Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 Review: A Spooky, Star-Studded Return to Nevermore

The Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 review buzz is electric, with Netflix’s gothic hit returning on August 6, 2025, for four thrilling episodes.

Jenna Ortega reprises her iconic role as Wednesday Addams, diving back into Nevermore Academy’s creepy halls with new mysteries, more Addams family chaos, and a stellar cast.

Critics and fans are raving (and sometimes ranting) about the show’s darker tone, quirky humor, and frustrating split-season format.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s got everyone talking, from the chilling plot to the star-studded additions, and whether this season lives up to the viral hype of Season 1.

What’s the Vibe of Season 2’s Story?

Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 kicks off with our favorite deadpan detective returning to Nevermore after a summer of serial-killer hunting. This time, she’s grappling with unsettling visions of her roommate Enid’s (Emma Myers) death, a new murder mystery involving crow attacks, and an unwanted dose of popularity after saving the school in Season 1.

The four episodes, directed by Tim Burton and Paco Cabezas, blend dark comedy, horror, and teen drama with a gothic flair that’s quintessentially Addams.Critics praise the season’s complex mystery and gorier edge, with shocking deaths and eerie visuals like crows plucking out eyeballs.

However, some note the plot feels overcrowded, juggling too many subplots, from Pugsley’s zombie pet to Enid’s love triangle. The cliffhanger ending has fans buzzing, but the month-long wait for Part 2, set for September 3, 2025, is a major gripe.

How Does Jenna Ortega Shine as Wednesday?

Jenna Ortega remains the beating (or maybe unbeating) heart of the show. Critics universally laud her razor-sharp performance, with her deadpan delivery and subtle physicality nailing Wednesday’s sardonic charm.

She’s described as the “secret ingredient,” carrying the show even when the writing wobbles. Her focus on solving mysteries over romance, a shift from Season 1’s love triangle, aligns with Ortega’s own push for a darker, less YA vibe, making Wednesday feel truer to her macabre roots.

Some reviews, though, suggest her zingers aren’t as sharp this time, and a few feel she’s overshadowed by the expanded ensemble. Still, Ortega’s ability to anchor the chaos with her steely gaze and witty one-liners keeps Wednesday the standout star.

Who Are the New and Returning Stars?

The cast is a glittering highlight, with returning Addams family members and fresh faces stealing scenes. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán get more screen time as Morticia and Gomez, now lingering at Nevermore, much to Wednesday’s dismay.

Their dynamic with Ortega, especially in a sword-fighting scene, is a fan favorite. Fred Armisen’s Uncle Fester and newcomer Joanna Lumley as Grandmama Hester Frump add kooky charm, with Lumley’s irreverent performance earning raves.

Steve Buscemi joins as the suspicious Principal Dort, fitting seamlessly into the gothic world with a hint of menace. Other additions like Billie Piper, Thandiwe Newton, and Christopher Lloyd (playing a severed-head professor) bring star power, though some critics feel their roles are underused in these first four episodes. Fans on social media love the ensemble but want more for characters like Bianca (Joy Sunday).

Why Is the Tone So Addictive?

The show’s blend of spooky, funny, and downright weird is a big draw. Critics highlight its “delightfully macabre” vibe, with Tim Burton’s signature visuals, like a black-and-white animated ghost story, adding depth.

The gore is amped up, with squishy eyeballs and brain-eating zombies, but the humor keeps things playful, from Thing’s antics to Fester’s child-labor quips. Yet, some reviews call the comedy uneven, with clunky moments like a cartoonish driving instructor clashing with the darker bits.

Social media posts praise the show’s memeable moments, though there’s no viral dance scene equivalent yet. A Bruce Springsteen needle drop and pop-rock covers in the soundtrack add a fun twist, keeping the gothic-pop balance fans love.

What’s the Deal with the Split Season?

The biggest complaint across reviews is Netflix’s decision to split Season 2 into two parts, with Part 1 ending on a cliffhanger. Critics call it a “frustrating tease” that disrupts the binge-worthy momentum, leaving viewers hanging until September.

While some appreciate the compact four-episode arc as a miniseries-like setup, others argue it feels incomplete, especially with unresolved subplots like Enid’s love triangle or Principal Dort’s agenda. Fans on social media echo this, with some calling the split “evil.”

Will It Match Season 1’s Hype?

Season 1 was a cultural juggernaut, driven by Ortega’s performance and that dance scene. Reviews for Part 1 suggest it’s just as good, if not better, for some, with a more confident tone and less teen drama.

The increased Addams family presence and bolder horror elements are wins, but the overcrowded cast and split-season format hold it back for others.

Social media reactions range from 10/10 episode ratings to disappointment over pacing in early episodes, showing a mixed but passionate response.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 doesn’t quite recapture the first season’s viral magic but still delivers a creepy, kooky ride that’s hard to resist.

With Ortega’s stellar performance, a packed cast, and a mystery that keeps you guessing, it’s a must-watch for Addams fans.

The wait for Part 2 might sting, but this gothic gem is worth diving into now.