Heartstopper Season 2 Is the Love Story of a Generation

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

The review is made possible by advanced screeners of Heartstopper season 2, provided to Agents of Fandom by Netflix for review purposes.

In 2019, Alice Oseman released volume one of her Heartstopper novel series, and immediately captured the hearts of readers around the world. Four years later, Heartstopper season 2 has done it again, showcasing why Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie’s (Joe Locke) story is one of the great romances of this generation.

Following the phenomenal Heartstopper season one, season two dives into the ups and down of a queer teen romance. Whether it be the fear of coming out or the timid worries of expressing yourself, this series shows that it is possible to live your best life as yourself, no matter the struggles. This grounded story builds off the accurate and heartfelt depiction of what it means to be a teenager in love, evolving to show how relationships are different for everyone and can develop in many meaningful ways.

With Kit Connor’s Nick Nelson, and Joe Locke’s Charlie Spring still at the center, season two’s story dives into the early stages of their relationship, devoting time to the growth they endure together. It also explores the pair learning to balance expressing their feelings to each other and the world.

Furthermore, there is more spotlight for the other cast members from season one. Tao (William Gao), Elle (Yasmin Finney), Issac (Tobie Donovan), Tara (Corinna Brown), and Darcy, (Kizzy Edgell) all go on their own journeys of self discovery and growth, and find what it means to put yourself first.

Additionally, Imogen’s (Rhea Norwood) story is one of this season’s true surprises. After being introduced in season one, season two provides some new stories surrounding her character. With added screen time, loads of hilarious jokes, and powerful moments, she stands out as one of the MVP’s.

Season two follows the stories of both volume three and four of the Heartstopper books. The choice to adapt the Truhman-Higgs Paris trip into the show is one of the series’ strongest decisions. Various moments from the trip not only further the character development, but also bring new meaning to the laughs and heart infused at the show’s core.

This Paris trip allows the characters to experience new places together, giving the show a sense of freshness and allowing it to stand apart from the first season. Along with the Paris trip, this season features a prom, the end of a term, and a new college that all offer exciting new insight into these character’s lives.

Heartstopper season 2 also focuses on the relationship between these characters and their families. This aspect of the story offers a deeply personal into these characters lives, allowing for more understanding and relatability with their struggles. Each of these characters has a different relationship with their family, a strong parallel to queer kids in the real world. Focusing on these struggles is an effective choice that provides many of the series’ great emotional moments.

With creator and author Alice Oseman at the front and a phenomenal cast, this series continues to connect fans and characters in the most touching ways possible. It’s hard to not smile alongside these characters, and even in moments of despair there’s comfort in knowing you’re on the journey with them, there to feel the same emotions they do.

Beautiful writing and storytelling produce a love story for the ages. With loads of comedy, heart, a great soundtrack (featuring Taylor Swift), and moments to last a lifetime, Heartstopper season 2 should be at the top of this summer’s watch list!

The importance of highlighting these queer love stories cannot be overstated. Heartstopper provides a safe haven for queer teens struggling with identity, driving home the point that they aren’t alone and have every chance to fall in love, whatever form that may take. These characters have unbelievable influence in the queer community, and their impact will only continue to grow with each new season.

Heartstopper season 2 arrives on Netflix, August 3!

If you want more content like this, follow the Agents of Fandom socials and check out the Fandom Academy Podcast for all things pop culture.