The Evolution of Teen Dramas: Why XO, Kitty’s Third Season Might Be Its Most Poignant Yet
There’s something about teen dramas that never gets old—the angst, the romance, the existential crises. But what makes XO, Kitty stand out in a sea of high school narratives? Personally, I think it’s the way the show blends cultural specificity with universal coming-of-age themes. Set in Seoul, it’s not just another American teen drama transplanted overseas; it’s a genuine exploration of identity, friendship, and the chaos of growing up in a globalized world. And with its third season dropping on Netflix, I’m intrigued by how the series is evolving—especially as its characters confront the terrifying yet exhilarating question: What comes after high school?
The Soundtrack as a Character: More Than Just Background Noise
One thing that immediately stands out is the show’s soundtrack, which isn’t just a playlist but a narrative tool. Co-music supervisor Lindsay Wolfington describes it as a “healthy balance of fun, drama, and emotion,” and I couldn’t agree more. The inclusion of K-pop hits like Aespa’s Whiplash and ENHYPEN’s Go Big or Go Home isn’t just a nod to the show’s setting—it’s a statement. K-pop, with its global appeal, mirrors the characters’ own journeys: rooted in one culture but resonating universally.
What many people don’t realize is how music can shape a character’s arc. Wolfington hints at a shift in Kitty’s personality, from mischief to reflectiveness, and the soundtrack reflects that. Songs like Ashe’s Moral of the Story and MARO’s Am I Not Enough for Now aren’t just needle drops; they’re emotional signposts. If you take a step back and think about it, this is storytelling at its most subtle yet effective.
Senior Year Syndrome: Why This Season Feels Different
Senior year is a rite of passage, but XO, Kitty doesn’t treat it as a cliché. The characters aren’t just worrying about prom or college apps—they’re grappling with the fragility of their friendships and the uncertainty of their futures. Laura Webb’s observation that “the world is smaller because they all know each other” hits hard. It’s a reminder that high school friendships, no matter how deep, often face an expiration date.
From my perspective, this season’s focus on transition is what makes it particularly fascinating. Kitty and her friends are no longer just navigating high school drama; they’re confronting the reality that their lives might soon take them in different directions. This raises a deeper question: Can relationships survive when the context that created them disappears?
Lara Jean’s Cameo: A Full-Circle Moment or a Crutch?
The confirmed cameo of Lara Jean (Lana Condor) has fans buzzing, and for good reason. Her appearance feels like a full-circle moment, especially since XO, Kitty is a spin-off of the To All the Boys universe. But here’s where I’m divided: Is this a clever way to tie the stories together, or is it a reliance on nostalgia?
What this really suggests is that the show is aware of its roots but also wants to stand on its own. Kitty’s journey has always been distinct from Lara Jean’s, yet their shared experiences as teenage girls create a natural connection. Still, I can’t help but wonder if the cameo is a strategic move to keep viewers hooked or a genuine narrative choice.
The Broader Implications: Why This Show Matters
XO, Kitty isn’t just a teen drama—it’s a cultural export. By centering a Korean-American protagonist in a Seoul setting, it challenges the dominance of Western narratives in the genre. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it normalizes diversity without making it the central conflict. Kitty’s identity is a part of her story, not the whole story.
If you take a step back and think about it, this show is part of a larger trend in media: the rise of stories that reflect our interconnected world. From Never Have I Ever to Heartstopper, teen dramas are increasingly global in scope. XO, Kitty fits into this trend but also pushes it forward by blending cultural specificity with universal themes.
Final Thoughts: A Show That Grows Up With Its Audience
As someone who’s watched teen dramas evolve over the years, I’m impressed by how XO, Kitty refuses to stay stagnant. Its third season feels like a maturation—not just for the characters, but for the show itself. The music, the themes, the emotional depth—it all points to a series that’s growing up alongside its audience.
In my opinion, the true test of a teen drama is whether it can capture the chaos and beauty of youth without losing sight of the complexities of adulthood. XO, Kitty seems to be doing just that. Whether you’re a fan of K-pop, romance, or just good storytelling, this season promises to be a poignant reminder that growing up is messy, but it’s also kind of magical.
So, will Kitty and her friends figure it all out? Probably not. But that’s the point. Life doesn’t come with a soundtrack—but if it did, XO, Kitty’s would be playing on repeat.
