Heartbreak High: Why has this iconic 90s reboot succeeded when so many others have failed?

Netflix's Heartbreak High gets the 90s vibe going, but with a modern and inclusive appeal.

Heartbreak High: Why has this iconic 90s reboot succeeded when so many others have failed?
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Heartbreak High: Why has this iconic 90s reboot succeeded when so many others have failed?

Heartbreak High is one of those shows that rings bells of nostalgia to anyone who lived through their teenage years in the 90s.

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With multiple reboots over the years, audiences have seen many versions of the show. But, somewhere along the line, these versions missed that tinge of authenticity that the OG show has. But, in this reboot by Netflix, Heartbreak High seems to have hit all the sweet spots.

Heartbreak High has touched over 33 million hours of viewing time globally, as per The Guardian. Since its release on the 14th of September, the show has been enjoying its second week of being in the top 10 around the world.

The revival of the iconic show

Netflix went ahead and gave the iconic cult-hit show a new version. And living up to the name of the original show, this version is also amassing a massive cult following, as per ABC.

The show takes you back to the legendary Hartley High, depicting the lives of adolescent Australians. With friendship, romance and sex, it explores the dynamic energies of teens with a super-nostalgic twist.

Reasons the reboot has outdone the original

There are a variety of reasons the reboot has upped the game of the original show. First things first, nostalgia plays a crucial role in today’s day and age. And the entire show gives its audiences a warm feeling of nostalgia.

The show delves into diversity unlike ever before. Whether gender, race or sexuality, this reboot of Heartbreak High is more inclusive than any version yet. And its representation of neurodiversity is on-point, as it doesn’t shy away from topics like autism. The Independent describes it as a very modern recursion and a show that speaks TikTok’s language.

The show has managed to incorporate the best of world worlds. Heartbreak High retains the 90s wardrobe, look and general feeling. But, it throws in modern factors such as unapologetic sex, smartphones, social media and inclusivity.

Sources used:

- The Independent: 'Netflix's hectic Heartbreak High reboot is nostalgia of the purest form'

- The Guardian: 'Heartbreak High reboot becomes a huge hit for Netflix and on TikTok'

- ABC: 'Heartbreak High is a global success. Its authentic representation is what other reboots are lacking'

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