The second season of Wednesday has now concluded, and the show continues to prove itself as a unique blend of gothic charm, dark comedy, and supernatural intrigue. This season takes a bolder approach to the Addams family mythology, exploring the twisted family dynamics fans have long loved.
★★★★☆
Find spoilers ahead for season two of Netflix’s Wednesday.
In this second instalment of Wednesday, we see Wednesday (Jenna Ortega) on the pursuit of more mystery whilst striving to recover her psychic abilities and seeks to prevent Enid’s (Emma Myers) prophecised death. Alongside this, more Addams family secrets emerge, Wednesday finds herself a stalker, and Nevermore Academy has a new headmaster (Steve Buscemi). While the second season establishes a darker, more Addams-focused tone, which appeals to long-time followers of the family, Pugsley (Isaac Ordonez), Morticia (Catherine Zeta-Jones), and Gomez (Luis Guzmán), who were previously in the background, are given significantly more screen time. Their expanded roles provide both comic relief and emotional grounding, reminding viewers why the Addams family has endured as a cultural icon. However, though an improvement from the first season, season two was not perfect; the first half especially struggled with pacing, unnecessary plot devices, and supernatural cringeworthy plots.
Meanwhile, Bianca’s (Joy Sunday) expanded storyline adds dimension to a character who might otherwise have remained the stereotypical rival, and the introduction of Wednesday’s fan/stalker Agnes adds a comedic, dark tone to the story, which is developed beyond stereotype. Tyler (Hunter Doohan), perhaps the season’s most intriguing character, becomes increasingly sinister, introducing unpredictability and tension. Although he is underutilised in the first half, his acknowledgement of Wednesday falling in love with his hyde-monster is a key point that sets the tone for the rest of the episodes and their interactions. Part one’s careful pacing allows for a more satisfying payoff later in the season.
One of the season’s most notable strengths is Jenna Ortega’s influence as executive producer. Her creative input is evident in the sharper writing, tighter pacing, and stronger mystery. By steering the series away from predictable teen drama tropes, the show leans fully into its gothic and supernatural identity. This shift also allows for more intricate storytelling, such as exploring the Addams family history, the layered relationship between Wednesday and Tyler, and the emergence of Issac Night in depth.
However, the season is not without its flaws. Enid’s cheating subplot feels unnecessary and undermines her personal growth. It comes across as a plot device rather than a genuine character development moment. Similarly, the new headmaster, Dort, is awkwardly written and often veers into cringeworthy rather than tension. His later reveal as the founder of the Morning Song cult explains his control over Bianca, but does not make him a fully compelling character. His death is arguably the most satisfying resolution for him, and the series may have benefited from focusing more on his cult activities rather than his awkward attempts at villainy with kids.
The show also continues to grapple with the reductive ‘normie versus outcast’ dynamic, increasingly feeling overused and simplistic. Similarly, Sheriff Galpin’s (Jamie McShane) sudden death, while shocking, lacks the emotional weight it should have carried for Tyler, coming across as more a plot convenience than a truly earned moment. Unfortunately, Ajax (Georgie Farmer) and Eugene (Moosa Mostafa) are also underused in this season, missing their potential as loyal friends. Despite these missteps, the first half establishes key arcs and sets the stage for the season’s stronger second half.
The second part of the season builds momentum and delivers some of the series’ most memorable and thematically rich moments. The return of Weems (Gwendoline Christie) is a particular highlight. Her presence reintroduces a sense of mystery and stakes that have been missing, and her interactions with Wednesday and Morticia feel organic and compelling. Tyler’s storyline becomes more layered as he grapples with his inner demons outside of Willow Hill. His reunion with his mother and uncle, whose extreme, incestuous behaviour casts him as the most normal member of his family, adds both tension and dark humour, while also providing insight into his family’s twisted psychology. The sibling dynamic between his mother and uncle is disturbing, pushing Tyler into the position of relative sanity and emphasising the show’s ability to balance gothic horror with absurdity, and even hints at a possible redemption for Tyler.
A strong thematic thread throughout this season is motherhood. From the relationship between Wednesday and Morticia, to Morticia and Grandmama (Joanna Lumley), Tyler and his mother Françoise (Frances O’Connor), and Bianca and her mother Gabrielle (Gracy Goldman), the season consistently explores how maternal relationships shape identity and morality. This theme reinforces the gothic, family heritage of the series, twisting together family and horror, which is a true Addams family trope. This lays the groundwork for season three, teasing the arrival of Ophelia and hinting at new inner-family conflicts and alliances, which will expand the narrative possibilities.
The show’s ability to blend humour with gothic horror reaches a high point in the Freaky Friday-style body swap between Wednesday and Enid. Watching Enid, trapped in Wednesday’s body, shriek, gossip, and completely lose control, while Wednesday struggles to convincingly act normal in Enid’s form, highlights the series’ comedic timing and supernatural creativity. Unlike some of the lighter moments in the first season, this humour feels natural and earned, enhancing character development rather than detracting from it. The scene also reinforces the contrast between Wednesday’s dark, controlled persona and Enid’s exuberant, chaotic energy, deepening both characters in a way that is both funny and meaningful. Myers and Ortega’s performances are a highlight here, demonstrating impressive range as they mirror each other’s mannerisms while maintaining the essence of their own roles, a testament to their versatility and precision as actors.
The revelation of Thing’s (Victor Dorobantu) origin is another standout moment. Discovering that Thing’s hand once belonged to Tyler’s uncle, Issac Night (Owen Painter), a figure from Morticia and Gomez’s past who attempted to kill Gomez and steal his powers to save Françoise, is a bold expansion of the Addams family mythology. Thing ultimately choosing to remain in the Addams family provides a heartwarming emotional payoff.
The season also hints at a renewed and complex romantic tension between Wednesday and Tyler. Their relationship, already fraught with betrayal, violence, and moments of genuine connection, deepens when Wednesday refuses to kill him at a crucial moment, despite Tyler’s urging. This moment underscores the complicated nature of their bond, suggesting unresolved feelings, recognition of his humanity, or even a darker fascination. It is a nuanced development that sets up a potentially compelling romantic storyline in season three.
The Verdict
Season two is darker, more confident, and more authentically Addams at heart. It still suffers from occasional overcrowding and uneven storytelling, but the season demonstrates that the series is finding its voice. With season three confirmed, fans can look forward to more thrilling mysteries, darkly comedic moments, and complex character relationships, making the series not only entertaining but emotionally engaging in a way that few teen supernatural dramas achieve.
Watch Wednesday‘s latest season on Netflix.
Words by Maicey Navarro Griffiths
Support The Indiependent
We’re trying to raise £200 a month to help cover our operational costs. This includes our ‘Writer of the Month’ awards, where we recognise the amazing work produced by our contributor team. If you’ve enjoyed reading our site, we’d really appreciate it if you could donate to The Indiependent. Whether you can give £1 or £10, you’d be making a huge difference to our small team.