
Season 2 of ‘Heartstopper’ Is a Mature and Wholesome Triumph for LGBTQ+ Representation
Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Season 2 of Heartstopper premiered on Netflix on August 3, 2023. The series follows Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke) who discover that their friendship might be something more. The series is adapted from the comic book series by Alice Oseman.
I’ve been wanting to watch this show for the past year but haven’t gotten around to it until a couple of months ago. I fell in love with Nick and Charlie immediately. I never smiled so much while watching a TV show. Season 1 was full of moments that made me swoon, cry, laugh, and scream.
Season 2 was absolutely incredible, even better than season 1. It’s probably one of the best seasons of a TV show that I’ve watched in a long time. There was character growth. The storylines that were explored tackled so many important issues that teenagers go through behind close doors.
The LGBTQ+ representation is incredible. The performances feel so authentic and realistic. I’m amazed at what Alice Oseman was able to create with the Heartstopper universe. It’s truly magical. The found family trope is a trope that’s often overlooked which makes me so sad because I love it so much. sometimes your friends become your family. This show portrays found family in such a beautiful way. You feel as if you fit right in with Nick, Charlie, Elle (Yasmin Finney), Tao (William Gao), and the rest of the crew.
The acting is so amazing. Kit Connor brings Nick Nelson to life in the best possible way. He gives him to so much depth and humanity. The same goes for Mr. Joe Locke. He brings an innocence and gentle quality to his role as Charlie Spring. There is no one else that could portray these characters but them. The chemistry between these two actors is electric. You can feel it seeping through the small screen. I have never seen such a healthy and communicative relationship portrayed like this one in any kind of media.
Yasmin Finney brings authenticity to Elle’s character. she portrays her so well and I’m glad we got to see Elle blossom individually and with Tao. William Gao does a wonderful job with bringing tao to life. I wasn’t the biggest fan of his character last season but I’m starting to warm up to him. He has great character growth in season 2.
Tara is a character who I adore. Corinna Brown does a wonderful job at bringing Tara’s caring nature and extroverted personality to life. Like Tara, I adore Darcy as well and Kizzy Edgell does an awesome job bringing her layers and bubbly personality to life. I love that we got to see Darcy’s backstory slowly unfold and it broke my heart.
I love that Issac (Tobie Donovan) had time to be in the spotlight. Although, I would’ve loved to have seen more of him. I enjoyed watching him on his coming-of-age journey. I relate so much to Issac’s introverted personality and his love for books.
I cannot wait for season 3 and I need to read the comics. I will update you when I do. I don’t know the release date for season 3 at this time. It’s currently in development and it was announced along with the second season.
Heartstopper is streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Creator: Alice Oseman
Cast: Kit Connor, Joe Locke, Yasmin Finney, William Gao, Corinna Brown
Producers: Patrick Walters, Alice Oseman, Euros Lyn

