The ‘cringiest’ show on Netflix is back – but I’m obsessed with it

When I went onto Netflix this morning and saw my comfort coming-of-age series XO, Kitty was back for a third season, I audibly gasped from excitement.

I know there are thousands out there who, since it first came out in 2023, have likely scrolled past the show or given up during the first episode – writing it off as a cheesy teen fest scraping the bottom of the barrel.

After all, I was just like you once.

The show follows the eponymous Kitty Song-Covey  (Anna Cathcart), the youngest sister of Lara Jean Song-Covey ( Lana Condor ), who some may recognise as the protagonist of Netflix’s hit rom-com trilogy, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.

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As a teen girl in the 2010s, I was the target audience for the original trilogy, based on the books by Jenny Han.

I still remember how the sweet romance between Lara-Jean and Peter Kavinsky ( Noah Centineo ) captured our generation, quickly scoring over 80 million viewers and cementing itself in rom-com movie history.

So I had a small stirring of interest when XO, Kitty first landed – even if it was just to give it a try for old times’ sake.

But I was not expecting anything to come of it.

Now, I’m not going to sugarcoat it; the many critics, although harsh, may have a little bit of a point.

This show definitely does lean into the slightly cringe, slightly ridiculous moments, whether through on-the-nose Gen Z dialogue (‘I’m swearing off all relationships, I think I was better off as a playboy) or over-the-top storylines and scenes (that dream sequence of romantic shirtless protagonist Min Ho sweeping Kitty off her feet in the kitchen).

But, considering the poor job modern shows can do at portraying the younger generation, this series, conversely, offers a humorous edge I wasn’t expecting, especially with lead star Anna Cathcart’s unexpected comedic timing.

Also, I’ll admit, at times you can’t help but laugh at just how ludicrous the situation is.

Unlike other shows, which have put me off for life with how poorly they are written and acted (sorry Never Have I Ever and Ginny and Georgia – I fear I will never recover from ‘happy Friday’), XO Kitty has almost inexplicably charmed me.

Once you give it a chance, there are surprising layers to this tale that grapple with grief, the horrors of unrequited love, found family, and the messy ordeal of trying to figure yourself out.

After all, although easily dismissed as rubbish by some, there’s a reason season two debuted at number one with 14.2 million viewers in its first week alone last year .

Also, as someone always delighted by LGBTQ+ representation on my screen, without giving away too many spoilers – this show has a boatload, and not just as supporting roles.

When I saw the direction of the plot during the second season, I genuinely couldn’t believe Netflix had gone in so hard on a queer storyline – especially since this franchise has always been so catered towards a straight audience.

The films only featured one notable gay person, Lucas, who was a side character.

But, as you discover, this show has lots of pleasant surprises if you delve beneath the surface.

It is certainly not perfect.

But it’s a fun watch.

Going into season three, my mind is abuzz wondering if Kitty and Min Ho finally get together, if Kitty will uncover the truths of her past and if she and Yuri will finally be able to salvage a friendship out of the ashes.

Much like Lara Jean, who will make a cameo in the third season, I feel oddly protective of Kitty and her destiny now, as though a younger sister I’ve taken under my wing.

I’m rooting for her happiness.

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I know this show won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and, if you are truly averse to any form of cheesy coming-of-age tales then this may not be for you.

But if, like me, you also found yourself unexpectedly hooked to YA shows like Heartstopper or The Summer I Turned Pretty (which is also based on books by Jenny Han), or are simply feeling nostalgic for your teen days watching To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, then you never know – this could be your next guilty pleasure.

As for my Easter weekend plans, you’ll find me, snacks in hand, bingeing the latest season of XO, Kitty with absolutely no regrets.

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XO, Kitty is available to stream on Netflix now.

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