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Heartbreak High

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Heartbreak High
Company typeTelevision series
IndustryTelevision
Founded1994; 32 years ago (1994)
FounderMichael Jenkins, Ben Gannon
FateEnded
Headquarters
Sydney
,
Australia
Area served
Australia, United Kingdom
ProductsTelevision drama series

Heartbreak High is an Australian TV series developed by Michael Jenkins and Ben Gannon, which originally broadcast from 1994 to 1996 on Network Ten and subsequently from 1997 to 1999 on the ABC, spanning seven seasons. Beginning in 1996, it received partial financial support from BBC2, with select episodes premiering in the UK prior to their Australian release. The series, recognized for its raw and dynamic storytelling, chronicles the experiences of students and faculty at a diverse high school in Sydney.

The initial five seasons took place at the fictional Hartley High, with filming conducted at Maroubra Bay High School located in Sydney’s South-Eastern Suburbs. Seasons six and seven transitioned to the fictional Hartley Heights, filmed on location in Warriewood on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

This series is a continuation of the 1993 Australian film The Heartbreak Kid, featuring actors such as Alex Dimitriades, Nico Lathouris, Doris Younane, Scott Major, and Katherine Halliday reprising early versions of their Heartbreak High roles.

In 2020, a reboot was commissioned by Netflix, developed by Hannah Carroll Chapman, which premiered in September 2022.

Series synopsis

Heartbreak High traces its origins to the 1987 stage production The Heartbreak Kid, penned by Richard Barrett and starring Gia Carides alongside Arky Michael. The play centered on Papa, a 22-year-old Greek-Australian teacher involved romantically with a student, delving into themes of Greek cultural expectations and ethnic conflicts within Australia. Initially staged by the Griffin Theatre Company in Sydney, it was later adapted into the 1993 film The Heartbreak Kid, directed by Michael Jenkins and filmed in Prahran, Victoria. Jenkins and producer Ben Gannon then expanded this into Heartbreak High, a spin-off set in Sydney featuring several returning cast members.

The debut season focused on the Poulos family, comprising 38 episodes, and premiered on Network Ten on 27 February 1994. The second season consisted of 14 episodes and began airing on 21 May 1995; it introduced a floating timeline with students in their final year preparing for the HSC, although examinations were postponed until season five. The third season included 13 episodes and premiered on 20 August 1995.

Following two years on Network Ten, the series was canceled but produced an additional 26 episodes funded by BBC2. These episodes were first broadcast in the UK from March to December 1996. Network Ten later aired them during late-night slots between August and November 1996, splitting the original 45-minute episodes into shorter segments to comply with local drama requirements. Subsequent broadcasts both domestically and internationally presented these episodes in full-length format. When revived by the ABC, the show retained this soap opera structure.

Season five aired on BBC2 in the UK from December 1996 through October 1997 and on ABC in Australia from February to June 1997, totaling 39 episodes. This season marked significant cast transitions, shifting narrative emphasis from the Bordino family to the Scheppers family. The floating timeline persisted, with students continuing their HSC preparations until midway through season seven.

Season six introduced Hartley Heights as the new school setting. The first batch of 20 episodes aired on ABC between June and August 1997; following nearly a year of reruns, another set of 20 episodes was broadcast from July to September 1998.

The seventh and final season aired on BBC2 from December 1998 to November 1999 and on ABC from July to December 1999, comprising 40 episodes. The series concluded due to challenges in securing international distribution for further seasons; BBC2 declined to commission additional installments amid scheduling conflicts and a backlog of episodes, necessitating the show's termination.

Cast timeline

Darker shades represent main cast members, while lighter shades indicate recurring guest appearances.

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 bar:roche        text:"Emma Roche as Danielle"
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 bar:younane      text:"Doris Younane as Yola"
 bar:major        text:"Scott Major as Rivers"
 bar:tucker       text:"Abi Tucker as Jodie"
 bar:gutierrez    text:"Isabella Gutierrez as Chaka"
 bar:nguyen       text:"Tai Nguyen as Jack"
 bar:martin       text:"Tony Martin as Southgate"
 bar:baldwin      text:"Hugh Baldwin as Graham"
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 bar:adele        text:"Jan Adele as Ruby"
 bar:varrenti     text:"Elly Varrenti as Irini"
 bar:lathouris    text:"Nico Lathouris as George"
 bar:caldis       text:"Despina Caldis as Effie"
 bar:toppano      text:"Peta Toppano as Stella"
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 bar:poletto      text:"Vince Poletto as Matt"
 bar:hornstra     text:"Inge Hornstra as Allie"
 bar:bliss        text:"Ian Bliss as Andrew"
 bar:pollard      text:"Jon Pollard as Bolton"
 bar:gordon       text:"Deni Gordon as Ronnie"
 bar:craig        text:"Diane Craig as Dyson"
 bar:reid        text:"Rupert Reid as Declan"
 bar:jakszewicz   text:"Tara Jakszewicz as Stassy"
 bar:baker        text:"Simon Baker-Denny as Tom"
 bar:goldspink    text:"Sebastian Goldspink as Charlie"
 bar:smart        text:"Rebecca Smart as Melanie"
 bar:hunt         text:"Rel Hunt as Ryan"
 bar:cox          text:"Lara Cox as Anita"
 bar:bursill      text:"Tina Bursill as Hilary"
 bar:mulvey       text:"Callan Mulvey as Drazic"
 bar:sumner       text:"Peter Sumner as Les"
 bar:liu          text:"Nina Liu as Mai"
 bar:beaupert     text:"Fleur Beaupert as Nikki"
 bar:taylor       text:"Jeremy Lindsay Taylor as Kurt"
 bar:moor         text:"Andrea Moor as Di Barnett"
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 bar:roy          text:"Nathalie Roy as Sarah"
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 bar:seres        text:"Morna Seres as Jill"
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 bar:roc          text:"Tasneem Roc as Thania"
 bar:nacson       text:"Bianca Nacson as Gemma"
 bar:jacobz       text:"Luke Jacobz as Zac"
 bar:carapetis    text:"Elena Carapetis as Jackie"
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Initial ensemble

Nick is a well-liked and athletic 17-year-old Greek-Australian student at Hartley High, featured prominently throughout the first series. His narrative explores romantic difficulties with Jodie Cooper, familial concerns about their relationship, the tragic loss of his mother in a car accident, and Jodie's betrayal. After relocating to live with relatives due to his father’s departure to Greece, Nick recklessly takes up boxing and ultimately succumbs to a brain aneurysm in episode 38. This character is adapted from Nick Polides in the 1993 movie The Heartbreak Kid, also played by Dimitriades. He exited the show following a salary disagreement; Network Ten required a dramatic conclusion, resulting in his character’s death. Dimitriades makes a brief cameo as an easter egg in episode 206.

Christina is Hartley’s new English and History teacher, a 22-year-old Italian-Australian engaged to businessman Marco Rossi. She ends her engagement early, briefly dates drama instructor Phil North, and departs with philanthropist Mack Winston in episode 26. Her character draws partial inspiration from Christina Papadopoulos in The Heartbreak Kid.

A Lebanese-Australian student aiming for a legal career and serving as editor of the school newspaper. Rose confronts family conflict after becoming pregnant by Jack Tran and gives birth prematurely at school to her daughter Tess. She later accepts Jack’s proposal and transfers schools in episode 49. Halliday had previously appeared as Maria in The Heartbreak Kid.

  • Salvatore Coco as Costa "Con" Bordino (series 1–4, episodes 1–71; guest star series 5, episode 94)

Nick’s cousin and close friend of Greek-Italian heritage. Con is charming, managing Jodie’s music career and co-owning The Shark Pool hangout spot. He dates multiple characters before leaving for a student exchange program in California in episode 71. He returns in episode 94, revealing he left school to pursue real estate and married Stephanie, daughter of his American employer. His role is based on a character from The Heartbreak Kid.

  • Emma Roche as Danielle Miller (series 1–4, episodes 1–91)

The only female member of Hartley’s soccer team and Rose’s closest friend. Her story arcs include family difficulties, breaking up with Steve after an affair with Nick, reconciling before Steve’s accidental death, battling amphetamine addiction followed by recovery, and pursuing journalism. She departs Hartley for a community television position shortly before her HSC exams.

  • Corey Page as Steve Wiley (series 1–3, episodes 1–65)

A rugby athlete and Danielle’s boyfriend who initially ends their relationship. After learning he was adopted and experiencing homelessness, Steve moves into a warehouse with friends. He dates Lucy then reconciles with Danielle. Developing an interest in photography, he dies offscreen after falling from a cliff—his death deeply impacting the group. This character is adapted from the Anglo-Australian figure in the stage play; Page left to continue acting in Los Angeles.

Hartley’s guidance counsellor and substitute English/History teacher of Lebanese background. Progressive and forward-thinking, she navigates complex relationships including pregnancy by Senior Constable Joe Lawrence prior to his death. She leaves Hartley for a rural teaching role alongside Southgate.

  • Scott Major as Peter Rivers (series 1–3, episodes 1–65)

Initially portrayed as a troubled bad boy exhibiting racist and sexist attitudes but gradually softening through relationships and friendships. He runs away with English teacher Sam in episode 65. Based on John Rivers from The Heartbreak Kid, Major reprised this role as Rivers’ father in the 2022 reboot.

  • Abi Tucker as Jodie Cooper (series 1–3, episodes 1–65)

An aspiring vocalist estranged from her parents who struggles to establish her music career amid complicated relationships including with Nick Poulos until his death. Later involved with Matt Logan and Tim Beckett, she secures a record deal and leaves Hartley to advance her career but returns briefly to assist in saving the school.

  • Isabella Gutierrez as Chaka Cardenes (series 1, episodes 1–14)

A Salvadoran student responsible for caring for siblings amid family upheaval caused by civil war displacement. Dates Rivers before relocating to Darwin with her reunited family.

  • Tai Nguyen as Jack Tran (series 1, episodes 1–26; guest series 1–2, episodes 37–49)

A Vietnamese student aspiring toward medicine who overcomes racial harassment to build close friendships and romance with Rose Malouf. Transfers after earning top grades but returns for their daughter’s birth; they marry traditionally in episode 49.

  • Tony Martin as Bill Southgate (series 1–2, episodes 1–52)

Science teacher and rugby coach at Hartley known for conservative views that often clash with colleagues. Divorced father of Natalie; briefly dates Danielle’s mother then forms a connection with Yola Fatoush before leaving for a principalship in rural Yanderra.

  • Hugh Baldwin as Graham Brown (series 1, episodes 1–26; guest series 3–4)

Openly gay mathematics and music teacher falsely accused of misconduct early on but cleared following harassment incidents. Returns for guest appearances later but is succeeded by Athol Pike for Year 12 maths instruction.

  • Stephen O'Rourke as Jim Deloraine (series 1–4, episodes 1–69)

Principal of Hartley High who manages staff disputes while balancing budget constraints. Faces health challenges leading to early retirement; succeeded by June Dyson.

  • Jan Adele as Ruby St. John (series 1, episodes 1–26)

Owner of Ruby’s milk bar and pool hall where students gathered prior to The Shark Pool opening; minor role providing background support.

Nick’s mother whose fatal car accident early in the series significantly affects family dynamics.

  • Nico Lathouris as George Poulos (series 1, episodes 1–29; guest episode 30)

Nick’s father, a Greek immigrant and former soccer player who returns to Greece following his wife’s death; also served as the show’s dramaturge until season six.

  • Despina Caldis as Effie Poulos (series 1–3, episodes 1–65)

Nick’s younger sister facing adjustment difficulties after plans to relocate the family to Greece; eventually written out without explanation.

Series 1 additions

Employed as a housekeeper by Helen following Irini's passing, Stella is separated from her husband and daughter Katerina. She takes on a nurturing role for Effie and Nick, develops romantic feelings for George, and eventually departs for Greece in episode 28 to manage her mother's dance academy.

  • Ada Nicodemou as Katerina Ioannou (series 1, 3–5, episodes 16–28, 54–130)

Stella’s defiant daughter arrives from Greece and moves into the Poulos household. She dates Rivers but ends the relationship due to his coercion and unfaithfulness. Katerina leaves with Stella in episode 28 but returns in series three, where she blackmails Rivers and later falls for Con. After Con relocates to America, she takes over the Shark Pool’s management, pursues dance studies at WAAPA, and ultimately moves to Perth with Charlie in episode 130.

  • Barbara Gouskos as Helen Bordino (series 1–5, episodes 29–96, guest star episodes 8, 25)

Mother of Con and sister of Irini, Helen operates a catering enterprise. Her residence serves as a sanctuary for characters including Effie, Nick, Katerina, and Matt. In episode 96, Helen and Roberto leave Australia for an extended trip across Europe, leasing their home to Magda, Katerina’s aunt.

  • Ivar Kants as Roberto Bordino (series 1–5, episodes 29–96, guest star episodes 25, 27)

Roberto is Con’s father and owns an Italian construction firm. He is a co-investor in the Shark Pool and assumes a management position there after Con’s departure. During his vacation in episode 96, Roberto inadvertently sells the Shark Pool to local criminal Leo Fine.

  • Kym Wilson as Sam Robinson (series 1 & 3, episodes 30–35, 53–65, guest star episodes 29, 36)

Replacing Christina as the English and History teacher, Sam shares a mutual interest in motorcycles with Rivers. Their relationship leads to her resignation once revealed. She returns in series three but is caught engaging in sexual activity with Rivers at school. With her teaching career over locally, Sam leaves alongside Rivers in episode 65.

  • Alexandra Brunning as Lucy Weston (series 1–2, episodes 36–51, guest star episodes 30–35)

A privileged student from another school who dates Steve and assists him in locating his biological parents. After an HIV scare connected to her ex-boyfriend's drug use history, she supports Steve as he ends her mother’s inappropriate relationship. Lucy concludes her relationship with Steve upon acceptance into a six-month exchange program in Japan (episode 51).

Series 2 additions

  • Vince Poletto as Matt Logan (series 2–5, episodes 39–97)

Matt is Deloraine’s nephew and a rebellious surfer who enrolls at Hartley following Nick’s death. Although academically talented, he is estranged from his family and repeats his HSC year due to behavioural challenges. In series two, he pursues Jodie who later confesses feelings for him while Karen also shows interest. They split midway through series three; Matt then dates Steve’s sister Allie and takes up residence in the warehouse. In series four, he betrays Allie with Stassy and moves in with the Bordino family. By episode 97, Matt has passed his HSC and plans to travel around Australia with Stassy before commencing an engineering degree.

Series 3 Introductions

Steve's 16-year-old half-sister who transfers to Hartley due to her excellent academic performance. She begins dating Matt and moves into the warehouse, but their relationship ends in series four following his infidelity. Allie develops a close connection with new teacher Tom Summers, who assists in publishing her young adult novel Clouds in the Water. Upon learning she is pregnant with Tom's child—who is subsequently dismissed for misconduct—she departs for London on a literary fellowship in episode 87.
  • Ian Bliss as Andrew Bell (series 3–4, episodes 56–78)
He arrives as the new Science instructor, succeeding Southgate, despite having limited experience teaching at the high school level. Initially clashing with Sam, they eventually become roommates and enter a romantic relationship. Andrew proposes marriage but ends the engagement after discovering Sam with Rivers. In episode 78, he accepts a research position in Antarctica offered by his former partner Dana.

Series 4 Introductions

  • Jon Pollard as Alan Bolton (series 4–5, episodes 66–95; guest appearances series 1–3)
A skater and class clown known for his punk-rock aesthetic. Initially appearing as a recurring character and friend-turned-bully of Rivers, he joins the main cast after Rivers departs. Bolton develops feelings for Linda Tam from a competing school and forms a bond with principal Dyson and her disabled son Gary. He later pursues Stassy, though she chooses Matt instead. After completing his HSC exams, Bolton organizes "Bolton's Beach Bash" in lieu of the formal and accepts an events coordinator role in Canberra (episode 95). Official sources confirm that Bolton and Stassy eventually relocate to Melbourne to operate a market stall featuring her designs.
  • Deni Gordon as Ronnie Brooks (series 4–5, episodes 67–130)
This new English and History teacher replaces Sam. A 40-year-old African-American woman from Harlem, she transfers following Hartley High’s closure in episode 130.
  • Diane Craig as June Dyson (series 4–5, episodes 69–92)
She steps in as principal after Deloraine leaves and is mother to Gary, who uses a wheelchair due to injuries from a drunk driving accident. Though initially perceived as strict and unpopular, she gradually earns the students’ respect. Dyson relocates to Brisbane in episode 92 to support Gary after he accepts employment there.
  • Rupert Reid as Declan Costello (series 4–5, episodes 72–104)
A troubled youth repeating his HSC due to court-mandated consequences following assault charges; he struggles with gambling addiction while caring for his mother afflicted by multiple sclerosis. A former member of the band Rapscallion, he is hired by Katerina to perform at Shark Pool. Declan dates Danielle and briefly Melanie during an investigation into her father’s business dealings. After missing exams because of family health crises, he leaves school following conflicts and begins a hospital internship under Ryan's mother Hilary. Discovering a passion for nursing, he moves to Bathurst upon acceptance into a program (episode 104).
  • Tara Jakszewicz as Anastasia "Stassy" Sumich (series 4–5, episodes 73–97)
A Yugoslavian immigrant from a strict family environment; initially isolated due to her distinctive style and manipulative behavior. After being barred from participating in a fashion project, she leaves home and moves into the warehouse while modeling part-time. Stassy believes in psychic phenomena; briefly convinced Bolton is her soulmate before starting a relationship with Matt instead. She fails her HSC but chooses to travel around Australia with Matt rather than returning to school (episode 97). Jakszewicz previously appeared as Tanya in episode 35.
The new Science teacher succeeding Andrew; son of superintendent Don Summers with a history of inappropriate relationships with students. He supports Allie's writing efforts but engages in an affair resulting in her pregnancy before abandoning her. Following Allie's revelation of their relationship, Dyson terminates his employment (episode 87).
  • Sebastian Goldspink as Charlie Byrd (series 4–5, episodes 81–130)
Initially Katerina’s internet boyfriend who transfers to Hartley; an aspiring computer scientist embodying the stereotypical nerd persona. At first rejected by Katerina, they begin dating after he undergoes a makeover. He faces challenges including parental divorce, involvement with a cult, caffeine pill addiction; disappointed by his HSC results, he repeats the year. Charlie breaks up with Katerina midway through series five and dates Aurora, Anita, and Melanie subsequently. Despite this, Katerina retains feelings for him; they eventually relocate together to Perth following Hartley’s closure (episode 130).

Series 5 introductions

Portrayed as a student, Melanie develops a romantic relationship with Charlie. She departs for Tasmania alongside her terminally ill boyfriend Andrew in episode 136.
  • Rel Hunt as Ryan Scheppers (series 5–7, episodes 98–186)
A student and Anita’s elder brother, Ryan is romantically linked with Mai, Nikki, and Sarah. He completes his high school education in episode 186.
  • Lara Cox as Anita Scheppers (series 5–7, episodes 98–192, 203–210)
Anita, a student and Ryan’s younger sister, is involved romantically with Drazic, Charlie, and Kurt. Cox returns to this character in the 2022 reboot.
  • Tina Bursill as Hilary Scheppers (series 5–6, episodes 98–133)
Mother to Ryan and Anita and working as a nurse, Hilary relocates to Melbourne for a new employment opportunity in episode 133.
A student and skateboarder of Yugoslavian Australian heritage, Bogdan engages romantically with Anita, Mai, and Jet.
  • Peter Sumner as Les Bailey (series 5–6, episodes 99–134)
Initially the school principal who later teaches science and mathematics at Hartley Heights; he resigns following a harassment allegation in episode 134.
  • Nina Liu as Mai Hem (series 5–6, episodes 104–152)
A student of Chinese Australian descent specializing in performance art and activism; involved romantically with Ryan and Drazic; she leaves to pursue directing music videos in episode 152.

Series 6 introductions

  • Fleur Beaupert as Nikki Ruark (series 6, episodes 131–169)
A student with aspirations of becoming a singer; romantically linked to Kurt and Ryan; exits the series after experiencing a nervous breakdown in episode 169.
A student aiming to become a marine biologist; involved romantically with Nikki, Anita, and Thania; graduates in episode 186. Taylor reprises this role in the 2022 reboot.
  • Andrea Moor as Di Barnett (series 6–7, episodes 131–186)
The school principal who transitions to a larger institution in episode 186.
  • Frederick Miragliotta as Gerrard Albers (series 6, episodes 133–152)
A humanities teacher who departs to assume the role of artistic director at a regional theatre company in episode 152.
  • Nathalie Roy as Sarah Livingston (series 6–7, episodes 139–150, 153–186)
A Christian student romantically connected with Ryan; she graduates in episode 186.
Sarah’s mother and the Scheppers family housekeeper; she moves to the countryside in episode 150.
  • Mario Gamma as Peter D'Esposito (series 6–7, episodes151–174; guest appearances in episodes137,183–206)
A friend of Drazic’s who owns the Shark Pool and later takes up work at the school canteen.
  • Marcel Bracks as Lee Delaine (series 6–7, episodes153–200)
A student considered an outcast who transfers to another school in episode 200.
  • Morna Seres as Jill Delaine (series 6–7, episodes153–200)
Mother of Lee Delaine; leaves alongside her son in episode 200.
  • John Walton as Nat Delaine (series 6–7, episodes153–185)
Lee’s father and humanities teacher at Hartley; his departure occurs in episode 185.
  • Putu Winchester as Dennis Klinsmann (series 6–7, episodes170–210; guest appearances in episodes131–169)
A student known for his comedic antics.

Additions in Series 7

  • Tasneem Roc portraying Thania Saya (series 7, episodes 175–210)
An art student involved romantically with both Kurt and Marco.
  • Bianca Nacson as Gemma Whitley (series 7, episodes 186–210)
A student who develops a romantic relationship with Zac and is expelled in episode 209.
  • Luke Jacobz playing Zac Croft (series 7, episodes 187–210)
A student romantically linked to Gemma, Clare (a London exchange student), and Tess.
  • Elena Carapetis in the role of Jackie Kassis (series 7, episodes 187–210)
Educator specializing in science.
  • John Gregg as Alan Carson (series 7, episodes 187–210)
Principal of the school and teacher of English and history subjects.
  • Danny Raco cast as Marco Vialli (series 7, episodes 191–210)
Italian-Australian student involved romantically with Thania.
A goth student who becomes romantically involved with Zac.
  • Mark Owen-Taylor as Tim Mason (series 7, episodes 201–210)
Tess's father.

Reception

Mike Boone from the Calgary Herald likened the series to Beverly Hills, 90210, observing that its characters bore resemblance to Californians in both looks and behavior. Debi Enker of The Age commended the show’s multicultural foundation and its preference for realism over glamor, contrasting it positively against the polished style of "Beverly Hills 90210."

International adaptations

Heartbreak High was transmitted in more than seventy countries under a variety of local titles.

Country Title Network
Template:Country data Argentina
Template:Country data Chile
Template:Country data Mexico
File:Flag of Peru.svg Peru 		Aprendiendo a vivir
("Learning to live") 		Canal 9
Chilevision
Azteca 13
TV Perú
File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium
File:Flag of France.svg France
File:Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 		Heartbreak High (Flanders)
Hartley, cœurs à vif ("Hartley, vivid hearts") 		VRT & Plug RTL
France 2
Canal Famille & Télé-Québec
File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czech Republic
Template:Country data North Macedonia
File:Flag of Poland.svg Poland
File:Flag of Russia.svg Russia 		Škola zlomených srdcí / Uchilishte skrsheni srca / Szkoła złamanych serc / Школа разбитых сердец ("School of broken hearts") SuperMax & TV Nova
A1 TV
TVP1 & TVN
TV-6
File:Flag of Estonia.svg Estonia Koolide kool ("School of schools") Kanal 2
File:Flag of Germany.svg Germany Heartbreak High ZDF & Sat.1
File:Flag of Greece.svg Greece Heartbreak High Skai TV & New Channel
File:Flag of Hungary.svg Hungary Szívtipró gimi ("Heartbreaking high school") MTV1
File:Flag of Iceland.svg Iceland Fjör á Fjölbraut ("Animation at school") RÚV
File:Flag of India.svg India Heartbreak High Zee Café
File:Flag of Indonesia.svg Indonesia Heartbreak High Indosiar
Template:Country data Israel 'Tichon Ha'Levavot Ha'Shvurim' ("Broken hearts high school") Channel 1

The show was broadcast without edits in Canada on Showcase, Ireland on RTÉ2, the UK on BBC2 and other channels, and in the United States via Encore WAM. However, UK children’s channel airings were subject to significant content editing.

Between 2009 and 2010, ABC3 re-ran the series in Australia. On November 27, 2020, all seven seasons became available worldwide on Netflix—except for France, Belgium, and French-speaking areas where it streams on myTF1.

Home Media Releases

Umbrella Entertainment issued the initial 26 episodes of the first season as a region-free DVD collection in Australia on 5 October 2011. This set included the original 4:3 Full Frame format and featured English Dolby Digital 2.0 audio. Subsequently, on 7 March 2012, a second DVD box set was released containing the remaining 13 episodes of season one alongside the entire second season. The third season became available on DVD on 6 June 2012. Umbrella Entertainment later announced that further seasons would not be released due to complications with music licensing.

In Germany, the first season was distributed in two DVD packages with German dubbing but did not include an English audio option.

Tie-in Publications

Several companion books and the original stage play were published alongside the series to deepen audience connection:

  • The Heartbreak Kid (1988) by Richard Barrett
  • Heartbreak High: Rap Pack (1994) by Meredith Costain
  • Heartbreak High: Offside (1994) by Meredith Costain
  • The Official Heartbreak High Book (1995)
  • Heartbreak High - The Inside Story (2021) authored by Ian Golden and Helen Heath
  • A series of titles from 1998 by Jacquie Kent including Heartbreak High: Love/Hate, Making Up/Breaking Up, Secrets & Lies, and Tough Call

Music Releases

The show’s musical influence was highlighted through two official soundtrack albums. The first, released in 1994 as Heartbreak High: The Album, showcased notable Australian performers such as Kulcha, Motiv8, Culture Shock, Chocolate Starfish, The Sharp, Hunters & Collectors, and Hoodoo Gurus. A later compilation, Heartbreak High: Music from the ABC TV Series (1997), featured artists including Human Nature, Christine Anu, Custard, Def FX, Frente!, and Wicked Beat Sound System.

External links

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