Netflix plans second season of 'XO, Kitty' as branding ties pay off

Sanrio Co

14/06/2023 19:53

By Danielle Broadway
       LOS ANGELES, June 14 (Reuters) - The Netflix  NFLX.O 
romantic comedy "XO, Kitty" is returning for a second season,
becoming the No. 1 streaming service's first television series
to be spun-off from an original Netflix film, the "To All the
Boys I've Loved Before" movie trilogy.
Netflix's "Bridgerton" Regency period drama series has also
spawned a spin-off, the "Queen Charlotte" prequel which became
one of the platform's most popular series after its debut in
May.
    "Queen Charlotte" remained No. 1 on the English TV list
ahead of "Firefly Lane" and "Sweet Tooth" during the week of May
8.
The "To All the Boys" and "Bridgerton" franchises reflect
Netflix's objective to expand brands to create content across
film, television, games and consumer products, with greater
diversity in casting.
    "XO, Kitty" has a Korean lead character and "Queen
Charlotte" features a Black actor in the title role.
    As Netflix's growth has slowed, the service has begun
developing franchises for more revenue from original programs.
The 2016 science fiction series "Stranger Things" was its first
successful entertainment franchise, with related merchandise and
plans for a spin-off series and a stage play.
"Bridgerton," adapted from Julia Quinn's book series, has
inspired a merchandise line in partnership with tea retailer
Republic of Tea that includes wedding products. A book inspired
by the Queen Charlotte character, penned by Quinn and the show's
creator, Shonda Rhimes, cracked the New York Times bestseller
list.
    Netflix also has live immersive experiences, including "The
Queen's Ball: A Bridgerton Experience." The pop-up exhibition in
different cities allows fans to experience the Regency London
portrayed in the series.
    The "XO, Kitty" brand has a partnership with Sanrio, a
Japanese entertainment company, and American fashion retailer
Forever 21 for a clothing line.
     

(Reporting by Danielle Broadway in Los Angeles; Editing by
Richard Chang)
((mailto:Danielle.Broadway@thomsonreuters.com;))