Parents' Guide to

Heartstopper

TV Netflix Drama 2022
Heartstopper-tv-poster

Common Sense Media Review

Joyce Slaton By Joyce Slaton , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Sweet, lovable LGBTQ+ romance has teen-friendly content.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 11+

Based on 47 parent reviews

age 11+

age 8+

Watch this show if it's the last thing you do

One of the best TV shows Netflix has ever released. This show is such a beautiful representation of how love and joy should be. It is so beautifully and carefully made, with so much detail, color, and just pure happiness exuding throughout each episode. The acting and chemistry from every single person in the cast is absolutely incredible. Every single scene and storyline felt grounded and so genuine I was almost convinced it was real. This show is so refreshing and presents such a new and beautiful take on the joy of queer love that I don't think I have seen before. Please show your kids this show if it's the last thing you do!

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (47 ):
Kids say (304 ):

This teen romance is as sweet and lovable as a puppy, drenched in wholesome emotions and stocked with good-hearted characters trying, and usually doing, their best. Nick and Charlie share a palpable chemistry and look and feel like real teens; their slowly realistically building friendship-turned-romance is simply lovely, and the hand-drawn graphics that appear on-screen during the most intense moments feel true to the heart: bubbling hearts and flying leaves twirling around the pixilated boys, golden light and sparks that emanate when their hands get close together. It's simply beautiful, whether or not you've been lucky enough to experience those same emotions at the same tender age.

Beautiful, too, are the relationships between the show's characters, teen pals who tease each other gently and support each other stout-heartedly and are transparent about their feelings. When Charlie outlines what his dream man might look like to his quirky sister, Tori (Jenny Walser), his list of qualities is delightfully healthy: "Someone I can have a laugh with. Someone who's nice and kind. And likes being with me." Group hugs are frequent, and support is unconditional between friends. These are characters who are easy to love in a romance that's so gentle and relatable you could watch it with your grandma or your own true love, and everyone would sigh exactly the same.

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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