Teens around the world have found themselves connecting to the heartwarming and uplifting story of the new hit Netflix series “Heartstopper.”
An adaptation of the YA graphic novel and web comic by author Alice Oseman, the show captures teenage self-discovery and the struggle over sexuality in an authentic, often romantic way.
“Heartstopper” is set in London and revolves around the developing relationship of school nerd and outcast Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and rugby jock Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) as the two of them experience the ups and downs of high school same-sex romance.
Charlie has always known he’s gay, while Nick has to confront his newfound and confusing feelings for Charlie as they spend more time together.
The show captures Nick’s journey to accepting and understanding his own sexuality.
“We get a lot of straight representation in movies but we rarely get queer representation,” sophomore Soph Hummel said, themself a member of the LGBTQ+ community. “‘Heartstopper’ is a great representation of healthy queer relationships and healthy responses to it.”
According to students who have watched the show, “Heartstopper” is a hit because of the tender, positive way it showcases teenaged lives.
Queer junior Joshua Castro also brings up that there were many moments that related to on a personal level.
“There was a scene where it was Charlie and his sister Tori,” Castro said. “He was just sobbing into her arms over himself feeling as if he was a burden for being gay. All I could think about is how I saw myself and my sister in that scene as I cried to her for that same reason.”
A common theme in many previous LGBTQ+ shows is the fetishization of LGBTQ+ characters. Few scenes show healthy and loving relationships.
“Most of the queer representation around us involves drugs and conflict, while this show is very soft and sweet,” fan of the show freshman April Cho said. “I love how it’s been portrayed how a heterosexual rom-com would be treated.”
For queer teens, it is sometimes difficult to find media starring LGBTQ+ youth. “Heartstopper” shows that there are people like them who have experienced the same things they have.
“I feel like I relate to every single one of them, especially Charlie,” junior and out lesbian Kaylyn Majer said. “We both knew we were always gay from the start — these feelings were always there. I just had one of those moments where I was like, wait, that is actually me!”
Fans are also raving about the inclusive music the series features. The tracks showcase queer artists such as Girl In Red, Chloe Moriondo and Mxmtoon.
“They put relevant songs to teens and it shows that they care for their younger audience,” Hummel said.
The first season of “Heartstopper” is streaming now on Netflix.
