Insights on Key Moments from ‘XO, Kitty’ Season 3: From Tense Moments to Kitty’s Bold Moves with Lara Jean

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers from the entire third season of Netflix’s XO, Kitty.

Katherine “Kitty” Song Covey, portrayed by Anna Cathcart, along with her classmates from the KISS school, navigates the complexities of growing up in the third season of XO, Kitty, a spin-off of the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy. This season reunites several favored couples after a period of separation, testing the boundaries of friendship, love, and family.

The tension reaches a climax during a Chuseok feast—intended as a joyous gathering to honor ancestors and celebrate their heritage. However, underlying secrets and tensions disrupt the atmosphere, causing rifts among the group and forcing them to confront their relationships head-on.

Showrunner Valentina Garza highlighted episode five, titled “Off the List,” as a pivotal moment for characters, particularly Kitty, her love interest Min Ho (Sang Heon Lee), and her best friend Q (Anthony Keyvan). Garza noted, "At the end of the Chuseok episode, Kitty and Min Ho break up, and Kitty and Q break up as well. This was really where the kettle boils over in the season."

After the chaos of the Chuseok dinner, Kitty’s older sister, Lara Jean (Lana Condor), makes a surprise trip from New York to support Kitty in the aftermath. Lara Jean’s arrival proves timely, offering essential guidance for Kitty, who grapples with both her romantic entanglements and her friendships, which were already strained during the previous season.

Garza explained the challenges facing Q this season: "Q is not being entirely honest with Kitty or with Jin or with himself this season. I think he is confused… that’s all part of his growth, and unfortunately, it leads to a breakdown in their relationship, but they are each other’s ride or die."

Further insights from Garza reveal the development of Kitty and Min Ho’s romance and the challenges faced by other characters, including Yuri’s journey and a complex pregnancy plotline.

DEADLINE: How did you want to make the romantic arc between Kitty and Min Ho feel earned, but also balanced?

VALENTINA GARZA: Building from the season two finale, we left fans eager to discover how Min Ho would respond to Kitty’s question, “Can I come with you?” The anticipation set the stage for their relationship, allowing us to carefully explore this dynamic.

Garza noted the importance of addressing the characters’ growth as they transition into adulthood. "This season… is really about all of them being on the precipice of adulthood," she stated. Yuri, in particular, faces significant challenges as she navigates this transition without the usual safety nets.

The fashion show this season plays a crucial role in highlighting Yuri’s personal journey. Garza praised the costume department for their swift and creative work in bringing Yuri’s evolving identity to life through fashion. "It’s a really exciting journey for her," she remarked.

The interplay between past relationships and new dynamics is another focal point for Garza. "There’s definitely some tension at the beginning of the season," she noted, highlighting the balancing act of friendships and romantic interests among the characters.

Garza expressed excitement about Lara Jean’s role in the narrative. "The To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before franchise was so meaningful to so many people," she said. Bringing Condor back provided an opportunity for impactful interactions with Kitty.

Overall, Garza is optimistic about the potential for future seasons, saying, "I know that all of our fans would love to see that. We’re very excited to continue to see our characters learn and grow."

The season also addresses more mature themes, as seen in the pregnancy storyline. "This is a season where all of our characters are on the precipice of adulthood," Garza explained. The storyline not only examined individual struggles but also fostered connections among the characters.

In addition to the character arcs, Garza highlighted how music complements the storytelling, including original songs for the characters that enhance their emotional journeys.

Overall, the third season of XO, Kitty promises a rich tapestry of growth, romance, and friendship, capturing the essence of young adulthood.