10 shows like Heartstopper to watch

As a young adult who has spent countless hours immersed in heartwarming, character-driven stories, I find myself deeply drawn to the world of Nick and Charlie from Heartstopper, and the diverse array of shows that share similar themes.

Heartstopper is an outstanding series that has garnered a broad fanbase due to its positive vibe, engaging relationships, and bold approach in tackling heavy topics. Viewers are captivated by Nick and Charlie’s romance, but they also find resonance in portrayals of Nick’s family conflicts and Charlie’s battles with mental health.

Fans of “Heartstopper” eagerly waited and finally got season 3 on Netflix on Oct. 3, 2024. With another 8 episodes available, hearts are melting once again! However, since the series is quite brief, fans might find themselves finishing it quickly during binge-watching sessions. Once this happens, the void left behind needs to be filled by discovering new shows until the next season arrives.

On the bright side, there’s no shortage of other series to explore. Shows like Young Royals, Love, Victor, and Sex Education are also fantastic LGBTQ+ teen romances that you might enjoy. They’re definitely worth giving a try! However, it’s likely that viewers of Heartstopper have already seen these shows. In other words, there’s a high chance they’ve already watched them if they’re fans of Heartstopper.

That’s why this list is going to be a little different. These 10 series have a lot in common with Heartstopper, but they are absolutely their own things. If you have already watched all the usual suggestions, take a chance on one of these shows, which might prove to be a new favorite!

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Buy on Apple TV or Amazon

I’m quite open about suggesting the offbeat musical series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend to most people, but fans of Heartstopper are sure to appreciate its quirky charm! The story revolves around Rebecca Bunch, a lawyer who makes an unconventional decision by relocating her life to chase after her high school sweetheart. However, the show offers rich layers to her actions as it delves into mental health issues, self-image, and romantic stereotypes throughout its journey.

Each episode of this show offers several musical numbers, providing viewers with a deeper glimpse into the characters’ personalities and emotions. This format is likely to appeal to fans of ‘Heartstopper‘, as it mirrors the animated sequences in that series which establish mood. The program delves into various romantic scenarios, including those within the LGBTQ+ community, while also emphasizing friendships, workplace relationships, and their impact on our perspective of life.

Just like Heartstopper, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend might appear to be a light-hearted series focused on romance at first glance. However, beneath the surface, it delves deeply into themes of self-worth and explores how our deepest emotional scars shape our relationships with others. It’s a complex narrative wrapped in a vibrant, romantic setting – something that Heartstopper fans will likely find resonates with them.

The Magicians

Stream on Netflix

The Magicians can be described as a blend of Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia, in which a young individual discovers that the magical realm he adored in his childhood books is not just fiction, but also extremely perilous. Spanning over five seasons, the story delves into the sinister aspects of common fantasy motifs. The resolution of one season’s issue often serves as the catalyst for the problems in the following season.

For fans of Heartstopper, this show might appear quite unusual as a recommendation, but it shares a common theme of exploring and subverting tropes while portraying the tender and terrifying aspects of life. Moreover, it boasts several LGBTQ+ characters, and an episode in season three, titled “A Life in the Day”, left fans spellbound due to its captivating love story that sent shockwaves through the fandom.

Beware, this series delves into some heavy themes such as sexual assault, severe physical injury, and the demise of main characters, especially in its inaugural season. Initially, it may seem dissimilar to “Heartstopper”. However, as the story unfolds, an impressive ensemble cast takes center stage, relationships blossom, and mental health becomes a focal point. This unique, entertaining series will captivate those who appreciate fantasy elements.

Never Have I Ever

Stream on Netflix

As a gamer putting down my controller, I can’t help but rave about one of the standout teen dramas to grace our screens recently – “Never Have I Ever”. This series took us on a rollercoaster ride with Devi, a relentless overachiever, as she navigated her way through high school. Her goals were lofty: improving her social standing, securing a spot at Princeton, and leaving behind the shadow of her father’s untimely death. This show broke new ground in South Asian representation, but it resonates with anyone who didn’t have the stereotypical dream high school experience.

The similarities to Heartstopper are apparent due to its high school backdrop, diverse cast, and captivating love stories. These key aspects are skillfully incorporated into the series, and although familiar tropes abound, they are consistently developed further as the story progresses. This is notably true for the Jewish and LGBTQ+ characters, who may have initially seemed stereotypical but are given greater complexity over time.

As a devoted viewer, I can’t help but appreciate the extraordinary skill with which Never Have I Ever weaves together humor and emotion. The character of Devi may stumble along the way, making less than ideal decisions, but these moments ring true and resonate with viewers. Her journey to discover her identity after a profound loss is fraught with challenges, as she navigates through intricate family and social dynamics. This rollercoaster ride of emotions will undoubtedly evoke both laughter and tears, much like the emotional terrain that fans of Heartstopper have come to know.

Gentleman Jack

Stream on Max

Moving forward from related topics, yet in an entirely new narrative style, “Gentleman Jack” is a historical drama that chronicles the life of Anne Lister, a woman who thrived in the 1830s by managing her family business and openly pursuing relationships with other women. Interestingly, this series emerged from the meticulous work of Sally Wainwright in deciphering the actual diaries of Lister, which were coded to keep their contents private.

In this series, we find a layered narrative that revolves around Anne’s family, tenants, and adversaries, each with distinct personalities, objectives, and desires. This mirrors the deep camaraderie in “Heartstopper“, as both narratives give equal importance to the people surrounding the primary characters, along with their romantic relationships.

Without a doubt, the strongest ties can be traced back to the portrayal of homosexuality and its constant collision with love and societal norms. Anne, being self-assured and well-established in society, can bend rules with relative ease, but her partner Ann grapples with both external prejudice and internalized homophobia, making it challenging for her to express her emotions freely. The narrative is rich with romance, tension, clever banter, and even a few breaks of the fourth wall, offering fans of Heartstopper many familiar elements to appreciate.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018)

Stream on Netflix

The television show titled “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” is a modernized version of the 1985 series, emphasizing character development significantly more. This story revolves around Adora, an orphan raised as a soldier for the oppressive Horde. When she discovers a sword that transforms her into She-Ra, the legendary princess, she leaves behind her old life. As she makes new friends and builds alliances, Adora faces ongoing battles against the Horde and her former close friend, Catra.

Beyond sharing a pastel-hued aesthetic and an upbeat vibe, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power delves deeply into themes of love. Adora’s strength lies in her collaborations and selfless actions for those she cherishes, yet they frequently clash on ethical viewpoints. This dynamic duo, along with their companions, grapple with defining their roles in life, often finding themselves at odds with the ambitions their parents or authorities have for them, which differ greatly from their own aspirations.

Although She-Ra may seem to be a more action-packed series compared to Heartstopper, viewers will find numerous shared themes as the story progresses. The character interactions are deeply engaging, and while it may appear lighthearted at times, She-Ra doesn’t shy away from delving into the complexities of these relationships, even when they venture into darker territories. Both shows maintain an upbeat tone without disregarding the challenges of real life.

Geek Girl

Stream on Netflix

Title Character, Harriet Manners, is an unassuming teenager with social awkwardness who unexpectedly becomes the focus of a modeling agency after impressing them at a fashion show. Despite initial hiccups, Harriet grows to enjoy the modeling life, yet the limelight often triggers her anxiety episodes. With the help of her family, friends, agent, and romantic interest, Harriet learns to embrace her unique perspective on life and carve out a niche in the competitive fashion industry.

The program shares numerous themes with “Heartstopper,” primarily because both depict the experiences of bullied teenagers in Britain. A significant emphasis is placed on mental health issues, as well as insightful conversations about neurodivergence. Although the series incorporates certain stereotypes for its autistic and LGBTQ+ characters, it’s important to note that these characterizations do not define or limit them.

Essentially, this series is a heartwarming tale focusing on a character who struggles to find acceptance due to their uniqueness and eventually discovers where they truly belong. A story like this, as found in ‘Heartstopper’, is appealing to many viewers, and the diverse characters surrounding Harriet enrich the narrative, preventing it from becoming monotonous. Although the continuation of the show remains uncertain, giving it a try could be rewarding, regardless of whether it extends beyond one season.

Please Like Me

Buy on Apple TV+ or Amazon

Individuals open to exploring international TV series outside the US and UK might find delight in “Please Like Me“, an Australian comedic drama that follows the life of a young stand-up comic as he grapples with an array of transformative circumstances. As the creator puts it, these characters are “struggling yet striving to bring joy to others.” Remarkably, this characterization could be why it resonates so well with fans of “Heartstopper“.

Moving onto particular relationships, the debut episode of this series introduces us to Josh, who discovers his sexuality as gay. This revelation sparks a tumultuous journey for him to grasp his identity, share it with others, and seek acceptance within a new circle. Furthermore, Josh and those close to him grapple with various mental and physical health issues, lending the show its signature depth that “Heartstopper” is recognized for.

The show, “Please Like Me,” was designed to stand out from other series available then, and indeed, it carries an unusual, authentic vibe. Instead of leaning on cliches and relying on well-worn visuals and narratives, this series can feel disarmingly honest. However, despite the initial unease, it’s worth pushing through a few episodes. Eventually, you might find yourself hooked and consider it your new favorite show.

Atypical

Stream on Netflix

In much the same way that Heartstopper plays a significant role within the LGBTQ+ community, Atypical holds an equally important position among those on the autism spectrum. Given that both works feature substantial storylines about bisexuality (with Heartstopper boasting at least one confirmed autistic character), it’s reasonable to expect considerable overlap in audiences seeking authentic representation.

As a devoted fan, I’d say the show chronicles my journey as Sam Gardner, an autistic young adult, and my family’s experiences as we navigate this significant transition in my life. Growing up, my mom and sister have been my caregivers and protectors, so as I step into greater independence, they too find themselves re-evaluating their roles and identities along the way.

Previously mentioned, representation is likely one of the key similarities between Heartstopper and Atypical. Yet, it’s crucial for new viewers to understand that there was debate over misrepresentation in the initial season. Nevertheless, both shows delve into discovering self-identity, grappling with how others fit within this discovery, and learning to navigate both the high points and low points of adolescence – themes that Heartstopper tackles extensively.

Lost Girl

Stream on the CW app

Shifting gears to another series that contrasts with “Heartstopper,” let’s discuss “Lost Girl,” a Canadian fantasy show from 2010. This captivating series centers around Bo, a young woman who unexpectedly finds herself entangled in a complex web of supernatural beings and their administrative systems. Alongside her human confidante, she establishes a detective agency, assisting both humans and Fae in navigating their coexistence beyond the established norms.

Since its debut, the show has always emphasized sex and sexuality, given that Bo is a bisexual succubus who discovered early on that her intimate touch could be fatal. Joining the Fae community not only broadened her knowledge of the world but also provided an environment where her individuality was accepted rather than judged.

As a fellow gamer and fantasy enthusiast, I’d highly recommend diving into “Lost Girl” if you appreciate stories that delve deep into the unique challenges and triumphs of being different from the norm, much like “Heartstopper.” While it might not be an immediate match to “Heartstopper,” it certainly echoes their themes of self-acceptance and finding solace in one’s identity, even when faced with adversity. For those seeking a more mature take on Nick and Charlie’s journey, complete with a magical twist, “Lost Girl” is an exceptional choice!

The Fosters and Good Trouble

Stream on Hulu

Absolutely, I’m grouping these two together because “Good Trouble” is a natural continuation of “The Fosters.” Both were captivating series that aired on ABC Family/Freeform, focusing on the lives of adopted and foster children and their journey towards adulthood. The original storyline started with Callie and Jude being placed in the care of Stef and Lena Foster, a loving couple who took them in as foster kids. This decision set off a chain of events that shaped the family’s life profoundly.

For five seasons, the show known as The Fosters was broadcasted, after which another series titled Good Trouble debuted. This new show centers around Callie and her adoptive sister Mariana, who are both establishing their adulthood in a communal living space situated in Los Angeles. Both these shows feature significant LGBTQ+ characters and delve into the ways that families (and chosen families) navigate through the world they inhabit.

This series presents an intriguing perspective on how the emotional bonds depicted in “Heartstopper” might evolve as characters grow older. Throughout the narrative, they stand up for each other, addressing their past traumas and offering mutual support during challenging times. Maintaining balance in ensemble dramas can be tricky, but this franchise excels by portraying complex, yet hopeful, stories about people with flaws working towards constructing secure lives for themselves and those they care about, rooted in authenticity.

2024-10-13 20:28