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- Netflix
- Apr 22, 2022
- Netflix
- Apr 22, 2022
- Netflix
- Apr 22, 2022
- Netflix
- Apr 22, 2022
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Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 9 Critic Reviews
85
89% Positive
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
11% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 9 Critic Reviews
85
89% Positive
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
11% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
While the gay, bisexual and trans characters in this show still struggle with bullies, their story is otherwise rather wholesome, full of fresh air and sunshine and featuring no booze, no sex and no swearing. ... My children (aged 10 and 12) absolutely loved Heartstopper. It provoked some useful conversations about trans people, consent and how to handle bullying.
Transcendent. ... Besides the characters, and the plot, which treats its teen LGBTQIA+ stories both frankly and gently, the pacing of the show is also pitch perfect. At eight, half hour episodes, it practically flies by; but works as both a four hour binge, or episodically. Each character’s storyline, every relationship is perfectly arched over the course of the season, while still leaving plenty of room for growth and exploration in a potential Season 2.
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 107 User Ratings
8.2
82% Positive
88 Ratings
88 Ratings
3% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
15% Negative
16 Ratings
16 Ratings
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 107 User Ratings
8.2
82% Positive
88 Ratings
88 Ratings
3% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
15% Negative
16 Ratings
16 Ratings
Oseman’s work is undeniably sharp and “aww”-inducing, and it might be a challenge not to watch all eight episodes in one sitting. Luckily, though, the four hours will be time well spent.
Heartstopper is one of the best of page-to-screen adaptations in a number of years in its uniquely direct bridging from drawing to live action.
It is a comic book fantasy about LGBTQ+ teenagers, and as such, it softens any hard edges and amplifies the sweetness of the romance at its centre. There is something altogether soothing about the time spent in its company.
“Heartstopper” captures the joys and agonies of being a teen, when every stray text can make a profound impact, and being able to announce you are “going out with” someone means everything.
There's a lot of awkward flirting, loving stares and PG-rated antics, which is all very nice but doesn't make for the most riveting viewing. Intermittent moments of conflict or tension are usually resolved quickly, with almost every remotely difficult conversation neatly capped off with a healing smooch.
While the show definitely delivers an overdose of cuteness, the writing is lacking. The missing bones of a clear narrative structure turned episodes into a string of cutesy scenes loosely tied together with plot threads that dead ended, or resolved quickly, leaving no key conflicts to bolster the story. There were also character soup issues, with characters like Isaac being cut completely from entire episodes. This is great escapism for **** teens, and it'll be refreshing for many **** adult audiences looking to relive the exhilaration of being young and head-over-heels in love, but don't go searching for recurring themes or commentary because it's simply not there. Shows like Young Royals and the campier Elite deliver a much more tightly bundled package of representation and plot, something this show desperately needs.
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SEASON 1
I wanted and expected to like the show but it really wasn't for me. The characters all seemed fairly uninteresting and the acting was average. I would describe the writing as "polite" and safe. I didn't make it past the first episode, maybe it gets better?
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SEASON 1