Heartstopper

It's not often that a gay story is told so well but this is one of those times. Growing up confused about your sexuality and dealing with coming out ... even today....is not always easy for everyone. The main characters are wonderful in this series. I think the English always handle these stories genuinely!

I don't really understand the low ratings. So I'll address some of the things those harp on first.

The acting. These are young actors. In the actor who plays Charlie's case, it's literally his first acting gig. This isn't Succession. It's teenagers. And while it's not top notch, it's not nearly as horrible as people are making it sound. It's good enough to get a pass and doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the show.

Boring plot/cringey dialogue. Again, this is a show about teenagers. And it's also not built or supposed to come across like some major, large scale drama. This is a smaller, humbly made show about young people. And I believe the whole point is to sorta exist as the opposite to darker teen shows like Riverdale and Euphoria. It's going out of its way to be low key and innocent. Plot and dialogue are going to reflect that. Some people need that. Another passing grade there.

So I watched and really enjoyed this show. I consider myself a pretty tough critic, yet I didn't pick up on any of the things the negative reviews are nitpicking here. I almost feel like those people went into it with unreasonably high expectations based off what they're used to.

All that being said, why did I enjoy the show? There's plenty of valid reason this show is getting praise. The representation, etc. But the thing that a lot of viewers gloss over that I really appreciated was that these characters are being honest about their feelings and communicating them to each other.

For example, so many scared, confused closeted kids in Nick's situation would jump at the chance to use Imogen as a beard and would have danced around or denied his feelings for Charlie for entire seasons of the show. And the exact opposite happens here. Nick goes out of his way to specifically tell both those characters how he really feels. In a world full of doom and gloom dark teen shows, that is such a positive thing to depict. And it's the sorta thing that's gonna give other young viewers who are going through the same thing a lot of hope.

Aside from a specific reason like that, I feel like this show in general is just so light and positive that anyone that watches it can come away from it just feeling...good. You'll literally notice yourself smiling while you're watching it.

If you need something uplifting that isn't a lot of work to keep up with, this is more than worth your time. Enjoy!

I definitely didn't watch the trailers I just watched it when it came out and it was PERFECT.

The way it talks about deep stuff and the struggles of coming out and not being sure of what you are. That was greatly written.

The Main leads have so much chemistry because I was cheering and giggling everytime they're on screen.

The side characters are great except maybe for Isaac because he's just there.

It's a light wholesome show for most of the time and a very good love story.

Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.

It's great to watch a show about real love and not being subjected to gratuitious sex and violence all the time. This show takes me back to the innocence of love. I was so happy not having to see young people getting drunk or having a drug overdose. This show is what the world should be like. A place where you can love freely without judgment.

If you still believe in love...then you will love this show.

Loved all the cast except for the bullies.

Ps Charlie's sister is the best. Loved this character.

My Review- Heartstopper - Netflix

My Rating 10/10

Where were stories and television shows like Heartstopper when I needed them growing up and being bullied at school?

Of course there weren't any as I grew up in the Dark Ages of LGBTQI history when being Gay or different meant hostility and shame.

We've come so far and still further to go but this new 8 part series Heartstopper is a heaven sent delightful and funny series that everyone can enjoy . Even those that sadly are still living in the Dark Ages if they love great entertainment and are open minded enough to give Heartstopper a chance . This series may open your eyes to the 21st Century where sexual and gender diversity can be celebrated because at its heart that's what Heartstopper is really about celebrating being young and free to choose your path in life.

It's also a celebration of diversity transferring what was once shame for the victims of bullying back to the bullies themselves.

It's such a simple plot line with a heartfelt and sincere message live, love and be happy.

Heartstopper is based on the vertical scroll comic by Alice Oseman and it stars Kit Connor who plays Nick Nelson and Joe Locke who plays Charlie Spring two young men in their late teens who attend Truham Grammar High School.

Nick and Charlie discover their unlikely friendship might be something more as they navigate school and young love in this coming-of-age story.

This is the television debut of Joe Locke who plays the delightful out but not yet proud Charlie and it certainly won't be his last Joe is a star in the making.

His co star is Kit Connor cast as Nick a popular charming and sensitive rugby player ( they do exist) discovering and exploring his bisexuality . Kit Connor is a seasoned performer with movie roles in Rocketman as older Reggie , His Dark Materials ,and the Little Joe starring Ben Whishaw. Kit Connor will also go a long way in movies and television as he has developed into a very impressive actor.

The most impressive part of this show for me in this teenage crush and sexual awakening story between two young men is it's broad appeal and normalcy .

It's other message of just be yourself and ignore the bully's in life if possible is so effectively powerful and meaningful especially to any young person of any gender or sexual persuasion who is experiencing what I went through in adolescence at an all boys High School.

There's no drug use no overt sexual content but so much affection in all the characters with standouts from Yasmin Finney as Elle Argent and William Gao as Tao Xu Charlie Spring's straight best friend plus the rest of the ensemble that includes a touching cameo from Olivia Coleman as Sarah Nelson , Nick's Mum.

I read that the background of the character of Elle Argent (Yasmin Finney ) the girlfriend of Tao Xu is a transgender girl who transferred to Harvey Greene Grammar School for girls following her transition and bullying from her peers.

I must admit I didn't pick up on that first viewing but it fits so well into the story.

Euros Lyn is a fine Director and together with Alice Oseman has done a superb job transferring her creation to the screen and in doing so they have made a huge contribution to GLBTQ awareness and acceptance hopefully in the broader community.

If Heartstopper helps just one teenager who is experiencing bullying or shaming this series along with its ensemble cast that includes Stephen Fry as the voice of Headmaster Barnes and the delightful Oscar Winner Olivia Colman it had achieved its goal.

Added on after Series 2 - which is still a winner in my book perhaps the novelty of the first series has worn off a little but all the fabulous cast help bring a much needed LGBTQ1 good vibe story that many diverse young people can identify with .

Added on after Series 3.