Summary
Heartstopper season 2 delves into mental health, which may spark conversations and differing opinions, a nerve-wracking prospect for creator Alice Oseman.
Oseman recognizes the challenge of writing a sequel to the beloved series, acknowledging both the high expectations and diverse audience preferences.
Nonetheless, she remains dedicated to crafting a compelling narrative that remains faithful to her original vision.
Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman discusses the fear she experienced during the show's second installment. Heartstopper season 2 premiered on Netflix on August 3rd. In the new episodes, Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Locke) embark on a school trip to Paris, navigating their blossoming relationship while Charlie grapples with coming out. The season also delves into the lives of other characters within the friend group, including Tao (William Gao) and Elle (Yasmin Finney), as they navigate their own romantic endeavors.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Oseman reveals her concerns about Heartstopper season 2, particularly regarding its exploration of mental health. She believes the show will spark important conversations. Oseman, the author of the graphic novels on which Heartstopper is based, openly expresses the daunting nature of writing the latest season due to the high expectations surrounding it. Read Oseman's full statement below:
Heartstopper Season 2 Could Be Poised To Break Out
What scares me the most is the mental health aspect of what we're presenting to our audience. It's definitely going to spark conversations, and people will have their own thoughts and opinions. Some might not appreciate the direction we're taking, and that's quite nerve-wracking. Writing a follow-up is always daunting because of the high expectations and the wide range of expectations from our audience. All I can do is tell a story that I find enjoyable.
With a wave of favorable reviews, Heartstopper season 2 has burst onto the scene, captivating both critics and viewers alike. Building upon the initial installment's ever-growing hype, this second season has received a commendable 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on an impressive 44 reviews. Notably, the audience rating surpasses the impressive mark, standing at an impressive 98%. How does the show achieve such success? Part of the answer lies in its expanded focus.
Not only Nick and Charlie, but also Elle and Tao, as well as Tara (played by Corinna Brown), Darcy (played by Kizzy Edgell), and Isaac (played by Tobie Donovan), are included in the spotlight. Other supporting characters, such as the school's faculty members, also receive more attention. This ensemble approach enables the show to explore different narratives and showcase various relationships. For example, the storyline surrounding Isaac's asexuality has garnered significant support from viewers.
Despite being renewed for a third season and establishing itself as one of Netflix's noteworthy original series in a short amount of time, Heartstopper has cleverly tackled the challenge by expanding its focus, which could potentially sustain the show for multiple seasons. This strategic move could also propel the series to become a breakout hit in its second season, particularly during the summer period where competition for viewership is typically subdued.
Source: THR