‘XO, Kitty’: A Delightful Spin-Off Show from ‘To All The Boys’ Trilogy
The new television series “XO, Kitty” is based on the precocious younger sister Katherine Song Covey, commonly known as Kitty, from the “To All The Boys I Loved Before” trilogy. The spin-off has the same components that made the trilogy famous and is about Kitty’s journey at the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS) after convincing her parents to let her join. The series is created by Sascha Rothchild, a “Glow” scribe, and the “To All The Boys” novelist Jenny Han, and stars Anna Cathcart.
A Delightful Lead Cast Character
Katherine Song Covey, the youngest Covey sister, is stepping into the spotlight and going after the life she feels she deserves, even if that means getting her heart broken in the process. She has grown frustrated with the distance in her long-term relationship with Dae and has convinced her parents to allow her to attend the KISS, the school where Dae attends, and where her late mother, Eve, spent one magical year of her life.
Anna Cathcart’s performance is remarkable, she portrays a more mature Kitty compared to what we have previously and manages to weave in the spunky naiveté and inquisitiveness that was so endearing about the character. Kitty’s determination and earnestness ground the series when things feel more than a bit chaotic. Moreover, since “XO, Kitty” has more space to work with than a film, the desires and circumstances of the people around her, including her KISS peers, adversaries and friends, all come into focus.
A Show with Meaningful Themes
Themes such as parental death, a desire to find connections to the past, divorce, abandonment, financial hardship, queerness, othering, and self-acceptance are all central to the plot. These themes are draped in a touch of teen angst with a massive mystery at the center. “XO, Kitty” also offers an in-depth look into present-day Seoul and modern-day Korean culture, and with references to K-pop, traditions like Chuseok, Korean skincare, and K-dramas.
The Show’s Relevance In Modern Television
While iconic teen-centered TV series like “Dawson’s Creek” and “One Tree Hill” still echo in the blueprint of the show, “XO, Kitty” is very much of this moment. While it ties in those universal elements of what it means to be 17, romance is not the show’s crowning jewel. Instead, “XO, Kitty” is deeply feminist and LGBTQ+ affirming, highlighting a generation determined to see the world while being reflective and thoughtful about understanding what is true and right for themselves.
Final Verdict:
“XO, Kitty” is an engrossing and delightful television series that offers touching and meaningful themes alongside feminist and LGBTQ+ ideals, creating a rom-com world that is both fresh and engaging. With a talented actor in the lead role, outstanding settings, and great themes, “XO, Kitty” should not be missed.
<< photo by Ba Tik >>
