Q’s Journey Gets Real: Anthony Keyvan Talks 'XO, Kitty' Season 3 with Manny the Movie Guy

XO, Kitty is back on Netflix for a highly anticipated third season, and the stakes for our favorite Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS) students have never been higher. NBC Palm Springs’ Manny the Movie Guy recently sat down with breakout star Anthony Keyvan, who plays the beloved Quincy "Q" Shabazian, to discuss the emotional, raw, and "real" turn his character takes in the new season.

With XO, Kitty Season 3 officially streaming, here are the biggest highlights from Anthony Keyvan’s insightful interview.

1. Taking the Training Wheels Off: A More Emotional Season

Keyvan told Manny that Season 3 represents a significant shift in tone for the show. While previous seasons focused on the whirlwind romance and comedic chaos of teenage life, this season delves into deeper emotional territory.

"Season 3 feels like we've taken the training wheels off emotionally," Keyvan explained. Known as the loyal, supportive best friend with the "perfect playlist," Q faces unprecedented challenges in his senior year that force him to confront his own vulnerabilities.

2. Q’s Journey: From "The Rock" to Vulnerable

Fans love Q for his unapologetic confidence and his willingness to support others, but Keyvan noted that this season, Q finally falters.

•           The Conflict: Q tries to balance his relationship with Jin (played by Joshua Lee), his studies, and the return of an old friend who shakes up his routine.

•           The Growth: Keyvan expressed excitement about showing a side of Q that doesn’t have it all together, adding that the character stumbles for the first time.

3. Authentic Representation and Personal Stakes

As a Filipino-Iranian actor, Keyvan has been vocal about bringing authentic cultural nuances to his role. In his discussion with Manny, he shared that he pushed for more personal details to be included, such as highlighting his character's Filpino roots, including his mother's maiden name.

"My parents risked a lot to provide for me," Keyvan said, emphasizing how important it is for him to provide meaningful, normalized representation of queer, AAPI characters on a global platform.

4. Chemistry and Behind-the-Scenes Fun

Despite the heavier storylines, Keyvan noted that the cast’s off-screen friendship makes the intense on-screen chemistry possible.

•           On-Screen Pairings: He raved about working with Joshua Lee, stating that their friendship makes navigating the romantic drama on set feel authentic.

•           New Faces: Keyvan also praised working with Martha Millan, who plays Q's mother in a key storyline this season.

5. A Message to the Fans

Keyvan concluded the interview with a heartfelt message to his supporters, particularly his Filipino fans, thanking them for embracing his portrayal of Q and noting that the positive reception means "everything" to him.

See our interview above and for our uncut chat, click here.