It was the show everyone was talking about, the viral dance took over social media, and suddenly, Wednesday Addams, in all her monochromatic gloom, was cool. But beyond the dark academia aesthetics and catchy memes, Netflix’s Wednesday taps into a timeless appeal that resonates with a broad audience, proving that being an outcast has never been more in fashion. The series masterfully updates the iconic Addams Family character for a new generation while still honoring her morbid roots, all by placing her at a magical boarding school with a monster-sized mystery to solve. This blend of familiar nostalgia with a fresh, coming-of-age story is the secret ingredient to its massive success.
Jenna Ortega plays the central character, Wednesday Addams, who attends the magical boarding school Nevermore Academy where a supernatural murder mystery unfolds in the series. The first season premiered on Netflix in November 2022, and the reason for its success is due to its modern coming-of-age story that honors the classic Addams Family character while a viral dance scene took social media by storm.
The show’s triumph lies in its universal themes, particularly its message of embracing your true, weird self. In a world that often pressures us to conform, Wednesday’s unapologetic individuality is a powerful statement. She’s a character who has no interest in fitting in with the “normies,” or even the outcasts at her school, Nevermore Academy. Instead, she uses her sharp wit and cynical worldview as a shield against a world that doesn’t understand her, a feeling that many teenagers, especially high school students, can deeply relate to. Her journey is not about changing who she is to be accepted, but about finding a way to exist on her own terms, which is a far more compelling and authentic narrative.
The diverse cast of characters also plays a pivotal role in the show’s wide appeal. Wednesday herself is portrayed by Jenna Ortega, bringing her Latina heritage to the forefront of the character in a way that informs her worldview without defining her. This adds a rich, layered perspective that speaks to issues of colonialism and prejudice, making the story more meaningful than a simple monster-of-the-week procedural. The show’s central relationship between Wednesday and her upbeat, pastel-loving roommate, Enid Sinclair, beautifully illustrates the idea that people don’t have to be alike to form deep connections. Their friendship, a classic odd-couple pairing, is at the heart of the series, showing that even the most emotionally reserved people can form bonds of genuine care and loyalty.
For high school students, the show’s portrayal of Nevermore Academy is a major draw. It’s a gothic, mystical boarding school filled with werewolves, gorgons, and vampires, all navigating the same adolescent drama that plagues regular teenagers. The setting combines dark academia vibes with a classic teen mystery, complete with a love triangle, a menacing monster, and a centuries-old conspiracy. The show’s creators masterfully weave these plot threads together, delivering a story that is both exciting and emotionally resonant. The aesthetic is perfect for social media, with its striking black and white color palette contrasting sharply with Enid’s vibrant, colorful personality.
Ultimately, the phenomenon of Wednesday transcends a viral dance or a dark aesthetic; it’s a story about finding your place in the world, even if that place is on the fringes. It’s about the courage to be different and the power of unlikely friendships to see you through. In an era where authenticity is highly valued, Wednesday’s steadfast refusal to compromise her identity is an inspiring message for high schoolers navigating their own social landscapes. The series reminds us that you don’t have to be a normie to be a hero, and sometimes, the best friends are the ones who are weird in all the right ways.
