XO, Kitty Season 3 Breaks Franchise Record With Unprecedented Rotten Tomatoes Score: What Happened to Netflix’s Beloved Universe?

XO, Kitty Season 3 Sets a Franchise Record—But Not the One Fans Expected

The universe of romantic comedies adapted from Jenny Han’s bestselling novels has become a fixture in Netflix’s lineup, charming viewers with its relatable characters, heartfelt moments, and progressive themes. What started as a celebrated movie trilogy centered on Lara Jean Covey has expanded into new territory with the spin-off series, XO, Kitty. However, the franchise has now hit a surprising milestone: season 3 of XO, Kitty has received the lowest audience score in the whole ‘To All the Boys’ franchise, dropping to just 35% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Evolution—and Challenges—of a Young Franchise

XO, Kitty began with promise, spotlighting Lara Jean’s younger sister, Kitty, as she navigated young love and self-discovery at the prestigious Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS). The first two seasons enjoyed mostly positive reception, thanks to their playful exploration of multicultural romance, modern coming-of-age struggles, and LGBTQ+ representation.

Yet, the third season marks a stark shift. Not only did the audience score plummet below previous lows in the franchise—surpassing even the second installment of the original film series—but critical responses, while still favorable (standing at a 75% critics’ score), highlight a sense of lost identity in the new season’s storytelling. Many fans have voiced disappointment, pointing to a perceived regression in its handling of queer relationships and, more significantly, a change in Kitty’s personal growth arc that left her reliant on her new relationship with Min-ho. For a protagonist previously celebrated for her independence, this narrative pivot felt uncharacteristic and forced to numerous longtime viewers.

The Power—and Pitfalls—of Character Growth in Streaming Series

This new direction for Kitty at KISS underscores a challenge familiar to many streaming series: maintaining compelling character development across multiple seasons while keeping the audience emotionally invested. The franchise’s initial appeal hinged on authentic, relatable narratives––something that season 3 seems to have complicated by making Kitty’s decisions revolve around her relationship status, rather than her own aspirations.

Despite these criticisms, some bright spots remain. The ensemble cast continues to deliver emotional, high-energy performances, with big group scenes praised for their chemistry and lively dynamic. Moments of straightforward teen comedy and authentic cultural clash remain, even as the overarching narrative is questioned by fans and critics alike.

Franchise Performance and the Uncertainty of Renewal

Paradoxically, XO, Kitty season 3 is dominating Netflix’s charts since its premiere, holding the No. 1 spot in the United States and outpacing popular competitors. This raises a classic streaming conundrum: strong viewership versus mixed reception. Whether these numbers will lead to a season 4 renewal is still unknown. Showrunner Jenny Han has yet to comment on the show’s continuation, and industry speculation suggests the third season might naturally serve as the story’s endpoint, with Kitty entering her senior year—though nothing is confirmed.

The Future of the ‘To All the Boys’ Universe

Jenny Han remains a prominent force in young adult adaptations; after wrapping The Summer I Turned Pretty on Prime Video, she’s now rumored to be working on a movie tied to that universe, though recent updates suggest production delays stemming from salary disputes. As for more spin-offs from the ‘To All the Boys’ world, no announcements have been made, and the fate of Kitty’s adventures at KISS hangs in the balance. For now, all three seasons of XO, Kitty can be streamed directly on Netflix, giving fans a chance to experience and discuss the points of contention—and celebration—firsthand.