XO, Kitty
XO, Kitty is a romantic comedy-drama series on Netflix, serving as a spin-off of the popular 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' film trilogy. The show follows the spirited teen matchmaker Kitty Song Covey as she moves to Seoul, South Korea, to attend the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS), her late mother's alma mater, and to reconnect with her long-distance boyfriend, Dae. However, Kitty soon discovers that love is far more complicated than she anticipated, navigating complex relationships, friendships, and her own identity amidst a new cultural environment. The series is aimed at a young adult audience, exploring themes of first love, self-discovery, and family secrets, and contains content appropriate for viewers aged 14 and older.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe series prominently features LGBTQ+ representation, with the main character, Kitty Song Covey, realizing and embracing her bisexuality. Several other primary characters are openly gay or lesbian, and their relationships are central to the plot, including same-sex romantic relationships and coming out narratives. The creator has confirmed Kitty's bisexuality is canon, and the show normalizes diverse sexual orientations.
Kitty Song Covey develops romantic feelings for Yuri Han, an explicitly gay character, leading to Kitty having a 'sex dream' about Yuri. Kitty later comes out as bisexual, expressing her feelings for both boys and girls. Yuri Han is openly gay and is in a committed relationship with Juliana Porter; their public relationship with Dae was a facade to conceal Yuri's true sexuality from her parents. Q Shabazian is an openly gay character, and his relationship with his boyfriend, Florian, is also depicted.
Romance and Sexual Content
HighThe series contains a significant amount of romantic and sexual content, including passionate kissing between both heterosexual and same-sex couples, suggestive dialogue, and explicit discussions of 'sex dreams' and contraception. Cheating and love triangles/polygons are recurring plot elements.
The show features numerous scenes of 'passionate kissing—hetero and same-sex—up to seeing girls jumping up and wrapping their legs around their partner.' Kitty has a 'sex dream' about Yuri. Kitty's father expresses concern about his daughter going to Korea to 'have sex with her boyfriend,' and Kitty makes a reference to contraceptives.
Profanity
MediumThe series includes occasional use of mild to moderate profanity, with words like 'damn,' 'hell,' and the 's-word' appearing in dialogue. There are also instances of God's name being used in vain.
God's name is used in vain five times, including one instance of 'g-dd--n'. The 's-word' is used, and there is at least one instance of 'd--n.'
Substance Use
MediumThe show depicts instances of underage drinking among high school students and includes references to characters becoming intoxicated.
The series includes scenes involving 'underaged drinking.' A song in the show references becoming intoxicated.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumTeenage characters exhibit various forms of disrespect and rebellion, including breaking school rules, talking back, and engaging in academic dishonesty. These acts are often driven by personal desires or relationship drama.
Kitty is expelled from KISS for violating the code of conduct by living in the boys' dorms. Florian cheats on his final exams to maintain his scholarship after falling behind academically due to his relationship, revealing an act of academic rebellion.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumWhile the series does not explicitly attack Christianity, a scene is highlighted by a reviewer where a character identified as Christian expresses a sentiment that 'God can't fix everything,' which could be interpreted as conflicting with Christian teachings.
A Christian character in the show states, 'God can't fix everything,' a statement noted by a reviewer as potentially anti-Christian.
Violence
LowThe show contains minimal instances of non-graphic physical conflict. While there are moments of anger and minor altercations, they do not involve gore or significant injury and are not central to the plot.
Kitty is accidentally hit by a car in the street, but she is uninjured. Dae attempts to physically confront Minho, mistakenly believing Minho is the object of Kitty's new affections. Kitty intervenes to break up the scuffle.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe series makes a brief, non-central reference to tarot cards. There are no depictions of active witchcraft, magic rituals, demons, or other explicit supernatural themes.
The use of 'tarot cards' is mentioned as one of the peripheral elements present in the show.
Scary & Intense Content
LowThe series does not feature horror elements or graphic scary content. Intense moments are typically emotional or dramatic, stemming from relationship conflicts, academic pressures, or personal schemes rather than frightful situations.
Stella's revenge plot against Min Ho's father involves manipulating situations and planting a hidden microphone, creating dramatic tension through deception rather than fear. Kitty experiences intense emotional distress and heartbreak upon discovering her boyfriend Dae's 'secret relationship' with Yuri.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
TV-14 due to frequent suggestive dialogue, passionate kissing (both heterosexual and same-sex), references to sexual themes including a 'sex dream' and contraception, occasional mild to moderate profanity, and instances of underage drinking. The themes of complex romantic relationships and self-discovery also contribute to this rating.
Additional Notes
The show primarily focuses on coming-of-age themes and romantic relationships within a diverse, international high school setting in Seoul. While promoting themes of self-discovery and cultural exploration, parents should be aware of the prominent LGBTQ+ storylines and moderate sexual content, typical of teen romantic dramas.
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