When a Promising Romance Fades Into the Background
For viewers of XO, Kitty, one of the show’s greatest appeals has always been its fresh take on coming-of-age romance, complete with the tangled web of relationships that make teen dramas so irresistibly watchable. Throughout the first season, the dynamic between Kitty Song Covey and Yuri Han hinted at something more than friendship, setting the stage for a potential queer romance that felt both organic and daring within the genre. Their journey from rivals to confidantes was layered with emotional depth and subtle tension, capturing the imagination of fans deeply invested in their story.
Season 3’s Narrative: Priorities Rewritten
By the third season, however, that early spark between Kitty and Yuri has become little more than a fond memory. Instead of continuing to explore the possibility of a romance — especially after their notable kiss in season two — the series pivots. Kitty is now fully immersed in her relationship with Min Ho, leaving behind unresolved feelings and unspoken questions between her and Yuri. Yuri, in her own arc, focuses on rebuilding her world and pursuing her own storyline, mainly with Julianna. The emotional weight that once made Kitty and Yuri’s scenes electric now shifts to friendship territory, despite the rich ground left unplowed.
Kitty’s Storyline: Representation and Untapped Potential
It felt like a crucial moment when Kitty publicly embraced her bisexuality in season two, a rare and celebrated stride in mainstream YA drama. This development appeared poised to deepen her connection with Yuri, providing on-screen representation many viewers long for. Instead, season three gives Kitty’s identity moments of acknowledgment but never truly returns to explore the heart of her connection with Yuri. Even references to their past — such as mirroring a photo their mothers once took — are limited to platonic gestures, leaving a swath of narrative potential untouched.
The Min Ho Romance: Sweet but Costly
As Kitty and Min Ho become a couple early in season three, the series invests heavily in their blossoming romance. While their relationship brings its share of adorably awkward moments and genuine affection — classic hallmarks of the format — it is clear this pairing is the writers’ new focal point. Fans notice the trade-off: less time exploring Kitty’s multifaceted connections, and an undeniable loss of emotional exploration, especially as it relates to her previous feelings for Yuri. The shift is particularly stark when the couple faces a breakup mid-season. Rather than allowing Kitty to re-examine her feelings for Yuri or to even address them out loud, the show sidesteps any romantic tension between them entirely.
Why Fans Care: Queer Representation and Storytelling Depth
What elevates XO, Kitty from a typical teen romance is its willingness to embrace a more inclusive tapestry of characters and desires. Dramatic moments between Kitty and Yuri weren’t just shipping fodder — they reflected the nuanced, sometimes confusing reality of queer teenage life. The decision to drop their potential romance is felt as a missed opportunity, both for authentic representation and for storytelling richness. Instead, the series leans into more traditional romantic beats, giving less space to the complexities that drew so many viewers in from the start.
Bittersweet Friendships and Untouched Conversations
To be fair, the evolution of Kitty and Yuri’s friendship offers some of the most genuine, supportive moments in season three. But without any meaningful conversation reckoning with their kiss or past feelings, viewers are left to wonder what could have been. The silence around their romantic past creates an air of unresolved tension. It’s a narrative choice that feels at odds with the show’s promising exploration of identity and what it means to be true to oneself in a world of shifting allegiances and personal growth.
Creators, Cast, and What Lies Ahead
With direction from talents like Jennifer Arnold and a cast led by Anna Cathcart and Gia Kim, XO, Kitty has always leaned on nuanced performances and resonant writing. Showrunner Jenny Han — known for crafting characters who navigate love, family, and the awkwardness in between — brings her signature blend of drama and warmth to the series. As the show veers closer to its likely conclusion, fans are left with a bittersweet appreciation for what it’s given them and a lingering curiosity about the roads not taken for Kitty and Yuri. Whether the writers will revisit this potential before the series bows out remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the impact of their unfulfilled story continues to ripple across the fandom.
