Heartstopper: A Genuine LGTBQ+ YA Romcom

Heartstopper is a teen drama, consisting of 1 season and eight episodes, so far. Alice Oseman creates, Euros Lyn directs the show, and See-Saw Films produces. Also, this show is extremely British.

The show follows Charlie Spring, who was bullied last year at Truham Grammar for being outed as gay. He has a secret relationship (and by relationship, I mean, kissing in the back of the dark library on lunch break) with Ben, who wants nothing to do with him. Charlie is assigned to sit next to Nick Nelson in form (I think this is the British version of homeroom) for the whole term. Nick is a year older than Charlie and is on the rugby team. Charlie plays the drums in the band and is described as a bit of a nerd. Although they are an unlikely pair, they can't help but interact and smile when they see each other, leading to sparks emerging. The show follows how the two navigate their own lives while juggling sexuality, friendships, and school.

Heartstopper features a trans character!!! I think that this is so important for teen shows nowadays, as I barely ever saw trans characters in the media growing up. The actress, Yasmin Finney, is a trans woman, who has also just landed a major role in Doctor Who! I am so interested to see how this will open up more doors for other trans actors. I hope that with the new season of Heartstopper, the side characters, like Elle, Tao, Isaac, Tara, and Darcy. are explored more. The audience is shown some of Nick, Charlie, and Tao's home life so far. I would be interested to see Elle's home life. Is her family supportive of her transition? When did she come out to them? Does she have siblings? What are her aspirations and goals? I want to know more! I am hoping that Finney returns for season 2, but her schedule may be a bit busy with being a big shot in Doctor Who.

I wholeheartedly believed that Tao and Elle were a couple until it was revealed that Elle has a CRUSH on Tao and I was like oh shit. I mean they basically act like a couple the whole show so just get together already?

I literally clicked on this show because it featured gay characters....oops. This is the show that I have been asking for, though! A young adult, GAY teen romance that exhibits how cruel peers can be, while also prioritizing how important true friendship is. I genuinely smiled, laughed, and felt embarrassed for the characters during watching.

Heartstopper was renewed for two more seasons only a month after its premiere, and is actually based on a graphic novel series! Season two of the show could be released as early as 2023, and I can't wait. I am definitely going to research the graphic novels too.

Sources!

Teen Vogue

The Guardian