Season two of the “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” spin-off series just came out on Jan. 16, 2025, and members of the fandom are rushing to binge the show. Starring Anna Cathcart as protagonist Kitty Song Covey, the beloved matching-making little sister from “To All the Boys,” the show takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of romance and drama. Since the release of the first season, the show has had mixed reviews, as “XO, Kitty” differs quite a bit from the “To All the Boys” trilogy. The differences between the movies and the show appeal to slightly different audiences; followers of the original film might be more skeptical, yet K-drama fanatics would rave. With the second season just coming out, fans are jumping back into the world of the Covey sisters, each with their own opinions of the release.
In season one, Kitty leaves her home and family to attend the Korean International School of Seoul (or KISS) to discover family history and a romance of her own. The show is primarily categorized as being a coming-of-age American teen show, while it also features popular elements and themes from the K-drama genre. The blend of cultures and tropes makes the show unique and interesting. The fascinating premise of the original season turned the series into an automatic hit and created high expectations for the second season.
Season two begins with Kitty coming back to KISS after winter break. Due to the events of last semester, her scholarship was rebuked, and she was not invited back to KISS. With the help of her friends and their influential parents, she convinces the administration to let her stay through the end of the year. On top of that, she is dealing with the recent discovery of her bisexuality after developing feelings for her friend Yuri. Hoping to get a fresh start with the new semester, she vows to stay focused on her education and steer clear of drama. Those goals are quickly forgotten when she is assigned to a room with Yuri, along with a new girl, Stella and Yuri’s girlfriend, Julianna. Secrets are revealed, hearts are broken, friends are made and lessons are learned. New characters are introduced, and old ones make appearances. Not everybody is what they seem, but that gives the series another layer of entertainment.
Some of the positive aspects of the series include its use of setting throughout the plot. Most of the series takes place in Seoul, Korea, showing American audiences a refreshing taste of the culture there. Each set is elaborate and visually pleasing, making the show atmospheric and immersive. The extravagant air intensifies the drama and ensures viewers’ investment throughout the episodes. Another notable element of the production is the chemistry and relationships between characters. While there is a lot of romance, the platonic bonds are what really draw viewers in. Despite all the drama, the cast is very close and loving in its entirety. The group is always there for each other and is indeed the definition of a found family.
While each episode has its fun, the show is not without flaws. As is inevitable with a series in this genre, “XO, Kitty” had its fair share of cringy moments, and the ending left a bit to be desired. The closing scene of the season left viewers disappointed and wishing for more. It was neither a cliffhanger nor a happy ending, confusing and frustrating many fans. Aside from that, many of the scenes regarding Kitty’s family and her mom were hard to take seriously due to the series’ highly dramatic and romanticized mood. In addition to that, the script is unsophisticated in many ways and struggles to use subtle elements like foreshadowing and symbolism. That lack of depth makes plot points and reveals that would otherwise be shocking seem underwhelming and predictable. Despite being unserious in these aspects, the program was lighthearted and digestible.
Overall, this show is an excellent recommendation for fans of the “To All the Boys” world or anyone who enjoys a breezy, drama-filled watch.
