The TV series Heartstopper, based on the graphic novels by Alice Oseman, has engaged viewers and critics all over the world with its strong focus on representation and identity formation. This linguistic study on conversation analysis aims to present how adjacency pairs are used between the two main characters Nick and Charlie and to describe how this affects the show in terms of atmosphere and reception. By using the methodology of conversation analysis and the theoretical framework about adjacency pairs and preference structure, this qualitative study focuses on examples from actual dialogue rather than numbers.

The studied material consists of dialogue between Nick and Charlie from four episodes of the show’s first and second season.

The results show that the language used between Nick and Charlie in Heartstopper is kind and gentle with mostly preferred answers in the found adjacency pairs. Foremost, the analyzed adjacency pairs were questions and answers, compliments, greetings and apologies, which all point in the same direction regarding tone and content. The language is respectful, honest and smooth without bad language. It stays this way throughout the series, even as the boys’ relationship deepens. By using this type of language with less irony and hard words, Heartstopper creates a loving atmosphere different from many other TV series.