It’s a Good Thing ‘Wednesday’ Is Leaving Its Love Triangle Behind in Season 2

The big picture

• Season 1 of
  Wednesday
  was a huge hit for Netflix, becoming the second most watched series on the platform.
• Season 1's love triangle subplot received mixed reviews, and fans are anticipating its elimination in Season 2.
• 2nd season of
  Wednesday
  will focus less on romance, leaning more on horror and mystery while introducing new characters.

When Netflix first announced it was making a show about Wednesday Addams, fans of both the original 60s TV show and the cult classic 90s movies were understandably skeptical. Could the streamer do a remake with the classically weird family? The series was successful in placing first on Wednesday as the centerpiece of the story. While all the main characters from the originals would make appearances (including Gomez, Morticia, and Pugsley), Wednesday would focus on the macabre teenager herself, played by Jenna Ortega. Also, the show would take place at Nevermore Academy, where Wednesday would try to fit in with her classmates (despite her morbid and cold personality). By mixing a coming-of-age story with some seriously dark supernatural vibes, Wednesday it was destined to be a success and win over all those initial skeptics. The inclusion of a romantic love triangle was seen by some as an unnecessary aspect of an otherwise great series, and those who believe that will be happy to know that this love triangle is saying goodbye.

“Wednesday” became a huge hit for Netflix

Season 1 of Wednesday debuted in November 2022, and within three weeks of its release, had become Netflix's second most-watched English-language series (reaches about 150 million households with 1 billion hours of viewing). The series also received 12 Emmy nominations (and four wins) and two Golden Globe nominations (for Best Television Comedy Series and Best Actress for Ortega). Many critics praised Ortega's unprecedented delivery, the series' gorgeous cinematography, and the visionary. Tim Burtondirection of four episodes. But some critics felt the show was formulaic, especially when it came to the series' romantic storyline. The love triangle between Wednesday, local barista Tyler (Hunter Doohan), and the mysterious classmate Xavier (Percy Hynes White) ended up feeling like more of a tired trope when so much of the rest of the series felt fresh and fun. The good news for fans is that it looks like the focus on Wednesday's love life will soon be a thing of the past.

Season 1 of “Wednesday” got bogged down by its love triangle

Wednesday spent most of Season 1 trying to survive life at the unconventional Nevermore Academy (a boarding school made up of teenagers who are mermaids, werewolves and other magical creatures). Despite her best efforts to stay solitary and hone her cello and fencing skills, Wednesday forms a close friendship with her roommate, a bright and girly girl named Enid (Emma Myers), which was the exact opposite of Wednesday in every way. On Wednesday, he also had psychic visions of strange attacks and deaths occurring on campus and was drawn into the complicated mystery of what was really happening at the school. But between his attempts at solving crimes, Wednesday had time to get caught up in a love triangle between Tyler and Xavier. Tyler originally seemed like a safe ally, and Xavier seemed to be hiding something. The tables were turned late in the season, but not before Wednesday was often completely distracted from his attention.

Instead of focusing on his goal of solving the ever-deepening mysteries in Nevermore (or even on his academic studies or many hobbies), Wednesday it seemed to fall into the old YA theme of being caught between two guys. This predictable teenage plot felt out of line with who Wednesday is: a fiercely independent, self-assured girl. So, fans are rejoicing now that it looks like this the love triangle will be 100% over.. It was recently announced that White will not be returning for Season 2. Percy Hynes White's presence in Season 2 has been debated after White faced allegations of sexual misconduct (which the actor denies), with some rumors which say it was cancelled, while other reports allege its option had been extended with the main cast. Ortega announced that the show simply decided to leave the romance arcs for Wednesday, opting instead lean into more of the horror aspect of the show.

'Wednesday' is now set for an impressive season 2

While the rumors surrounding White have led to some changes with the cast, fans are happy that the romantic side of Wednesday's life isn't as much of a focus. Ortega herself seems to echo this sentiment. In an interview with Jimmy Fallon last year, Ortega said the team was going to “up the horror aspect and get Wednesday out of the romantic situation, and let her be her own person and fight the their own crimes.” This is an exciting change that could allow the series to improve even further on. Along with this change, there will also be some new and exciting names added to the cast list, including Steve Buscemi as series regulars and guest appearances Christopher Lloyd (who played Uncle Fester in the Addams Family movies), Joanna Lumley (Absolutely fabulous), i Thandiwe Newton (Westworld).

Without wasting her time chasing boys, who knows what shenanigans Wednesday will get up to with these new characters? And there are many other exciting stories to explore. Fans love the connection between Wednesday and Enid, as well as their other scheming companions (like mermaid Bianca). Since Ortega has already teased more “action and horror” in Season 2, this is likely fans will be treated to a chilling new mystery which will need to be resolved on Wednesday (with Thing's help most likely).

Netflix has yet to announce an official release date for Season 2 of the series (probably not until 2025), but production has just begun in Ireland. With the same co-showrunners as season 1 (Thousands of thousands i Alfred Gough), the same magic that was captured in Season 1 is likely to be delivered in the upcoming episodes as well. Plus, by avoiding any romantic plotlines in the immediate future, Wednesday can focus on what she does best: using her psychic visions to decipher clues about whatever disturbing mystery she's trying to solve. Wednesday can work to find his place in Nevermoor, while still leaning into what makes her truly unique (what other teenage girl likes to write macabre stories or play the cello under the moonlight?). Season 2 may continue to introduce beloved characters to the franchise, while also introducing new fan favorites.

Season 1 of Wednesday is available to stream on Netflix.

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