We all anticipated that the third season of Alice Oseman’s celebrated LGBT series would be impressive, yet Heartstopper Season 3 continues to enhance its significance as a beacon of representation.
Let’s get the most-anticipated news out of the way first… Heartstopper Season 3 is *fantastic*. All those cozy, heartwarming vibes wrapped up in a narrative of friendship and love return, even bolder this time. Our beloved characters are maturing – and so are their challenges – but that core charm remains intact.
However, to assume new episodes of this binge-worthy TV show offer more of the same would be naive. Sure, Heartstopper hasn’t avoided difficult subjects since its debut, but Season 3 raises the stakes. Nick and Charlie are exploring new depths of their relationship (and they aren’t the only ones), while Charlie faces the additional challenge of an eating disorder diagnosis.
It takes remarkable skill to intertwine sensitive topics into a warm narrative and transform it into an ensemble masterpiece. Despite the challenges, creator Alice Oseman accomplishes this effortlessly, and Netflix is fortunate to have her.
“Love can’t cure a mental illness”
Arguably, Heartstopper Season 3 can be divided into two distinct halves, avoiding the irritating trend of streaming platforms releasing episodes in parts. The first half revolves around Charlie’s journey to obtain a diagnosis for his eating disorder. While the series shines a romantic light on love (and why shouldn’t it? Teen love is one of the most beautifully poignant experiences), it also addresses mental health with necessary seriousness.
Charlie’s journey isn’t easy—his realization, acceptance, and growth are depicted authentically, and the impact on viewers is significant. We witness a darker side of Charlie, depleted of energy and nourishment, but as expected, Nick and their friends stand unwaveringly by his side. Throughout this experience, the cast of Heartstopper and Oseman create a flawless, accessible narrative.
A particularly moving scene occurs when Charlie confides in his parents about his eating issues. He reads a prepared statement aloud as they watch, unveiling their shocking realization of neglecting such a crucial aspect of their child’s life. This moment exemplifies how the show offers representation that resonates deeply, illuminating the importance of mental health visibility alongside LGBTQIA+ storylines.
We often place undue burdens on kids (and believe me, I’m as guilty as anyone), and sometimes, a blend of sweetness and seriousness unveils what’s right in front of us. The old adage holds true—kids today have immense pressures, and Heartstopper makes that undeniable.
The series is also imparting invaluable lessons to viewers of all ages. Conversations become more manageable when we talk about them. By watching Charlie confront his eating disorder, Isaac address feelings of exclusion, and Elle struggle with body dysmorphia, their world becomes slightly smaller and safer. Heartstopper can be seen as a modern-day fairytale—appreciate the whimsy and absorb the lessons it offers.
Queer sex without the sexualization (finally)
The second half of Heartstopper Season 3 represents a tonal shift—the group (with one exception) is exploring romantic connections, experiencing first-time hookups.
There’s a common belief that discussions about sex are inappropriate when family is involved, yet these new episodes present a fantastic opportunity for cultural dialogue. Although the cast found the filming intense, the intimacy portrayed isn’t excessively graphic. The group’s curious exploration is gentle—and while one could argue it’s a cautious approach, it’s genuinely refreshing.
At 14, before coming out, the only depictions I could find of women in same-sex relationships were in shows like The L Word, along with random YouTube clips. While The L Word is a monumental series in queer representation (and deserves endless praise), it’s heavily sexualized, catering primarily to an adult audience. While there is value in that, it might not be the most suitable introduction.
In contrast, Heartstopper depersonalizes sex, emphasizing connection and meaning. Each intimate scene not only advances the narrative but serves as both educational and heartwarming.
The show’s newfound exploration of sexuality fosters a wholesome sense of longing. Perhaps it’s because I’m the most single I’ve ever been in nearly 30 years, but while watching Season 3, I vividly felt the absence of being loved unconditionally. I yearned for someone who cherished me irretrievably, as well as the multitude of possibilities that life offers.
We are fortunate to witness this fictional kind of connection—and perhaps it offers us the hope we seek.
Heartstopper Season 3 Review Score: 4/5
While love might not cure mental illness, it always prevails. Meeting and exceeding our expectations, Heartstopper Season 3 aligns seamlessly with its previous seasons, if not surpassing them with a healthy dose of gravity.
So why is an almost 30-year-old woman moved to tears by two teenage boys proclaiming their love for each other? That’s the magic of Alice Oseman’s storytelling. Each character is wonderfully comfortable in their roles, contributing to something larger than the individual.
This effortless execution enables the show to continue inspiring, evolving, and amplifying love louder than ever.
Heartstopper Season 3 is streaming on Netflix starting October 3. In the meantime, check out the scenes we’re most excited about, learn why Ben is absent in the new episodes, and discover more TV shows streaming this month.
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