Heartstopper, the Netflix series adapted from Alice Oseman’s graphic novel series, quickly became one of the best LGBTQ+ represented shows of 2022. With the release of season two this August, the adoration has only increased. Season two continues to follow the main characters Nick (Kit Connor), Charlie (Joe Locke), and their friends as they face another year at Truham/Higgs High and a school trip to Paris.

The second season encapsulates the same fun-loving innocence as the first. We watch our main couple navigate their new relationship and how this falls into place with their educational life. There are darker themes throughout season two that the first season didn’t cover in much detail, between Nick’s dysfunctional family life and being closeted, to Charlie’s mental health. This results in a much deeper delve into the bullying storyline that kicks off the show in season one. We see just how badly this has impacted Charlie’s character and subsequently the strain this has on his new relationship with Nick. 

Despite the more serious themes used within the show, the season as a whole follows the same rom-com style genre with the bright colour theme and graphic animations that originated in the novels themselves. Season two begins to take more risks when it comes to cinematography. Namely, in ‘Promise’ when film fanatics Tao (William Gao) and Elle (Yasmin Finney) take a step in their teased relationship in the style of a Wes Anderson movie. Not only do they watch an Anderson feature, Moonrise Kingdom, but the scenes take the same yellowed palette and symmetrical shots that the director is famous for. 

The character arcs that play out in season two are also just as satisfying as those in season one. Every character has their own redemption. Even our villains, namely Harry (Corman Hyde-Corrin) and Ben (Sebastian Croft), have their own acceptance stories. However, there seems to be an odd switch up of Harry’s character. There is no bridge between him represented as a homophobic bully to him being relatively tolerating of Nick and Charlie’s relationship.

Heartstopper earned its popularity in response to the recognition and diversity of the LGBT community, particularly among young people. Season two only adds to this. There’s a much bigger focus on the trans community as the season focuses more on Elle and new character Naomi (Bel Priestley). They also delve into the struggle of asexuality as we focus more on Isaac (Tobie Donovan) and his new potential beau James (Bradley Riches).

We also follow Nick as he struggles with coming out to the school and his family as his older brother David (Jack Barton) returns from university. Even outside of the young cast, this series deals with the effect of sexuality and being closeted and how this affects people as they move into adulthood. The introduction of a new teacher in Mr Farouk (Nima Taleghani) provides another relatable plot line that only widens the target audience of the show.

With the addition of more characters, the Heartstopper cast only grows, and the amateur acting becomes more and more obvious. Having an entire cast of relatively unknown, new actors, ignoring Kit Connor and Olivia Coleman, results in some moments of cringe-worthy performances. However, in the context of this show, it somehow adds to the beauty of it. You have to be overly involved in the story line for these moments to pass over you, or the acting may dampen your enjoyment. 

The soundtrack also upholds in season two, much like it did in season one. Baby Queen provides yet another staple with ‘All the Things’ which was inspired by Tao and Elle. This is much like how ‘Colours of You’ became known in season one as it was written for Nick and Charlie. Baby Queen herself also cameos in ‘Prom’ as she gigs for the Truham/Higgs prom. The rest of the season also features a myriad of indie tunes that only add to the enjoyment of the show.

If you are looking for four hours of pure joy, Heartstopper is definitely the show to watch. Though if you are particularly prone to crying at love stories, or anything remotely cute, you may need a box of tissues at your side. 

Rating: 4/5

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