If you’ve been hankering for some high school drama, you’re in luck. One of the most iconic Australian series of the ’90s, Heartbreak High, has returned to the small screen, replete with all the histrionics, love triangles, and adolescent angst you could want. All eight episodes of Heartbreak High are now streaming on Netflix.
But don’t expect a series that revels in nostalgia like Netflix’s Cobra Kai—this Heartbreak High is definitely and defiantly a Gen Z joint, taking its cues from more provocative fare like the controversial Euphoria.
To be fair, the OG series was considered pretty edgy for its time, but things have changed and what was transgressive in the grunge era is daggy AF in the cold light of 2022, when kids are still dealing with issues like gender and sexual identity, substance abuse, poverty, and more, all in the pitiless crucible of social media.
Our heroine in Heartbreak High ’22 is Amerie (Ayesha Madon), who finds herself on the outs not only with her bestie Harper (Asher Yasbincek) but the entire student population of Hartley High, following an egregious faux pas and finds herself relegated to the company of veteran social outcasts Darren (James Majoos) and Quinni (Chloe Hayden).
Darren is queer and non-binary, while Quinni is an autistic lesbian, and they’re just the tip of the spear. Hartley High is a much more diverse place now, and the storylines reflect the actual experiences of young people far more accurately and fearlessly than its predecessor. Expect much more sex and drugs than the beloved old ABC series ever got near.
Which means some viewers are bound to be scandalised, but they can rack off. The cool kids will be lining up before the first bell for this one—and you’re down with the cool kids, right?
