XO, Kitty Season 3 Review: A Charming If Uneven Story

By the time the third season of XO, Kitty arrives, the series has firmly established itself as more than just a spin-off curiosity from the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before universe. Created by Jenny Han, the Netflix romantic comedy drama continues to expand Kitty Song-Covey’s story with a blend of heartfelt emotion, youthful chaos, and evolving identity. While Season 3 doesn’t fully escape the narrative inconsistencies that have occasionally held the series back, it delivers a surprisingly mature and rewarding exploration of friendship that elevates it above its more predictable romantic entanglements.

A Welcome Return:

Returning once again is Anna Cathcart as Kitty, whose journey at KISS (Korean Independent School of Seoul) remains as emotionally messy as it is endearing. Alongside her are familiar faces played by Gia Kim, Sang Heon Lee, Choi Min-yeong, and Anthony Keyvan, all of whom are given varying degrees of material to work with this season. What stands out most, however, is how Season 3 subtly but confidently shifts its focus away from romantic drama and toward the complexities of platonic relationships—often to its benefit.

From the outset, Season 3 signals a tonal recalibration. Where previous seasons leaned heavily into love triangles and romantic confusion, this installment finds greater strength in the quieter, more sincere bonds between its characters. Nowhere is this more evident than in the evolving relationship between Dae and Yuri. Once defined by a fake dating scheme, their dynamic has blossomed into one of the show’s most grounded and authentic friendships. Their mutual support—whether it’s Yuri helping Dae’s family as they launch their restaurant or Dae standing by Yuri as she navigates life without her wealth—adds a layer of emotional realism that the series has sometimes lacked.

A Stronger Emphasis on Friendship:

This emphasis on friendship extends across the ensemble. The connection between Madison and Mihee, though not as central to the overarching plot, provides a refreshing counterbalance to the more dramatic storylines. Their interactions are light, sincere, and often quietly impactful, reminding viewers that not every relationship needs to be heightened to the point of melodrama to feel meaningful. It’s these smaller, more intimate moments that give Season 3 its emotional texture.

Kitty’s own relationships undergo significant evolution, particularly her bond with Q. Their friendship, long a cornerstone of the series, is pushed to its limits this season. Without delving into spoilers, the conflict they face is one of the more compelling arcs of the season, precisely because it feels earned. The fallout challenges both characters to confront their own shortcomings, and the eventual resolution feels less like a neat narrative bow and more like a genuine step forward. It’s a testament to the writing that their reconciliation doesn’t erase the tension but instead builds upon it, leaving their friendship stronger and more nuanced.

Equally surprising is the platonic dynamic between Kitty and Yuri. After two seasons of romantic ambiguity and unresolved tension, Season 3 decisively reframes their relationship. What could have been a missed opportunity for further romantic drama instead becomes one of the show’s most satisfying developments. Their friendship is layered with mutual respect, understanding, and a shared history that informs their interactions in subtle but meaningful ways. It’s a bold choice that pays off, allowing both characters to grow beyond the confines of a will-they-won’t-they narrative.

Kitty’s Growth and Emotional Core:

Of course, Kitty herself remains the emotional anchor of the series. Her defining traits—her boundless optimism, her deep empathy, and her sometimes overwhelming tendency to overthink—are all on full display. Season 3 does an admirable job of highlighting both her strengths and her flaws. Kitty’s desire to help those around her often leads her to overstep boundaries, creating conflict that feels organic rather than contrived. Yet even in her missteps, her intentions are always rooted in kindness, making it difficult not to root for her.

What makes Kitty particularly compelling this season is how her journey is less about finding love and more about understanding herself and her place within her community. Her loyalty to her friends is unwavering, and her willingness to confront difficult situations head-on speaks to a growing maturity. This is not to say that the season is devoid of romantic elements, but they are noticeably less dominant, often taking a backseat to the more emotionally resonant themes of friendship and personal growth.

That said, Season 3 is not without its shortcomings. The pacing can be uneven, with certain storylines receiving more attention than others. While the focus on friendship is largely successful, some of the romantic subplots feel underdeveloped or hastily resolved, as if the show isn’t entirely sure how to balance its dual identity as both a romantic comedy and a coming-of-age drama. Additionally, a few secondary characters are sidelined in favor of the more prominent arcs, resulting in missed opportunities for deeper exploration.

Uneven Execution Holds It Back:

The writing, while often sharp and heartfelt, occasionally falls into familiar patterns. Moments of conflict can feel repetitive, particularly when driven by misunderstandings that could be resolved with a simple conversation. However, these instances are offset by genuinely poignant scenes that capture the messiness of teenage relationships with authenticity and care.

Visually, the series continues to make effective use of its Seoul setting, though it sometimes feels more like a backdrop than an integral part of the narrative. The cultural elements that initially set the show apart are still present, but they are less prominently featured than in earlier seasons. This shift isn’t necessarily detrimental, but it does contribute to a sense that the series is becoming more conventional as it progresses.

Performance-wise, the cast remains consistently strong. Anna Cathcart carries the season with ease, bringing both humor and vulnerability to Kitty’s journey. Gia Kim and Sang Heon Lee, in particular, benefit from the season’s emphasis on friendship, delivering performances that feel grounded and sincere. The chemistry between the cast members is as strong as ever, lending credibility to the show’s central relationships.

Overall:

Ultimately, Season 3 of XO, Kitty succeeds in redefining what the series wants to be. By prioritizing friendship over romance, it offers a more mature and emotionally satisfying narrative, even if it doesn’t always execute its ideas perfectly. The result is a season that feels both familiar and refreshingly different—one that embraces the chaos of adolescence while also acknowledging the importance of the bonds that sustain us through it.

While it may not reach the heights of its most compelling moments consistently, XO, Kitty Season 3 is worth watching for its heartfelt performances, meaningful character development, and a welcome shift in focus. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most important love stories are the ones we share with our friends.