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Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman has always promised fans that the graphic novel series-turned-Netflix show will conclude with a happy ending. With its signature animated orange and blue leaves that swirl in response to the characters’ emotions and an uplifting synth soundtrack, the show beautifully captures the essence of first love.
As Season 3 dropped on Netflix on October 3, viewers were prepared for a more intense tone, but the spirit of hope remains intact.
Recap
The show’s first season ended on a romantic note, with Nick and Charlie enjoying a beach date and contemplating the future of their newly formed relationship. In Season 2, the narrative took a public turn, concluding with Nick coming out as bisexual, a celebratory prom night montage to Taylor Swift’s “Seven,” and an almost “I love you” moment between the couple.
Season 3: A Dual Journey
As the stakes rise in Season 3, Kit Connor and Joe Locke, who portray Nick and Charlie, shared insights with TODAY.com about the new season’s focus. “The season is sort of split,” Locke notes, with the first half revolving around overcoming personal challenges to strengthen the relationship, while the latter half explores the couple’s growth into young adulthood.
At the end of Season 2, Nick becomes concerned for Charlie after noticing his disengagement at prom. The new season delves deeper into Charlie’s mental health struggles, showcasing the importance of support in relationships.
By the midpoint of Season 3, Charlie faces the harsh realities of his mental health challenges. In Episode 4, he enters an inpatient treatment facility where he is diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Locke emphasizes the importance of authentically portraying these issues, stating, “It’s such a hard issue to portray onscreen right, and you don’t want to upset people or trigger people in any way that you don’t mean to.”
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Charlie opens up to Nick about his diagnosis in a heartfelt phone call, expressing both surprise and relief, saying, “I mean, I was a bit surprised by the OCD. But I have all these rules in my head about food, and if I don’t follow them, I feel like I’m gonna die.” The show sensitively handles Charlie’s return home and his ongoing journey with therapy and communication within his family.
Relationship Growth
The latter half of Season 3 focuses on Nick and Charlie as they navigate the next steps in their relationship. After a candid conversation about body image and vulnerability, they decide to take their relationship to a more intimate level in Episodes 7 and 8. However, the season finale’s title, “Apart,” foreshadows the challenges they may face, especially regarding Nick’s university decisions.
As Nick considers his options for university, he grapples with the possibility of being far from Charlie. In Episode 8, he and his friends go on a university tour, and despite a near-miss at a festival where Charlie is performing, the episode ends on a heartwarming note, showcasing the show’s trademark blend of drama and optimism.
Special Cameo and Future Prospect
The back half of Season 3 also features a highly anticipated cameo from Jonathan Bailey, who appears as Jack Maddox, Charlie’s celebrity crush. The episode showcases the impact of working alongside seasoned actors, with Locke reflecting on the learning experience, “You learn a lot from people at the top of their game.”
While “Heartstopper” has yet to be officially renewed for a fourth season, Connor hints at plenty more to explore in Nick and Charlie’s story. “Seeing how their relationship fares with the new things that they might have to overcome, such as long-distance maybe, or just more life and hormones,” he adds.
Looking Ahead
Season 3 touches on content from Oseman’s “Heartstopper” graphic novel series up to Volume 5, which was published in December 2023 in the U.S. Oseman has confirmed that the series will conclude with Volume 6, which she is currently working on. “I’m only 50 pages in, but I know what’s going to happen, what all the dialogue is going to be, and now I’m just sitting down and drawing it, which is my favourite bit,” she shared.
Season 4 of “Heartstopper” has the potential to delve into the next chapter of Nick and Charlie’s relationship. As Nick gears up for university, viewers are left wondering how distance might impact their bond, a theme highlighted in a recent report by Elle.
One of the central plotlines could revolve around Nick’s internal conflict as he navigates the balance between his personal growth and the desire to stay connected to Charlie. This journey of self-discovery may add depth to Nick’s character as he faces the complexities of transitioning to university life while maintaining a relationship.
Beyond the main couple, other beloved characters have their own stories to continue exploring. Imogen is dealing with her identity following a kiss with Sahar, while Isaac is coming to terms with his asexual and aromantic identity. Elle is embracing her passion for the arts, and Tao remains hopelessly in love with her. Meanwhile, Tara and Darcy find themselves at a crossroads, with decisions about college and a gap year looming on the horizon.
Cast Members
If “Heartstopper” returns for Season 4, fans can expect the core cast to reprise their roles. Kit Connor and Joe Locke are set to return as Nick and Charlie, along with mainstays Yasmin Finney (Elle Argent), William Gao (Tao Xu), Corinna Brown (Tara Jones), Kizzy Edgell (Darcy Olsson), and Tobie Donovan (Isaac Henderson).
There’s also hope that Olivia Colman, who had to miss Season 3 due to scheduling conflicts, could return as Nick’s mother, Sarah. Additionally, Hayley Atwell, who played Nick’s aunt in Season 3, may also make a comeback.