HEARTSTOPPER
MOVING ON UP
If there is one over-arching theme for Heartstopper season two, it is change, as we see pretty much every character go through a transition of one form or another. For Nick Nelson (Kit Connor), it’s coming out; while for Charlie Spring ( Joe Locke), it’s opening up about his mental health. Tara and Darcy take their relationship to the next stage, and Elle Argent (Yasmin Finney) gets into art school. For Isaac — played brilliantly by Tobie Donovan — it’s growing into his identity as an aromantic asexual (Aro/Ace). Demonstrating how the show has managed to improve upon the web comic’s representation, it’s a plot development that was planned before season one, when the groundwork was laid.
Tobie Donovan’s bookish Isaac was a breakout star of first season. Here, he’s joined by Bradley Riches as lovelorn James to discuss Isaac’s asexual storyline and their characters’ futures
“Isaac is kind of always on his own in the group,” Tobie observes of his character, who replaces Aled from Heartstopper’s the comics. After some eagle-eyed fans picked up on the subtle breadcrumbs left in the first season, Alice Oseman confirmed Isaac’s Aro/Ace identity in a 2022 tweet, writing, “I’m very glad you got the vibes.” Speaking to Attitude earlier this year, Alice went further, saying asexuality would be discussed “in a big way” in season two with Isaac. Even more hints are dropped in the buildup to Isaac’s realisation in the new season, which again viewers may have spotted.