The Cast of “Heartbreak High” on Why Aussie Teen Representation is so Important

Bye for now Hartley High ❤️‍🩹

It’s a rite of passage for all of us to experience high school in some way, shape or form.

We’re talking early morning form class, lunch from the canteen, group projects with your mates.

As much as high school can be gruelling, it’s shared trauma we’ll all look back fondly on in ten, twenty, even thirty years time.

But the one thing that will never graduate is the teen drama genre.

With shows like Never Have I Ever and Sex Education, there’s a reminiscent feeling in the air when we get to watch TV shows that feature characters who are teenagers, going through things we’ve been through ourselves.

And one of the most important things Heartbreak High has done, is bring back to life accurate Aussie teen representation.

The importance of Aussie representation.

We spoke to some of the cast of Heartbreak High ahead of the release of Season Three. The journey of becoming an integral part of Aussie pop culture is something they resonate with too.

Will McDonald who plays Douglas 'Ca$h' Piggott told Student Edge, Australian teen media is important because there is a gap in the market.

“I remember when we started on this show, that this was the show I would have loved to have had and been able to watch when I was the age of the characters that we’re portraying or the age of our audience,” he said.

“You know, when you’re growing up and when you’re kind of figuring out who you are, and you’re kind of becoming this brand-new person.

“It can feel really weird and isolating and lonely, and, you know, you can feel really unsure of yourself. And I know that's certainly how I felt when I was a teenager.”

Will goes on to share that it was film and TV shows which brought him a lot of comfort.

“I think these shows can provide that for kids, especially if they’re dealing with things and grappling with things that aren’t in the mainstream,” he said.

“Or aren’t issues or identities that get talked about a lot.

“If those kids can see it and say, well I’m not along and there’s other people out there like me then I think that’s a good thing.”

Characters who represent young people everywhere.

A major thing Heartbreak High has done is made young people feel seen.

It puts a spotlight on so many lived experiences.

From its Indian-Australian lead, to a character who offers an authentic portrayal of autism, to multiple First Nations cast members. The show also embraces LGBTQ+ identities across several storylines.

It’s a reflection of the classroom and hopefully will help more young people to see themselves, their friends and their experiences on screen.

What’s their advice for students graduating?

Will said his biggest advice for students finishing this phase of their life was to have fun because it will go by so quickly.

“Don't be in too much of a rush to grow up. I'd say, you know, take your time. Slow down, try and be present and try and enjoy it,” he told Student Edge.

“Enjoy the people that you have around you, because people are going to go in different directions, and life will take you in different places.

“Try and savour the moment.”  

Gemma Chua-Tran who plays Sasha So echoes his sentiments.

“I’d say be open to letting things and go and growing,” she said.

“And being [open] to figure out what you want out of life.”

It’s a bittersweet feeling to see some of our fave Aussie characters leave our screens after three seasons.

But the best thing about teen TV?

It’s always there for us to return to❤️‍🩹

Heartbreak High is now streaming on Netflix http://www.netflix.com/heartbreakhigh