groups. The show has officially been renewed for a third season, demonstrating Netflix’s confidence in the XO, Kitty franchise and its ability to continue captivating viewers worldwide.
If you love stories about self-discovery, cultural identity, and heartfelt romance, XO, Kitty is the perfect series to binge on Netflix.
XO, Kitty successfully expands the “To All the Boys” universe while standing on its own as a compelling exploration of identity, love, and growing up in a multicultural world.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 10 (Season 1), 10 (Season 2)
Platform: Netflix
Rating: 6.5/10
Genre: Romantic Comedy Drama / Coming-of-Age
Main Characters: Anna Cathcart (Kitty Song Covey), Minyeong Choi (Dae), Sang Heon Lee (Min Ho), Gia Kim (Yuri)
Antagonist: Various social and cultural obstacles rather than a single antagonist