Pop Culture Happy Hour: In-Depth Look at Netflix’s “Wednesday”

Introduction

In the August 5, 2025, episode of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour, host Glen Weldon engages in a thoughtful conversation with writer Ella Cerrone about the highly anticipated Netflix series “Wednesday”. This detailed summary captures their comprehensive discussion, highlighting key points, critiques, and insights into the show’s adaptation of the beloved Wednesday Addams character.

Overview of “Wednesday” Series

Glen Weldon initiates the conversation by outlining the premise of “Wednesday”, a popular Netflix series that has catapulted Jenna Ortega into stardom. The show reimagines Wednesday Addams, traditionally portrayed as the morose daughter in the iconic Addams Family, and places her in the Gothic and supernatural setting of Nevermore Academy. Here, Wednesday navigates her turbulent life amidst outcasts like werewolves and sirens, delving into investigations of grisly murders while managing psychic visions, rivalries, and complex relationships.

Ella’s Initial Skepticism and Growing Appreciation ([04:03] - [05:21])

Ella Cerrone shares her long-standing affection for the Addams Family, revealing her early introduction to the franchise through campy, iconic movies that resonated with her as a “very quiet little girl” identifying with Wednesday's serious demeanor. Initially skeptical about “Wednesday” due to its departure into supernatural elements—a stark contrast to her understanding of the Addams Family as “weird goths living their life in a very suburban place”—Ella admits, “I was a little skeptical going in” ([05:21]). However, as the series progressed, she found herself captivated by the comprehensive world-building, allowing her nostalgia and love for the original to evolve into appreciation for the new interpretation.

Jenna Ortega’s Performance: A Standout Element ([05:21] - [09:28])

Glen Weldon praises Jenna Ortega’s central performance, emphasizing the challenge of embodying Wednesday Addams while carrying the show's narrative weight. He notes, “I do not envy that task. As an actor, I think Ortega nails it” ([05:21]). Ortega’s portrayal balances a flat affect with moments of depth, allowing subtle emotional expressions that enhance her character’s complexity. A highlight mentioned is a fantastic dance scene that showcases her ability to convey layers without disrupting the character’s core essence.

Direction and Production Critique ([09:28] - [10:58])

The conversation shifts to the show's direction under Tim Burton, whom Ella admires for his work in films like “Batman Returns”. Glen expresses disappointment, stating, “the show looks really flat” ([09:28]). He critiques the series' visual and narrative execution, arguing that despite Burton’s reputation, the show fails to distinguish itself from other Netflix offerings in terms of camera work, color palette, and overall aesthetic. Ella concurs, comparing the show’s feel to that of “Sabrina”, and lamenting that it doesn’t fully embrace the unique Burton-esque flair she anticipated.

Cultural Representation and Continuity ([11:11] - [13:26])

A significant aspect discussed is the show’s acknowledgement of the Addams Family’s Latino heritage. Glen brings up the inclusion of Latino actors like Luis Guzman (Gomez) and Jenna Ortega (Wednesday), as well as Fred Armisen’s Uncle Fester. Ella reflects on Raul Julia’s portrayal of Gomez, highlighting how his performance imbued the character with Latino identity, a continuity that the series honors without making it a central plot point. She appreciates the subtle references to their heritage, such as mentions of “de Muertos” and the song “La Llorona”, which add depth and authenticity to the characters’ backgrounds.

Character Dynamics and Storylines ([13:26] - [15:47])

Glen and Ella explore the altered family dynamics in the series, particularly the strained relationship between Wednesday and her mother, Morticia, portrayed by Catherine Zeta-Jones. Glen ponders the narrative choice to instill “friction and resentment” between them, questioning its purpose beyond typical teen angst. Ella argues that this split effectively isolates Wednesday, differentiating the show from the original films where the Addams Family remained unified against external pressures. This isolation underscores Wednesday’s individual journey and personal growth.

The discussion also touches on the supporting characters at Nevermore Academy. Ella critiques the shallow development of some classmates, noting that they sometimes feel “flat” and underutilized, which hampers the potential for richer storylines, including the anticipated love triangles. Nevertheless, she expresses genuine enthusiasm for the “normie romance” subplot, finding it endearing and relatable: “I was really rooting for that one” ([15:47]).

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode concludes, Glen seeks any additional thoughts from Ella, who reiterates her overall appreciation tempered with specific critiques. She acknowledges the show’s strengths in performances and cultural representation while yearning for deeper character development and more distinctive direction. Glen and Ella wrap up the conversation by encouraging listeners to share their own thoughts on “Wednesday”, emphasizing the show’s impact within the pop culture landscape.

Notable Quotes

• Ella Cerrone ([04:03]): “I have been obsessed with the Addams Family and with Wednesday specifically since as long as I can remember.”

• Glen Weldon ([05:21]): “As an actor, I think Ortega nails it. I think she does this flat affect, yet she's also able to show us just with her eyes when something or someone actually reaches her.”

• Ella Cerrone ([08:48]): “They are inexplicably wealthy. That's never explained. I did kind of miss the pearls and the cardigans that are central, I think, to the other movies.”

• Glen Weldon ([09:28]): “This setting is my deal breaker. This setting, man, it is the year 2022 and we're still doing ya school for magic. We're still doing not warts. I get that it's a genre I do, but why gotta feel so generic?”

• Ella Cerrone ([13:26]): “There are references to their heritage in the show. There's a quip about the de Muertos. There's a moment where she's listening to La Llorona, which is an iconic Zapotec song.”

Final Remarks

Glen Weldon and Ella Cerrone provide a nuanced critique of “Wednesday”, balancing appreciation for its lead performance and cultural inclusivity with constructive feedback on its narrative and stylistic choices. Their insightful discussion offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the show's strengths and areas for improvement, making it a valuable resource for fans and critics alike.