Stream on Netflix
Based on 3 seasons, 24 episodes · through March 25, 2026
Heartbreak High is an Australian teen drama that follows students navigating high school, relationships, and romance. The series heavily features modern social-justice themes, including gender identity, non-binary pronouns, and racial representation. It stars characters of various ethnic backgrounds, non-binary and asexual teenagers, and an autistic lesbian in prominent roles. The storyline openly tackles topics like toxic masculinity, Indigenous cultural identity, and progressive sex education, making its ideological focus highly visible throughout all three seasons.
Why 100%? See the score breakdownBreakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Heartbreak High.
Woke representation / casting
The show has an incredibly diverse cast with many queer characters in the main roles. This includes a non-binary teen, an asexual teen, and an autistic lesbian. Nearly every main character represents a minority group, which makes the diversity casting look highly intentional rather than realistic.
95%
Woke political dialogue
Characters speak using modern social-justice words. They talk about things like gender pronouns, systemic bias, and progressive sex education. In the second season, the characters directly argue against the "woke agenda," making fun of anyone who holds traditional beliefs.
85%
Identity-driven story themes
The main stories are all about identity struggles, coming out, and neurodiversity. Major story parts show Darren's parents trying to learn new pronouns, Quinni's daily struggles as an autistic lesbian, and Indigenous teens facing racial issues.
92%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The series heavily criticizes traditional masculinity and gender roles. In the second season, the show introduces a toxic boys' rights club run by a mean physical education teacher. Traditional family life and conservative values are shown as flawed.
80%
Woke character or canon changes
This show is a reboot of a classic 1990s drama. The original was a gritty, realistic show about working-class teens. This new version completely changes the school into an ultra-progressive, queer-centric setting to match modern political themes.
80%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Many right-leaning and traditional viewers have criticized the show on social media. They call it "woke garbage" and complain about the heavy focus on gender pronouns and non-binary characters. Others feel the show unfairly targets young men.
75%
Creator track record context
The modern creators and directors have a strong history of making progressive, identity-driven shows. The main creator, Hannah Carroll Chapman, has a woke score of 85. Directors Neil Sharma, Jessie Oldfield, and Adam Murfet also have high scores for their work on diverse and queer-centric projects.
68%
Production
