When Netflix released Wednesday in 2022, it surprised audiences by blending teen drama with gothic horror. The series quickly became a cultural sensation, largely due to Jenna Ortega’s mesmerizing portrayal of Wednesday Addams. Naturally, expectations were sky-high for Season 2. While the show maintains its eerie charm and moody aesthetics, the latest season tries to do too much—and in doing so, it forgets its most powerful weapon: Jenna Ortega.
The Story So Far
Season 2 picks up shortly after the explosive events of Season 1. Wednesday returns to Nevermore Academy, haunted by the chaos she narrowly escaped. But this time, she’s not just investigating murders or solving riddles. The new season juggles cults, family secrets, supernatural politics, and a full-on Addams Family reunion.
On paper, that sounds exciting. In execution, however, the show buckles under the weight of too many subplots. Each character seems to have their own narrative arc, which leaves Wednesday bouncing between storylines with little emotional payoff.Wednesday Season 2 Review: Jenna Ortega Struggles to Shine in a Crowded ReturnWednesday Season 2 Review: Jenna Ortega Struggles to Shine in a Crowded Return
he Good: Production Design and Vibes Are Still Strong
Credit where it’s due—Wednesday still looks fantastic. The gothic sets, moody lighting, and crisp costume design remain visually captivating. Nevermore Academy continues to feel like its own eerie universe. Directors lean into the dark, quirky aesthetic that made Season 1 feel fresh, and those details shine again here
The humor is still razor-sharp, and the dialogue retains a biting wit that mirrors Wednesday’s classic deadpan. The soundtrack, too, continues to set the mood with a brooding score and perfectly curated music choices.
Jenna Ortega Deserves More
Jenna Ortega remains fully committed to her role. Her performance is as sharp, subtle, and captivating as ever. Whether she’s glaring through her bangs or dryly delivering a fatal insult, Ortega knows this character inside and out. But she isn’t given enough time to be Wednesday.
This season dilutes her screen time in favor of other characters, including Uncle Fester, Cousin Itt, and even Gomez and Morticia. While fans love the extended Addams family, their arrival shifts focus away from the main thread. As a result, Ortega’s Wednesday becomes less central and more reactive.
Too Many Cooks in the Crypt
The expanded cast is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it’s fun to explore deeper Addams lore and meet colorful new students at Nevermore. On the other, many of these additions feel curated music choices..
It seems like the writers tried to create Stranger Things-level world-building, but forgot what made Season 1 great: a tightly focused mystery with a compelling lead. With so many new arcs and characters to follow, the show loses some of its bite.
It seems like the writers tried to create Stranger Things-level world-building, but forgot what made Season 1 great: a tightly focused mystery with a compelling lead. With so many new arcs and characters to follow, the show loses some of its bite.
The Verdict: Spooky, Stylish, But Overstuffed
Wednesday Season 2 isn’t bad by any means—it’s just unfocused. The style and atmosphere are intact, and Jenna Ortega still nails every scene she’s in. But the season spends too much time on subplots and not enough on its main character.
If Season 1 was a fresh, eerie teen mystery, Season 2 feels like a haunted buffet—plenty of variety, but not enough time to savor anything. Hopefully, Season 3 will get back to basics and let Wednesday be the star she so clearly is.
Final Thoughts
For fans of gothic fiction, Addams Family lore, or teen supernatural thrillers, there’s still a lot to enjoy in Wednesday Season 2. But if you came back hoping for another laser-focused mystery led by Ortega’s brilliant Wednesday, you may find yourself missing the simplicity of Season 1
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