Mind-Blowing Twists: Heartstopper Season 2's Epic Departures From the Book

This article contains SPOILERS for Heartstopper season 2

This article contains discussions/references to mental abuse and homophobia/bullying

Netflix's Heartstopper season 2 remains faithful to its source material, but there are some divergences from the original narrative, resulting in different outcomes. Based on Alice Oseman's series of graphic novels, Heartstopper tells the heartwarming story of British teenagers Nick Nelson (played by Kit Connor) and Charlie Spring (played by Joe Locke). Their romance explores the challenges and experiences of LGBTQ+ adolescents, delving into serious issues commonly faced during the coming-of-age journey. While season 1 drew inspiration from the first two books, season 2 primarily adapts Heartstopper Vol. 3.

In season 2, Heartstopper incorporates the best aspects of the previous season and takes the cast to Paris for a school trip organized by Truham/Higgs. Throughout their journey, the Netflix series provides a closer glimpse into the various romances within Heartstopper, including Tao and Elle, as well as Darcy and Tara. Alongside these storylines, the show delivers numerous memorable moments featuring Nick and Charlie. Additionally, season 2 introduces and develops two new characters, Imogen and Isaac. However, it should be noted that not all the iconic moments in Heartstopper season 2 are depicted in the original books.

10 Ben Has A Way Smaller Role In The Heartstopper Books

Ben's role in the Heartstopper books differs greatly from his role in season 2 of Netflix's adaptation. In the books, Ben's significance diminishes after his relationship with Charlie ends, whereas the TV show explores the aftermath of their relationship in more depth. The addition of Ben's storyline adds drama to the show, highlighting a notable deviation from the books. However, with Ben's announcement about leaving Truham at the end of the season, it remains a possibility that his storylines in the books and the show will converge in season 3 of Heartstopper.

9 Darcy’s Family Problems Aren’t A Focus In The Heartstopper Books

Darcy's complex domestic situation takes center stage in the later part of Heartstopper season 2, unlike in the books where it receives less attention. The Netflix series gradually reveals Darcy's unstable home life and strained relationship with her mother, which eventually leads to her running away before the prom. This pivotal event marks the first time Darcy truly opens up to Tara, resulting in them confessing their love for each other. Although this heartfelt moment is absent in the books, Alice Oseman's works establish that Darcy's challenging family dynamics are indeed part of her story, albeit with less emphasis. The main insight into Darcy's home life in the books occurs when Tara mentions to Nick that Darcy's family are "horrible people." This suggests that Tara is already aware of Darcy's situation and its impact on her, unlike Netflix's portrayal where Tara is learning about it for the first time. While this alteration may seem minor, it actually enriches the audience's understanding of Darcy's character.

8 Elle & Tao’s Relationship Plays Out Differently In The Heartstopper Books

Elle and Tao's relationship takes center stage in season 2 of Heartstopper, with their blossoming romance unfolding in a slightly different way than in the original books. The Netflix series showcases Elle and Tao's mutual crushes, leading to an awkward first date that almost keeps them in the friend zone. However, their time in Paris helps them navigate the challenges of Elle's art college plans, ultimately strengthening their bond. While the transition from friends to something more is a heartwarming highlight in Heartstopper season 2, the books present a different version of their journey. In the show, many of the early stages of Elle and Tao's romance, including their first date, are unique to the adaptation and do not occur in the original novels. It's a significant change, but it offers viewers the opportunity to witness more of the couple's relationship, which is undoubtedly a positive addition.

7 Elle Stays At Higgs In The Heartstopper Books

Heartstopper season 2 showcases Elle's journey of applying to and eventually being accepted to an art college for sixth form, which diverges from the original books. In the Heartstopper books, Elle continues studying at Higgs alongside Tara, Darcy, and Sahar. The deviation in the Netflix show introduces significant tension and drama between Elle and Tao due to her art school application, as Tao's insecurities about being left behind come to the forefront. Despite not being part of the original storyline, Elle's pursuit of art school provides a refreshing change and allows for the celebration of her talents at the exhibition later in the season.

6 Isaac’s Subplot Isn’t In The Heartstopper Books

Isaac's character goes through significant development in Season 2 of Netflix's Heartstopper. However, his major subplot is absent from the original books. Isaac exclusively exists in the show and his exploration and acceptance of his asexuality in Season 2 is not part of the original novels. Instead, the books introduce Aled, one of Charlie's friends, who discloses his relationship with a boyfriend while they are in Paris. Although the decision to replace Aled with Isaac generates controversy in Heartstopper, Isaac's storyline contributes to the show's representation of the LGBTQ+ community.

5 Nick & Charlie Don’t Meet Nick’s Dad In Paris In The Heartstopper Books

Both Netflix's Heartstopper and Alice Oseman's original graphic novels chronicle Nick's struggle to connect with his father in Paris, but there is a divergent outcome in the narrative. In the Netflix series, Nick and Charlie arrange to meet with Nick's dad, Stéphane, while they are in Paris, but unfortunately, Stéphane is unexpectedly called away before they can reunite. Contrastingly, the books take a more severe approach to this subplot, as Stéphane never has the chance to meet up with Nick in Paris at all. In both versions of Heartstopper, it is evident that Stéphane is an absent father, but the books particularly emphasize the detachment Stéphane maintains from his son's life.

4 The Kids Don’t Have A Bonfire Party Or Prom In The Heartstopper Books

The kids in Heartstopper season 2 celebrate two major milestone events, which are notably absent in the books. Following the conclusion of their term, the Heartstopper characters gather with their classmates for a bonfire party. Unfortunately, Nick's evening takes a turn for the worse as he starts feeling unwell. Interestingly, this particular event is entirely exclusive to Netflix's adaptation of Heartstopper and does not appear in the original books.

3 Charlie Doesn’t Tell Ben Off In The Heartstopper Books

The pinnacle of Heartstopper season 2 arrives when Charlie confronts Ben for all the suffering he caused, but disappointingly, this moment is absent from the books. In Netflix’s Heartstopper, Ben becomes fixated on Charlie and follows him to Elle’s art exhibition, making one last effort to win him back. However, instead of reconciliation, Charlie unleashes his pent-up frustration and expresses the emotional torment Ben inflicted upon him. He refuses to forgive Ben. While this gratifying scene exists in Netflix’s Heartstopper, it is regrettably exclusive to the TV adaptation.

2 Charlie Finds Out Tao Outed Him Differently In The Heartstopper Books

As Ben is a lesser character in the Heartstopper books, there is no conversation between Charlie and him. However, in the books, Charlie does have a similar conversation with Harry, who tries to disrupt Tara's birthday party in Paris. This conversation is equally satisfying for the readers as Charlie's conversation with Ben would have been. In the Netflix adaptation, the writers may have decided that it was more appropriate for Charlie to confront Ben since he has a more prominent role. This change has a significant impact on the storyline of the book, but it ultimately turns out to be a positive change as Charlie's epic speech to Ben is truly remarkable.

In Heartstopper season 2, Charlie uncovers the true cause of his public outing at Truham, although the situation unfolds differently in the books. Towards the conclusion of Heartstopper season 2, Tao admits to Charlie that his sexual orientation was exposed without his permission due to their conversation about him being overheard by Isaac in the hallway. Tao expresses deep remorse in the Netflix adaptation, and Charlie readily forgives him. In the Heartstopper books, the circumstances remain the same, but Charlie learns about it through a different means, resulting in significantly divergent outcomes.

Instead of Tao confessing, Aled (who doesn’t appear in the Heartstopper Netflix show) discloses to Charlie about Tao's actions. Instead of being understanding and forgiving of Tao's mistake, Charlie understandably struggles to forgive Tao at first, creating tension between them in Heartstopper Vol. 3. In fact, Charlie's anger over the situation is so intense that Tao is the last to find out about Charlie and Nick's relationship before their eventual reconciliation. Although it may seem like Tao's confession is a minor change, the resulting consequences have a significant impact on the storyline.

1 James’ Character Was Expanded For Netflix’s Heartstopper

In Heartstopper season 2, a new character named James is introduced. He is a fellow student at Truham and becomes friends with Isaac during the season. Unlike in the books, James' character has a more significant role in the Netflix adaptation. In the original books, James is only mentioned as the person Charlie refuses to kiss during Truth Or Dare. However, Netflix's Heartstopper expands James' character and his presence plays a crucial part in Isaac's development. This shows that sometimes, making changes to the original books for the screen can be beneficial.