Review | Back to the Coveyverse with ‘XO, Kitty’ season three
Collage by Trinity Johnson, Photographer
The writing for “XO, Kitty” season three is too ambitious. It is a heartwarming watch, filled with nuggets of good storytelling. But it falls short because there are too many storylines at once. Because of this, many of the character relationships feel rushed and conclude prematurely.
There was no struggle for the characters. Every milestone had a miraculous solution that left me thinking, “Of course this would happen,” which, as a viewer, didn’t leave room to wonder and invest in the characters' arcs. If the original franchise didn’t hook you, the lack of attachment to the characters might dissuade you from returning for season four.
When the spinoff of the “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” franchise premiered, it offered fans an exciting and fresh perspective of the beloved Covey family they'd grown to adore. The series follows the youngest daughter, Kitty Song Covey (Anna Cathcart), as she seeks self-discovery attending a boarding school in Seoul, Korea.
It was clear that season three was taking a different turn than the prior seasons from the start. The earlier seasons thrived on playful romance and classic teen drama, but this time, the characters feel more grounded, with deeper connections and character-driven emotional stakes.
Kitty’s 18th birthday marks the milestone of her becoming an adult, and what stood out to me about this season was her significant character growth. In previous seasons, Kitty’s narrative followed a teenage girl who moved across the world for a boy she thought was her true love. Although there were specks of her self-identity throughout, this season is all about her coming-of-age in her true voice.
It was heartwarming to see for the avid fans of both the books and movies who know Kitty as the adorable middle schooler who wreaked havoc on her siblings. Similarly, it was a good addition that her main character traits are consistent across the movies, the books and now the series, particularly her niche of being a “matchmaker” for all those around her.
One big failure was bringing Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) — the original protagonist of the “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” series — into the show. It didn’t move the plot forward as it should have. Instead, it felt like a strategic, but cheap way to bring in viewers. It seemed like her character entered and exited the plot as a buffer to move the rest of the story along.
Additionally, the show's overall tone was a little inconsistent, shifting between lighthearted comedy and deeper emotional moments without fully committing to either. With that, the lighthearted moments were slightly corny; however, I think they were meant to be, and in some cases, added some of that awkward teenage charm.
Regardless, “XO, Kitty” is a charming watch that brings teenagehood and coming-of-age sweetness to life, engaging the audience and keeping fans coming back for more of the charming Covey family's life.
