Heartbreak High
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Heartbreak High
Heartbreak High (2022) is a Netflix reboot of the popular 90s Australian teen drama, set in modern times and focusing on the lives of students at Hartley High. The series explores themes of teen romance, sexual awakening, identity, and social dynamics after a scandalous 'sex map' is discovered. It tackles contemporary issues such as racial tensions, LGBTQ+ representation, mental health, and the complexities of high school life. Aimed at a mature audience, the show is known for its gritty and honest portrayal of adolescent experiences, making it suitable for viewers 17 and older due to its explicit content.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
Heartbreak High is highly inclusive of LGBTQ+ and gender identity themes, featuring multiple central characters who identify across the spectrum. The show explores their relationships, challenges, and self-discovery in detail, making it a prominent aspect of the narrative. Season 2 further intensifies this representation.
Darren Rivers is a non-binary queer student who struggles with their parents accepting their pronouns, leading to a scene where Darren blows an airhorn to correct their father. Quinni Gallagher-Jones is an autistic lesbian character who navigates a relationship with Sasha So, another lesbian, highlighting the intersectionality of their identities and facing typical relationship issues rather than homophobia. Malakai Mitchell is bisexual and explores his sexuality, including a threesome in Season 1 and a bisexual love triangle in Season 2. Douglas 'Ca$h' Piggott is an asexual character who dates Darren, and their relationship faces challenges related to intimacy due to Ca$h's asexuality.
Violence
The series contains significant instances of violence, including physical assault, police brutality, and implied sexual violence. These events serve as crucial plot points, impacting character development and overall narrative tension.
Romance and Sexual Content
Sexual content is central to the show's premise, beginning with a leaked 'sex map' detailing students' hook-ups. It includes explicit discussions about sex, nudity, steamy scenes, and references to sexual acts and bodily fluids.
Profanity
The show features frequent and strong profanity, with various expletives used extensively throughout dialogues and interactions. This includes common curse words as well as misuses of religious terms.
Substance Use
Substance use, including alcohol and illegal drugs, is a recurring element in the series, often depicted in social settings among underage characters and leading to significant plot developments.
Scary & Intense Content
The series includes intense and potentially disturbing content, particularly related to trauma, sexual violence, and confrontations. While not horror, the themes and depictions can be frightening and suspenseful for viewers.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect for authority and rebellious behavior are prevalent, particularly among the teenage characters. This is often portrayed through direct defiance, rude language, and engaging in forbidden activities.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
TV-MA / Ages 17+. The series is officially rated TV-MA, meaning it is intended for mature audiences, typically 17 years and older. This rating is justified by the presence of strong language, explicit sexual content, nudity, drug use, and themes of sexual violence.
Good to Know
Heartbreak High (2022) is a reboot that aims to reflect contemporary youth experiences, including diverse identities and complex social issues. Viewers should be aware of trigger warnings for sexual assault, abuse, police brutality, and drug use. The show consistently portrays the messy realities of teenage life, often without explicit moral condemnation of characters' choices, instead focusing on the consequences and emotional impact.
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