Heartstopper was released on Netflix on April 23, 2022, to rave reviews. Based on a graphic novel series by Alice Oseman, it follows Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson as their newfound friendship evolves into something more.
Every book-to-screen adaptation has its share of similarities and differences from the source material. Heartstopper sees some significant changes from the books, but remains mostly true to the original story, with the author of the novels also writing the screenplay for the show.
5 Similarities
The Representation
The Heartstopper graphic novels are praised for their diverse set of characters. The books center around Charlie and his crush-turned-boyfriend, but it also features a lesbian couple, a transgender teen, and Black and Asian characters. The representation in Oseman’s work is exciting and allows people from all walks of life to see themselves in the story.
The Heartstopper show, just one of the Netflix adaptations of a graphic novel being released in 2022, remains true to the books with its diverse cast. William Gao, the actor who plays Tao Xu shared that the casting call for his character asked for a “British East Asian actor," a specification he’d never seen before. The show also cast a non-binary actor and a Black transgender actress as Elle.
Nick & Charlie’s First Kiss
When it comes to a book-to-screen adaptation, there are always a few important scenes fans are adamant should be as accurate as possible to the source material. Nick and Charlie’s first kiss was one of these moments and the show knocked it out of the park. Everything leading up to the kiss, from Nick questioning his sexuality earlier in the episode to the race around Harry’s party venue, all came from the graphic novel.
The dialogue was word for word, the blocking was frame by frame, and the scene emits the same warm feeling as the moment from the books. The actors’ performance in this scene is brilliant, with Nick’s hesitant longing and Charlie’s built-up desire to kiss Nick coming across in just their body language. They were able to recreate this iconic and heart-stopping moment for audiences to enjoy, especially those who read the book.
Bullying
Early on in both the graphic novel and TV series, it is revealed that when Charlie was outed, he was badly bullied for being gay. While most of the bullying has subsided by the time audiences meet him, Charlie is still picked on, especially by Nick’s friends. Nick’s growing dislike for his friends is also shown in both, although he has a few nice friends in the novels.
In a series that is praised for its sweetness, the bullying adds twinges of realism. While some societies are slowly becoming more accepting of people’s differences in recent years, it cannot be forgotten that there are still bullies out there. Heartstopper reminds readers and viewers of this while also keeping the focus on the innocent love blossoming between the main couples.
The Use Of Technology
Technology is a big part of both the books and the Netflix original series. Texting is used throughout, especially between Nick and Charlie at the beginning of their friendship. Audiences also witness innocent social media stalking taking place. Technology is also used as Nick searches the internet to confront his feelings for Charlie and come to terms with his sexuality.
The use of technology in both mediums is not just a sign of the times. It also shows viewers how a character is feeling without spoken dialogue. For example, when Charlie is composing texts, he often deletes his words, worried he’ll say the wrong thing. Also, when Nick scrolls through Instagram and comes across pictures of Charlie, his face lights up.
The Vibe
One of the most important aspects of the novels that make it to the Netflix series is their overall tone. In fact, one of the reasons the books were so well-received is arguably because of the wholesome feeling they give their readers.
The leaves and flowers dancing around when something romantic is happening, the innocence of Charlie and Nick’s relationship, and the focus on positivity are what make the graphic novels so enjoyable to read. It’s also what makes for a pleasant watch, especially when one takes the time to immerse themselves in the camera work, the acting performances, and the sweet music.
5 Differences
Emphasis On Other Couples
Heartstopper focuses on Charlie and Nick’s beautiful romance. Tao and Elle’s crush is only lightly touched upon and readers don’t meet Tara and Darcy until Harry’s party. The Heartstopper show immediately introduces all of these relationships and explores them outright, rather than just happening in the background.
Viewer consensus about this is generally positive, as readers of the books are glad to see more of the two couples and explore the depths of their relationships. Though coverage of the couples is different in the graphic novels and the show, both mediums show a diverse group of friends and couples figuring out life and love in a sweet way. Not many shows and novels have succeeded at bringing such a story to life, making it one of the best LGBTQ+ shows out right now.
Rugby
While both the books and the show incorporate rugby, the sport is a bigger part of the show. In the novels, Charlie becomes good at rugby and most of his teammates treat him well. However, in the show, Charlie’s teammates continue to nag him and Nick feels he must choose between the friends he’s known and Charlie, who makes him happy. He does this on Sports Day—something that didn’t exist in the graphic novels.
Rugby seems to be used as a metaphor in the Heartstopper show. In the season finale, Nick leaves in the middle of a game to find Charlie and tell him how he feels. Throughout the entire show, Nick struggles to stand against his friends—most of which are also rugby players—and their horrible behavior toward Charlie and Tao. Could this scene represent his choice to finally separate from the bullies he called friends?
Missing Characters
Named one of the best LGBTQ+ graphic novels, Heartstopper features several characters who don’t appear in the show. In the books, Charlie has a little brother named Olly and a best friend, Aled, who is supportive of Charlie’s crush on Nick. Also in the novels, Nick has a brother named David. None of these characters were even mentioned in the show.
Why they chose to forget Olly, Aled, and David is a mystery, though it may be as simple as they were not essential to the story Netflix wanted to tell. It is possible that these characters may turn up in the future, especially David who stirs up conflict in Nick’s life after he comes out to his mother.
New Characters
In addition to missing characters from the graphic novels, the show introduces some new characters to the story. Neither Imogen and Isaac were present in the graphic novels. Imogen is one of Nick’s best friends and Isaac is one of Charlie’s. Imogen has a crush on Nick, which stirs up drama.
Imogen may upset fans of the novel because she seems to exist only to get in the way of Nick and Charlie’s relationship. Her subplot ultimately doesn’t change anything, though it adds a different perspective into the mix. As for Isaac, he seems to take Aled’s place as Charlie’s supportive friend. Many viewers adore his quiet personality and love for books. He’s even seen reading one of Alice Oseman’s books in a scene.
Further Plots From The Books
Some of the most prominent plot threads from Oseman’s books, such as the Paris trip and the boys’ declaration of love were omitted from the show. Instead, season 1 only explores the very beginning of Nick and Charlie’s relationship.
There are so many beautiful moments in the novels that deserve to be explored in live-action and fans are hopeful that stakeholders will make a good call and keep from adding Heartstopper to the growing list of Netflix shows canceled too soon. Viewers are waiting to see what happens next, in both the graphic novel series and the Netflix show.