Nick truly cares for and respects Charlie and shows genuine concern and interest in spending time with him and his friends, even the doggedly and stubbornly suspicious Tao who initially fears that Nick is just out to abuse and exploit Charlie. Nick demonstrates these caring qualities so effortlessly and genuinely that it makes me ache. He’s thoughtful and considerate and kind in a way that doesn’t come off feeling forced, obligatory or contrived.

The scenes between Nick and his mom played by the amazing Olivia Coleman is one of the best mother son relationships I’ve seen played out on television. We’ve seen mothers love their sons whether they are gay straight or otherwise but in this one you really feel that her acceptance of him contributes directly to his acceptance of others and himself. When he comes out to her, there is not one ripple in the surface of her gentle, open and receptive demeanor. She listens and then reaches over to hug him tightly. And as they break away from one another she says, “Thank you for telling me. I’m sorry if I ever made you feel like you couldn’t tell me that”

Just scrape me off the floor!!!!

I could literally go on and on….

I watch Heartstoppers when I need to be cheered up instantly, when I want to smile big and when I want to just get a break from the mounting chaos that is life sometimes. It’s just so gosh darned hopeful and sweet. I’m not sure what I expected when I first started watching but I think that when Charlie sees Nick for the first time, like any first time high school crush narrative, you want so badly for Nick to reciprocate Charlie’s feelings and in the most miraculous unfolding of events, he does! We feel Charlie’s relief and soring happiness but it’s Nick we also cheer on for being so courageous and inquisitive about his own feelings and sexual identity. He allows his feelings for Charlie to blossom and he doesn’t deny himself that happiness even when it’s scary. He doesn’t ignore what’s between them to satisfy ideas of what’s expected of him by his own friend group who he actually cuts off when he sees how insensitive they are to Charlie. Season 2 is now available on Netflix and I’ve already watched it several times.

Gotta go watch it again. LOL!!!!