Hearts are fluttering, K-drama vibes are intensifying, and the halls of KISS are about to buzz with more romance than ever before. XO, Kitty Season 3 is barreling toward Netflix in 2026, promising a whirlwind of love triangles, family revelations, and that signature blend of teen angst and heartfelt growth that has hooked millions since the spin-off’s debut. As the youngest Covey sister, Kitty Song Covey (played with infectious charm by Anna Cathcart), steps back into the spotlight, fans are already dissecting every teaser, cast interview, and social media hint for clues about what’s next. With production wrapped and the release window locked in for this year, the anticipation is electric—will Kitty finally lock lips with her slow-burn crush, or will new faces upend everything?
Born from Jenny Han’s beloved To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before universe, XO, Kitty burst onto the scene in May 2023 as a fresh, Seoul-set adventure. The series follows Lara Jean’s little sister, Kitty, as she jets off to the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS) to chase her late mother’s legacy and, unwittingly, her own heart. What started as a quest to reunite with her long-distance boyfriend Dae (Minyeong Choi) evolved into a tapestry of self-discovery, cultural clashes, and romantic entanglements that resonated globally. Season 1 charmed audiences with its mix of K-pop flair, queer representation, and relatable coming-of-age moments, earning praise for its diverse cast and lighthearted yet poignant take on identity.
By Season 2, which dropped on January 16, 2025, the show had leveled up. Kitty’s scholarship renewal allowed her triumphant return to KISS for senior year, but not without drama. She unraveled family secrets, reuniting fractured relatives and fulfilling her mother’s wishes in ways she never imagined. Romantically, the stakes soared: her on-again, off-again dynamic with Dae gave way to unexpected sparks with his best friend, Min Ho (Sang Heon Lee). Their enemies-to-friends-to-potential-lovers arc ticked every rom-com box—banter-filled rivalries, stolen glances, and a cliffhanger confession that left viewers screaming. Kitty admitted her feelings to Min Ho but asked him to wait over the summer, setting up a simmering tension that’s pure torture for shippers. The season also delved deeper into supporting stories: Yuri (Gia Kim) navigated her high-society pressures and queer romance with Juliana (Regan Aliyah), while Q (Anthony Keyvan) explored his own relationships amid the group’s chaos.
The finale’s emotional punch—blending heartfelt reunions with unresolved heartaches—propelled Season 2 to massive success. It debuted at No. 2 on Netflix’s English TV List with 14.2 million views in its first week, cracking the Top 10 in 89 countries. Fans revisited Season 1 (which resurfaced at No. 6 with 3.1 million views) and even the original 2018 To All the Boys film, proving the franchise’s enduring pull. Critics hailed the evolution: Variety called it “a bolder, more layered chapter,” while social media exploded with edits, memes, and theories. Mooncovey shippers (Kitty and Min Ho) clashed with Daekitty loyalists, debating who deserves Kitty’s heart in endless TikTok duets.
Now, with Season 3 officially confirmed and production wrapped in July 2025, the hype is at fever pitch. Netflix announced the renewal on Valentine’s Day 2025 with a playful Instagram video featuring Cathcart, teasing “more KISS drama ahead”. Filming kicked off in Seoul around April 2025, capturing the city’s vibrant energy—from bustling streets to serene hanok villages—that has become a character in itself. The delay from Season 2’s January premiere allowed for meticulous post-production, ensuring the show’s glossy visuals and soundtrack (expect more K-pop bangers) shine. Valentina Garza steps in as the new showrunner, executive producer, and writer, replacing Jessica O’Toole. Garza, known for her work on Jane the Virgin, promises “plenty of romance, friendship, adventure… and kissing. Lots of kissing”. She’s joined by executive producers Jenny Han, Matt Kaplan of ACE Entertainment, and Bradley Gardner, maintaining the series’ authentic voice.
The cast remains a powerhouse draw, blending familiar faces with fresh talent to keep things dynamic. Anna Cathcart reprises her role as Kitty, the optimistic matchmaker whose growth from wide-eyed teen to confident young woman anchors the show. Cathcart, in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, reflected on Kitty’s arc: “She’s learned so much about love, family, and herself. Season 3 pushes her further—dealing with senior year pressures, new relationships, and figuring out what comes next.” Minyeong Choi returns as Dae, the sweet but conflicted ex whose lingering chemistry with Kitty keeps fans guessing. Gia Kim’s Yuri, the glamorous chaebol heiress, continues her journey of self-acceptance, with her romance with Juliana (Regan Aliyah) poised for deeper exploration.
Sang Heon Lee as Min Ho—the cocky, soft-hearted heartthrob—has become a breakout star. In a Gulf News chat, Lee teased the season’s arrival as “soon,” fueling speculation for a March 2026 drop. He hinted at Mooncovey endgame: “Their story has so many layers. It’s not just romance; it’s about growth and timing.” Anthony Keyvan’s Q, the loyal best friend, and Peter Thurnwald’s Alex, Kitty’s half-brother, add emotional depth, with Thurnwald discussing fan theories in a YouTube interview: “Alex’s family ties will play a bigger role—maybe some surprises from Australia”. Hojo Shin’s Jiwon has been promoted to series regular, suggesting more screen time for her witty insights and potential subplots.
New additions inject fresh energy: Sule Thelwell (from Saint X) as Marius, a character shrouded in mystery—fans speculate he could be a new love interest or rival. Soy Kim (Like a French Film) plays Yisoo, possibly a fellow student with ties to Yuri’s world, and Christine Hwang (Law & Order: SVU) as Gigi, who might shake up the group’s dynamics. These newcomers align with the show’s commitment to diverse representation, blending Korean, American, and international backgrounds.
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Plot details are guarded, but teases abound. Season 3 picks up after the cliffhanger, with Kitty back at KISS for senior year. Expect the slow-burn between her and Min Ho to ignite—or fizzle? A Reddit theory posits they won’t kiss early, building tension through a love triangle revival, perhaps involving Dae or a new suitor. Garza’s mention of the “first summer episode” hints at beachy escapades, family trips, or steamy Seoul summers that test relationships. Family remains central: Kitty’s reunited relatives could bring conflicts, exploring themes of heritage and belonging. Yuri and Dae’s arcs might intersect dramatically—one wild YouTube theory suggests a shock wedding, tying into their family empires, though it’s likely fan fiction.
Episode titles leaked via What’s on Netflix offer cryptic clues: Titles like “Summer of Love” and “Hidden Truths” tease romance and secrets, with one hinting at a cameo—perhaps Lara Jean (Lana Condor) or Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) dropping in for Covey family vibes. Another Reddit post analyzes a BTS scene where Yuri looks upset, with Kitty comforting her—could it signal a breakup with Juliana or a family scandal?. Q’s storyline might delve into his identity, while Alex uncovers more about his roots.
Fan reactions are a frenzy. On TikTok, edits set to K-pop tracks rack up millions of views, with #XOKittyS3 trending daily. Mooncovey shippers dominate, but Daekitty holdouts argue for closure. Cast interviews amplify the buzz: Cathcart told Deadline the season is “worth the wait,” promising “adventure and lots of kissing”. Lee, in a Swooon feature, shared behind-the-scenes fun, like impromptu dance-offs on set. Theories swirl on Reddit: Will Kitty graduate and face post-high school choices? Could a time jump introduce college drama?
What makes Season 3 so tantalizing is its evolution. From Season 1’s light rom-com roots to Season 2’s deeper emotional layers, the show tackles real issues—queer identity, cultural identity, mental health—with nuance. Han’s influence ensures authenticity, drawing from her Korean-American experiences. Expect more inclusive storytelling, with new characters adding fresh perspectives. The soundtrack, featuring artists like BTS or Blackpink collabs, will likely go viral again.
As 2026 unfolds, XO, Kitty Season 3 isn’t just a return—it’s a crescendo. With higher stakes, steamier moments, and heartfelt payoffs, it could solidify the series as Netflix’s next big franchise. Will Kitty find her happily ever after, or will heartbreak strike? Tune in soon; the KISS is waiting, and it’s sweeter—and spicier—than ever.
