Review: Heartstopper Season 3

Netflix’s Heartstopper has always felt like a warm hug. It’s loveable and sweet while also telling hard-hitting stories about growing up. When we last saw Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor), their love was blossoming when Nick discovered Charlie was bullied and self-harming. As season 3 begins, Nick tries to support Charlie with his mental health while navigating graduation and taking the next steps in their relationship.

Their main friend group, including Tao (William Gao), Elle (Yasmin Finney), Isaac (Tobie Donovan), Tara (Corinna Brown), Darcy (Kizzy Edgell), Imogen (Rhea Norwood), and Charlie’s sister Tori (Jenny Walser), all grapple with love, mental health, identity, and self-discovery. Despite the large cast, Heartstopper continues to tell well-rounded stories for each character, making their struggles relatable and realized.

Heartstopper continues to be a mature story about teenagers that resonates with adults due to its handling of various subjects. This season’s portrayal of mental health hit close to home for me, and it’s refreshing to see this topic approached in a non-sensationalized manner. Unlike many stories that rely on shock value, Heartstopper aims to shed light on real issues without glamorizing or overdramatizing them.

Season 3 is just as warm and cozy as the first two seasons, but as these characters mature, so does the subject matter. The writing is spectacular and gives this talented cast a lot to dive into. Great star-studded cameos are sprinkled in, but they also serve a purpose. For younger audiences, the show is growing with them, and for older audiences, we can relate to what’s happening—Stream Heartstopper season 3 on Netflix on October 3rd, 2024.