Stories that touch are always the stories that matter. Netflix delivered big on this line when it meticulously crafted and brought out Heartstopper. The show starring Joe Locke as Charlie Spring and Kit Connor as Nick Nelson dives deep into sensitive and often sidelined themes. Taking up queer relations, mental health, and life decisions for a real talk without trivializing it, the show has earned widespread acclaim. This acclaim turned into love for the leading actors, especially Joe Locke, which was evident when the actor celebrated his 20th birthday.

Almost the entirety of Heartstopper rides on the backs of its two main characters and the lives they go about. As such, the perfect casting by the streaming giant for Charlie Spring in the form of Joe Locke is a blessing for the fandom. Fans love the actor who fleshed out a vulnerable Charlie in the show. And on his 20th birthday, fans from all over took to social media to show their affection for Locke.

Heartsopper started in 2022 and was based on Alice Oseman’s best-selling graphic novels. The show turned heads and brought in viewership with a touchy story that made viewers feel for the characters. The narrative of having their friendship turn into innocuous young love was spell-binding. Additionally, the challenges that followed in maintaining such a possibility were even more emotionally binding.

After the recently concluded season two, which scored a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, the characters find themselves after their high school prom. The romance marred by societal challenges is precisely what keeps it on par with other shows as one of Netflix’s most-viewed and on the likes of brilliantly portrayed shows like Sex Education.

Now, as one of the leads, Locke turned 20, fans showed their love for him.

Birthday blessings pour in for Heartsopper star Joe Locke

The recently concluded season two of Heartstopper saw Joe Locke, as well as Kit Connor, really tug on viewers’ heartstrings. From the moment of their union and brief separations in the series, each scene was masterfully brought to life. The beautifully depicted drama has had fans praising the duo’s talent. Rather, almost a majority of his birthday wishes are just fans celebrating Locke’s acting prowess.

Fans seemed to be filling with Twitter (now X) with their birthday wishes.

After season two, Netflix has green-lit a third season to follow. Although, owing to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, it might face a delay. Regardless, it is expected to take on a more serious approach to mental health and look to tackle topics like bullying on screen. 

Did you send your birthday wishes yet? What are your thoughts on Heartstopper? Let us know in the comments below.