Watch XO, Kitty

With the rise of streaming platforms, spin-offs have become a commonplace strategy to extend the life of beloved series. Netflix has joined the trend with the release of "XO, Kitty," a spin-off of the popular "To All the Boys" series. The show was released on May 18, 2023, and centers around the younger sister of Lara Jean, Katherine 'Kitty' Song Covey, portrayed by Anna Cathcart​.

The series is a half-hour romantic comedy developed by Netflix in association with Awesomeness and ACE Entertainment, with Jenny Han, the books' original author, as the creator, writer, and executive producer. Other crew members include Sascha Rothchild and Matt Kaplan, who joined Han as executive producers. The series features a mix of new and familiar faces with Anthony Keyvan, Gia Kim, Sang Heon Lee, Peter Thurnwald, and Regan Aliyah as series regulars, and Yunjin Kim, Michael K. Lee, and Jocelyn Shelfo in recurring roles​​.

"XO, Kitty" takes viewers on a journey with Kitty, a kind-hearted student and self-professed matchmaker, who has applied for a scholarship to the esteemed Korean International School of Seoul (KISS) to be closer to her first love, Dae, and to learn more about her mother, an alumnus of the school. The storyline is an engaging mix of romance, comedy, and personal growth, with Kitty navigating the complexities of a long-distance relationship and the challenges of a new school environment​​.

The series has been met with generally favorable reviews, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting an 80% approval rating and Metacritic assigning a score of 67 out of 100. However, audience reactions have been varied. Some critics have praised it as a delightful and enjoyable show that resonates with viewers of all ages, even recommending it as a must-watch for any K-Drama fan. Others have pointed out that the series had potential to be a great amalgamation of Korean drama and American teen drama, but was stunted by its use of tropes and familiarity​​.

Despite its shortcomings, "XO, Kitty" defies expectations with unexpected twists and turns. In a time when reboots and franchise extensions can feel redundant, "XO, Kitty" offers a fresh perspective and a new storyline that engages viewers. The series successfully manages to balance the elements of romance and comedy while introducing fresh plot points and character dynamics​​.

In conclusion, "XO, Kitty" is a promising addition to Netflix's repertoire of teen dramas. With its well-developed characters, engaging storyline, and delightful blend of Korean and American cultures, it offers a unique viewing experience. Despite some criticisms about pacing and familiarity, the show presents a charming and relatable story that is sure to captivate audiences. Whether you're a fan of the original "To All the Boys" series or new to the franchise, "XO, Kitty" is a series worth exploring.

XO, Kitty is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between May 18, 2023 and on Netflix