Netflix’s Heartstopper, the queer coming-of-age series about two high school students, has quickly turned out to be a favourite. Based on Alice Oseman’s self-published works, Heartstopper is a delicate, heartwarming story of that tingling sensation called first love that each one of us has felt at some point in our lives. In the sea of TV shows filled with doom and gloom, Heartstopper feels like a breath of fresh air and makes us feel that we all deserve love and happiness. Our favourite moments....
“Hi.” “Hi.” (Episode 1)
Nick (played by Kit Connor) is a popular student in class, who is a star rugby player. Charlie (Joe Locke) is a new entrant at Truham Grammar High School, and he’s somewhat anxious that he will be bullied for his sexuality. On the first day, Charlie gets a seat next to Nick, and the very first word they say to each other is a shy “Hi”. From then on, it’s a “Hi,” whenever they meet. And our hearts skip a beat every single time.
Charlie’s dream guy (Episode 1)
Charlie’s sister Tori (Jenny Walser) asks him what are the qualities that he would wish for in his dream guy. They are in the school bus. Charlie says that he must be someone with whom he can share a laugh and is also kind. Just someone with whom he can be himself. He wipes the condensation from the window and guess who he sees? Nick Nelson. It’s a beautiful moment, that made us root for both of them a little more.
Nick and Charlie’s moment in the snow
Playing in the snow (Episode 2)
When Nick invites Charlie to his place, they get to know each other a lot more. Nick calls Charlie a “proper little nerd” since he is good at all subjects, aces video games and can pet animals super fast. Charlie sees that it has started snowing. They rush outside and play in the snow with Nick’s pup Nellie. This moment is pure, unbridled queer joy.
First kiss (Episode 3)
The magical thrill of the first kiss is akin to none. In Heartstopper, it occurs when Nick invites Charlie to his friend Harry’s (Cormac Hyde-Corrin) party. At the party, Nick realises that his friends are toxic and homophobic, and that he would rather want to spend more time with Charlie. They find a quiet room and Charlie asks Nick whether he would kiss a girl. Nick replies he isn’t sure whether it would only be a girl. At this moment, Charlie asks whether he would kiss him. Sparks fly, as Nick says ever so softly, “Yeah.”
Nick appears at Charlie’s door (Episode 4)
The first kiss leaves a lot of things unanswered for Nick and Charlie. Charlie doesn’t know whether Nick likes him for sure. Yet the next morning, when Charlie comes down to open the door, he sees Nick, sopping wet. He had run in the downpour to meet him and clear things out. Even though he is not ready to come out to everyone, Nick’s feelings for Charlie are real.
Birthday present (Episode 5)
Charlie invites Nick to his birthday party, eager to introduce him to his friends. Nick lies that he hadn’t got any time to buy a birthday present. “This was just one of my favourite days. Ever,” Nick says when he hands Charlie his birthday present. It is a framed photo of the day when they had spent some time together in the snow.
“I really like you.” (Episode 5)
To clear any doubts for Charlie, Nick directly tells him, “I really like you.” Charlie shyly grins, still in shock, “You like me?” to which Nick teases, “Wasn’t that obvious?” It’s a precious little moment that guides both towards self-acceptance. Slowly they become more comfortable together in public.
Nick runs to Charlie in front of everyone (Episode 8)
After a fight with Nick’s friend Harry, Charlie avoids him for while. Nick realises the spot Charlie is in after a conversation with Tao (William Gao) and feels the need to communicate his feelings about it all. He gets the chance in the middle of the rugby match and runs to Charlie in front of everyone. It’s either now or never.
Coming out scene (Episode 8)
One of the most terrifying and vulnerable moments in any queer person’s life is their decision to come out to their parents. For Nick, it is his mother (played by a scene-stealing Olivia Colman) who he comes out to. She’s touched by Nick’s honesty and gives him a hug instantly.
The two at the beach
The Beach scene (Episode 8)
In what is a sequence made in queer heaven, Nick takes Charlie to a beach where they munch on fish and chips, take adorable pics in the photo booth and lie on their towels soaking in the sun. It is here where Nick feels comfortable enough to come out as bisexual. He takes Charlie in his arms and lets the world know that they are boyfriends.