My Review- Heartstopper - Netflix My Rating 10/10 Where were stories and television shows like Heartstopper when I needed them growing up and being bullied at school? Of course there weren't any as I grew up in the Dark Ages of LGBTQI history when being Gay or different meant hostility and shame. We've come so far and still further to go but this new 8 part series Heartstopper is a heaven sent delightful and funny series that everyone can enjoy . Even those that sadly are still living in the Dark Ages if they love great entertainment and are open minded enough to give Heartstopper a chance . This series may open your eyes to the 21st Century where sexual and gender diversity can be celebrated because at its heart that's what Heartstopper is really about celebrating being young and free to choose your path in life. It's also a celebration of diversity transferring what was once shame for the victims of bullying back to the bullies themselves. It's such a simple plot line with a heartfelt and sincere message live, love and be happy. Heartstopper is based on the vertical scroll comic by Alice Oseman and it stars Kit Connor who plays Nick Nelson and Joe Locke who plays Charlie Spring two young men in their late teens who attend Truham Grammar High School. Nick and Charlie discover their unlikely friendship might be something more as they navigate school and young love in this coming-of-age story. This is the television debut of Joe Locke who plays the delightful out but not yet proud Charlie and it certainly won't be his last Joe is a star in the making. His co star is Kit Connor cast as Nick a popular charming and sensitive rugby player ( they do exist) discovering and exploring his bisexuality . Kit Connor is a seasoned performer with movie roles in Rocketman as older Reggie , His Dark Materials ,and the Little Joe starring Ben Whishaw. Kit Connor will also go a long way in movies and television as he has developed into a very impressive actor. The most impressive part of this show for me in this teenage crush and sexual awakening story between two young men is it's broad appeal and normalcy . It's other message of just be yourself and ignore the bully's in life if possible is so effectively powerful and meaningful especially to any young person of any gender or sexual persuasion who is experiencing what I went through in adolescence at an all boys High School. There's no drug use no overt sexual content but so much affection in all the characters with standouts from Yasmin Finney as Elle Argent and William Gao as Tao Xu Charlie Spring's straight best friend plus the rest of the ensemble that includes a touching cameo from Olivia Coleman as Sarah Nelson , Nick's Mum. I read that the background of the character of Elle Argent (Yasmin Finney ) the girlfriend of Tao Xu is a transgender girl who transferred to Harvey Greene Grammar School for girls following her transition and bullying from her peers. I must admit I didn't pick up on that first viewing but it fits so well into the story. Euros Lyn is a fine Director and together with Alice Oseman has done a superb job transferring her creation to the screen and in doing so they have made a huge contribution to GLBTQ awareness and acceptance hopefully in the broader community. If Heartstopper helps just one teenager who is experiencing bullying or shaming this series along with its ensemble cast that includes Stephen Fry as the voice of Headmaster Barnes and the delightful Oscar Winner Olivia Colman it had achieved its goal. Added on after Series 2 - which is still a winner in my book perhaps the novelty of the first series has worn off a little but all the fabulous cast help bring a much needed LGBTQ1 good vibe story that many diverse young people can identify with .

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