With the attention span of newer generations growing shorter and shorter each year, television shows are more popular now than ever. Netflix, especially, has become one of the most used streaming services, with shows from Stranger Things to Money Heist, and now, XO Kitty. Released on May 18, 2023, the first season of this rom-com drama follows the life of Katherine Song-Cov-ey, lovingly referred to as Kitty, as she navigates through high school in a foreign country, complicated relationships, and her dead mother’s hidden past. The first week the show aired, it recorded seventy-two million hours of viewing and quickly reached Netflix’s Top 10 Shows in ninety different countries, leaving its many viewers impatiently awaiting the next season.
The viewers were enthralled when a second season was declared and finally released on Jan. 16, 2025. The second part of Kitty’s adventure not only brought about new discoveries about her mother’s life in Seoul, but also about her own sexuality and persona coming out of a long-term relationship. The introduction of new characters such as Min Ho’s father, Praveena, Eunice and Kitty’s halemoni’s sister played a pivotal role in shaping the second season’s plot. While this season was a good addition to Kitty’s storyline, I believe that the first season was better executed when it came to the plot and the characters. As it turns out, my opinion isn’t lost to others on campus. “I liked season one because it was way more unexpected and had a new concept to it,” says Narayani Yogi, ’28, “I liked the fact that the main character was exploring her sexuality and also a new life in a country abroad, which I relate to because I am an international student.”
One of the main storylines the show revolves around, is the love life of Kitty Song-Covey. Throughout the series, many characters gain interest in Kitty, leading to an entanglement that weaves drama and excitement into the plot. These choices range from Kitty’s ex-boyfriend Dae and Yuri, one of her gal pals, to Dae’s best friend Min-Ho and another female friend of Kitty’s, Praveena. Most of the fanbase has shipped Min-Ho with Kitty ever since the last episode of the first season, and the students at Union also agree. “I love Kitty and Min-Ho together!! There are so many parallels between them and Kitty’s sister Lara Jean and her boyfriend, Peter. I just know they’re meant to be together.” stated Kavita Trivedi ’27.
Since its release, XO Kitty sea-son 2 has gained an increasing amount of popularity, even knocking Squid Game off the number one spot for Netflix TV shows. With this, a third season for the rom-com drama would not be unexpected. However, this doesn’t change the fact the season, though good, failed to live up to the fans’ expectations. “I prefer season one because the plot was pretty solid. Season two seemed a lot more stretched out and predictable. There was no crazy plot twist and I was really waiting for one,” added Kavita.
As the viewers look forward to the potential new season, they have hopes for what the continuation will bring. “I hope we get to see them (Kitty and Min Ho) on tour, and I hope my girl Yuri finally has some-thing good happen to her, cause she went through it,” says Saniya Dixon, ’28. The show does a really good job with getting fans attached, which has left everyone anxious to see what becomes of their favorite characters and their relationships in the future.
Will Kitty end up with Min-ho? Or will Yuri and her get a chance to reconnect? And what will become of her mother’s mysteries? It appears that we will just have to wait and see what fate Netflix decides for our be-loved Kitty and her friends.