Jonathan Bailey, star of the ‘Bridgerton‘ series, fueled a social media frenzy recently when he suggested that everyone over the age of 40 “should be forced” to watch the heartfelt Netflix drama about young LGBTQ+ love, ‘Heartstopper‘. He accepts that people are becoming more accepting of LGBTQ+ portrayals in media, and believes that the freshness of perspective from ‘Heartstopper‘ regarding queer relations and identity is valuable to audiences of all ages.
For Bailey, the show is more than just a teen drama; it’s an avenue where empathy and understanding between generations can be sown.
A Message Of Acceptance In ‘Heartstopper’
One of the reasons Bailey believes that ‘Heartstopper‘ is imperative for older viewers is its powerful message of acceptance and mental health awareness. The show centers on two half-brothers: Charlie, who is a teenager openly gay in high school, navigating the challenges of it all, and Nick, who is just beginning to explore his own. The warmth with which the characters’ relationship is portrayed, combined with honesty and a refreshing lack of drama, drives Bailey’s perception that this show is a meaningful counter to older, outdated, or stereotyped portrayals of LGBTQ+ people. “I sort of wedged myself into that part. I was so moved by the series and also the graphic novel,” Jonathan Bailey told Vanity Fair.
There’s hope that the older audience, who have had no prior exposure to such inclusive narratives, will benefit from that. For Bailey, it’s not just about educating but bringing out the beauty and authenticity of these relationships in a way that’s accessible to all. For Bailey, Heartstopper’s soft, realistic take means audiences may view LGBTQ+ relationships in a new light without the sensationalism often attached to queer stories.
Related: Hayley Atwell And Jonathan Bailey’s ‘Heartstopper 3’ Characters Explored
Why ‘Heartstopper’ Matters For All Generations
For Jonathan Bailey, Heartstopper is more than simply a coming-of-age show. Instead, it is a hope that could further educate and bring forth intense discussions between young and older generations across common values such as love, empathy, and understanding. In fact, by encouraging over-40 viewership, Bailey believes that people older than 40 would view Heartstopper as breaking down those generational barriers and cultivating family and social compassion.
In case you missed it: Top 10 Queer Shows To Watch If You Liked ‘Heartstopper’
Heartstopper is an inspiration for Bailey, reminding him, that however differently love might be conceptualized, it deserves all the respect and recognition. Shows like this are not only important for young people in the LGBTQ+, but also serve as a bridge to bring people closer together through shared stories of acceptance and humanity.
