Today, Netflix drops the second season of the smash hit Heartstopper, but is it possible to maintain perfect?
The first season of Heartstopper focused on the meet cute between Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor), and over the course of the season we followed their blossoming friendship-turned-relationship. The big focus of the season was Nick’s realisation that he’s bisexual, coming out to himself, Charlie and eventually his mother Sarah (Olivia Colman) at the end of the season.
When we return to our favourite characters in season two, Charlie and Nick are in the bubble of new romance after having officially become boyfriends. Cue all the sweet moments, stolen kisses, and juggling the joys of high school. While it seems easy and filled with joy, the coming out process is complex, and Kit is given plenty of meaty material in Nick’s journey of coming out publicly.
Even though Heartstopper is primarily Charlie and Nick’s story, there is a fantastic group of friends to follow as well, and this season that group grows with a few new additions.
Elle (Yasmin Finney) and Tao (William Gao) are dancing around each other as they decide whether they’ll risk their friendship for romance or whether they’re better off remaining friends. Meanwhile Tara (Corinna Brown) and Darcy (Kizzy Edgell) face some challenges of their own that could see this happy couple come to an end. And elsewhere, Isaac (Tobie Donovan) is finally given his own story, making Heartstopper a truly ensemble piece.
Alice Oseman adapts the third volume of her much-loved comic with her fans in mind. A majority of this season sees the characters take on Paris, and over the course of a few episodes there are quiet a few plot twists to keep fans hooked. Throughout the 4-hour second season, there’s a deep exploration of all characters that fans and casual viewers alike will appreciate.
Delving deeper into the lives of these characters gives some of the actors a chance to really shine, which is excellently done by Tobie Donovan, Kit Connor and the divine Olivia Colman.
A richer and deeper season of Heartstopper is a delightful and emotional watched that will not want to be missed.
5 Stars
Hearstopper drops on Netflix at 5:00pm AEST today, Thursday 3 August.
