It was the “Hi” heard around the world. When Season 1 of Heartstopper debuted in 2022, it swiftly became a cultural phenomenon. Seasons 2 and 3 followed suit, cementing the series as groundbreaking programming for queer youth around the world. The finale film, Heartstopper Forever, follows in those footsteps. 

Now, you can explore Heartstopper’s evolution, cultural impact, and lasting legacy with a behind-the-scenes special, Heartstopper: Ending on a Hi, streaming on Netflix. Get a taste of the project below with some photos from the set and stills featuring six of the interviewees.

“Heartstopper has always had such a wonderfully passionate and supportive community of readers and viewers,” says Alice Oseman, creator of the original graphic novels and the series and film they inspired. “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!” 

The 35-minute special, released a week after Heartstopper Forever, serves as a companion piece to the finale film. Ending on a Hi reunites the people who made the peerless series and the fans who fell in love with it. “The thing that keeps us going is knowing that Heartstopper has made a positive impact in the world,” says Oseman. “No matter what hard stuff is happening, there’s always that feeling that you can find with other people.”

The Heartstopper fandom went beyond merely watching the show; with their fan edits, social media conversations, and passion, they shaped the series’ legacy. Many saw themselves in Nick, Charlie, and their posse of friends at a moment when such representation was rare — and life-changing. When Season 1 debuted, it immediately earned rave reviews, accruing 53 million viewing hours in its first three weeks. Its fresh-faced stars, Kit Connor and Joe Locke, went from having 200,000 Instagram followers to more than 2 million in just one week.

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Heartstopper has carved out an important space in the entertainment landscape. The series celebrates queer joy and has facilitated conversations about identity for viewers around the world. For executive producer Patrick Walters, the community building is the most gratifying part: “I’ve had more than one parent tell me that it allowed their child to have the conversation of, ‘I’m like one of the characters in the show,’” he says. “That makes it really real.”

“It’s rare for any actor to be a part of a project that has such a meaningful impact on people,” says Locke. “That will always be the most special thing.” Connor hopes that stories centering queer joy continue to get support, adding, “I’m hoping people will continue to make media like this, because no matter what happens, there will always be queer people, there will always be people who feel like they don’t have a place. That’s the power of TV, film, and books — to make people feel seen and optimistic about what can feel like a very scary world.”

Ending on a Hi acknowledges that as one generation says goodbye, future generations can discover the series and begin their own journey — all it takes is a simple “Hi.” Keep reading to learn what the special entails.

Samuel Dore/Netflix

Samuel Dore/Netflix

Samuel Dore/Netflix

Samuel Dore/Netflix

Samuel Dore/Netflix

Samuel Dore/Netflix

What is Heartstopper: Ending on a Hi?

The special combines never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, cast and crew interviews, larger cultural commentary, and fan input. 

More than a retrospective, Ending on a Hi is a thank-you and a keepsake of everything Heartstopper became — and everything it continues to be. “I hope people do watch it in the future, and think, ‘This queer show was really popular 10 years ago,’” says Oseman. “I know that these characters will always be precious to me, so I do hope that people discover them in the future.”

Which cast and crew members will be featured in Heartstopper: Ending on a Hi?

Walters and writer, creator, and executive producer Oseman are both featured, alongside cast members Connor, Locke, Corinna Brown, Kizzy Edgell, Jenny Walser, Tobie Donovan, Yasmin Finney, and William Gao. 

“For me, Heartstopper hasn’t just been the TV show, it’s been the comic as well,” says Oseman. “It has been 10 years of my life, and taken me through my 20s.”

When will Heartstopper: Ending on a Hi be released?

The behind-the-scenes special is now streaming. Plus, head to Netflix to watch (and rewatch) the finale film, Heartstopper Forever. 

Who else is involved in Heartstopper: Ending on a Hi?

Luke Hyams directs the special, with Sunita Mirchandani Hyams executive producing. Pangaea produces.

Who else will be featured in Heartstopper: Ending on a Hi?

Four fans named Susannah, Didi, Charlie, and Oliver get the chance to describe why Heartstopper means so much to them. Chair of Gay Times Tag Warner, writer and journalist Jamie Windust, TV journalist Cydney Yeates, and Digital Spy TV journalist Janet Leigh also lend their perspective. 

Are there any other ways to celebrate Heartstopper Forever? 

Nick and Charlie’s farewell is one to remember. So, naturally, there are many more ways to get into the Heartstopper spirit. Check out the flier above to learn all the ways you can say goodbye to your favorite show. 

Also, tune in to Heartstopper Forever: The Official Podcast. Stars Connor and Locke appear on the podcast — emceed by returning host Tia Kofi — along with fellow castmates, creator and writer Oseman, and executive producer Walters.

Alice Oseman Explains Heartstopper’s Celebration of the Queer Experience