Heartstopper (TV series) from Alice Oseman (Creator)
Bibliographic Information
Title: Heartstoppers
Author & Creator: Alice Oseman
Streaming Service: Netflix
Dates: 2022-2024
Genre/Format
Drama, Romance - TV Series
Awards or Honors
2024 GLAAD Media Award - Outstanding Kids & Family Programming or Film - Live Action
2022 TV Choice Awards UK Winner - Best New Drama
2024 The Queerties Winner - TV Performance - Kit Connor, TV Comedy, 2023 - Joe Locke, TV Comedy
2022 Dorian TV Awards - Best LGBTQ TV Show
2022 Emmy Winner - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Preschool, Children's or Young Teen Program, Outstanding Writing for a Young Teen Program, Outstanding Casting for a Live Action Program, Outstanding Young Teen Series
Rating
TV-14 (Netflix)
Seasons & Episodes
3 seasons, 24 episodes
Season 1 Summary
Charlie, a somewhat goofy guy who is openly gay at an all boy’s high school develops feelings for Nick, who is a popular rugby player, and who he believes to be straight. Charlie is involved in a pseudo-relationship with an older boy, Ben, at the school who isn’t out and treats him like crap when they meet. Nick invites Charlie to play on the rugby team, and they explore their feelings for each other as they deal with high school drama. Nick begins to question his own sexuality as he also develops feelings for Charlie and deals with social stigma around being gay or queer. The plot simultaneously follows Charlie’s friend, Elle, at an all girls school where she discovers her identity, as well.
Creator Description
Alice Oseman is the author of the bestselling romantic comic series Heartstopper. She is also the creator behind the popular series on Netflix under the same name. She is involved with everything in the Netflix series from casting to music.
Oseman has written several YA contemporary novels, as well. Her work has been shortlisted or nominated for a number of awards.
(Oseman, n.d.)
Critical Evaluation
I loved this sweet coming-of-age romance story so much! It felt like a warm hug as teenagers deal with their big feelings, friendships, sexuality, and complicatedness of highschool. The acting was so good, and it made all the characters feel so real. I was cheering for all of them.
Watch the trailer!
Creative Use for a Library Program
Host a comic-making watch party where teens can create their own comics while binge-watching the series.
Speed-Round Talk
Charlie, an awkward teen, develops feelings for Nick, a popular rugby player at their all boys high school, but it seems that Nick is straight. Will their friendship turn into something more?
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation
Unfortunately, many stories that are about LGBTQ characters are often challenged, and Heartstopper is included. This story is so sweet and shows how teens deal with emotions and discover their identity.
“Realistic yet uplifting, this tale of self-discovery will make readers’ hearts skip a beat as they root for Charlie and Nick”
When Charlie and Nick discover their friendship might be something more
Reason for Inclusion
The book series and the Netflix series are both immensely popular for good reason. They present a cast of dynamic characters who explore friendships and romantic relationships.
References
Gile, K. (2020, February 1). Heartstopper [Review of Heartstopper by A. Oseman]. School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/review/heartstopper
IMBD. (n.d.). Heartstopper Awards. Retrieved December 8, 2024, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10638036/awards/
NBC (@nbc). (2017, November 21). Great news lol GIF by NBC [GIF]. Giphy. https://giphy.com/gifs/nbc-thanksgiving-xUOxfgmXP3EUTK4EPC
Netflix (n.d.). Heartstopper. https://www.netflix.com/title/81059939
Netflix (@Netflix). (2022, April 13). Heartstopper | Official trailer | Netflix. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrK4xPy4ahg
Oseman, A. (n.d.). About. Retrieved December 8, 2024 from https://aliceoseman.com/about/
Oseman, A. (n.d.). About [photograph]. Retrieved December 8, 2024 from https://aliceoseman.com/about/
*Cover Image property of Netflix; taken from Netflix.