There is no doubt that Heartstopper is one of the most successful graphic novel adaptations, and you’ve got Alice Oseman to thank for that.
Not only are long-time fans served exactly what they deserve, but the show has done well to make new fans at home, too.
If you’re wondering if there are any differences between the show and the graphic novels/comics, the answer is obviously yes.
Even though Oseman served as a writer for all eight episodes, she knew that she couldn’t film the show page-for-page as it was in the comics.
Without further ado, here are the key points where the show differs from Heartstopper Volumes 1 and 2:
1No Swearing
Since the TV show has received a very PG-13 rating, it’s missing the raging swearing that lights up the graphic novels. In its stead, the show comes up with some clever diss-dialogues and, of course, we all can agree that Tao has the best comebacks.
2Where is Aled and who is Isaac?
Aled is definitely one of the coolest characters from the comics.
So why is he totally missing in action in the TV show? Oseman has explained that since Aled is a character that appears in her other works, too, and has a story of his in Radio Silence, she did not want to merge him with Heartstopper’s universe yet.
This is why we’re blessed with the original character Isaac. I have no complaints here—Isaac is endearing, non-problematic, and definitely has a Goodreads account I need to follow.
3Welcome, Imogen!
Imogen is yet another original character made solely for the TV show. Oseman talks about how the TV/movie realm often needs high-strung plots to keep the momentum going, and Imogen’s presence as a potential love interest to Nick serves that purpose.
While Imogen initially ends up with a broken heart, I’m sure she’s going to be an ally for Team Narlie really soon.
4Will we see Charlie’s little brother, Oliver?
This one genuinely hurt. Charlie’s younger brother and the total life of the house, Oliver Spring, has been cut from the show.
It’s understandable why—the show already has to introduce a ton of characters and get new fans invested in the show, so adapting everyone from the comics may not be wise.
But I cannot stress enough what a literal ball of joy Oliver is. This is your cue to (re)read the graphic novels just to make up for his absence from the show.
5Charlie Is a Popular Kid
I wouldn’t say the show insinuates that Charlie is one of the outcasts, but he is definitely not as popular as he is originally portrayed in the comics.
Not only is he great at running, a whizz at studies, and generally a good human to be around, but a lot of folks in school also commend him for being brave, finally standing up to his bullies, and embracing his sexuality.
There is no shame in being an underdog, but in the comics, Charlie has definitely moved past that and is flourishing in his own skin.
6The Higgs Gang
This change is definitely on the better side of things—we see a lot more of the Higgs girls, Elle, Tara, and Darcy, which we don’t get as much of in the comics.
The show capitalizes on portraying some important issues through these characters, like the prejudice Elle faces for being a trans woman, and Tara and Darcy being bullied after they come out as lesbians.
7Nick Has Some Decent “Friends”
Most of the people in Nick’s group can be complete knuckleheads, with Harry taking the crown.
But even then, Harry’s bullying isn’t as vicious as it is on screen, and he and Tao definitely don’t get into a full-blown fight. But as Oseman says, it’s all makes for good TV.
What’s funny is how in the comics, some of Nick’s friends or those on his rugby team have already guessed he has feelings for Charlie before he realizes it himself. I’d even say they handle his sexuality quite well!
8Sports Makes for Great Romance
Running, rugby matches in the rain, and grand gestures during Sports Day—the show hinges a lot on romantic moments caused by sporting events. But would it really surprise you if I told you most of these events don’t happen in the graphic novel?
9Smiley Face
I have to end with the sweetest change/addition made for the screen. So, do you remember that scene in Ep 1 when Nick ends up drawing a smiley on Charlie’s hand? Well, there’s no such scene in the comics, but ardent readers will remember that Oseman draws those exact smileys inside Heartstopper’s dialogue bubbles. Sometimes, one smiley face is worth a thousand words.
About Heartstopper
Heartstopper is an upcoming British coming-of-age streaming television series developed for Netflix based on the webcomic and graphic novel of the same name by Alice Oseman. Created and written by Oseman, the series is directed by Euros Lyn and executive produced by Patrick Walters.
The series stars Joe Locke, Kit Connor, Yasmin Finney, William Gao, Corinna Brown, Kizzy Edgell, Cormac Hyde-Corrin, Sebastian Croft, Tobie Donovan, and Rhea Norwood.
The story follows a British secondary school athlete student Charlie who, after meeting the rugby-fan Nick, becomes immediately infatuated. The series will show their budding romance, as well as Charlie’s close friend group as they all work to discover themselves and their identity, supporting each other along the way.
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