Sudden Fame Was “Overwhelming,” Ortega Admits

Jenna Ortega is stepping into a bigger role for Wednesday Netflix Season 2, both on-screen and behind the scenes. After the first season’s unexpected success, Ortega admits she felt overwhelmed by the show’s rapid rise to becoming Netflix’s most-watched English-language series.
“You never know how people will react. The attention was massive, and honestly, it took some time to adjust,” Ortega shared.
She added that the support from viewers meant a lot, but no one on the team predicted how big the show would become.
Wednesday Netflix Season 2 Returns with Bigger Roles for Morticia and Gomez
The second season of Wednesday brings the Addams family back to Nevermore Academy. But this time, Wednesday’s parents—Morticia and Gomez—have a much stronger presence. Their involvement on campus introduces new challenges for Wednesday, who values her independence above all.

Netflix teased this added dynamic as “a rare new form of torture for a fiercely independent amateur sleuth.”
Ortega, who plays the gothic teen detective, says the deeper exploration of family dynamics adds emotional depth to the story.
Exploring the Mother-Daughter Bond
Catherine Zeta-Jones returns as Morticia Addams, and Season 2 shines a light on the complex relationship between her and Wednesday.
“It’s classic mother-daughter conflict,” Ortega explained. “The daughter wants space, the mother wants to protect. It mirrors my own experiences growing up.”
The new season allows viewers to see more of Morticia as a fully developed character. Ortega describes Zeta-Jones as a “divine presence” who brings elegance and intensity to the screen.
New Cast Joins Wednesday Netflix Season 2
The second season introduces new faces to Nevermore Academy:
- Joanna Lumley as Wednesday’s grandmother, Hester Frump
- Steve Buscemi as Principal Barry Dort
- Billie Piper as music director Isadora Capri
These additions expand the series’ quirky world and provide fresh dynamics for Wednesday to navigate.
Jenna Ortega: Now an Executive Producer

Beyond acting, Ortega takes on a behind-the-scenes role this season as an executive producer. She says the experience has been “a crash course in storytelling and leadership.”
“I tried to absorb everything I could on set. It’s helped me understand the industry in a deeper way.”
She believes the time between seasons allowed the creative team to build something more thoughtful and layered.
A Message for Young Viewers
Ortega believes Wednesday Netflix Season 2 speaks directly to today’s youth. In a world shaped by online communities and social isolation, she says the Addams family stands as a symbol of acceptance and authenticity.

“The show reminds people it’s okay to be different. That your weirdness is your strength.”
Zeta-Jones echoes this sentiment, calling the Addamses “the ultimate modern family” because of how they celebrate individuality.
When Will Wednesday Season 2 Be Released?
- First 4 episodes drop on August 6
- Final 4 episodes arrive on September 3
Fans have waited patiently for the next chapter—and the cast promises it will be worth it.