There are a plethora of TV shows that depict teen life. Most show the ugly parts of being a teenager such as dealing with mental illness, substance abuse and self image issues.
Yet, every once in a while we get TV shows that are so beautiful and wonderful that just thinking about them makes you grin.
One of these shows is Netflix’s Heartstopper.
The TV series was released on April 22 and is based on the graphic novel series, Heartstopper, by Alice Oseman, written in 2018. The show captures the humor and sincerity that made her graphic novels so popular.
It follows the heart-warming love story between two teen boys, Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor).
Charlie is his school’s only openly gay kid at the start of Heartstopper. He has poor self-esteem and even lower self-worth.
He quickly falls in love with his new homeroom seat mate, Nick, a straight, popular rugby team member with whom he seemingly has nothing in common.
As Nick discovers he’s bisexual, what begins as an unrequited crush quickly grows into friendship and affection.
It also has sad and unpleasant moments. Charlie is bullied and his mental health suffers as a result. Nick’s sexuality is a difficult issue for him to deal with.
However, Heartstopper is not a gay romantic tragedy.
One of the most important aspects of the show is the fact that the characters are realistic. They are teenagers you’d want to hang out with in real life. While they are dealing with difficulties, they are still enjoying their youth.
Characters who identify as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community have been incredibly underrepresented in mainstream media.
Heartstopper’s primary focus is being queer and having a healthy loving relationship. It is celebrated and not built around traumatic experiences.
That comes from an understanding of how queerness is depicted because of the emotions and experiences the characters have and go through.
Heartstopper is one of the first shows that depicts queer love as nothing but a beautiful thing.
If you’re looking for optimism and joy, then look no further than Heartstopper.
