Heartstopper Season 2: A Blissfully Queer TV Triumph
Most of the shows about teenagers often struggle to be entertaining, as their storylines are usually distant and unrealistic. In the media, portrayals of teenagers are often so far removed from their daily lives and experiences that they seem alien. However, creator Alice Oseman proves with her graphic novel and comic-based series, “Heartstopper,” that she remembers what it’s like to be a teenager. The U.K.-set Netflix series meaningfully, honestly, and flawlessly depicts what it means to be a teenager on TV.
The first season of “Heartstopper” centers around the relationship between Charlie Spring (Joe Locke), a shy, gentle student attending an all-boys school, and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor), the magnetic captain of the school’s rugby team. After enduring bullying from his peers due to his sexuality, Charlie finds solace and comfort in Nick, with whom he had a secret relationship. Charlie was astonished to discover that Nick also felt the same way. Their own journey of self-discovery unfolds.
Season 2 of “Heartstopper” begins where the first left off. After coming out to his mother (the delightful Olivia Colman), Nick decides he’s ready to share his romance with Charlie with the world. However, being openly gay isn’t easy, nor is it always safe. Though he’s committed to being more open with their relationship, Nick believes that the world isn’t ready to know about it. The fear of public scrutiny lingers. Meanwhile, Elle (Yasmine Finney) learns that the safe space she’s created for her childhood friends may not always remain secure. Isaac (Toby Donovon), the book-loving member of the group, finally gets a storyline of his own.
Despite the obstacles, Elle’s exploration of Paris in three back-to-back episodes allows the characters to venture outside of their comfort zones and experience the possibilities that lie beyond their insular English lives. Ultimately, it’s the journey of how they navigate the authentic experiences of love, coming of age, and vulnerability that makes “Heartstopper” so endearing and beautiful. With the series exploring the true issues faced by LGBTQIA+ teenagers, the show offers a genuine solution to the very real problem of finding love, acceptance, and happiness.
The characters in “Heartstopper” are captivating due to their authenticity and depth. Media often portrays teenagers as harsh and emotionally detached individuals, obsessed with drugs and alcohol. However, many young adults are genuinely conscientious, even if they lack the resources to express it publicly. Employing a soft pace, Oseman gently develops their characters, allowing viewers to empathize with their struggles. The show grants viewers the privilege to connect the dots and fill in the blanks themselves. As a result, “Heartstopper” and its pop-filled musical scores embrace love, vulnerability, and the tender skin of another with incredible tenderness.
From thirteen to nineteen years old, especially for those who remember what those days were like, “Heartstopper” is a gift that keeps on giving. Happy and buoyant, “Heartstopper” is a tribute to life itself. More than anything, those who have hurt and not forgiven, those who have been safe from harm or have harmed others, deserve access to a safe space and not an entry fee. Overall, an intimate gift, somewhat like the series itself, allowing people to enter or not, “Heartstopper” is a gift worth cherishing.
The premiere of “Heartstopper” Season 2 is on Netflix on August 3rd.
