With XO, Kitty Season 2 now streaming on Netflix, Peter Thurnwald is taking a moment to reflect on the show’s continued success, Alex’s evolving role, and his own creative journey beyond acting.
Returning to Korea for the second season marked a dramatic shift from the first. COVID restrictions had limited cast interaction during Season 1, but this time the ensemble was able to fully embrace their surroundings. According to Thurnwald, those shared experiences helped strengthen the group’s on-screen chemistry.
“It was amazing! It definitely was a lot different from the first season because of Covid. For the first four to six weeks we were there, we were kind of quarantined in our rooms. (…) We were a little bit naughty because within 3 days, five of the cast members got COVID — including myself — because we were so excited to be there. (…) This time around we were able to welcome the new classmates, we were able to make sure that we went out (…) We did karaoke, we went to Korean barbecue (…) we just did kind of like the tourist Korea for the first week we were there.”
Season 2 allowed Alex to step more firmly into a guiding role, especially in relation to Yuri and Kitty. Thurnwald highlighted these sibling-like dynamics as some of his favorite moments, expressing interest in seeing Alex further evolve as a stabilizing presence should the series continue.
“I would love to see Alex grow in his relationship with his family. I think seeing more of him with his father would be kind of funny but also heartfelt (…) especially since there is so much tension in the family after the second season. It was great to be able to do some more scenes with Yuri and get to know my sister a lot better. (…) That was probably the highlight for me, to be able to have those brotherly scenes with Yuri as well as have that similar relationship with Anna (Kitty) in the show. Moving into season 3 I just want to see those relationships get fostered a lot more, have Alex as that bigger brother figure, maybe even help with some even harder decisions moving forward and of course, seeing some fun scenes between him and professor Lee”
Alex’s connection to Professor Lee also subtly shifted this season, with small but meaningful changes that didn’t go unnoticed by fans. Thurnwald acknowledged the audience’s enthusiasm and the many fan theories circulating online, praising viewers for their attention to detail while remaining tight-lipped about what could come next.
One of the season’s most talked-about scenes paid homage to the To All the Boys films, reinforcing XO, Kitty’s place within the larger franchise. Thurnwald described the moment as exciting and nostalgic, especially with the surprise return of familiar faces that resonated deeply with longtime fans.
“As soon as we saw there was a track and field, we were like, ‘It’s going to happen, it has to happen.’ (…) This season, Jenny (Han) wanted to nod a lot more towards the original films and I think they achieved that without it being really on the nose. (…) We get to see the similarities and differences of the Covey family and we realize that Kitty is also her own woman, she isn’t dictated by what you know from a previous story line. (…) We didn’t know that Noah was going to come (…) I think he was filming The Recruit and they were in Korea. (…) It makes you realize how important this show is to so many other people and I think that always brings almost a tear to your eye because there are so many loving fans that were so excited when they saw him and Janelle in the trailer.
While several characters found moments of happiness, Yuri’s storyline took a darker turn. Thurnwald views her arc as an important moment of growth, emphasizing that adversity often pushes characters—and people—into necessary self-reflection.
“Bad things happen to good people, (…) She really felt like a bit of a punching bag this season.”
Asked to give advice to the characters, Thurnwald stayed true to Alex’s role as a mentor.
“For Kitty, it’s always going to be ‘follow your heart.’”
Beyond XO, Kitty, Thurnwald is increasingly focused on work behind the camera. After executive producing the short horror film Rear View Mirror and producing Scattered, he’s gaining hands-on experience in storytelling from script to screen. These projects mark an important step toward his long-term goal: creating his own television series.
Inspired by shows like Beef and Mr Inbetween, Thurnwald hopes to develop thought-provoking, darkly comedic stories that explore human flaws and emotional chaos on a larger scale.
While acting remains central to his career, Thurnwald sees producing and writing as equally vital creative outlets—ones that allow for greater control, privacy, and personal expression.
As XO, Kitty continues to grow its fanbase, Peter Thurnwald is clearly positioning himself not just as a familiar face on screen, but as a storyteller with a long-term vision for the industry.
