Heartstopper, the tender Netflix adaptation of Alice Oseman’s warmly-received comic series, shares its narrative universe with Oseman’s first novel, Solitaire, and other related prose works. These stories often feature recurring characters from the Heartstopper series. Painting a picture of queer adolescence with a positive brush, the show revolves around Charlie Spring (portrayed by Joe Locke), a contemplative and openly gay student grappling with self-doubt. Despite facing adversities like schoolyard bullying, Charlie remains largely buoyant and hopeful. His world takes a turn when he crosses paths with Nick Nelson (played by Kit Connor), the charismatic rugby hero at school. Charlie falls instantly for Nick, even as his friends caution him about Nick’s seemingly heterosexual orientation.
The bond between Nick and Charlie forms swiftly, stirring discomfort in Charlie’s close ally, Tao (essayed by Will Gao). Tao distrusts Nick, grouping him with the tormentors who have troubled Charlie since his forced outing the previous year. While Nick confronts the confusion regarding his sexual orientation, his rugby comrades nudge him to pursue Tara Jones (portrayed by Corinna Brown), from the neighboring girls’ school. Recently out as a lesbian, Tara copes with her classmates’ scrutinizing eyes. Alongside Tara’s girlfriend, Darcy (played by Kizzy Edgell), and a fresh face at the girls’ school, Elle (Yasmin Finney), these individuals share beautifully uplifting interactions.
The series’ soundtrack is a harmonious echo of the show’s buoyant spirit, with Baby Queen penning “Colors of You” inspired directly by Heartstopper, and beabadoobee’s tunes featuring prominently throughout the season. The following are some additional standout tracks that grace the show:
- Want Me by Baby Queen
- Don’t Delete The Kisses by Wolf Alice
- Sappho by Frankie Cosmos
- girls by girl in red
- Dance With Me by beabadoobee
- My Own Person by Ezra Williams
- Why Am I Like This? by Orla Gartland
- Clearest Blue by CHVRCHES
- If You Want To by beabadoobee
- Knock Me Off My Feet by SOAK
- I Want To Be With You by chloe moriondo
- Tired by beabadoobee
- Any Other Way by Tomberlin
- Because I Love You by Montaigne
- Moment In The Sun by Sunflower Bean
- I Belong In Your Arms by Chairlift