Heartstopper debuted its eight-episode first season on Netflix to universal acclaim from critics and audiences. The show, which follows the blossoming relationship between teenagers Charlie and Nick, received praise for its compelling storytelling, performances, and overall wholesomeness.
Studios are becoming more aware of the importance of LGBTQ+ representation, and there are currently many shows to prove it. However, Heartstopper might be the best, a show that celebrates its diverse and colorful characters and the thrill of first love while still delivering an engaging and sweet story that will leave more than one viewer feeling hopeful.
Nick & Charlie
The most obvious reason for Heartstopper's success is the central relationship between Nick and Charlie. Their connection is perfectly developed, with every episode going to great lengths to explore their dynamic as friends and eventually partners.
Their romance is one of the best examples of the friends-to-lovers trope in TV, but the show never forgets about their individualities. Heartstopper takes the time to develop Nick and Charlie as independent characters, exploring their lives at home and with their friends and showing how their personalities match, eventually leading to the romance. Rather than presenting them as instant soul mates, the show portrays their connection through constant interaction, creating one of the most compelling love stories in current television.
A Worthy Adaptation
Netflix will adapt several comics and graphic novels into series in 2022, and Heartstopper is one of them. Based on Alice Oseman's best-selling graphic novel, the show adapts the first two volumes of her seven-issue story. Should it return for a second season, it would probably adapt the next two volumes.
Unlike many other adaptations that change things freely, Heartstopper closely follows Oseman's story, mainly because the author herself was heavily involved in the process. The show omits the character of Aled Last, replacing it with the underrated Isaac, and introduces Imogen as a way to add more drama to Nick's journey towards itting his feelings for Charlie and accepting his bisexuality. Still, the show captures the novel's essence, which matters the most in an adaptation.
Terrific ing Characters
Speaking of Charlie's friends and rivals, Heartstopper includes a slew of instantly likable characters that add plenty of vibrance to the story. Charlie's best friends, Elle, Tao, and the aforementioned Isaac, create a wholesome dynamic, perfectly capturing the charm of high school friendship. Elle and Tao's connection is beautifully portrayed, and a potential season 2 should explore their bond. Similarly, Darcy and Tara's love is another highlight, portraying a lesbian relationship with honesty and empathy.
Imogen, who starts as a mean girl of sorts, proves herself a real friend to Nick after he is honest about his feelings. Even Ben, one of the show's de-facto antagonists, comes across as more than an average bully. Charlie's sister, Tori, and Nick's mother, Sarah, played by the mighty Olivia Colman, complement the characters' home lives, thus making the picture complete.
Inspiring And Hopeful Message
Most reviews describe Hearstopper as "wholesome," and honestly, it's the perfect description. The show is positive and charming, sweet without ever becoming syrupy. The plot is honest yet refreshingly innocent, in stark contrast to other overly dark and sometimes unbelievably mature shows like Élite or Euphoria.
Heartstopper chooses to showcase hope, portraying the thrill and ample possibilities of first love. The show sends an unabashedly endearing and hopeful message to LGBTQ+ youth, which is incredibly important and is sadly something that not many TV shows or movies do.
Age-Appropriate Casting
Many teen shows and movies make the bizarre choice to feature actors in their early twenties or even late twenties to play high school characters. And while most of these actors look young, most can't convincingly for a teenager.
Heartstopper's lead actors, Kit Connor and Joe Locke, are both 18, and their youthful appearances are perfect for the show. The rest of the cast includes similarly young actors; William Gao, who plays Tao, is 19, while Yasmin Finney, who plays Elle, is 18. This age-appropriate casting makes it easier for audiences to become involved in the story because it accurately portrays how teenagers actually look.
Showcasing A Variety Of LGBTQ+ Stories
Currently, there are several teen shows with LGBTQ+ representation, which is a great step forward for diversity. Still, many of these shows only feature one main LGBTQ+ relationship without necessarily exploring more sides of the community.
Heartstopper centers around Charlie and Nick's romance, but it also includes other LGBTQ+ stories. As previously mentioned, the relationship between Darcy and Tara is a highlight of the first season, a charming and fun portrayal of high school love. Heartstopper doesn't show Elle's transition, but it still explores her character in-depth, including her blossoming romantic feelings for her best friend, Tao. This willingness to showcase other LGBTQ+ stories makes Heartstopper and other shows like Sex Education stand out because they showcase and uplift many sides of the LGBTQ+ community instead of just focusing on one.
Avoiding Tropes Of The Genre
The teen genre has many tropes that it constantly uses. Whether it's the love triangle, the dysfunctional family arc, or the will-they-won't-they romance, these tropes still dominate teen shows, for better and worse. Luckily, some old-fashioned cliches have become less popular over the years, like the student-teacher romance, but many are still alive and kicking.
In season one of Heartstopper, there are many instances when it seems like the show might rely on these plot devices, perhaps by making Imogen the scorned mean girl or having Ben or Harry assault Charlie physically. Heartstopper wisely chooses not to use these tired concepts and instead goes for a refreshing look at teenage behavior.
A Happy Ending
Happy endings are few in LGBTQ+-themed stories. The "bury your gays" trope is still very much alive in shows like Killing Eve. This harmful trope sends the reprehensible message that queer romances can't thrive in the world because they will always end tragically.
Heartstopper flips the script and presents an objectively happy ending for its central couple, suggesting a hopeful future for their relationship. Not only are Charlie and Nick two of the best characters in a teen show, but they are also allowed to be free and enjoy their newfound love. It's an uplifting and endearing message that's so important for LGBTQ+ youth, and few series seem to understand that.