Netflix’s latest LGBTQ+ teen romance Heartstopper was already a hit before it was adapted for television by creator and writer Alice Oseman, whose webcomics turned graphic novels are the beloved material that this eight-part series burns for fuel. It’s as accurate an adaptation as we’ve seen in ages, and it builds to an ending that leaves the story wide open. With the show already trending and the scant half-hour runtime an easy binge-watch proposition, fans of the material will doubtlessly be inquiring about the possibility of Heartstopper Season 2. So, here’s everything we know so far.
Renewed or cancelled status – will there be a Heartstopper Season 2?
Status: TBC
Even though there hasn’t been any official confirmation just yet, I have to say I’m confident about this one. There was a ton of hype for the show even before it was released, the adaptation turned out to be excellent, there are still multiple volumes of the story left to adapt, and the social media-savvy teen market is an insatiable one. There’s basically no way that Netflix doesn’t pick this one up for another go-around.
Of course, keeping an eye on Netflix Top 10 wouldn’t be a bad idea either way. I expect the show to dominate the English TV category for at least the next couple of weeks. If it does, that’s basically your renewal confirmation right there.
What is Heartstopper?
Based on the graphic novels, Heartstopper tells the sweet love story of Charlie, a nervous gay schoolboy who is already out to his entire all-boys grammar school, and Nick, the popular rugby player from the year above who realizes that he might not be entirely straight. While it includes a lot of obligatory plot points and details, the show smartly inverts the core dynamic, with the love interest filling the role of the closeted character who is forced to come to terms with his own sexuality. A wider ensemble of friends, parents, and teachers provides additional support and subplots as the season develops.
Who is in it?
Newcomers Kit Connor and Joe Locke are the main stand-outs as Nick and Charlie, and they’d absolutely be returning for a second season. Charlie’s friendship group includes Tao (William Gao), Isaac (Tobie Donovan), and Elle (Yasmin Finney), who would also all presumably return. The latter, in particular, a trans character who has moved from Truham to the neighboring all-girls school, has her own story to tell, and also introduces us to other peripheral characters such as lesbian couple Tara (Corinna Brown) and Darcy (Kizzy Edgell). Supportive teacher Mr. Ajayi (Fisayo Akinade) is a nice example of how school faculties aren’t always necessarily terrible, and Olivia Colman as Nick’s mother was an absolute delight and should totally be back.
What do we know about Heartstopper Season 2?
Thus far very little, but we can certainly speculate (and those familiar with the source material will be able to do a much better job of that than me.) Still, with Nick now beginning to come out to those close to him, the knock-on effects of his relationship with Charlie will definitely be felt around school, with Charlie’s jealous stalker Ben and Nick’s rich bully friend Harry being obvious antagonists.
We’ll also presumably see more of the burgeoning relationship between Tao and Elle.
