XO, Kitty: Season 2 continues the story of Kitty Song Covey as she navigates the complexities of love, identity, and belonging far from home. Returning to the Korean Independent School of Seoul, Kitty grapples with the lingering impact of her Season 1 choices—romantic entanglements, friendships tested by secrets, and the challenge of forging her own path. Guided once again by Jenny Han’s vision, the new season promises deeper character development, more ambitious storylines, and a vivid visual palette that highlights Seoul’s multifaceted culture. Fans can expect the same sweet, heartfelt tone.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Following the warm reception of its debut season, XO, Kitty has quickly established itself as a beloved Netflix original that extends Jenny Han’s To All the Boys universe into new territory. This spinoff focuses on Katherine “Kitty” Song Covey, portrayed by Anna Cathcart, as she ventures away from her family’s home in America to attend the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS). While Season 1 charmed audiences with its coming-of-age romance, cross-cultural delights, and earnest exploration of identity, Season 2 aims to build on these foundations—delving deeper into the complex relationships, cultural nuances, and emotional growth that define Kitty’s world.
Main cast
| Actor | Character | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anna Cathcart | Katherine “Kitty” Song Covey | Protagonist, navigating life at KISS |
| Choi Min-yeong | Dae | Kitty’s primary love interest from S1 |
| Sang Heon Lee | Min Ho | Kitty’s classmate; part of the friend group |
| Anthony Keyvan | Q | Close friend of Kitty; Jin becomes Q’s new love interest |
| Gia Kim | Yuri | Friend and potential romantic rival |
| Joshua Lee | Jin | New character and potential love interest for Q |
| Audrey Huynh | Stella | Kitty’s new roommate at KISS |
| Phillippe Lee | Mr. Moon | New figure at KISS (faculty/administration) |
| Regan Aliyah | Juliana Porter | Returning character from S1 |
| Peter Thurnwald | Alex | Returning character from S1 |
| Michael K Lee | Professor Lee | Returning faculty member from S1 |
| Jocelyn Shelfo | Madison | Returning character from S1 |
Production Details
Season 1’s success and enthusiastic fan reception paved the way for a speedy renewal, with Netflix confirming Season 2 not long after the show’s debut in May 2023. Jenny Han, celebrated author and creative force behind the To All the Boys universe, will maintain her integral role as showrunner, ensuring that the sequel season remains faithful to the show’s heartfelt spirit and young-adult tone. Filming is expected to take place once again in South Korea, preserving the series’ distinctive cultural setting and stunning backdrops. The production schedule remains under wraps, though the cast and crew have hinted at a more ambitious shoot with expanded storylines and more complex character development.
Trailer Highlights & Promotional Teasers
As of now, no official trailer has been released. However, when the trailer does drop, audiences can anticipate glimpses of Kitty navigating the aftermath of pivotal Season 1 cliffhangers, perhaps showcasing moments of introspection, new beginnings, and romantic tension. Expect a visual feast that highlights KISS’s corridors, colorful Seoul neighborhoods, and emotionally charged reunions. Promotional teasers, when they arrive, will likely focus on the evolving relationships, with carefully chosen scenes that hint at Kitty’s personal growth and maturity as she grapples with loyalty, honesty, and self-discovery.
Key Themes & Narrative Directions
If Season 1 centered on Kitty’s romantic ideals and cultural acclimation, Season 2 is poised to delve deeper into themes of identity, belonging, and the complexity of young love. The writers may explore the aftermath of broken trust, how characters rebuild their self-esteem in the wake of romantic turmoil, and the cultural interplay between East and West as Kitty cements her place in the world. Family dynamics could become more prominent, with new revelations about Kitty’s past and her connections to her sisters and late mother. On a broader scale, the show might address academic pressures, friendship loyalty, and personal ambition—charting how each character evolves as they confront the realities of growing up.
Overall Review & Anticipation
While no official review can be made before the season airs, anticipation remains high. The first season delivered a sweet and heartfelt coming-of-age romance, and fans hope Season 2 will retain that charm while offering greater complexity and emotional resonance. Critics and viewers alike look forward to seeing how the series builds on its foundation—deepening character arcs and storytelling heft without losing the whimsical, youthful energy that endeared it to its global audience.
Challenges & Environments
With the series continuing to be set in Seoul and at KISS, Season 2 must balance the show’s romantic core with the challenges of living abroad, language barriers, academic pressures, and the often-complicated nature of cross-cultural relationships. Kitty’s environment remains both a playground and a crucible for personal growth, forcing her and her friends to confront misunderstandings, class divisions, and personal insecurities. The backdrop of an international school allows the creators to authentically address cultural exchange and generational perspectives, ensuring that the setting is more than just window dressing—it’s integral to the story’s fabric.
Fan Anticipation & Critical Reception
Fans have taken to social media to speculate on plot twists, potential new love interests, and how Kitty’s character will mature now that she’s tasted both heartbreak and independence. Early speculation from critics suggests that Season 2, if it maintains the same infectious charm, could solidify XO, Kitty as a mainstay in the growing catalogue of young-adult dramas that skillfully blend cross-cultural elements with universal teenage emotions. Some critics hope for deeper character development and more substantial conflicts, eager to see the series elevate beyond its initial lighthearted tone into something more profound and enduring.
Visual Style & Direction
Season 1 established a vibrant, candy-colored aesthetic that contrasted the show’s tender emotional beats with bright school uniforms, pop-infused needle drops, and stylish cityscapes. For Season 2, viewers anticipate an even more polished visual style, reflecting the characters’ evolving sophistication and emotional depth. The directors—returning and possibly new additions—will likely employ a blend of kinetic camerawork and intimate close-ups to capture the tension between characters, while broadening the scope to include more panoramic views of Korea’s urban and rural splendor. This visual language aims to mirror Kitty’s internal transformation, seamlessly integrating environment with emotion.
Director
Jessica O’Toole, known for her work as a writer and producer on series like Gilmore Girls and Jane the Virgin, steps into a prominent directorial role in. Having already served in a creative capacity during the show’s debut run, O’Toole’s influence now extends even further behind the camera. Her understanding of character-driven comedy and heartfelt storytelling is poised to elevate Season 2’s narrative complexity and emotional depth. Under her direction, viewers can expect a refined blend of cross-cultural charm, teenage anxiety, and tender romance, ensuring that Kitty’s journey remains authentic, relatable, and visually captivating.
Release Date
premiere on January 16. Fans worldwide can look forward to binge-watching the entire season on Netflix, as all episodes are expected to drop simultaneously. This mid-January release positions the show as one of the early highlights in the streaming calendar, ensuring viewers have fresh romantic escapades, evolving friendships, and heartfelt drama to start the new year.
