Season 2 of Netflix’s XO, Kitty continues the chaotic journey of Kitty Song Covey. Picking up right where Season 1 left off, this second installment is filled with teen drama, unexpected twists, and emotional depth, but sometimes feels overwhelmed by its ambitious narrative. With Kitty still learning about love, family, and herself, Season 2 has its charms, but it also has its flaws.

This season focuses on Kitty’s return to the Korean International School of Seoul (KISS) after her expulsion. She returns to Seoul and continues her endless struggle with love, which seems more complicated than ever. Caught in a whirlwind of feelings for her ex-boyfriend Dae (Minyoung Choi), her best friend Yuri (Jia Kim), her boyfriend Minho (Sang Heon Lee) and a new potential girlfriend, Praveena (Sasha Bhasin), Kitty is a romantic Complications are tempting and sometimes frustrating. Along the way, family secrets are revealed, and relationships evolve in ways that are both heartwarming and dramatic.

Minho’s surprising confession at the end of Season 1 carries over into this season. The growing tension between him and Kitty was a highlight of the season, but despite a promising twist, it remained ambiguous. The bisexual love triangle at Kitty’s core feels rushed. Her relationship with Yuri struggles to reflect the same depth as in the first season. However, in contrast, Yuri’s romance with Juliana (Regan Aliyah) develops naturally, giving a more grounded portrayal of LGBTQ+ representation.

Here is the trailer:

Noah Centineo has a brief but memorable cameo as Peter Kavinsky, a harsh but profound reminder of ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’. His presence adds to Kitty’s journey with her sister Lara Jean, creating a nostalgic feeling.

Anna Cathcart shines as Kitty, the embodiment of chaos and charm that makes her character both relatable and frustrating. Song Heon Lee emerges as a standout performer, portraying Minho’s transformation from a self-absorbed playboy to a loyal friend with surprising emotional depth. His growth feels genuine, and his chemistry with Kitty adds layers to their dynamic, making the open-ended resolution all the more frustrating.

However, Minyoung Choi as Dae suffers from an underwhelming characterization. While his story has potential, it is often treated as secondary, reducing the impact of his once central role in Kitty’s journey. Yuri, played by Jia Kim, continues to impress with her nuanced performance. The complex relationship between him and Kitty is beautifully depicted, although it fades in the later episodes.

Co-directed by Jenny Han, XO, Kitty Season 2 struggles with its pace. While the script balances drama and romance well, the sheer number of plotlines becomes overwhelming for the eight-episode format. From romantic entanglements to family secrets, there’s a lot to unpack in this show, which often touches on everything on the surface without delving into depth.

That said, the show excels in moments of emotional intimacy and adds a more authentic layer to its exploration of Kitty’s heritage and her bond with her late mother. Despite its flaws, Season 2 has a lot of great strengths. The show continues to excel in creating swoon-worthy moments, from Kitty’s awkward confessions to their bittersweet reconciliation. Minho’s vulnerability and Yuri’s evolving identity provide the show with moments of emotional resonance.

The most important challenge of Season 2 is trying to do too much. The overcrowded story often leaves little room for the emotional arc to develop fully. For example, Kitty’s bisexual identity, which had the potential to be a central theme, feels more like a plot device than a meaningful exploration. Additionally, the unresolved tension between Kitty and Minho is unsatisfying, with the open-ended conclusion feeling like a setup for a third season rather than a natural progression of their relationship.

XO, Kitty Season 2 delivers the messy, heartfelt teen drama that fans have come to expect, but its overambitious narrative keeps it from reaching its full potential. Despite its chaotic story, the show is entertaining and heart-filled due to its lovable characters and relatable themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery.

3.5 out of 5 stars for XO, Kitty Season 2.

All episodes of XO, Kitty Season 2 are available on Netflix.