One of the biggest problems with Netflix’sWednesdaywas also, ironically, one of the reasons why the series became and continues to be so successful. Thoughupdates onWednesdayseason 2have been lacking since filming wrapped, the series continues to fascinate and entertain audiences as the Tim Burton spinoff tells thestory of Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) and her adventures in Nevermore Academy. However, to some, the series failed to capture the essence of the source material through its shift in format and tone.
ThoughWednesdaywas meant to mirror the originalAddams Familyfranchise, it instead moved to copy aspects from manysupernatural teen dramason Netflix, such asThe Chilling Adventures Of SabrinaandStranger Things.The originalTheAddams Familyseries was a satirization of the classic family sitcom,but its morbid humor and slapstick moments contrast withWednesday’smore serious storyline, drawing it away from the franchise’s primary intention. That being said, this shift towards the teen drama formula did serve the Netflix series well and, in some ways, still honored those satirical roots.
Wednesday Season 1’s Teen Drama Formula Worked Surprisingly Well
Wednesday Season 1 Became Netflix’s Third Most Watched English Language Series Ever
Even thoughWednesday’shigh school storyline should not fit the world ofTheAddams Family,the series did shockingly well as it integrated those nuances into the darker world of the franchise. As mentioned, the titular character inWednesdaydiffers from herAddams Familydepictions, as she is dropped into staple narratives of teen dramas, such as the love triangle.
Why Wednesday Said She “Never” Wanted To Have A Life Like Morticia’s
Jenna Ortega’s heroine says she doesn’t want to be like her mother in Wednesday season 1, but why is her relationship with Morticia so complicated?
Yet,Netflix’s series also added in a strong murder mystery storyline while keeping Wednesday’s iconic deadpan characterizationthat, for some reason, bothered neither boy, keeping in some part with the original’s intention of satirization. Those shifts in Wednesday’s portrayal and circumstances did not deter the majority of audiences who loved the original franchise, either.
Wednesdaygarnered 752 million viewing hoursaccording toIMDb, showcasing how this formula shift was a welcome one forTheAddams Familyas they tempered the horror and humor with boarding school drama.Wednesdaymay not have been a faithful adaptation of the beloved characters and story, but its efforts in experimentation did yield great results, making it a strong addition to the franchise.
Wednesday Was Not A Faithful Adaptation (But It Was Still A Great Show)
Wednesday Keeps The Essence Of The Addams Family
Wednesdayis still a great show as it kept the essence ofTheAddams Family’smain morals alive, making it a solid adaptation. Even though the increase in horror elements will makeWednesdayseason 2 different from season 1, the main aspects of the story will likely remain, as audiences see Wednesday grow and develop her sense of identity while she solves another mystery. With that better balance, the series can further explore its own and the main franchise’s themes, which are easily captured in both formats.
Wednesdayhonors those aspects of the original by truly pushing Wednesday out of her comfort zone, forcing her to face the many trials teenage characters do in teen dramas alongside the spooky beats she is familiar with.
TheAddams Familyfranchise has largely carried the themes of self-acceptance, family, and loveat the center of each of its installments.Wednesdayhonors those aspects of the original by truly pushing Wednesday out of her comfort zone, forcing her to face the many trials teenage characters do in teen dramas alongside the spooky beats she is familiar with. By doing so,Wednesdayis able to connect to the franchise while also growing from it, allowing it to be a well-done show on its own and a powerful part of the larger story of this odd family.
Wednesday
Cast
Wednesday follows the journey of Wednesday Addams as she attends Nevermore Academy, a boarding school for outcasts. Tasked with mastering her psychic abilities, she confronts a series of town murders and a haunting family mystery from 25 years ago, all while managing new social dynamics.
