Heartstopper Creator Breaks Silence on Unexpected Euphoria Comparisons Post Season 2: Shocking Revelations

Summary

Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman pushes back on comparisons to Euphoria, emphasizing that her show explores real and serious issues.

Oseman recognizes that Heartstopper is a lighthearted series but emphasizes its increasing maturity and willingness to tackle challenging topics.

Oseman appreciates the diversity of teen shows and expresses her affection for both Euphoria and Heartstopper, emphasizing the importance of including various forms of representation in the genre.

Heartstopper creator, Alice Oseman, discussed the comparisons between her show and Euphoria in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Oseman disagreed with the notion that there is a spectrum of teen media, with Euphoria on one end and Heartstopper on the other. While acknowledging that Heartstopper may be a lighter show, Oseman emphasized that her series is also evolving and addressing complex themes.

What surprised me the most was the way other teen media was compared with

Heartstopper Proves There's More Than One Way To Be A Mature Show

. When season one was released, we were inundated with comparisons to Euphoria and Sex Education, as if there is a spectrum of teen media and Euphoria represents one end while we occupy the other end, which I never anticipated. It seems everyone viewed Heartstopper as a completely innocent and heartwarming story, which it certainly is in some respects. However, it also delves into real and significant issues, even more so in season two. Therefore, I am curious to see if we receive a similar reaction this time since the show is growing and maturing to some extent. Despite not being Euphoria, we are allowing the show to transform and progress, and that is exactly what I desire. Moreover, there is room for various types of teen shows, and that is something I appreciate. I adore both Euphoria and Heartstopper.

Euphoria has garnered attention for its unique portrayal of sensitive topics, notably including nudity and drug use. Through the character of Rue (Zendaya), the series illuminates the devastating effects of drug addiction on an individual and their loved ones. In contrast, Heartstopper can be viewed as a more lighthearted series. However, simply dismissing the comparisons would undermine the diverse range of narratives that the Netflix show aims to explore.

The difficulty Nick faces when coming out is a deeply emotional topic that resonates differently with each viewer. In season 1, Charlie is in a toxic and manipulative relationship, which continues to unfold in Heartstopper season 2. However, the series is not solely centered around navigating conflicts. It also explores Isaac's journey in accepting his asexuality. Euphoria is known for pushing boundaries and presenting a visually captivating teen drama, reminiscent of A24's style. This is one way to redefine the genre. On the other hand, Heartstopper may be considered more traditional in some aspects, but its strength lies in the stories it tells and the characters it showcases, making it a distinct adaptation.

Source: THR