The lasting legacy of Heartstopper
As Netflix's Heartstopper reaches its final chapter, the cast and creator reflect on the show's extraordinary impact.
The first season of Heartstopper came to our screens in 2022, bringing Alice Oseman’s beloved webcomic series to life. Four years later, after six books (which have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, including around 1.3 million in the UK), three Netflix seasons and countless devoted fans, the story came to an end with Heartstopper Forever, a feature-length finale released on 17 July 2026.
Since its debut, the show has been praised as “one of the most important LGBTQ+ shows ever made”, described as “a lifeline for many”, and celebrated for the “varied and positive queer representation” in Oseman’s work, which has brought LGBTQIA+ people “so much joy”.
Whilst Heartstopper never shied away from difficult subjects, including self-harm, mental health, disordered eating and the rollback of trans rights in the UK, it has become best known as a heartwarming coming-of-age story that prioritises queer joy.
It’s something Oseman has spoken about being particularly important to her. Speaking at Alexandra Palace, she said: “It was always my intention with Heartstopper to find the middle line, the balancing point, between showing these issues in a realistic way while also keeping that tone of, like, ‘It’s going to be OK and things will work out.’”
As the cast gathered for the premiere of Heartstopper Forever, we asked them one final question: what do they hope the legacy of Heartstopper will be 10 years from now?
Kit Connor
“It’s hard to explain because it’s been such a huge part of my life and has taught me so much and sort of allowed me to find out so much about myself. But I hope that the legacy is one of making people feel safe and loved and comfortable and supported, just as it has done for me.”
Joe Locke
“Oh, I just want people to still be watching it and it still have this positive impact. And if it carries on doing that, then I’d be very happy.”
Alice Oseman
“I would love Heartstopper to allow there to be more things like Heartstopper being made. I think the success of Heartstopper was such a surprise to everyone, but hopefully in the future people who are commissioning shows, for example, will be able to look at Heartstopper and say, ‘Hey, that actually did really well, let’s do another queer show.’”
Corinna Brown
“I would like this show to be the comfort show of so many queer people and so many people in fact, in general.”
Kizzy Edgell
“I would love people to still be watching it, first off. I think it holds up and I think it will stand the test of time, and that’d be really nice if young people still discover Heartstopper on their own and find some sense of hope in it.”
Fisayo Akinde
“One, there’s always a place to go. There’s always a person to go to. There will always be help
at hand. Always. And also that it does get better.”
Nima Taleghani
“That it was a trailblazer. That it wasn’t a flash in the pan. That things keep coming after and build on it and build on it and build on it.
Tobie Donovan
“You know, I asked everybody this question on set because I thought it was interesting. I know the overriding answer was that everyone just has the same love that they have for it today, and feels that same feeling that all the fans feel when they watch it and that we felt while making it. it, which is just how special of a thing it is. And I do think that will happen.”
Darragh Hand
“I would hope they look back on the show and see it as what it is, which is the first of its kind that really platforms and creates a safe space for anyone. Whatever your orientation may be. And I think it already is that to some degree, because I don’t think there’s any other show that does that. Or if they do, it’s along with all the challenges but what I love about Heartstopper is that it just allows these kids to be kids and queer and allows the joy.”
Rhea Norwood
“I hope it remains that it’s a joyful, queer show. I think it’s going to be universal for many generations to come because regardless of what happens with social media and the way that it makes it current in contemporary culture, I think the themes of identity and love and loss are so universal. So I hope that it remains that I think everyone can find comfort in this queer joy.”
Leila Khan
“Celebration. I think Heartstopper is all about celebrating even during the hard times. So, if there is another show in ten years time, just make sure that we’re focusing on the good.”
