HEARTSTOPPER – Season 3: New Challenges [REVIEW]

Today’s youth are undoubtedly very fortunate that the phenomenon of the “Heartstopper” comics, followed by the Netflix series, coincides with this key stage of their adolescence. As promised by the creators and reflected in the books themselves, the third season of “Heartstopper” is no longer just lighthearted fun. Instead of butterflies in the stomach and carefree moments, the characters created by Alice Oseman now experience fear of entering adulthood, face the first challenges in relationships, and learn to ask for help when their mental health is at stake. Compared to the first two seasons, where we saw the beginnings of Nick and Charlie’s love story and almost viewed them as a single entity, this time we see their efforts to find themselves and what makes them happy. Obstacles in their previously sweet daily life now include eating disorders, body dysmorphia, concerns about their first time, and decisions about choosing a university that will shape their near future. The creators of “Heartstopper” have taken on the enormous responsibility of handling these themes, and (I admit with great relief and admiration) they have managed it surprisingly well.

Fans of “Heartstopper” were certainly prepared for an emotional rollercoaster, knowing the content of the fourth volume of the series. In the previous season, it was already hinted that Charlie (played by Joe Locke, currently starring in “Agatha All Along” on Disney+) is not himself when discussions about food arise. He is tense and nervous, rejecting any help offered by his boyfriend Nick (Kit Connor) or his sister Tori (Jenny Walser). In the third season, we learn that Charlie’s eating disorder has taken the form of anorexia, and in addition to that, he also has to confront obsessive-compulsive disorder. The creators devote the most time to this storyline, though there are plenty of other difficult topics as well. Almost all of the secondary characters, who previously seemed like just background to the main duo, are now going through their own tough times—Darcy (Kizzy Edgell) explores her gender identity, Isaac (Tobie Donovan) fears rejection due to his aromanticism, and Elle (Yasmin Finney) increasingly struggles with body dysmorphia since her relationship with Tao (Will Gao) has progressed to the next level. Even Charlie’s mom, who has been shown rarely up to this point, gets more attention here, nurturing her relationship with her son and coming to terms with her own difficult past. The expanded cast also includes Hayley Atwell as Nick’s aunt and Eddie Marsan as Charlie’s therapist. While the third season introduces many new storylines, the creators skillfully balance the seriousness and educational value of the issues with the sweetness and optimism that “Heartstopper” is known for, ensuring it doesn’t overwhelm the viewer.

Unlike most teen shows that address eating disorders, Alice Oseman goes deeper, showing that anorexia is not just a burden for the person suffering from it. Alongside Charlie, his family and his beloved Nick also suffer, and fortunately for him, they do everything in their power to pull him out of his lowest point. “Heartstopper” serves as a guide to feelings, support, and care—not just for non-heteronormative individuals, but also for those struggling with invisible illnesses. This season, the show avoids unnecessary embellishments and presents the real problems faced by today’s teenagers, doing so with appropriate psychological and therapeutic resources. If we focus on the emotional depth and the weight of the topics covered, season 3 is by far the most mature and impactful installment of the series, especially for viewers dealing with similar difficulties. While still maintaining its warmth and signature sweet atmosphere, the creators challenge their approach from the first two seasons and show that a teenage dream romance is far from perfect in reality—it requires work from both sides, as we see in Nick and Charlie’s relationship, where they approach their bond with surprising maturity for their age. They learn how to nurture their relationship, how to support each other, how to respect boundaries, and ultimately how to begin their intimate life together.

This is where a significant change comes into play—in season 3, sex plays a much larger role in the characters’ lives, along with all the fears related to intimacy, peer pressure, and the simple anxiety of what could go wrong. Like in many relationships, things start off awkwardly between Nick and Charlie, but it’s precisely this awkwardness, delicacy, and vulnerability that normalizes teenage relationships for young viewers, breaking down societal stereotypes and portraying sexuality and attractiveness in various forms. “Heartstopper” educates on many levels, and though at times it might seem a bit idealized, it provides teenagers with a step-by-step guide on how to build healthy, happy relationships and accept who they are. Without hesitation, I can say that “Heartstopper” is currently an unparalleled show in terms of educating young people about mental health and non-heteronormativity, and with this new season, it raises the bar even higher, laying a strong foundation for the inevitable conclusion of this story.

The Netflix production clearly matures with each season. This is evident not only in the plot but also in the performances of the main actors. Joe Locke portrays Charlie with great care, capturing the emotions of someone struggling with an eating disorder. However, it’s Kit Connor who once again steals the show, having already been recognized with a Children’s BAFTA nomination for his role in “Heartstopper”, and he deserves high praise here as well. Their participation in Alice Oseman’s universe has brought both actors enormous popularity, as seen by the scale of their latest projects—Locke joining the MCU, and Connor making his Broadway debut in a “Romeo and Juliet” adaptation alongside Rachel Zegler. I can’t wait to see what new things Nick and Charlie will show us, and given the excellent work both actors did in season 3, I approach their future projects with great hope.

Season 3 is not as sweet, doesn’t always promise a happy ending, but it is by far the most mature in addressing sensitive social issues. The magic of “Heartstopper” makes us feel cared for in this storytelling, wrapped in a warm blanket. It offers a safe space for queer youth, providing perhaps the first truly comfortable and charming series about non-heteronormative love. If you’re wondering whether season 3 of “Heartstopper” still has that special something that won the hearts of millions in 2022—I can confidently assure you that it offers much more and simply won’t let you forget about it.