Heartstopper, the Netflix sensation, has become a household name with its heartwarming narrative that explores the journey of self-discovery and love between two schoolboys. The show has not only captivated audiences worldwide but has also brought a touch of cinematic sparkle to the locales it has chosen for its on-screen magic. As the quaint, picturesque settings of Maidenhead and surrounding areas brace themselves for another rendezvous with the Netflix crew, the palpable excitement among the locals is unmistakable.
The narrative of Heartstopper is one that resonates with many. It’s a tale of friendship blossoming into something more profound, a journey of self-discovery and acceptance that many viewers find touching and real. The show first warmed its way into viewers’ hearts with its debut season, and its subsequent season, released in August, was met with equal, if not more, adoration. Netflix, riding on the waves of this acclaim, has already set the wheels in motion for a third season, slated for a late 2024 release. The confirmation of the commencement of production came on October 2, bringing joy to the legion of Heartstopper aficionados.
The Heartstopper team wasted no time, as evidenced by the sightings of cast members filming on Dorset Beach merely a day after the production announcement. This prompt action is a testament to the well-oiled machinery that is the production team behind this hit show. The locales of Slough, Windsor, Maidenhead, and parts of Buckinghamshire have played host to the Heartstopper cast and crew before, with notable spots like the desolate E-ACT Burnham Park Academy, Windsor and Eton Riverside, and an address on St Marks Road in Windsor etched in the visual narrative of the series. The charm of Norfolk Park Stores in Maidenhead hasn’t escaped the director’s lens either, featuring twice in the show’s journey so far.
Fast forward to last month, the Observer let slip that See Saw Films, the production company at the helm, had taken steps to ensure smooth filming schedules by notifying the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead about a road closure. This revelation was a precursor to more recent news about an addition of a second filming location in the Maidenhead riverside area to the production dossier. This new locale is set to witness the Netflix magic in mid-October, with the residents in the vicinity to be kept in the loop regarding any disruptions, particularly street closures.
Furthermore, the Heartstopper ensemble is slated to grace Windsor with their presence once again in November. This news was welcomed warmly by Council leader Simon Werner from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. In a statement, Werner expressed his elation, mentioning, “I’m delighted to see Netflix return to the Royal Borough to film Heartstopper. This is a high-profile production and, as a council, we’ve worked hard to develop and promote a film-friendly environment. This helps support our local economy, promotes the area as a destination and, in turn, attracts visitors to our borough. We’re liaising with Netflix on this production and since January we’ve supported 43 productions to film in our borough.” This collaborative spirit between the local council and the production house is indeed a blueprint for fostering a conducive environment for the arts.
Lastly, amidst all the filming frenzy in Buckinghamshire’s Burnham and Amersham, there’s a veil of mystery as to whether these shoots are related to Heartstopper. However, what is crystal clear is the mutual love affair between Heartstopper and the locales that frame its touching narrative. The harmonious relationship between the production and the local communities amplifies the show’s charm, making it a win-win for all parties involved. This venture not only brings the fictional world of Heartstopper closer to its audience but also shines a spotlight on the picturesque, lesser-known gems of England, promoting local tourism and economy.
