XO, Kitty – Season 3 (2026) TV Review: Netflix’s Hit Spin-Off Struggles to Graduate Beyond Its Own Tropes
- Joao Nsita
- 3 days ago
- 13 min read
There is a very specific, undeniable comfort in returning to a beloved cinematic universe. When XO, Kitty first debuted, it felt like slipping on a favorite, oversized sweater—a bright, bubblegum-pop extension of the wildly successful To All the Boys I've Loved Before franchise. It promised the same chaotic, swoon-worthy teenage romance but relocated it to the vibrant, neon-lit streets of Seoul. Now, as we enter Kitty Song Covey’s senior year at the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS), the air should be thick with the bittersweet nostalgia of impending graduation and the thrilling culmination of slow-burn romance. Yet, as the cherry blossoms fall and the final semester begins, the series feels strangely stuck in detention. Showrunner Jenny Han, usually a master of the adolescent heart, seems to have trapped her characters in a repetitive cycle of contrived misunderstandings. XO, Kitty Season 3 is a beautifully shot, deeply frustrating watch that proves even the most endearing spin-offs eventually have to grow up—or risk being left behind.
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The Senior Year Slump
The plot of XO, Kitty Season 3 kicks off with a jarring, incredibly awkward pivot from the explosive cliffhanger of Season 2. Audiences were left practically holding their breath as Kitty (Anna Cathcart) and the perpetually wealthy, secretly soft-hearted Min-ho (Sang Heon Lee) finally seemed poised to explore their undeniable, enemies to lovers chemistry. Instead of leaning into that tension, the writers immediately separate them for the entire summer. Kitty retreats to New York with her sister Lara Jean, while Min-ho tours with his father's music clients. When they finally reunite for senior year at KISS, the narrative tension feels significantly deflated.
The central dramatic conflict of the season is supposed to be the looming pressure of college applications, the terrifying uncertainty of the future, and whether Kitty and Min-ho can actually function as a real couple. Unfortunately, the writers rely entirely on the most exhausting trope in the romantic comedy playbook: the contrived miscommunication. Rather than facing genuine, character-driven obstacles, Kitty and Min-ho’s relationship is constantly derailed by interrupted conversations, unread text messages, and foolish assumptions that could easily be solved by a single, two-minute conversation.
While the central romance aggressively spins its wheels, the supporting cast is desperately trying to carry the emotional weight of the show. Yuri (Gia Kim) is forced to navigate the devastating fallout of her family's highly public lawsuit, stripping away her immense wealth and forcing her to discover who she actually is without the safety net of privilege. Meanwhile, Kitty's best friend Q (Anthony Keyvan) finds himself entangled with a disruptive new student, Marius (Sule Thelwell), who adds a much-needed spark of genuine, unpredictable drama to the otherwise repetitive storylines. If you are wondering is XO, Kitty worth watching this season, the answer lies almost entirely in the compelling, nuanced journeys of these secondary characters rather than the title protagonist.
A Glossy, Candy-Coated Seoul
From a purely visual standpoint, XO, Kitty remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing, brightly saturated shows currently streaming on Netflix. Directors like Jennifer Arnold continue to utilize a candy-coated, hyper-stylized visual language that makes the show feel incredibly optimistic and buoyant. The cinematography leans heavily into vibrant pastel palettes, glowing neon cityscapes, and impeccably lit, high-fashion school uniforms that would make the cast of Gossip Girl intensely jealous.
The production design team excels at making Seoul feel like a magical, bustling playground for these absurdly wealthy teenagers. Whether the cast is attending exclusive underground fashion shows, shooting K-pop music videos, or simply eating lunch in the impeccably manicured courtyard of KISS, the world feels lush and deeply inviting. This glossy, elevated reality perfectly matches the To All the Boys cinematic universe, maintaining a cohesive, comforting visual identity across the entire franchise.
However, this relentless commitment to visual perfection often undercuts the emotional gravity of the story. When characters are supposedly facing devastating heartbreak or terrifying life changes, the aggressively cheerful lighting and bubbly, pop-heavy soundtrack—featuring artists like SEVENTEEN and BLACKPINK—often feel entirely at odds with the narrative. The music supervision is undeniably catchy, serving as a brilliant playlist of modern K-pop and American indie hits, but it frequently dictates the emotion of the scene rather than allowing the actors' performances to naturally guide the audience. For a fascinating look at how modern music supervision shapes teen dramas, check out the insightful industry analysis at The Hollywood Reporter.
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The Burden of the Franchise Legacy
Beneath the glossy veneer and the exhausting love triangles, XO, Kitty Season 3 is fundamentally attempting to tell a story about the terrifying, exhilarating transition into adulthood. The recurring theme throughout the season is the concept of legacy—both the legacy of Kitty's late mother, which brought her to KISS in the first place, and the heavy, looming legacy of the To All the Boys franchise itself. The show constantly wrestles with whether it wants to be its own independent entity or simply a nostalgic victory lap for older fans.
This thematic struggle is most evident in the highly publicized return of Lana Condor as Lara Jean Covey. While Condor's guest appearance is undeniably charming and provides a beautiful, heartwarming look at the enduring power of sisterhood, it also acts as a glaring reminder of the superior writing and emotional depth of the original films. XO, Kitty explained its entire premise on the idea that Kitty was ready to step out of Lara Jean's shadow, but Season 3 constantly pulls her back into it, utilizing nostalgia as a crutch whenever the current plotlines begin to sag.
The strongest thematic moments of the season occur when the show focuses on the concept of chosen family and the intense, profound bonds of teenage friendship. When Kitty is actively supporting Q through his messy relationship drama, or when the entire friend group rallies around Yuri during her financial crisis, the show briefly captures a beautiful, authentic magic. These moments explore the idea that the people we choose to surround ourselves with are often the ones who truly shape our identities as we step into the adult world.
The Shrinking of Min-ho
The greatest tragedy of XO, Kitty Season 3 is the profound, baffling mishandling of its central romantic lead. In the first season, Sang Heon Lee’s portrayal of Min-ho was an absolute revelation. He was arrogant, deeply flawed, obsessively dedicated to his skincare routine, and undeniably hilarious. He was the classic, sharp-tongued enemy in the beloved enemies to lovers trope, and his slow, agonizing realization that he was falling for the chaotic, irritating American girl was the undisputed highlight of the series.
However, in Season 3, the writers seem to have fundamentally forgotten what made Min-ho interesting in the first place. In their attempt to mold him into the "perfect" boyfriend for Kitty, they have entirely sanded off his sharp edges, reducing a brilliantly complex, scene-stealing character into a passive, bland mannequin. Lee does his absolute best to inject life into the heavily constrained script, particularly during a few brief, vulnerable scenes regarding his strained relationship with his father, but the spark is noticeably dimmed.
"You can't just plan out every single second of your life, Kitty. Sometimes you just have to jump and hope the universe catches you."
Conversely, Anna Cathcart continues to carry the immense weight of the show with incredible, undeniable charisma. Even when Kitty is making deeply frustrating, illogical decisions, Cathcart’s performance remains fiercely watchable. She portrays the messy, dramatic, and often deeply selfish reality of being a teenager with genuine, heartfelt sincerity. However, the lack of chemistry between her and the newly sanitized version of Min-ho makes the central romance feel like a chore rather than a swoon-worthy, sweeping love story. The standout performance of the season undoubtedly belongs to Gia Kim as Yuri. Kim navigates her character's sudden fall from grace with a beautiful, heartbreaking mix of defiance and deep vulnerability, proving she is a massive talent to watch.
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The Charm of the Ensemble
Despite its massive, glaring flaws in the romance department, XO, Kitty Season 3 still manages to deliver several genuinely enjoyable, highly entertaining moments. The show's greatest strength remains its vibrant, diverse, and deeply lovable ensemble cast. When the script shifts its focus away from the exhausting Kitty and Min-ho drama and allows the supporting characters to breathe, the series shines.
The introduction of the new student, Marius (Sule Thelwell), is a brilliant decision. He is a complicated, messy character who disrupts the established friend group without devolving into a cartoonish, one-dimensional villain. His complex history with Q provides a much-needed injection of grounded, realistic drama that grounds the otherwise fluffy narrative. Additionally, the show’s decision to dial back the convoluted, soap-opera-level secrets that plagued Season 2 (such as the secret siblings and hidden affairs) allows the story to focus more heavily on the relatable, everyday anxieties of senior year, such as passing difficult classes and the terrifying prospect of college rejections.
The familial storylines also provide a beautiful, emotional anchor. The developing relationship between Kitty and her long-lost cousin, Jiwon (Hojo Shin), who is now a teacher at KISS, yields some of the most genuinely moving, tear-inducing moments of the entire season. These quiet, character-driven scenes prove that beneath the glossy, chaotic exterior, the show is still capable of delivering profound emotional depth when it actually tries.
A Failure to Communicate
The most significant, unforgivable flaw of XO, Kitty Season 3 is its absolute, relentless reliance on the miscommunication trope. For a show that prides itself on featuring highly intelligent, emotionally articulate teenagers, it is deeply infuriating to watch the central characters consistently fail to have a single, honest conversation with one another. Entire episodes are completely wasted on Kitty and Min-ho assuming the worst about each other due to an interrupted phone call or a vaguely worded text message.
This lazy screenwriting severely damages the pacing of the season. The first four episodes drag along at a glacial pace, as the audience is forced to watch the characters run in frustrating, illogical circles rather than actually addressing their issues and allowing the relationship to naturally evolve. It makes the eventual, inevitable romantic climax in the finale feel entirely unearned and deeply unsatisfying. The XO, Kitty ending explained simply boils down to the characters finally doing what they should have done in episode one: actually talking to each other. It is a massive disservice to an audience that has patiently invested three seasons into this specific love story.
Does It Escape the Shadow of 'To All the Boys'?
When engaging in a comparative analysis, it is entirely impossible to evaluate XO, Kitty without directly referencing the monumental success of the To All the Boys I've Loved Before films. The original trilogy, starring Lana Condor and Noah Centineo, completely revitalised the modern teen rom-com genre. They were sharply written, deeply romantic, and grounded by a central couple that possessed undeniable, crackling chemistry.
Unfortunately, XO, Kitty Season 3 falls significantly short of that high watermark. While the spin-off successfully replicates the bright, poppy visual aesthetic of the original films, it entirely lacks the emotional maturity and narrative discipline that made Lara Jean's story so universally beloved. Where To All the Boys allowed its characters to make mistakes and genuinely learn from them, XO, Kitty seems perfectly content to let its protagonist make the exact same mistakes season after season without any meaningful, lasting growth.
If you are looking for a highly superior, complex, and deeply romantic teen drama streaming on Netflix right now, shows like Heartstopper or Never Have I Ever offer vastly superior, nuanced writing and significantly more authentic chemistry. However, if you are simply looking for a light, breezy, and visually beautiful background watch, XO, Kitty still provides enough mindless entertainment to justify a weekend binge. For fans who want to revisit the original magic, you can easily pick up the [To All the Boys I've Loved Before Book Box Set on Amazon].
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Who Is Still Enrolled at KISS?
The target audience for XO, Kitty Season 3 remains firmly entrenched in the young adult and teenage demographic. If you are a die-hard fan of the To All the Boys franchise, you will undoubtedly want to tune in simply to see Lana Condor reprise her iconic role as Lara Jean and to find out how Kitty's high school journey ultimately concludes.
It is also a fantastic, low-stakes watch for fans of lighthearted, bubbly romantic comedies who do not mind heavily contrived plotting and predictable tropes. If you enjoy the glossy, high-fashion aesthetic of shows like Emily in Paris or the chaotic, friend-group dynamics of Never Have I Ever, this show will perfectly scratch that specific itch. However, viewers seeking a deeply complex, mature, or emotionally challenging exploration of young love will likely find themselves intensely frustrated by the repetitive, shallow writing and the baffling regression of key characters like Min-ho. The show is rated TV-14 for suggestive content, mild language, and teen drinking, making it generally appropriate for younger audiences.
A Bittersweet Graduation
Sitting through the final episodes of XO, Kitty Season 3 left me with a profound, lingering sense of melancholy, but not necessarily for the reasons the creators intended. I found myself mourning the massive, squandered potential of a show that possessed all the necessary ingredients to be great: a deeply charismatic lead actress, a spectacular, vibrant setting, and a built-in, fiercely loyal fanbase.
There is a genuine, undeniable comfort in watching Kitty run through the halls of KISS, but the relentless, lazy reliance on miscommunication tropes made it incredibly difficult to stay emotionally invested in her romantic journey. I walked away from the season feeling significantly more attached to the complex, messy supporting cast than the actual protagonist. It is a show that consistently hints at deeper, more profound themes—the terrifying pressure of the future, the devastating loss of privilege, the beauty of chosen family—but ultimately always chooses to retreat into the safe, shallow waters of generic teen drama. It is a fun, fleeting distraction, but it certainly won't linger in your heart long after the credits roll.
The Final Verdict
Ultimately, XO, Kitty Season 3 is a beautifully packaged, highly watchable, but deeply flawed continuation of the beloved Netflix franchise. While Anna Cathcart’s undeniable charm and the spectacular, vibrant backdrop of Seoul attempt to carry the series, the lazy, repetitive writing and the baffling, frustrating destruction of Min-ho’s character make the central romance feel like an exhausting chore rather than a sweeping, epic love story.
If you have already invested two seasons into these characters, it is certainly worth streaming simply to see how the gang navigates the terrifying pressures of their senior year and to enjoy the highly anticipated return of Lara Jean. However, do not expect the sharp, swoon-worthy romance or the profound emotional depth of its predecessors. It is a light, breezy, and highly forgettable binge-watch that proves that sometimes, the hardest part of growing up is realizing you have outgrown your favorite stories.
[Stream XO, Kitty Season 3 exclusively on Netflix]
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is XO, Kitty Season 3 worth watching? If you are a dedicated fan of the To All the Boys franchise and want closure on Kitty’s high school journey, it is a fun, lighthearted binge. However, viewers seeking deep, complex romance or significant character growth may find the heavy reliance on miscommunication tropes incredibly frustrating.
Do I need to have seen the To All the Boys movies to watch XO, Kitty? While you do not strictly need to watch the original films to understand the basic plot of the spin-off, it is highly recommended. Understanding Kitty’s history as the ultimate matchmaker provides crucial context for her character, and the emotional impact of guest stars like Lara Jean relies entirely on nostalgia.
Where can I watch XO, Kitty Season 3 in the UK / US? XO, Kitty is a global Netflix Original series. All three seasons are available to stream exclusively on the Netflix platform in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Is XO, Kitty Season 3 suitable for families / couples? The series is rated TV-14. It contains mild language, suggestive romantic themes, and depictions of underage drinking at parties. It is highly appropriate for teenagers and young adults, making it a decent, lighthearted watch for couples looking for a breezy romantic comedy.
Does XO, Kitty Season 3 have a happy ending? Without revealing major XO, Kitty spoilers, the third season does wrap up several major, looming storylines regarding the characters' graduation and their terrifying college prospects, providing a generally optimistic and hopeful conclusion to their high school era.
Is XO, Kitty based on a true story or a book? The series is not based on a true story. It is a television spin-off based entirely on the fictional characters created by author Jenny Han in her massively successful To All the Boys I've Loved Before young adult novel series.
How long is XO, Kitty Season 3 / How many episodes does it have? Season 3 consists of 8 episodes, with each episode running approximately 25 to 30 minutes in length, making it an incredibly fast, easy weekend binge-watch.
XO, Kitty vs Never Have I Ever — which is better? While both shows deal with the messy, chaotic reality of teenage romance and grief, Mindy Kaling's Never Have I Ever is widely considered the superior series. It boasts significantly sharper, funnier writing, vastly more complex character development, and a much more authentic portrayal of high school dynamics.
Will there be a Season 4 of XO, Kitty? As of the release of Season 3, Netflix has not officially confirmed whether XO, Kitty will return for a fourth season. Given that the current season heavily focuses on the characters graduating from high school, it serves as a natural, fitting conclusion to the series.
Who plays Min-ho in XO, Kitty? The arrogant, wealthy, and secretly soft-hearted character of Min-ho is played by South Korean actor Sang Heon Lee. His breakout performance in the first season instantly made him a massive fan favorite and a rising star in the industry.
About the Creator: Jenny Han
Jenny Han is a powerhouse author and television producer who has completely dominated the modern young adult romance genre. She is best known for authoring the massive, #1 New York Times bestselling trilogies To All the Boys I've Loved Before and The Summer I Turned Pretty. Han’s signature style blends deep, heartfelt emotional sincerity with highly relatable, often chaotic teenage anxiety and beautiful, swoon-worthy romance. She actively transitioned from publishing to television production, serving as the creator, executive producer, and co-showrunner for XO, Kitty, ensuring the series retained the glossy, optimistic, and highly romantic visual aesthetic that made her original film adaptations so universally beloved. Her work has been instrumental in bringing diverse, authentic Asian-American leads to the absolute forefront of mainstream Hollywood romantic comedies.
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