Heartstopper is a Netflix original series that premiered on April 22nd. Based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novels of the same name, the show follows the relationship between two teenagers. Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) is an introvert, content with having a small group of friends and status as a nerd. He’s subject to bullying as one of his school’s only openly gay students.

Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) is this super popular rugby player who’s friends with the people that bully Charlie. However, when the two of them meet, everything changes for Nick. He starts to question his sexuality and his choice of friends in a love story that’s both realistic and optimistic. That shows the struggles of discovering who you are while finding the good in life’s most challenging moments.

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During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, both Connor and Locke discussed auditioning for the show. According to Connor, he originally auditioned for Charlie, which he’s sure that fans of Heartstopper would find ridiculous. They both had to do a chemistry read 6 feet away and with Covid masks on, which they both had to do with two different Nicks and Charlies.

The Work on Heartstopper Begins

     Netflix

According to Connor, once they got their respective roles, both actors had separate Zoom calls with different teams, in which they had general discussions about being the characters and filming. Then the cast did about two weeks of prep to get to know the characters. Oseman was there as well, which was helpful.

Locke mentioned the eating disorder Charlie develops in volumes three and four regarding a possible second season. According to him, when mental health is usually depicted on TV, it tends to be dark, but what Locke believes Heartstoppers has done so well is tackling issues with an optimistic lens. Connor concurred with Locke’s point about mental health, but also mentioned looking forward to the relationship development. Not just between Nick and Charlie but between the characters of Tao (Wiliam Gao) and Elle (Yasmine Finney).

“But we need everyone to watch season 1 first, or else we won’t get a season 2,” said Locke.