82 reviews
Finally, autistic actors are being casted to play autistic characters. This series was the first time I've ever seen myself authentically represented on-screen, the first time I've seen myself shown as anything other than a punchline or a cause for pity. I hope this is the start of change for representation of autistic people in media.
As an Australian teenager, a lot of the media I come across is heavily Americanized and not at all relatable, so this was definitely a welcome change. This is an incredibly candid and funny look into what modern adolescence in Australia is really like, and I'm looking forward to seeing more.
As an Australian teenager, a lot of the media I come across is heavily Americanized and not at all relatable, so this was definitely a welcome change. This is an incredibly candid and funny look into what modern adolescence in Australia is really like, and I'm looking forward to seeing more.
- eringuest-24931
- Oct 7, 2022
- Permalink
As a gen z teen who watches all the latest I find myself cringing at a lot of teen shows nowadays. It's too 80s with the whole vibe, or painfully older than teen years. I wanted to hate this show but I think it's the best gen z rep I've seen. It just has so many true aspects to it of being a teen nowadays and even how they presented romance in the show for teen years. Wish we could have seen more to be honest, it's a show I would watch a few seasons worth if they came out but still loved it even without the extension. Good show and felt like someone from my generation helped write it , very relatable.
- waitresstyles
- Dec 9, 2022
- Permalink
I expected this to be another one of those poorly produced Netflix dramas that try to seem relatable to teenagers, but miserably fail at it. But I was surprised in many ways. Sure, it's still a pretty unrealistic portrayal of teenagers, but it had some nice parts. There are a variety of different stories in this series, some of them are pretty interesting. The characters themselves very interesting as well. The acting was surprisingly good too. Some of the comedy fell a little short and won't probably work in a few years, but nothing too bad. Sometimes I think the series was even making fun of today's teenage culture. I wish it had leaned more towards that, because it would have been a more interesting take. All in all: a good binge watch!
I have never seen an accurate representation of myself in any serie. Quinni was the first autistic girl I have seen accurately portrayed how it feels to be afab and autistic. Not the classic white boys like sheldon and sherlock. And to top it off, Quinni was actually played by an autistic actor! I finally felt really understood.
Not to even talk about the lgbt+ representation. For once one of the main characters was an amab nonbinary person of colour. I loved how diverse this cast and characters was.
I would definitely recommend you watch this series if you want to see yourself represented. I'm sure at least one of the characters are relatable for you.
Not to even talk about the lgbt+ representation. For once one of the main characters was an amab nonbinary person of colour. I loved how diverse this cast and characters was.
I would definitely recommend you watch this series if you want to see yourself represented. I'm sure at least one of the characters are relatable for you.
- sahorlings
- Sep 16, 2022
- Permalink
I started off absolutely hating this reboot of one of my favorite TV shows. I thought it was badly written, over the top woke bs and I was absolutely gonna vote this down and give it a one star review.
I continued watching the episodes and started to realize the damn thing was growing on me...
The writing wasn't great in many areas and I cringed more than a few times with some of the lines that were written.
But honestly, I have to say I got to the end of the last episode and wanted another season.
I am still in love with Peter Rivers as much today as I was back in the 90's...I loved him more than I loved Drazic.
My favorite character without a doubt is Darren.
PLEASE GIVE US ANOTHER SEASON.
I continued watching the episodes and started to realize the damn thing was growing on me...
The writing wasn't great in many areas and I cringed more than a few times with some of the lines that were written.
But honestly, I have to say I got to the end of the last episode and wanted another season.
I am still in love with Peter Rivers as much today as I was back in the 90's...I loved him more than I loved Drazic.
My favorite character without a doubt is Darren.
PLEASE GIVE US ANOTHER SEASON.
Absolutely obsessed with this show. It definitely gave me Sex Education vibes but in my opinion it's even better. I could relate to Amerie so well, Ca$h and Darren and Quinnie and Malakai were such amazing and loveable, relatable characters (even if they were frustrating at times, but that's just what made it so much more realistic). Loved the continuous, not really foreseeable storyline between Harper and Amerie, it always kept the plot even more interesting and made it impossible to stop watching. Every single character beought something important to the table and the whole show is just so so up to date and therefore an incredibly good, important remake that touches all the right topics!
- vanessxisabelle
- Sep 21, 2022
- Permalink
A show that actually listens to autistic voices instead of suppressing them. This is the first time I've ever related to a character so much. Quinni is amazing and so is Chloe Hayden. Episode "Angeline" is literally the truth of what it is like being autistic in the modern world and the challenges we face when it comes to ableism. The fact that Chloe got a say in the character, that is the future! <3. After the last few years of ableism the community has faced this is exactly what we needed. It's heartwarming. The performance is so amazing and I can't fault it one bit. It makes me proud to be autistic and helps me feel more accepted!
- LolaMarria
- Oct 12, 2022
- Permalink
As a massive fan of the original series in the 90s and am very happy that the powers that be deemed it was worthy of a reboot cause it really is.
Now to the fans of the original that think maybe this is too woke or cashing in on political correctness you are wrong the original show tackled controversial issues that were relevant at the time same as what they are doing here, it's a big thumbs up from me so far but I do hope they have some light hearted episodes let's not make it all grim. Was really good to see Scott Major back as Rivers still trying to work out is it the same guy Or a new man.
Now to the fans of the original that think maybe this is too woke or cashing in on political correctness you are wrong the original show tackled controversial issues that were relevant at the time same as what they are doing here, it's a big thumbs up from me so far but I do hope they have some light hearted episodes let's not make it all grim. Was really good to see Scott Major back as Rivers still trying to work out is it the same guy Or a new man.
Season One: 9/10
Themes: High School, Drama, Friendship, Romance, Lgbtq+, Gay, Lesbian, Non-Binary, Asexuality, Sexual Assault, Autism, Sex Education, Police Violence, Parties, Popularity, Troubled Teens & Australian.
Review: I was very pleasantly surprised with this series and I can honestly say I was invested. I thought the acting was great, the storyline was well-crafted and the writing was pretty ace too. All around, it was well done! The characters were also well-developed and they were all interesting in their own way. Almost all of them annoyed me in some way or another, but that also made them seem more real, I guess. I definitely have characters and storylines I prefer over others, but generally the whole series intrigued and entertained me! It was fun, emotional and surprising.
Top four characters: 1) Darren Rivers, 2) Harper McLean, 3) Douglas 'Ca$h' Piggott and 4) Quinni Gallagher-Jones.
Themes: High School, Drama, Friendship, Romance, Lgbtq+, Gay, Lesbian, Non-Binary, Asexuality, Sexual Assault, Autism, Sex Education, Police Violence, Parties, Popularity, Troubled Teens & Australian.
Review: I was very pleasantly surprised with this series and I can honestly say I was invested. I thought the acting was great, the storyline was well-crafted and the writing was pretty ace too. All around, it was well done! The characters were also well-developed and they were all interesting in their own way. Almost all of them annoyed me in some way or another, but that also made them seem more real, I guess. I definitely have characters and storylines I prefer over others, but generally the whole series intrigued and entertained me! It was fun, emotional and surprising.
Top four characters: 1) Darren Rivers, 2) Harper McLean, 3) Douglas 'Ca$h' Piggott and 4) Quinni Gallagher-Jones.
- Imme-van-Gorp
- Oct 15, 2022
- Permalink
- annemaree-99074
- Oct 12, 2022
- Permalink
I watched this show not really knowing what to expect, but I loved it and binged it all in two days!! There's someone in it that anyone can relate to, the representation is so so well done. The accurate autism portrayal by an ACTUALLY autistic actress is HUGE, and i'm sure it is a MASSIVE step in the film industry becoming more inclusive, correctly. The acting by everyone is incredible, and I couldn't believe that for most of the cast this was their first break! I can't wait to see what heartbreak high will bring for the actors' futures as they are all so incredibly talented. Hopefully a season 2 is in the making, I can't wait for it!!
- leylayilmaz-13010
- Sep 17, 2022
- Permalink
Born in 1983, i am a huge fan of the original series. I expected the worst from this reboot, but actually really enjoyed it. I think it's well done and represents stuff that kids deal with nowadays. The only thing I'm missing, compared to the old show, is a few storylines of adults. I mean us 80s kids are DESPERATE to know how Rivers ended up back in the city he deeply hated and apparently married someone that isn't Sam!! Him driving into the sunset with teacher Sam, was just so satisfying for our teenage hearts. We need answers! But overal, very entertaining show, definitely interested to see a second season.
- angeloukorstjens
- Nov 2, 2022
- Permalink
I am a Heartbreak High fan from way back. But I'm certainly not a fan of the current version though!
At first, the casting looked promising but it descended pretty quickly into debauched and overdone sexualisation of teens with every girl and guy seemingly gay or bi and into anything that moved. Honestly? Whoever produced this clearly consulted with a 13 year old and retold their wet dream in the form of this series. It was infantile, fantastical and utterly debased.
Drugs were free (Westies doing coke? Yeah right..) with every character seemingly into them except the token Autistic character who was apparently on medication anyway. (Fear not, they had plenty of stereotypes to hang off her as well which was just appalling).
As someone working in schools, I laughed at this embarrassing representation of a modern high school.
Unfortunately, it's very apparent in this reboot that today's tv writers are hanging off American tropes and trying so hard to be edgy that they end up limp wristed.
This series is not only disappointing but absolutely cringeworthy.
At first, the casting looked promising but it descended pretty quickly into debauched and overdone sexualisation of teens with every girl and guy seemingly gay or bi and into anything that moved. Honestly? Whoever produced this clearly consulted with a 13 year old and retold their wet dream in the form of this series. It was infantile, fantastical and utterly debased.
Drugs were free (Westies doing coke? Yeah right..) with every character seemingly into them except the token Autistic character who was apparently on medication anyway. (Fear not, they had plenty of stereotypes to hang off her as well which was just appalling).
As someone working in schools, I laughed at this embarrassing representation of a modern high school.
Unfortunately, it's very apparent in this reboot that today's tv writers are hanging off American tropes and trying so hard to be edgy that they end up limp wristed.
This series is not only disappointing but absolutely cringeworthy.
- sorchahonorine
- Sep 18, 2022
- Permalink
Amazing show, funny, emotional, great three-dimensional characters that highlight just how diverse the Australian population is. More realistic than Euphoria, think it will definitely appeal to fans of Sex Education (but not as graphic so okay for younger teens ~15). Really captured the experience of growing up in Australia. The casting was amazing, and the diversity in the cast really let the writers explore so many different Aussie experiences, especially loved seeing the Aboriginal representation actually done well. Great Aussie music too (The Divinyls, and strawberry kisses were fun throwbacks), will be devo'd if this isn't renewed ;) want season 2 asap.
- syd_reeses_pieces
- Sep 14, 2022
- Permalink
I don't often write reviews, but I felt this series needed some serious vindication.
Firstly, I've never seen the original so this was completely fresh for me.
Secondly, I think the comparisons to 'Sex Education' (which I'm a huge fan of) are just lazy; Sex Education did not invent the archetype of hormonal teenagers, I mean come on 🙄
The acting is solid, the stories are entertaining and reasonably unique and the inclusion, at least for me, did not feel tokenistic in the slightest; Australia, particularly in inner city suburbs, is hugely diverse, and this show provides an 'accurate' (as much as a tv show can be) and entertaining portrayal of modern teen life.
Give it a go, and if you can spare yourself the unfair comparisons to other shows that strike a passing resemblance, you might actually enjoy yourself.
Firstly, I've never seen the original so this was completely fresh for me.
Secondly, I think the comparisons to 'Sex Education' (which I'm a huge fan of) are just lazy; Sex Education did not invent the archetype of hormonal teenagers, I mean come on 🙄
The acting is solid, the stories are entertaining and reasonably unique and the inclusion, at least for me, did not feel tokenistic in the slightest; Australia, particularly in inner city suburbs, is hugely diverse, and this show provides an 'accurate' (as much as a tv show can be) and entertaining portrayal of modern teen life.
Give it a go, and if you can spare yourself the unfair comparisons to other shows that strike a passing resemblance, you might actually enjoy yourself.
- b-n-r-228-532035
- Sep 17, 2022
- Permalink
We need more good Aussie shows like this, they're relatable, deep, funny and has so much diversity. To the LGBTQIA's, indigenous, disabilities and the personalities. It honestly could impact all of Australia and the way things work.
The stories never slowed, it always kept me guessing. Some characters I fell in love with, especially the ships, and some characters I was annoyed/repulsed by, with every episode my opinions kept changing.
I love the use of our Aussie slang and just getting to hear our accent on tv again was just so refreshing. We need more shows like this, more Aussie authentic shows.
The stories never slowed, it always kept me guessing. Some characters I fell in love with, especially the ships, and some characters I was annoyed/repulsed by, with every episode my opinions kept changing.
I love the use of our Aussie slang and just getting to hear our accent on tv again was just so refreshing. We need more shows like this, more Aussie authentic shows.
A decently accurate representation of teens in Australia with a great cast of flawed characters that you find yourself being really invested in. They all have their own depth and no one feels like an unnecessary addition. Sex is a main theme but it is never shown or referenced in a way that feels unnecessary or gratuitous. It is well paced and written, nothing feels unearned.
Good balance of funny and serious, found myself both laughing and nearly crying.
Yeah some of the acting isn't 100% but these are young actors and you can feel them get better and better as the season goes on.
Hope it gets a season two.
Good balance of funny and serious, found myself both laughing and nearly crying.
Yeah some of the acting isn't 100% but these are young actors and you can feel them get better and better as the season goes on.
Hope it gets a season two.
- lcot-61244
- Sep 15, 2022
- Permalink
Susan Sarandon recently formally came out as bi.
This show came out right after the news and somehow let me see bits of the classic T&L, and also, tributes to too many legendary movies and shows.
Tons of sexual and gender identities will be explored and portrayed. Characters of different ethnic and racial backgrounds are displayed in a "light-hearted way" that no one gets "affirmative-action-ish" educational back story that "they are this different because of their heritage" etc., which made the show easily jumps into a world more accessible to audiences from different backgrounds, in my opinion. Somewhere impartial, not super eurocentric or usa-centric or Aussie-centric (if thats a real word).
To be honest, any descriptive words I want to use to "amway" the show will give away the suspense. But if you wanna have a weekend binging a good coming of age Aussie school drama with a bunch of woman-performer-only good music, come join me, let's make this show a 2nd season BABY!!
This show came out right after the news and somehow let me see bits of the classic T&L, and also, tributes to too many legendary movies and shows.
Tons of sexual and gender identities will be explored and portrayed. Characters of different ethnic and racial backgrounds are displayed in a "light-hearted way" that no one gets "affirmative-action-ish" educational back story that "they are this different because of their heritage" etc., which made the show easily jumps into a world more accessible to audiences from different backgrounds, in my opinion. Somewhere impartial, not super eurocentric or usa-centric or Aussie-centric (if thats a real word).
To be honest, any descriptive words I want to use to "amway" the show will give away the suspense. But if you wanna have a weekend binging a good coming of age Aussie school drama with a bunch of woman-performer-only good music, come join me, let's make this show a 2nd season BABY!!
- RobinLeiWu
- Sep 15, 2022
- Permalink
I kinda expected a Sex Education knock-off. And in some ways it is. In the beginning it is actually a bit distracting. But with every episode it actually takes a step away and - as many have pointed out - feels a bit like Euphoria instead. Considering that some people feel like Euphoria is too heavy and SE a bit too quirky Heartbreak High rests in the middle. Last episode is a bit messy but I can overlook that considering some great perfomances along the way (Quinni and Ca$h especially, the kind of represenation that is so desperatly needed). Shows like this are really great to binge. Just saw that it got renewed - Excited for more.
Synopsis ¨Heartbreak 22¨ follows a almost identical format to the original series, but very current and updated.
Analysis: reboots generally are interesting. The tap into a brand, with a dedicated fanbase they can be tricky when it comes to the reactions of old fans. Personally as a 84 born kid I really wanted to like it, but there was a bit of concern. After watching the first two episodes it's easy to admit how well it is done. Realistic, fun and captures the spirit of Heartbreak High very well.
The great thing about the series though is that is it just as relatable a the originals. One warning the 3rd and 4th episode are really not great, they go into an Americanized format of a high school drama and bank only on the sex. Don't worry after a de-tour around the 5th episodes it pick up again.
Story: all the dramas and shananigans that teenagers go through during the high school
Dialogue: 10/10 fantastic Costume / Decor: 10/10 as realistic as can be
Anything else: very excited to see to series unfold as it is going. And I hope this series with catch on with a whole new generation. Coz that is where the real success is measured.
Analysis: reboots generally are interesting. The tap into a brand, with a dedicated fanbase they can be tricky when it comes to the reactions of old fans. Personally as a 84 born kid I really wanted to like it, but there was a bit of concern. After watching the first two episodes it's easy to admit how well it is done. Realistic, fun and captures the spirit of Heartbreak High very well.
The great thing about the series though is that is it just as relatable a the originals. One warning the 3rd and 4th episode are really not great, they go into an Americanized format of a high school drama and bank only on the sex. Don't worry after a de-tour around the 5th episodes it pick up again.
Story: all the dramas and shananigans that teenagers go through during the high school
Dialogue: 10/10 fantastic Costume / Decor: 10/10 as realistic as can be
Anything else: very excited to see to series unfold as it is going. And I hope this series with catch on with a whole new generation. Coz that is where the real success is measured.
- robinhio84_
- Sep 19, 2022
- Permalink
Heartbreak High is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys compelling and authentic teen dramas. The show's talented cast of characters are diverse, complex, and relatable, and their journeys through the challenges of high school life are depicted with honesty and sensitivity.
The show tackles important issues like bullying and friendship in a way that feels both timely and timeless, and its exploration of the ups and downs of adolescence will resonate with audiences of all ages.
As a remake of the classic 90s series, Heartbreak High does justice to its predecessor while also bringing a fresh and modern perspective to the material. Overall, this is a show that will make you laugh, cry, and feel deeply invested in the lives of its characters.
The show tackles important issues like bullying and friendship in a way that feels both timely and timeless, and its exploration of the ups and downs of adolescence will resonate with audiences of all ages.
As a remake of the classic 90s series, Heartbreak High does justice to its predecessor while also bringing a fresh and modern perspective to the material. Overall, this is a show that will make you laugh, cry, and feel deeply invested in the lives of its characters.
- scruz71895
- Apr 19, 2024
- Permalink
It's good but not as good as the original. Although you do see a original cast member in a couple scenes I wish you saw much more of him and other original cast members as that's what I think it's missing.
It needs some of the old heartbreak high with a few more original cast members and the same flare added to the modern spin if it had that it would be perfect. It lacks certain things the original had. All together the show is ok but it really just needs some more of the original series added into it to make it better.
I must say I love the fact we see rivers but we need a whole life more of him.
It needs some of the old heartbreak high with a few more original cast members and the same flare added to the modern spin if it had that it would be perfect. It lacks certain things the original had. All together the show is ok but it really just needs some more of the original series added into it to make it better.
I must say I love the fact we see rivers but we need a whole life more of him.
- laurelwhicker
- Nov 25, 2022
- Permalink
It's cute, it was cute at first. But then they had to make a season 2. Amerie is really not a likeable character, she's super selfish and a brat, with zero logic to her actions. She does whatever whenever and lands everyone around her in trouble, every single time! The characters around her are also kinda stupid and shallow... Were we like this when we were teenagers!? I sure Hope not!! There's a lot of sexual fluidity: boy loves boy loves girl loves boy loves boy who loves boys and girls who love girls and then boys. Teenagers discovering their identities. But the story is boring in that second season. Save your time, skip it.
This is so embarrassing, I was a big fan of the original Heartbreak High but is just utter trash. If it genuinely does reflect how teenagers are today, I feel deeply saddened, but does the plot actually contain anything more than the slutty sex lives of teenagers?
Even the relationships between these teens have zero substance. After watching several episodes I still don't really know anything about most of these characters, which in my opinion is poor writing and makes it really hard to care about any of them.
Boring boring boring.. I don't feel I'm being judgemental as I actually still enjoy a lot of younger adult or teenage viewing series.
Even the relationships between these teens have zero substance. After watching several episodes I still don't really know anything about most of these characters, which in my opinion is poor writing and makes it really hard to care about any of them.
Boring boring boring.. I don't feel I'm being judgemental as I actually still enjoy a lot of younger adult or teenage viewing series.
- jodiestillrock
- Nov 20, 2022
- Permalink
This is my opinion as a person coming from gen z and who has never seen the original heartbreak high show in the 90's. The show is not bad. I first was kind of sceptical about it thinking it would be a copy of sex education but even if it was kind of in some ways, the show was OK. The writing was good with good lines that I thought was accurate to gen z and well reflects our generation. The representation is good too (ex: lgbtq, autism, asexuality...) In my opinion it stays a classical teen drama nothing that good about it but it's entertaining and it's a show that you can easily binge. So if you've got nothing to watch give it a try.
Update: just watched season 2 and it was WILD 10/10 for me, I will definetly be changing my rating for this show. It was just SO GOOD.
Update: just watched season 2 and it was WILD 10/10 for me, I will definetly be changing my rating for this show. It was just SO GOOD.
- duncannoella
- Aug 15, 2023
- Permalink