8 Reasons Why ‘Heartstopper’ Is the Queer Show That We Badly Need

Based on the hit webtoon comic of the same name by Alice Oseman, Heartstopper is a coming-of-age series that follows the love story of Nick Nelson (played by Kit Connor) and Charlie Spring (played by Joe Locke). It’s a show that’s on the lips of BL and romcom fanatics right now, and we can’t blame them. This teenage rom-com has just the right mix of drama, romantic confessions, and endearing characters. Heartstopper shows a contemporary take on LGBTQ+ romance, tackling high school life with such maturity. Let’s take a look at what makes this series binge-watch-worthy.

(Warning: spoilers ahead!)

It’s joyful and  heartwarming

Many queer stories revolve around tragedy and trauma, and while it’s important to acknowledge those realities, that’s not what defines the queer experience. Heartstopper is hopeful, joy-filled, and heartwarming — exactly the kind of show that we all need right now.

“I think it’s really important that we tell these stories now that society has moved to a more accepting place,” Locke said in an interview with Hello. “I think it’s also equally important to have the more loving and positive stories of being queer. How can we make queer youth feel like they deserve happiness if all we’re showing them is people dying of AIDS? Which, although is an equally important story to be told – and it’s really good that we have it – we also need the opposite of that, which I feel like Heartstopper is.”

It feels real

Kit Connor and Joe Locke embodied their characters perfectly and naturally, so everything just felt so real. We can’t imagine any other pair playing Nick and Charlie. The rest of the cast also felt genuine and the storyline felt authentic. And the reason why everything felt so real was that it comes from a genuine place.

Heartstopper stars actors who are actually quite close to their characters’ ages (something that can’t be said for most teen series) and many of them have the same sexual orientation as their characters. The series was also directed and produced by people from the LGBT+ community, so you know that the story was handled with care.

(If you’re a fan of the graphic novels, you’ll be glad to know that author Alice Oseman was heavily involved with the filming and casting process, so you can expect the series to stay pretty true to the source material.)

The kilig is too much to handle!

The moment Nick and Charlie’s eyes first meet, you already know that you’re in for one kilig-filled ride. Friendship-turned-relationship storylines tend to be cliché, but Heartstopper does it well. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, the show is bound to put a smile on your face.

Every time Nick and Charlie appeared on our screens, it was hard not to swoon over their smiles and cute interactions. Even the way they say, “Hi!” was so romantic! From Charlie and Nick’s sweet first kiss to the poignant corridor scene, Heartstopper will leave you screaming and hugging your pillows because of kilig. It’ll make you believe that true love is out there, no matter your circumstances or sexuality (please, give us another season, Netflix!).

The official soundtracks will leave you breathless

ICYMI: All the songs featured on Heartstopper are up on Spotify. Every track just hits you right in the feels — as if you’re witnessing the boys’ love story unfold. You can stream the playlist as you daydream about a future love or even with someone special. *winks*

Beautiful storytelling

Despite having only eight episodes, the series never felt too short or rushed. It doesn’t rely on unnecessary drama to make it impactful or push the plot. It’s just so wholesome and happy, full of bowling get-togethers, warm hugs, and milkshake dates in between. 

It tackles coming to terms with your sexuality

At one point, we saw how Nick struggled with his feelings, or a “proper full-on gay crisis,” as he first described it. You can feel his struggle as Charlie hugs him. The scene was presented in a manner that was sincere and realistic. To every member of the LGBTQ+ community, always remember what our lovely gal Tara Jones said; “Don’t feel like you have to come out to anyone before you’re ready.”

There’s never a dull moment

How do you know a series isn’t boring? It’s when the credits roll, and you still want MORE — Heartstopper is that kind of show. It stars a diverse, talented cast of actors, and their chemistry will melt your heart because everyone’s a joy to watch. Don’t be surprised if you manage to watch the eight-part series in one go.

#RelatableAF

Heartstopper was written for a teen audience, but you don’t have to be a teen to relate to it. Apart from the romance, it has shown other facets of life like coming out, peer pressure, toxic masculinity, and homophobia. And it’s a good watch for everyone.

“It’s not just limited to teens and young adults,” Connor said in an interview with Hello. “You can watch it with your parents. You can watch it on your own. You can watch it with anyone. I think that’s an incredible thing.”

There’s no confirmation yet regarding a new season, but we’re praying this isn’t the last time we see Charlie and Nick on our screens.

What’s your favorite Heartstopper moment? 

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