Heartstopper is an LGBTQ+ Netflix show based on the series of graphic novels by Alice Oseman. The main characters are Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring. Charlie is an openly gay character in school, whereas Nick struggles to come to terms with his sexuality and his growing feelings for Charlie. It also follows the developing romances between Darcy/Tara and Elle/Tao.
The show features themes such as struggling with identity, bullying and homophobia. Some of the characters face challenges when they decide to come out to their school as a couple, which leads to some homophobic slurs. There is also some scenes of bullying for Charlie from the rugby boys (Nick not included). Lots of people will be going through some of the same issues as Nick (not knowing their sexuality) or Charlie (being bullied). This series shows that these characters are able to get through these issues and are able to be together at the end despite everything.
In terms of characters Nick and Charlie are the most perfect couple who you just want to protect. They would do anything for each other. Nick tries to protect Charlie from his bullying homophobic friends, and Charlie just wants someone who makes him happy which is Nick. Kit Connor and Joe Locke are perfect in these two roles.
All of the cast is perfect. Everyone is on tenterhooks for the will they/won't they storyline between Tao and Elle. It is very sweet seeing Elle try to make friends at her new school. Her new friends end up being Darcy and Tara who themselves have just become a couple, but they face lots of prejudice when the school finds out about this.
Imogen and Isaac are perfect new characters. I love seeing which book Isaac will be reading next in each scene he is in. His reading list includes Radio Silence by Alice Oseman and Gareth Thomas' book. Imogen's character is used to help Nick see how he truly feels about Charlie and how he will only ever see her as a friend, but she supports his decision.
And then there's Ben, the guy who just uses Charlie for his own amusement. He never acknowledges that he knows Charlie when he sees him unless he wants to meet him in secret. There's also the fact that Ben has a girlfriend. Lastly, there's Harry who is a posh, rich homophobic bully. He always picks on Charlie, Tao and Nick. He doesn't like the fact that his friend Nick is hanging out with the gay kid Charlie. These are the two characters you are allowed to hate in the show.
Mr Ajayi is a great character because he always gives Charlie advice and let's him hide in the art room when he wants to be alone. He tries to help Charlie through the bullying. He is also very supportive of Nick and Charlie's relationship.
In relation to the graphic novels the show very strongly matches the books. All of the key scenes in the TV show, such as the snow scene and the beach scene, are in the graphic novels. I also like how they use images from the graphic novels, such as lightning bolts, flying leaves and cartoon people for Charlie's bullying scene.
My overall rating is 5/5 stars. I absolutely love this show. My favourite scenes are their first kiss, Charlie and Nick at the grab machine in the bowling arcade and the beach scene. The scene between Nick and his mum when he came out as bisexual is also a very touching moment. I also like seeing Alice Oseman in the show, such as the train scene when she is sat opposite them. This show helps anyone who struggles with their own identity find out more about themselves. There are not many LGBTQ+ TV shows on at the moment, but this shows that they can be made and stay true to the original source material they are based on. I would recommend reading the graphic novels first and then watching the Netflix series.
