Heartstopper

I don't really understand the low ratings. So I'll address some of the things those harp on first.

The acting. These are young actors. In the actor who plays Charlie's case, it's literally his first acting gig. This isn't Succession. It's teenagers. And while it's not top notch, it's not nearly as horrible as people are making it sound. It's good enough to get a pass and doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the show.

Boring plot/cringey dialogue. Again, this is a show about teenagers. And it's also not built or supposed to come across like some major, large scale drama. This is a smaller, humbly made show about young people. And I believe the whole point is to sorta exist as the opposite to darker teen shows like Riverdale and Euphoria. It's going out of its way to be low key and innocent. Plot and dialogue are going to reflect that. Some people need that. Another passing grade there.

So I watched and really enjoyed this show. I consider myself a pretty tough critic, yet I didn't pick up on any of the things the negative reviews are nitpicking here. I almost feel like those people went into it with unreasonably high expectations based off what they're used to.

All that being said, why did I enjoy the show? There's plenty of valid reason this show is getting praise. The representation, etc. But the thing that a lot of viewers gloss over that I really appreciated was that these characters are being honest about their feelings and communicating them to each other.

For example, so many scared, confused closeted kids in Nick's situation would jump at the chance to use Imogen as a beard and would have danced around or denied his feelings for Charlie for entire seasons of the show. And the exact opposite happens here. Nick goes out of his way to specifically tell both those characters how he really feels. In a world full of doom and gloom dark teen shows, that is such a positive thing to depict. And it's the sorta thing that's gonna give other young viewers who are going through the same thing a lot of hope.

Aside from a specific reason like that, I feel like this show in general is just so light and positive that anyone that watches it can come away from it just feeling...good. You'll literally notice yourself smiling while you're watching it.

If you need something uplifting that isn't a lot of work to keep up with, this is more than worth your time. Enjoy!

This series is so good! I loved how the actors are actually teens and the plot is so realistic! No over drama at all, no negativity, just how it should be. The cast and characters are amazing. Just so well implementation - it's a charming feel-good series. Also I liked how Charlie and Nick are so understanding, they are just adorable! Must watch and keep your homophobia at bay.

A delightful series that goes down as easy as the milkshakes featured in one episode. These teenagers discovering their sexuality; how to navigate their friendships and school bullies has been made that much more engaging by the terrific acting of the entire cast. The male leads have a chemistry that makes their fumbling toward each other fun to watch.

Olivia Coleman is ubiquitous these days, and does a nice job playing Nick's mother.

So, get a milkshake, and spend a few hours enjoying this series.

It's not often that a gay story is told so well but this is one of those times. Growing up confused about your sexuality and dealing with coming out ... even today....is not always easy for everyone. The main characters are wonderful in this series. I think the English always handle these stories genuinely!

I definitely didn't watch the trailers I just watched it when it came out and it was PERFECT.

The way it talks about deep stuff and the struggles of coming out and not being sure of what you are. That was greatly written.

The Main leads have so much chemistry because I was cheering and giggling everytime they're on screen.

The side characters are great except maybe for Isaac because he's just there.

It's a light wholesome show for most of the time and a very good love story.