In just one week on Netflix, "Wednesday" has made its mark on pop culture — from fans doing the Rave 'N dance to recreating Wednesday's iconic goth pout. If you thought you'd heard about the show everywhere, ratings data confirms your hunch: The new Netflix series racked up 341.2 million total views in its first week on the platform , according to Variety Hour. It's the best of any English-language series in the same time frame (yes, even Stranger Things ).
Jenna Ortega's deadpan delivery of countless quotable moments, from teenage angst to some genuine sadism, contributed to the show's popularity. Take, for example, Wednesday's interaction with her new roommate, Enid, who advises Wednesday to "try socializing."
“I do enjoy stabbing,” Wednesday said. “The social part, not so much.”
Co-showrunner Miles Millar told IndieWire that Netflix wanted to cut the line from the beginning. But Miller and his co-host Alfred Gough weren't so quick to let go. “That’s what this role is all about,” Miller said. "Losing it or downplaying it would be a betrayal of the character."
See 17 of Wednesday Addams's best quotes below.
"The only person who can torture my brother is me."
Despite her penchant for darkness, one of Wednesday's earliest quotes is actually pretty sweet — in her own Wednesday way.
"The Black Dahlia, of course. It's named after my favorite unsolved murder."
Wednesday may prefer her trusty typewriter to modern technology, but she's definitely a true crime podcast listener at heart.
“I find social media to be a soul-sucking thing and there is no meaningless affirmation in it.”
We all find ourselves in situations like this at times.
"I know I'm stubborn, single-minded, and paranoid. But those are the qualities of a great writer. Yes, and serial killers — what's your point?"
It's fun to see Wednesday's creative passion and penchant for horror collide - as they do on this twisty, introspective route.
"I accidentally walked in on two vampires baring their teeth. I couldn't ignore that."
This comment sums up what it's like to go to paranormal school.
"For the record, I don't believe I'm better than anyone else. It's just that I'm better than you."
Wednesday told Bianca this before the big game in episode two - and honestly, it's "just" the right mix of confidence and self-awareness.
"If he breaks your heart, I will crucify his heart."
Wednesday tells Enid this before their date, which is a powerful sign of friendship.
“What kind of dystopian hellscape is this?”
Because how else would Wednesday describe a colorful boutique that Enid wanted to visit?
"It's not my fault that I can't read your emotional Morse code."
Wednesday told Taylor this in Episode 4 - anytime someone wants you to know what they need without having to communicate it to them, you should definitely borrow it.
"Unrecognizable? Ridiculous? Is this a classic example of female objectification by the male gaze?"
Save it for Wednesday to translate the normal "how do I look?" nerves into thoughtful (if sarcastic) comments.
"To be honest, I wish I cared a little more."
Wednesday had a rare heartfelt exchange with Bianca at prom - and she revealed that despite her cool exterior, there were things she wanted to change about herself.
"I know. She is both my literary hero and my nemesis. I have two years and 364 days to defeat her."
Wednesday was referring to Mary Shelley when Miss Thornhill mentioned that the mother of science fiction wrote "Frankenstein" when she was just 19. It's only fitting that Wednesday gets to know Goth Queen Shelley. But just as importantly, she was obsessed with accomplishing something at any age - so much so that when other young women (even those long dead!) did it first, she took it personally .
"I don't know why, I can't understand it, and I can't get addicted to it. You seem to like me."
Wednesday’s conversation with Xavier, who she thinks might be a monster? Pure kindness from enemies to lovers.
"I'm writing my novel."
Apparently, one of the perks of having a creative project is that you can use it as an excuse when you're caught investigating a murder in town - as Wednesday's episode seven proved.
"Supposedly he misses you."
The push-pull relationship between Wednesday and Enid is at the heart of the Netflix series, especially when it leads to lines like this. Wednesday can't say publicly that she misses her roommate, so she says her pet hands miss her roommate. Hehe, progress has been made!
"Somewhere where no one can hear you scream."
It's interesting to see Wednesday's true colors, torturing others for information. But this line from Episode 8 could also be a subtle reference to the tagline of 1979's Alien : "In space, no one can hear you scream." Sigourney Weaver was in that movie delivered unforgettable performances, and today Ortega himself feels very comfortable in the horror genre.
"Enid, the mark you left on me is indelible. I think of you every time I see a rainbow and feel sick, or hear a pop song that makes my ears bleed."
By the end of season one, Wednesday seemed to view Enid as a true friend, not just a roommate she had to put up with. This quote completely sums up the nature of their relationship.
