Wednesday arrived on Netflix on November 23 and, in a remarkably short time, has become a fashion moment and a ratings hit for the platform. Its success comes partly from a fresh cast led by a rising star. Jenna Ortega has been proving herself as a leading actress, especially after her standout work in a previous project. Tim Burton, the director behind Wednesday, also has a long history with the Addams Family, having supervised earlier iterations and, of course, drawing on the franchise’s dark, nostalgic aura that resonated with audiences who knew the sixties and nineties iterations well.
Yet it is the teenage audience that devours the eight-episode limited series most voraciously, propelling Wednesday to the top of Netflix’s most-watched lists. There is something about the character that makes viewers feel seen, in one way or another.
“If I were a real person, I would be bullied”
At its core, the show centers on a young person who marches to the beat of their own drum. The character resists conformity, revels in being different, and stands with other outcasts. She faces bullies with an unshakable calm and a readiness to stay true to herself.
Consequently, thousands of fans discuss the character online. If Wednesday were a real girl, some say she would be bullied; others admire the performance by a traditionally striking actress who mirrors unusual, screen-ready behavior. A TikTok post captures the sentiment: “If Wednesday were real, half of those fans would have bullied her.” Another user adds, “The people obsessed with Wednesday are often the ones who made school difficult for others.”
Do you have autism?
Beyond the bold personality, some viewers notice traits that resemble autistic spectrum behavior. The character sometimes shows discomfort with social cues, gestures, and rapid shifts in conversation, while maintaining a focused, almost obsessive devotion to favorite activities.
There is no official confirmation. Tim Burton has explained that the creator drew on personal experiences to shape the character so she could feel authentic as a teenager. The series, however, also leans into a broader, unsettling mood across the Cast, where unusual behavior helps establish the signature gothic ambiance. Regardless, many autistic viewers feel seen in the portrayal.
An eccentric dance that went viral
With TikTok stretching its reach like never before, Wednesday’s distinctive dance became a social media phenomenon. Jenna Ortega choreographed the routine, drawing inspiration from the musical film Sweet Charity from 1969. The dance quickly became a defining moment of the series and a viral rite of passage for fans.
Fans even swapped the original soundtrack for songs with lasting resonance. The sequence that follows features Lady Gaga’s Bloody Mary, a nod to how platforms revive songs from years past. Similar revivals have happened before, such as Metallica’s Master of Puppets after a famous scene in another streaming hit. Gaga herself commented on the surge, inviting Wednesday to “Gaga’s house anytime.”
Relive gothic fashion
Another element that cements the show’s iconic status is its wardrobe. The look nods to classics from Wednesday’s past—portrayed by long-standing actress crossovers—while the new series updates the aesthetic for today’s fashion landscape. The heroine’s style blends somber, school-inspired attire with a distinctly gothic twist, echoing the franchise’s signature mood but freshened for contemporary tastes.
The wardrobe draws on current brands and influences, with looks that align with today’s trends. Designers and stylists referenced include notable contemporary houses and streetwear labels, all filtered through a Tim Burton lens. The overall vibe resonates with younger viewers who often incorporate subtle Wednesday touches into their own wardrobes.