The wait for Heartstopper season two has felt like a long one, even though it's only been just over a year since the show burst into our lives in a swirl of pastel-hued leaves.
At that time, we hailed the Netflix YA show as "the most important British show since It's a Sin" – and after setting such a high bar, there might be concern that season two couldn't possibly live up to those expectations.
We're here to put those concerns to rest, as Heartstopper season two is just as good – if not better.
As we've already seen when episode one's opener was shared with the world, the story picks right back up with Charlie and Nick's blossoming romance. From their seaside date at the end of season one, the pair are now officially boyfriends (cue love-heart emoji) – although they've not yet shared their happy news with everyone in their lives just yet.
This next chapter of the story perfectly balances the line between depicting the not-always-perfect journey of needing to continuously come out, while still prioritising the queer joy that the show has become known for, not allowing itself to get too caught up in trauma while not brushing it under the carpet either.
Kit Connor and Joe Locke bring the same vulnerabilities that made us fall in love with Heartstopper's leading duo in the first place, and season two does a great job of expanding that focus by delving deeper into some of the peripheral characters.
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Elle and Tao are afforded even more depth, and the character arcs of Darcy and Isaac are two other particular standouts which speak to wider experiences within the queer community.
Olivia Colman (as Nick's supportive mum) is also a complete scene stealer, naturally, and it's a delight to watch her get some more meaty material to play with this season, building on the foundation set by that all-important coming-out moment from last time around.
The beloved Mr Ajayi is also back, and this time more space is allocated to his life beyond providing a vitally important safe space within the school gates. Without giving too much away, we get to find out more about his personal life – even a romance of his own.
This marks a change from season one, with the focus veering away from the teen experience momentarily in order to add to the world's tapestry through the trials and tribulations of its adults. In this instance it works wonders, bringing a great piece of lesser-known representation in a place you wouldn't expect to find it.
But one thing that's remained the same is Heartstopper's wholesome feel. The cosy comfort blanket of teen shows, Heartstopper mostly handles its themes with a set of rose-tinted glasses – and we don't mean that as a bad thing. There's still no swearing or sex to behold (although for a moment it looks like we might come pretty close to the latter), but that just sets it apart from anything else.
The characters remain impressively emotionally intelligent, depicting something of an idyllic version of young people who can articulate their feelings, only adding to the soothing nature of the viewing experience.
The pacing is once again refreshingly fast-moving, given Heartstopper's 30-minute episodes. This helps to breathe more life into the material, and is a welcome departure from the feature-length, dare we say it, slogs that have become all too common (and aren't always necessary, folks!)
It also makes it the perfect binge – even if you've moved away from that habit, we can't see you not hitting that 'next episode' button each time the credits roll in.
Heartstopper is streaming on Netflix, where season 2 will premiere on August 3.
Hodder Children's Books Heartstopper Volume One by Alice Oseman
Hodder Children's Books Heartstopper Volume Two by Alice Oseman
Hodder Children's Books Heartstopper Volume Three by Alice Oseman
Hodder Children's Books Heartstopper Volume Four by Alice Oseman
Hodder Children's Books Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman
HarperCollins Children's Books Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman
HarperCollins Children's Books This Winter by Alice Oseman
Hodder Children's Books The Heartstopper Colouring Book by Alice Oseman
Hodder Children's Books The Heartstopper Yearbook by Alice Oseman
TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
