If you’ve got a teenager in the house, you’ve probably heard the high-pitched squeals of K-Drama fandom or seen the neon-soaked streets of Seoul flickering on their iPad screen. XO, Kitty isn't just a random show; it’s a spin-off of the massive To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before franchise, and it’s basically catnip for the Gen Z and Gen Alpha crowd. But as a parent, you’re likely wondering if this "XO Kitty parents guide" search was necessary because of cute romance or something a bit more... intense.
Honestly? It's a mixed bag.
📖 Related: The CM Punk Situation: Why Pro Wrestling Can't Quit the Best in the World
The show follows Kitty Song Covey, the youngest sister from the original films, as she packs up her life in Portland and moves to an international school in Seoul, South Korea. She thinks she’s going for love—specifically to be with her long-distance boyfriend, Dae—but she quickly finds out that life in a foreign country is way more complicated than a FaceTime call.
Is XO, Kitty Safe for Younger Kids?
Most parents want a straight "yes" or "no," but the reality is that XO, Kitty is firmly planted in the Young Adult (YA) category. It’s rated TV-MA in some regions but generally sits at a TV-14 level. It’s definitely "older" than the original movies.
While the movies were sweet and relatively innocent, the series leans much harder into the "teen drama" tropes you’d see in something like Gossip Girl or Never Have I Ever. We’re talking about high schoolers who act like twenty-somethings. They have a lot of freedom. They travel across the globe alone. They attend massive, parent-free parties where the "juice" definitely isn't just apple juice.
The language isn't terrible, but it's there. You'll hear the occasional "sh*t" or "hell," and plenty of "oh my god." If you’re strict about profanity, it might grate on you, but for most parents of 13-year-olds, it's standard fare for 2026.
Romance, Identity, and the "Steam" Factor
This is where the XO Kitty parents guide becomes most relevant. The show moves fast. Within the first few episodes, Kitty discovers that her boyfriend Dae has another "girlfriend" (it’s a fake relationship for social status, but still), and Kitty herself starts questioning her own sexuality.
The show handles LGBTQ+ themes very centrally.
Kitty develops feelings for a female character, Yuri, and much of the first season involves her trying to figure out if she’s bisexual or just confused by the whirlwind of moving to Korea. There are also gay characters in the supporting cast who deal with the pressure of "coming out" in a South Korean culture that is portrayed as being somewhat more conservative regarding traditional family values.
As for the physical stuff? There’s a fair amount of kissing. Intense kissing.
There are scenes that imply sexual situations, though the show generally stays away from showing actual nudity. It’s more about the vibe of hormonal teenagers. If your kid is 10, it might feel a little too "mature." If they’re 14? They’ve probably seen much worse on TikTok by lunchtime.
👉 See also: India Arie the Truth Lyrics: What Most People Get Wrong
The Real-World Cultural Context
One thing the show gets right—and something parents might actually enjoy discussing with their kids—is the intensity of the South Korean education system. The school, KISS (Korean International School of Seoul), is elite.
You see the pressure these kids are under to perform.
Even though the show is a fantasy of sorts, it touches on the real-world "hagwon" culture and the immense weight placed on grades. It’s a great jumping-off point to talk about academic pressure. Also, the show features a soundtrack that is essentially a "Best of K-Pop" playlist, featuring tracks from BTS, BLACKPINK, and SEVENTEEN. If you aren't ready for your living room to sound like a Seoul dance club, maybe invest in some noise-canceling headphones for your teen.
Breaking Down the Content: The Nitty Gritty
Let's get specific about what actually happens on screen so you aren't blindsided.
- Alcohol and Drugs: You will see teenagers drinking at parties. There’s no heavy drug use, but the normalization of underage drinking in a social context is definitely a theme.
- Conflict and Drama: There’s a lot of "mean girl" energy early on. Characters lie, manipulate social media, and keep massive secrets from their parents.
- Family Secrets: A huge plot point involves Kitty’s late mother and a secret baby/adoption storyline. It’s handled with some emotional weight, which might be a bit heavy for younger viewers who just wanted a show about cute outfits.
- The "Cringe" Factor: Let's be real. The show is cheesy. It’s supposed to be. For a parent, the dialogue might feel like it was written by a committee trying to sound "hip," but for the target audience, it hits the mark perfectly.
One thing to note is the representation of Korean culture. While it’s a Western production, it tries hard to respect local traditions, like Chuseok (the harvest festival). Watching Kitty navigate these traditions while being a "brash American" is actually one of the more educational aspects of the series.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Show
There’s a misconception that because it’s a spin-off of a "clean" book series, it’s a "clean" show. That's not quite right. It’s evolved.
The creators, including Jenny Han (the author of the original books), clearly wanted to grow with their audience. The kids who watched the first To All the Boys movie in 2018 are now in college. This show is designed to bridge the gap between that original younger audience and the older teens who want more "edge."
It’s not Euphoria. Not even close. But it’s also not Dora the Explorer.
Actionable Advice for Parents
If you're on the fence about letting your middle-schooler binge-watch this over the weekend, here’s how to handle it without being the "uncool" parent.
- Watch the first two episodes with them. Honestly, it’s the only way. The tone is set very early. If you’re okay with the "fake dating" drama and the initial party scenes, you’ll be fine with the rest.
- Talk about the "Long Distance" trap. Kitty ruins her life for a boy she barely knows in person. It’s a classic teen mistake. Use it as a talking point about boundaries and making big life decisions for yourself, not for a crush.
- Address the cultural differences. If your child becomes obsessed with Seoul after watching, maybe look into the actual history of the city together. The show is a "postcard" version of Korea; the reality is much more complex.
- Check the privacy settings. The characters in the show are constantly on their phones, and social media plays a huge role in the plot (and the drama). It’s a good reminder to check in on your own kid’s digital footprint.
The show is fundamentally about a girl trying to find her identity in a place where she has no safety net. That’s a universal theme. Despite the "teen angst" and the occasional swear word, the core of the show is about friendship and figuring out who you are when your parents aren't looking.
Next Steps for Your Household:
Check your Netflix maturity ratings. If your account is set to "Kids," XO, Kitty won't even show up. You’ll need to adjust the profile to at least "Teen" (12+ or 14+ depending on your region) to allow it. If you decide it's a "go," maybe grab some Korean snacks like Pepero or Tteokbokki to eat while watching—it’ll make the experience a lot more immersive and, frankly, more fun.
Don't overthink it too much. It's a soap opera for the TikTok generation. It's loud, it's colorful, and it's ultimately about a kid trying to connect with her late mother's past. Just keep the dialogue open about the things that feel a bit too "mature" for your specific family values.
Key Takeaways for the XO Kitty Parents Guide
- Age Appropriateness: Best suited for ages 13 and up.
- Themes: Identity, LGBTQ+ romance, academic pressure, and grief.
- Red Flags: Moderate profanity, underage drinking, and complex romantic situations.
- Positive Elements: Exploration of Korean culture, strong female lead, and themes of independence.
The most important thing to remember is that while Kitty is the "heroine," she makes a lot of mistakes. Seeing her deal with the consequences of those mistakes—getting expelled, hurting friends' feelings, or failing classes—is actually a pretty decent lesson in accountability, even if it’s wrapped in a very shiny, K-Drama-style bow.
💡 You might also like: Why This Is the Song That Doesn't End Still Gets Stuck in Your Head
Make sure to sit down and ask your teen what they think about Kitty's choices. You might be surprised by how much they actually pick up on the "drama" versus the "reality" of the situations. It’s a great way to gauge their own maturity level without making it feel like a lecture.
The series is currently streaming its full first season, with a second season already in the works, so if they start now, they’ll have plenty of content to get through. Just be prepared for the inevitable request to book a flight to Seoul for their next spring break.
Actionable Insight: Before your teen starts the show, have a 5-minute chat about "parasocial relationships" and the reality of international travel. It helps ground the fantasy elements of the show in real-world logic.