Heartstopper is Netflix’s new queer, coming-of-age show based on the fan-favorite Webtoon comic of the same name by Alice Osman. The story follows British schoolboys Charlie Spring (played by Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (played by Kit Connor) at Truham’s Grammar School for Boys. Charlie is an openly gay, introverted boy who develops a crush on the popular Rugby player, Nick. The two’s relationship develops into what becomes a full-on romance in this wonderful and much-needed story.
RELATED: ‘Heartstopper’ Trailer Reveals a Sweet Queer Coming-of-Age Story
In addition to the two main leads, the story also focuses on the relationships surrounding Nick and Charlie, including the lesbian couple, Tara Jones and Darcy Olsson. Heartstopper is unique in that it's one of the few shows ever to be created that is solely about queer joy! While the writing and filming of the series strictly follow the plot (and even film shots) of the comics, there are a few minor differences that true fans can spot.
The Absence of Aled
One of the most significant differences between the Netflix adaptation of the Heartstopper Webtoon series is the complete removal of Aled, one of Charlie’s closest friends. Alice Osman provided reasoning for him not being a part of the series because it “...would certainly involve having to change and/or ignore major elements of the story of Radio Silence…,” another one of Osman’s stories that is about Aled post-Heartstopper.
However, in place of Aled is a character named Isaac, who is the fourth member of Charlie’s friend group. A bookworm and a bit quiet, Osman said, "He doesn’t have a huge arc this season, but I have maaaaany plans for him in future seasons.” While the complete casting change of characters may seem like a huge difference, fans should hardly find it noticeable in the Netflix series — they may (and should) even fall in love with Tobie Donovan’s portrayal of the hilarious new character Isaac.
Imogen
Another significant difference in Netflix’s version of Heartstopper is the addition of Imogen, a new character who has a bit of a crush on Nick. According to Osman, Imogen (Rhea Norwood) is “a totally new character…She’s a good friend of Nick—they hang out outside the school gate. She has a very bold, determined personality, and can be a liiitle insensitive sometimes, but ultimately she just wants to live life to the fullest and be herself.”
RELATED: 'Heartstopper': Everything You Need to Know
While Imogen is not present in the comics, her addition to the TV series may be an exciting one, as she presents a bit of a conflict for Nick since she has some romantic feelings for him and may or may not ask him out!
Charlie's Brother, Oliver
The removal of Charlie’s younger brother, Oliver, is one difference between the Netflix series and the original Webtoon comic of Heartstopper. This difference is noticeable, considering we do not see Charlie’s whole family besides his sister Tori; however, the difference creates no change to the story in any way.
Osman once again provided justification for Oliver’s absence on Instagram, saying, “The show already had so many characters—one had to go. Oliver has little to no plot significance other than being adorable, and hiring a young child actor has a lot of difficulties and challenges!” Once again, this change is not very impactful to the story, but Charlie not having a younger sibling will be noticeable and felt by true fans.
Nick's Coming Out Story
In Heartstopper, Nick Nelson discovers that he is bisexual through his relationship with Charlie Spring. As the Netflix series attempts to create a truthful and accurate adaptation of the comics, they decided to make Nick’s journey slower and more dramatic.
Fans will also notice that Nick’s coming out in the series is different from what it is in the Webtoon comics. By slowing down and making more of a struggle in his journey of self-acceptance, Nick’s character will appear a bit more truthful to the environment and today’s times.
Angst!
Heartstopper is known for the pure queer joy that its story radiates, but now that the comics have become a full-on television series, there needs to be a bit more…drama! In addition to Alice Osman, the series leaders decided that adding more teenage angst into the series would create the drama and tension that even a heart-warming show like Heartstopper needs to be engaging.
RELATED: 25 Years Since Its Release, ‘Selena’ Has Become a Queer Latinx Classic
Whether it’s Nick’s coming-out journey and his own self-acceptance, or Imogen’s determination to date Nick while Nick is still trying to understand his relationship with Charlie, the added angst will for sure keep fans on the edges of their seats!
The Show's Lesbian Features
While Heartstopper is known for representing a majority of queer stories (including gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender), the Netflix adaptation follows them a little more closely. The show’s lesbian couple, Tara (Corinna Brown) and Darcy (Kizzy Edgell) are not featured as closely in the comics as they are in the new Netflix adaptation.
Additionally, Elle (Yasmin Finney), Heartstopper’s trans character, is followed on her journey to a new school environment after transitioning. What Heartstopper does so well is conveying truthful queer stories while also being tremendously inclusive. Fans will surely love to see a little more love all the way around.
Other Small Changes Made to the Show
Heartstopper’s other changes are pretty small compared to the ones listed above. The show's pacing compared to the comics is definitely different and unnoticeable unless there are true fans. Volume 1 of Heartstopper ends with Nick and Charlie kissing at Harry’s 16th birthday party, and then Nick walks away. In the Netflix series, that happens at the end of Episode 3. It seems as though Osman is adapting 2 Volumes of Heartstopper into one season.
Another minute difference between the comics and the Heartstopper Netflix series is the fact that there is no cursing in the Netflix series since they want to make the series as family-friendly as possible. The show is geared towards younger audiences, while the comics are more YA-oriented. Either way, the show is terrific for all ages! Heartstopper is now streaming on Netflix.
KEEP READING: 10 LGBTQ+ Films to Anticipate for 2022
