“Heartstopper” Season 2: Embracing Queer Joy and Continuing the Love Story

Pop Culture ‘Heartstopper‘ Season 2 Returns with a New Dose of Queer Joy

Director Euros Lyn and Executive Producer Patrick Walters Discuss the Latest Chapter of the Megahit Netflix Dramedy

By Max Gao

When Alice Oseman set out to develop the sophomore season of “Heartstopper,” the megahit Netflix dramedy series adapted from her own webcomics, the author-turned-screenwriter knew she couldn’t — and didn’t want to — make the same season twice. “I want each season to feel like an evolution, to tackle new ideas and themes, and for us to see the characters changing and growing, while also preserving the hopeful heart of ‘Heartstopper,’” she said in a Q&A provided to the media by Netflix.

In the show’s freshman run, viewers were introduced to the endearing love story of Charlie Spring and Nicholas “Nick” Nelson, two teens at an all-boys school in the United Kingdom. Charlie, who has been bullied since coming out as gay, developed a crush on Nick, the kindhearted star of their school’s rugby team, while Nick discovered that he is bisexual. The first season followed a typical romance story structure and garnered critical acclaim, reaching Netflix’s Top 10 list in 54 countries and winning five Children’s and Family Emmys last year.

Now, the new eight-episode season, which premiered Thursday, finds Nick and Charlie navigating the rose-colored experience of falling in love for the first time. Executive producer Patrick Walters noted that the main reason for the show’s existence is to bring happiness and joy to people, so showcasing the magic and depth of Nick and Charlie’s relationship was a priority. The season explores the complex emotional truths that the characters discover about themselves and each other, delving into topics such as the anxiety of baring one’s soul to a romantic partner and the struggle of coming out to family and friends.

Director Euros Lyn and intimacy coordinator David Thackeray worked closely with the actors, Joe Locke and Kit Connor, to make each intimate moment between Nick and Charlie feel different this season. Lyn highlighted a scene in the sixth episode, set in a hotel corridor during a school trip to Paris, which showcases the deep connection and yearning between the characters on both physical and intellectual levels.

While the show maintains the hopeful optimism of its first season, it also takes a more mature and grounded approach. Charlie opens up to Nick about his mental health issues, including his eating disorder and history of self-harm, which are explored in greater detail in later volumes of Oseman’s comics. Walters emphasized that the shift in tone does not make the show darker but rather adds depth to the characters’ journey. The creative team also explores different shades of the queer experience through characters like Elle, who is transgender, and Isaac, who questions his sexual orientation.

“Heartstopper” has resonated with both queer and mainstream audiences who are actively seeking authentic representations in the media they consume. Lyn, who grew up during a time when the U.K.’s Section 28 prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality,” expressed pride in the show for being part of the quest for equality for LGBTQ people.

Overall, the second season of “Heartstopper” continues to capture the hearts of viewers, delivering a dose of queer joy and exploring the complexities of teenage relationships. As the characters evolve and grow, their stories serve as a reminder that young people can love without fear and embrace their authentic selves. The show’s success is a testament to the power of representation and the importance of stories that bring happiness and joy to audiences.