Wednesday Season 2 Review: Why Netflix’s Hit Show Stumbles in Part 1

After three years of anticipation fueled by record-breaking viewership and viral TikTok theories, Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 has finally arrived on Netflix. Yet despite Jenna Ortega’s magnetic performance and Tim Burton’s signature visuals, this long-awaited return to Nevermore Academy feels like a pale imitation of its groundbreaking first season. Critics and fans alike are lamenting an overstuffed plot and identity crisis that drowns the show’s original charm.

What Went Wrong with Wednesday Season 2?

Season 2 opens strong with Wednesday (Ortega) hunting a serial killer during summer break—a sequence featuring Haley Joel Osment that showcases the show’s dark-comedy potential. But once Wednesday returns to Nevermore, the narrative fractures. New principal Barry Dort (Steve Buscemi), Pugsley’s enrollment (Isaac Ordonez), Morticia and Gomez’s meddling (Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán), and a prophecy about Enid’s (Emma Myers) death collide with underdeveloped subplots involving stalkers, secret societies, and supernatural factions.

As noted in early reviews, the season’s core flaw is its lack of focus. Writers crammed too many ideas into four episodes, sacrificing emotional depth for frantic pacing. Attempts to explore mental health, toxic fandom, and family legacy feel superficial. The tonal whiplash—juggling teen comedy, horror, and fantasy—leaves viewers disconnected. “It’s trying to be everything at once,” observes Dexerto, “and ends up resonating with nothing.”

Bright Spots Amid the Chaos

Despite the messy storytelling, Ortega remains impeccable. Her deadpan delivery and micro-expressions elevate even clunky dialogue. Supporting cast additions shine: Joanna Lumley’s wicked turn as Hester Frump and Thandiwe Newton’s sharp-edged character provide much-needed edge. Isaac Ordonez steals scenes as a delightfully unhinged Pugsley, while Victor Dorobantu’s Thing remains the series’ most expressive performer.

Visually, Burton’s influence persists in gothic set designs and inventive creature effects. The cliffhanger ending—though frustrating due to Netflix’s two-part release strategy—hints at a tighter, more focused second half.

The Verdict: A Disappointing Detour

Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 earns a 2/5 rating. It’s a textbook case of “more isn’t better,” buckling under fan-service demands and narrative bloat. While Ortega and the ensemble cast commit fully, their efforts can’t salvage a script that forgets the Addams’ appeal lies in eccentric simplicity—not convoluted lore. For die-hard fans, there’s just enough macabre humor and style to justify watching, but casual viewers may struggle to stay engaged.

The fate of Wednesday now rests on Part 2 (premiering September 3). If it streamlines the chaos and recenters the show’s weird, wicked heart, Netflix’s hit could still rise from the grave. Stream Part 1 now—then pray the finale delivers the resurrection this franchise deserves.

Must Know

Why was Wednesday Season 2 delayed?
Production faced multiple rewrites, cast scheduling conflicts, and complex VFX work. Netflix confirmed thousands of effects shots were needed, extending the timeline significantly.

Is Jenna Ortega still the lead in Season 2?
Absolutely. Ortega anchors the season with her iconic deadpan performance, though critics note the script underutilizes her talents in Part 1.

What happened to Xavier Thorpe (Percy Hynes White)?
White does not return due to narrative restructuring. Showrunners shifted focus toward Wednesday’s family dynamics and new characters.

How many episodes are in Part 1?
Part 1 comprises four episodes. The remaining four episodes (Part 2) release September 3, 2025.

Does the season connect to the Addams Family movies?
Yes! Christopher Lloyd (Fester in the 1990s films) appears in a new role, while Fred Armisen plays Uncle Fester in the series.