Jenna Ortega believes the success of Netflix’s hit series Wednesday goes far beyond its gothic visuals and chilling storylines.
According to the 22-year-old actress, who plays the iconic Wednesday Addams, the show resonates because it reflects the search for connection in today’s disconnected world.
In a recent interview with the BBC, published on July 30 ahead of Wednesday Season 2, Ortega opened up about why the series has struck such a deep chord with viewers, particularly younger audiences navigating the challenges of modern social interaction.
“The Addams Family dynamic is very unique and unconventional, yet it shows the importance of family and belonging,” Ortega explained. “I think a lot of people watching are trying to figure out where we find our sense of community now, especially in the era of social media.”
Ortega went on to reflect on how real-world connections have shifted over the decades. “I wasn’t around in the 70s, but I hear stories of people knocking on their neighbors’ doors, kids biking around the city, and meeting up without phones. Today, people don’t really talk to each other in person. They’re finding their community online, which can sometimes feel isolating.”
With these themes in mind, Wednesday has become more than just a supernatural thriller—it’s a cultural reflection of how young people seek belonging in an increasingly digital world.
Fans won’t have to wait long for the next chapter. Wednesday Season 2 will be released in two parts, with Part 1 arriving on Netflix on August 6, followed by Part 2 on September 3. Ortega will once again lead the cast as Wednesday Addams, exploring new mysteries while navigating the character’s complex relationships and identity.
As anticipation builds, critics and fans alike believe that Ortega’s performance—and the show’s deeper message about connection—will ensure that Season 2 is just as impactful, if not more so, than the breakout first season.