Netflix’s XO, Kitty has returned for its third season, but not all viewers are celebrating its latest chapter. While the new season continues Kitty Song-Covey’s journey through love, identity, and her final year at KISS, one of the show’s most compelling emotional arcs has been quietly pushed aside.
For fans who followed the evolving connection between Kitty and Yuri, season 3 may feel like a missed opportunity rather than a satisfying continuation.
TL;DR
XO, Kitty season 3 shifts its focus firmly onto Kitty and Min Ho, leaving the once-promising Kitty and Yuri storyline largely unaddressed. Fans who were invested in their emotional arc may find the lack of closure disappointing.
A dynamic that once stood out
When XO, Kitty first premiered as a spinoff of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, expectations were understandably centered on Kitty stepping out of her sister Lara Jean’s shadow. Played by Anna Cathcart, Kitty quickly proved she could lead her own story.
However, one of the most unexpected and intriguing elements of the series came through her interactions with Yuri Han, portrayed by Gia Kim. What began as tension rooted in a fake relationship setup soon evolved into something more layered. Their shared scenes carried emotional weight, often hinting at deeper feelings beneath the surface.
By the end of season 1, audiences had already begun to interpret their connection as more than friendship. It was not just a typical love triangle dynamic. It introduced a nuanced exploration of identity, particularly as Kitty began questioning her own feelings.
Season 2 built momentum
The second season leaned further into that emotional complexity. Kitty’s growing feelings for Yuri were no longer subtle, culminating in a long-anticipated kiss between the two characters. It marked a pivotal moment, both for the characters and for the series’ representation.
Yet instead of evolving into a defined relationship, the storyline took a more hesitant approach. Yuri, still processing her own past relationship, ultimately pulled back. Kitty was left navigating unresolved emotions, including a heartfelt letter that underscored the depth of her feelings.
Despite the ambiguity, the arc resonated strongly with viewers. It reflected a realistic, often messy exploration of attraction and identity that is rarely portrayed with such sincerity in teen dramas.
Season 3 shifts direction
With the arrival of season 3 on April 2, 2026, the show makes a clear narrative pivot. Kitty’s romantic focus is now centered on Min Ho, giving her a more traditional and clearly defined relationship path.
While this development offers its own charm and character growth, it comes at a cost. The emotional threads connecting Kitty and Yuri are largely absent from the main storyline. Yuri remains part of the ensemble, but her presence feels more peripheral, lacking the narrative weight she once carried.
The decision to move forward without revisiting their unresolved tension has not gone unnoticed. For many viewers, it creates a disconnect, especially considering how central their dynamic was in previous seasons.
Why the response has been mixed
Part of what made Kitty and Yuri’s storyline so impactful was its authenticity. It was not simply about romance. It was about self-discovery, vulnerability, and the uncertainty that often accompanies both.
By stepping away from that arc without meaningful resolution, season 3 risks diminishing the significance of those earlier moments. The kiss, the emotional build-up, and Kitty’s internal conflict now feel less like a turning point and more like a narrative detour.
For audiences who connected with that storyline, particularly those looking for thoughtful queer representation, the shift may feel abrupt. It raises broader questions about how shows handle complex emotional arcs once they have served an initial purpose.
A missed opportunity for deeper storytelling
XO, Kitty has always thrived on portraying the unpredictability of teenage relationships. Its strength lies in embracing emotional messiness rather than avoiding it. That is precisely why the lack of follow-through on Kitty and Yuri stands out.
The series had an opportunity to either fully explore their connection or provide clear emotional closure. Instead, it opts to move forward, leaving that chapter largely unresolved.
This does not take away from the overall appeal of season 3, which continues to deliver heartfelt moments and character growth. However, it does leave a noticeable gap in the show’s emotional landscape.
What this means going forward
As fans look ahead to a potential fourth season, the future of Kitty and Yuri remains uncertain. Whether the show chooses to revisit their storyline or continue on its current path will likely shape how this arc is remembered.
For now, season 3 marks a turning point. It prioritizes a new direction for Kitty while leaving behind one of its most layered and talked-about relationships.
For some viewers, that choice may be easy to accept. For others, it may feel like a story left unfinished.
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