In case you haven't heard the news, the Australian '90s classic Heartbreak High has been rebooted by Netflix, with a whole new cast (as well as some familiar faces from the OG series) gracing the halls of Hartley High once again.
While Heartbreak High only recently dropped on Netflix, it's already gained a legion of fans for its authentic and relatable storylines, fire soundtrack and talented cast that accurately reflect young Australians.
Australian productions don't exactly have the best track record when it comes to representation (picture a lot of straight, white, cisgender faces). That's exactly why viewers have been singing the praises of Heartbreak High, which incorporates LGBTQ+, POC, neurodivergent and First Nations characters to showcase the diversity of Aussie classrooms.
In a word, Heartbreak High is groundbreaking — and that's why it's drawn comparisons to other award-winning shows like Sex Education, Euphoria and Never Have I Ever. But at the same time, Heartbreak High is very much its own thing because of how uniquely it represents the Australian identity.
Here, we've collected just a small sample of reactions from fans who have felt represented through Heartbreak High and its characters, which ultimately shows both the impact and importance of this series.
the scene where quinni and sasha are on a date at the restaurant is such an accurate representation of what autism can feel like in loud, crowded, overwhelming public spaces. i’m crying i’ve never seen my experience represented like this before #HeartbreakHigh
In addition to amazing lesbian rep, #HeartbreakHigh also has a black non binary main character and they literally carry the show? Tune in for them!
I am just so impressed with #HeartbreakHigh!!! Would you like a big slice of good authentic lesbian, gay, asexual (!), queer, non-binary, autism and Aboriginal representation? Of course you do!!! Watch it!
We're all talking about the Autistic and nonbinary rep in #HeartbreakHigh but can we also acknowledge the asexual representation with Ca$h? I though it was written quite well, explaining the concept rather than just being like "this guy is ace, moving on"
Heartbreak high’s Quinni really gave me the autistic lesbian representation I have literally been looking for my whole life AND SHE’S PLAYED BY AN ACTUAL AUTISTIC PERSON HOLY SHIT #HeartbreakHigh @chloeshayden
im sorry but i am literally never going to shut up about how much Quinni means to me as a character !! i literally cried during some of her scenes bc i have never ever seen representation of the way i experience the world in any other show. also chloe hayden ily #HeartbreakHigh
I didn’t ever think I’d see an mlm asexual person but here we are and I actually feel represented #HeartbreakHigh
If you love Degrassi, Heartstopper, or Euphoria, watch #HeartbreakHigh. Writing is top tier, excellent representation (Indigenous, non-binary, autism & more), it subverts expectations & stereotypes, and the cast is PHENOMENAL. Plus there’s a mystery?? Don’t let it get cancelled!
quinni is the best autistic rep i’ve ever seen and the fact she’s a sapphic woman !!! finally the representation we want and need😭😭 #HeartbreakHigh
heartbreak high is groundbreaking. it has an ensemble cast comprised of bipoc, lgbtq+ and neurodivergent characters. this show helps young aussies see themselves reflected in the media and it is absolutely necessary. #HeartbreakHigh
I’m not even a full episode in yet but I can already tell you without hesitation that Quinni from #HeartbreakHigh is THE most realistic autistic representation I’ve ever seen. I finally feel *personally represented*. If I think too much about it I’m going to cry #ActuallyAutistic
At the same time, let's acknowledge that while Heartbreak High is incredible, Season 2 would be a fantastic opportunity to see more body diversity in the series (hello potential new characters!).
Loved Heartbreak High and all the amazing representation, if it gets renewed for a season 2 (I hope it does) it would be great to see more body diversity and fat bodies on the show. Like imagine Milo Hartill on the show? Big slay! @NetflixANZ #HeartbreakHigh
What are your thoughts on the Heartbreak High reboot? If you're loving it as much as we are, watch our interview with the cast!
