What Is Heartstopper Rated? What Parents Should Know Before Letting Their Kids Watch

Coming-of-age stories can help youngsters navigate the strange world of adolescence, and critics agree "Heartstopper" is one of the better ones to view on Netflix. The series earned critical acclaim in its first season for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues, as it follows Charlie Spring (Joe Locke), a gay high school student who develops feelings for his classmate, Nick Nelson (Kit Connor). Numerous other characters and their struggles help fill out the plot, such as that of transgender student Elle Argent (Yasmin Finney). 

However, the show is rated TV-14, so some may look for a "Heartstopper" parents guide to help determine if it's appropriate for younger viewers to check out. It's vital for kids, especially those who may be in the LGBTQ+ community themselves, to have good role models on-screen, and "Heartstopper" does a great job of portraying the trials and tribulations of navigating one's sexuality in high school. While the show may be rated TV-14, most parents will likely find that kids as young as 12 can enjoy it without being exposed to anything unsavory. 

Does "Heartstopper" have inappropriate content? Many parents may ask themselves this question before deciding whether to let their kids watch. The show's targeted toward teens, and it remains suitable for that age group. There's some language in the series, such as "crap" and "piss off," but there's nothing over the line. The show's also relatively tame when it comes to romance, with characters passionately kissing but no nudity or graphic sexual content. This puts it on par with similar shows on Netflix like "Ginny & Georgia" and "Never Have I Ever."

It's important for kids to see stories they can connect with, complete with characters who are going through the same things they are. And critics agree that "Heartstopper" is something special, as Kelly Lawler of USA Today wrote, "Some TV series are so sweet, so joyous and so wonderful that the mere mention of them can make you smile. Netflix's 'Heartstopper' is one of those." In fact, "Heartstopper" could be a great show for parents to watch with their kids so that they can discuss some of the themes and issues that come up regularly throughout the series. 

And it could become your child's new favorite show. Netflix clearly believes in the series as the streaming platform renewed it for a second season as well as a third following the success of the first. Children are going to have questions about love and their bodies as they enter their teens, and having those issues reflected in a popular show can help make such problems seem less frightening.