“Wednesday” Series Breaks Records

New Netflix Show Takes Over The Internet

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Photo by Ezra Baze

A new show from the mind of Tim Burton hit Netflix on Nov. 23. Gaining popularity mainly through social media platforms such as TikTok and Twitter, “Wednesday” received high streaming numbers in its first two weeks, becoming one of the 5 most successful Netflix series in history. “I have seen some content from the show [on social media],” Kiera Young (9) said. “It’s definitely interesting to see it more theatrical, but the only conflict I have about it is that it spoils it for some people.” – Made in Canva

From the mind of Tim Burton, the Netflix series “Wednesday,” released on Nov. 23, is set to break records less than a month after its premiere.

Unlike “The Addams Family,” on which the series is based, the show only focuses on Wednesday with the family making brief appearances. The plot follows the young Addams through high school as she navigates social relationships while solving mysteries in her town.

“The show really develops the angst it has,” Camilla Kacho (11) said, “and I feel like the dark tones in it are represented by both Tim Burton and Jenna Ortega.”

The series takes a new-school approach to “The Addams Family,” with references to social media and other modern aspects throughout the story. Some enjoy this addition, while others, like Kiera Young (9), believe it may take away from the dismal undertone of the original.

“It’s not as gloomy as ‘The Addams Family,’” Young said, “even though it’s supposed to be. I don’t feel like it’s as scary, and it’s more modern.”

Lighting, intricate costuming, detailed prosthetics and makeup design make “Wednesday” truly unique, keeping watchers engaged throughout the 8 episodes.

“There definitely is some aspects of creepiness and gore in it,” Young said, “like when Rowan dies, if you look into the special effects of it, you can see the intestines, blood and all of it. They went into great detail.”

Wednesday is portrayed by actress Jenna Ortega who has previously been featured in films such as “X” and “The Fallout.” However, her most notable role was as Harley Diaz in the Disney show, “Stuck In The Middle.” The actress has gained growing admiration from the series, though, for her growth compared to her Disney days.

“She definitely has improved [in her acting],” Kacho said. “She’s always been a good base actor, and she’s definitely changed her tone in acting.”

Gaining popularity mainly through social media platforms such as TikTok and Twitter, “Wednesday” received high streaming numbers in its first two weeks, becoming one of the 5 most successful Netflix series in history.

“I have seen some content from the show [on social media],” Young said. “It’s definitely interesting to see it more theatrical, but the only conflict I have about it is that it spoils it for some people.”

The viral “’Wednesday’ Dance” on TikTok enticed many viewers to watch the show. A scene of Ortega oddly dancing received millions of views and reposts, unexpectedly marketing the show. This trend may have helped the series, but some think it may have skewed the show’s image, like Kristine Thompson (10).

“I think social media helps with shows like these,” Thompson said, “but then you’re just on TikTok, and it ruins the concept of it because they have these random scenes of her dancing that make it confusing.”

Along with its title in the top 5 shows in Netflix history, “Wednesday” holds the record for the most hours viewed in a week for any English-language TV series on Netflix, beating out the previous title holder “Stranger Things 4.” Some say the show received too much attention, though, even with its impressive titles.

“It’s not overrated,” Thompson said, “but it definitely shouldn’t be as talked about as much because it is good, but it’s not the best.”

Whether viewers enjoyed the show or not, because of the numerous plot twists and cliffhanger ending, a season 2 of the series is highly anticipated.

“I would absolutely want to see a season 2 because I have to see after that plot twist ending what happens,” Kacho said.

While the renewal of “Wednesday” has not been confirmed, it is unlikely this is the last time we’ll see the angsty teen and her friends. The booming success of the series leaves not the question of will but when in terms of a new season.

“I think Tim Burton directs [‘Wednesday’] really well,” Kacho said. “They have good prosthetics, and the lighting designs and costuming is beautiful and overall represents Wednesday well.”