Manny the Movie Guy
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.
By: Manny Dela Rosa
April 28, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews