Netflix's Heartstopper Biggest Difference From The Books is The Best One
Netflix's adaptation of Heartstopper graphic novel created by Alice Oseman made lots of viewers fall in love with the sweet story of two boys meeting, becoming friends, and falling in love.
Fans of the novels agree that the show managed to convey the mood of the canon. However, just like any adaptation, Netflix 's Heartstopper differs from the original story in some meaningful details, which makes the show unique and somewhat more engaging.
For starters, Alice Oseman who adapted her graphic novels for Netflix added two new characters, Isaac and Imogen, especially for the show. Could you believe that the characters viewers love so much could not have existed at all?
The character of Imogen, who competes for Nick's heart, is aimed to make the plot more interesting and tense.
Isaac replaced Aled Last, Charlie's friend, in the books. Looks like in the author's opinion, Aled Last deserves his own Netflix show. So we may get more of Heartstopper universe in the future, which would make so many fans' hearts sing.
Apart from Aled Last, there's another character missing from the show. In the Heartstopper books, Charlie's family is a bit different. He has a sister and a brother. While his sister Tori is a very prominent – and loved by many – character in the Netflix adaptation, his brother Oliver is not part of the show. At least, so far. It was never confirmed in the show that Charlie has only one sibling, so we may still meet Oliver in season 2.
Another big – and amazing – change in the Netflix show is that supporting characters, Tao and Elle, get their own storylines early in the show. With this change, viewers get to follow the stories of the girls attending another school, along with the developing relationship between Nick and Charlie.
However, there are some things in the books that would without a doubt be welcomed in the show by many fans. For example, Nick's rugby teammates are not all homophobic bullies in the novels. Yes, the book characters still encounter a great deal of bullying but also many schoolmates are supportive of their relationship, which is hardly shown in the show. You must admit, it would be a positive development to see how friends learn to support their LGBTQA+ friends. Well, let's hope that Nick's supportive friends will get more screen time next season.