Netflix’s charming spin-off “XO, Kitty” is building massive anticipation with the release of its official Season 3 trailer, titled “Summer Doesn’t Wait.” Premiering in 2026, the teaser kicks off with the poignant lines, “Some summers pass by… Others leave a mark,” promising a season of fleeting moments, deep connections, and life-changing experiences for Kitty Song Covey and her friends at the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS).

The series, created by Jenny Han as a spin-off from the beloved “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” franchise, first won hearts in 2023 with Kitty’s adventurous move to Seoul. Anna Cathcart stars as the optimistic teen matchmaker Kitty, who relocates to attend KISS on a scholarship, hoping to reconnect with her long-distance boyfriend Dae (Minyeong Choi) and uncover more about her late mother’s past. Along the way, she navigates complex friendships, family secrets, and budding romances with charismatic Min Ho (Sang Heon Lee), supportive Q (Anthony Keyvan), and the enigmatic Yuri (Gia Kim).

Season 1 delivered classic rom-com vibes blended with K-drama flair, exploring themes of identity, first love, and cultural adjustment. Kitty’s meddling in others’ relationships often backfired hilariously on her own heart, ending with shocking revelations about her boyfriend and a dramatic expulsion threat. The show’s instant popularity led to a quick renewal, and Season 2 dropped in January 2025, picking up with Kitty fighting to stay at KISS.

The second season amped up the drama, introducing new classmates, exploring Kitty’s evolving feelings across multiple love interests, and delving into family reconciliations. A surprise cameo from the original films added nostalgia, while scandals, talent shows, and heartfelt confessions kept viewers hooked. It concluded on a thrilling cliffhanger: Kitty impulsively joining Min Ho on his family’s summer tour, hinting at unresolved tension and potential romance after months of slow-burn chemistry.

Now, the “Summer Doesn’t Wait” trailer leans into that setup, shifting the action beyond the school halls for the series’ first summer-focused episodes. Voiceover narration reflects on transient seasons versus those that “leave a mark,” with visuals of sun-soaked travels, beachside confessions, and group adventures. Kitty appears more mature, grappling with independence as she tours with Min Ho and his brother. Quick cuts suggest romantic sparks igniting amid scenic backdrops, but also complications—jealousy, misunderstandings, and new temptations threatening to derail budding connections.

Actor Sang Heon Lee has teased Min Ho’s vulnerability this season, describing his character as finally confronting emotions rather than hiding behind sarcasm. Anna Cathcart, in press rounds, shared that Kitty enters a phase of self-discovery, learning that love isn’t always about matchmaking others but embracing her own messy journey. The trailer hints at the group dynamic evolving over summer break, with friends scattering yet drawn back together by shared experiences. Returning faces like Yuri facing personal challenges and Q exploring his own path add layers, while the overarching message warns that some opportunities—and relationships—won’t linger forever.

Production on Season 3 wrapped in July 2025 in Seoul, South Korea, incorporating vibrant summer locations to capture the seasonal shift. New showrunner Valentina Garza joins the team, promising heightened emotional stakes and more crossover nods to the “To All the Boys” universe. Fresh cast members include Sule Thelwell as Marius, Soy Kim as Yisoo, and Christine Hwang as Gigi, injecting new energy and potential rivalries or alliances into the mix.

The core ensemble drives the appeal. Anna Cathcart’s bubbly yet resilient Kitty remains the emotional center, evolving from naive romantic to confident young woman. Sang Heon Lee’s Min Ho brings brooding charm with hidden depth, while Gia Kim’s Yuri adds complexity through her own arc of self-acceptance. Minyeong Choi’s Dae offers grounded sweetness, Anthony Keyvan’s Q provides loyal humor, and supporting players like Regan Aliyah as Juliana and Jocelyn Shelfo as Madison round out the vibrant KISS crew. Recurring favorites, including family ties back home, ensure heartfelt callbacks.

Fan excitement is at fever pitch online. Theories abound about whether Kitty and Min Ho’s summer fling solidifies into something real or fizzles under pressure. Many speculate the “mark” refers to irreversible choices, like committing to a relationship or prioritizing personal growth over romance. Comparisons to “The Summer I Turned Pretty” highlight the shared Jenny Han touch—sunny escapism mixed with poignant coming-of-age moments. The show’s inclusive storytelling, touching on bisexuality, cultural identity, and friendship, has fostered a dedicated global audience.

Critics praised Season 1 for its fresh energy and Season 2 for bolder risks, earning solid Rotten Tomatoes scores. Season 3 raises the bar with travel sequences, mature themes, and resolutions to lingering questions from the films’ legacy. Netflix’s swift renewals reflect confidence in the franchise’s enduring charm, especially after Season 2’s strong viewership numbers.

As senior year looms upon return to KISS, expect explorations of future plans clashing with present passions. The trailer builds to a tantalizing close: Kitty standing at a crossroads, gazing at horizons that symbolize endless possibilities—or heartbreaking goodbyes. With themes of cherishing fleeting time and embracing change, “Summer Doesn’t Wait” positions Season 3 as the most transformative yet.

“XO, Kitty” continues to capture the magic of young love with wit, warmth, and relatability. This upcoming chapter, blending adventure and introspection, could cement its status as a standout YA gem. Whether summer marks the start of forever or a fond farewell, fans are counting down to 2026 for Kitty’s next heartfelt sign-off.