For most of film and television history, supporting characters existed with a clear narrative function: assist the protagonist, provide comic relief, move the plot forward, and quietly exit when the hero’s journey took centre stage. They were memorable, sometimes even beloved, but rarely powerful enough to reshape the story’s structure. Yet the modern entertainment landscape, particularly in the age of sprawling franchises and long-form streaming series, has begun to shift that balance.

''XO, Kitty'', the beloved Netflix spinoff of Jenny Han’s ''To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before'' franchise, returned for its highly anticipated second season with all the sweetness, drama, and spirit that made its first season such a hit. The show picks up where it left off, delving deeper into Kitty Song Covey's (played by Anna Cathcart) whirlwind life at the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS), while also bringing a more profound focus on her quest for answers about her late mother, Eve. Season 2 strikes a delicate balance between familiar beats from Season 1 and exciting new developments, presenting a delightful intermingling of romance, familial bonds, and personal growth.