Premiered: August 3, 2023

On: Netflix

Starring: Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Corinna Brown, Kizzy Edgell, Tobie Donovan, Jenny Walser, Sebastian Croft, Cormac Hyde-Corrin, Rhea Norwood, Fisayo Akinade, Chetna Pandya, Jack Barton, Leila Khan, Nima Taleghani, Araloyin Oshunremi, Evan Ovenell, Ashwin Viwanath, Georgina Rich, Joseph Balderrama, Momo Yeung, Alan Turkington, Bradley Riches, Bel Priestley, Ash Self, Stephen Fry & Olivia Colman

Focusing on the second and third books in the graphic novel series, Heartstopper returns with as much joy and love as its first season, but also wonderfully handles some darker topics.

Now out to his mom (Olivia Colman), Nick (Kit Connor) is ready to start letting the world know he’s bi and dating Charlie (Joe Locke), but coming out is more difficult than he imagined. Tao (William Gao) and Elle (Yasmin Finney) continue to flirt, while Tara (Corinna Brown) and Darcy (Kizzy Edgell) hit some bumps.

Connor and Locke have brilliant chemistry, and both act just as well without words as they do with. Their characters and storylines are endearing with difficult personal moments not being shied away from.

Discussions of depression, self-harm and eating disorders may be triggering, but all are executed respectfully allowing for deeper conversations.

Final say: Heart-exploding. ★★★★★