It began with a simple “Hi”, and Netflix’s beloved queer series Heartstopper will now bring its story to a close in much the same way.
One week after the finale film Heartstopper Forever premieres on July 17, Netflix will release a new behind-the-scenes special titled Heartstopper: Ending on a Hi.
Described by the streaming service as both a “love letter” and a “thank you” to the fans who have supported the series, the 35-minute programme will arrive on July 24.
Netflix says the special will include “unseen archival footage spanning every season through to the final film”.
It will also feature contributions from “the cast, creator Alice Oseman, executive producer Patrick Walters and the fans who made Heartstopper a global phenomenon”.
“Heartstopper has always had such a wonderfully passionate and supportive community of readers and viewers,” says Oseman, who released Heartstopper Volume 6, the final instalment in the original graphic novel series, this month.
“The connection that they have with the story is so beautiful, and I think the Ending on a Hi special celebrates all of that passion and joy and love, while also showing so many fascinating and hilarious moments from behind the scenes of Heartstopper.
“I hope people do watch it in the future, and think, ‘This queer show was really popular 10 years ago.’ I know that these characters will always be precious to me, so I do hope that people discover them in the future.”
Executive producer Patrick Walters also reflected on the meaningful conversations the series has helped create between young viewers and their families.
“I’ve had more than one parent tell me that Heartstopper allowed their child to have the conversation of, ‘I’m like one of the characters in the show.’ That makes it really real.”
Heartstopper Forever arrives on July 17
The concluding film will follow Nick as he is “preparing to leave for university and Charlie finding new independence at school”, forcing the couple to consider the realities of maintaining a long-distance relationship.
Their friends will also be dealing with changes in their own relationships as they experience the emotional highs and lows of love, friendship and growing up.
“Meanwhile, their friends are also navigating the ups and downs of love and friendship, confronting the bittersweet challenges of growing up and moving on. Can first loves really last forever?” the official synopsis teases.
The film’s release will also be accompanied by Heartstopper Forever: The Official Podcast, hosted by Drag Race star Tia Kofi.
Launching on the same day as the movie, the five-episode podcast will see Tia speak with members of the cast and creative team about the film.
The series will also revisit memorable moments from Heartstopper and answer questions submitted by fans.
Later this year, Oseman will bring their Heartstopper book tour to three cities along Australia’s east coast.
They will appear at Brisbane Writers Festival on October 11, Melbourne’s Wheeler Centre on October 13 and Sydney Writers Festival on October 14.
Heartstopper Forever premieres on Netflix on July 17, followed by Heartstopper: Ending on a Hi on July 24.
