Suffice it to say that Heartstopper fans have been highly anticipating its third and latest season, and, well, let's say that some tears were shed. Alice Oseman, the immensely talented creator of the original graphic novels, has undoubtedly outdone herself, and this may just be the best season yet. Now, fair warning, it predominantly features some mature and adult themes.
However, they're ever more meaningful as they add verisimilitude to the character's growth and development, complemented by the incredibly talented actors and crew, who really make Heartstopper the ultimate feel-good queer romance experience. The show's central couple, Nick (Kit Conner) and Charlie (Joe Locke), are in love (ooooh). It is heartwarming to see them explore the many joys and challenges of navigating a teenage relationship, and a testament to the genius writing and dedication that goes into making and producing the show, as this series, in particular, walks the line between idealism and escapism for the viewer, whilst addressing some hard-hitting topics that can feel all too real.
Keen-eyed viewers, as well as those who have read the comics, were likely bracing for impact from the very first episode, as Charlie's problems with eating are an integral part of the storyline, as well as how his sister, Tori (Jenny Walser), who really gets her moment this season, and his boyfriend encourage him to seek professional help. These challenging scenes are complemented masterfully by an array of memorable music tracks, such as Tom Odell's Black Friday, which makes an upsetting series of flashbacks midway through the series all the more heartbreaking. Needless to say, Charlie's eating disorder and body dysmorphia are handled delicately, though as true to real life, there is no quick fix: he has to learn to challenge his compulsions, and, when he has a bad day, how to accept support from those who love him the most.
In the comics, Nick's mum, played by Olivia Coleman in the previous two seasons, listened to and relieved her son's frustrations with not knowing how to help Charlie. However, due to scheduling issues, Coleman is sadly missing for season 3. In her absence, Nick's auntie, Diane, played by Hayley Atwell, steps in to provide guidance and support.
Atwell gives an emotionally tender performance in a memorable scene when the extended family go on holiday to Menorca in episode 2. Nick confides in his aunt about Charlie's state of mind, who gently explains that no matter how strong his love for his boyfriend may be, it cannot cure his mental illness. I also think that Atwell's outstanding acting ability and the character's medical background add more authenticity to her advice—who knew Peggy Carter would be a fantastic aunt?
On a lighter—or should I say—raunchier note, the show features another prominent theme: sex. Given the maturity of the characters, this is not much of a surprise. Still, it is beautifully encapsulated, despite the “cucumber shenanigans” in the Year 11 sex ed class (honestly, where is Jean Milburn when you need her?).
Elle, played by Yasmine Finney, knows she wants to be more intimate with her boyfriend, Tao (William Gao). However, as a trans teenage girl, this level of intimacy proves to be more complicated than she anticipated. The show particularly shines as it effortlessly unpacks these emotions and gestures to the importance of boundaries and communication when taking your relationship to the next level.
It's apparent that this season certainly has more grit than before. At the same time, how it handles the intricacies and complexities of teenage relationships is second to none. For example, though the show has to maintain its idealism, with Charlie successfully advancing on his path to recovery, anorexia is still the deadliest mental illness in the UK, and as is highlighted in the show, receiving treatment doesn't necessarily help those afflicted.
Some may even leave the experience in a far worse state. Again, this is where I have to applaud the show for considering the harsh reality, even though it doesn't necessarily follow that pattern itself. As somebody whose own mum was anorexic during her teenage years, I found the scenes between Joe Locke and the physiatrist, Geoff (Eddie Marsan), incredibly moving, as well as those demonstrating Charlie's rocky relationship with his own mother, played by Georgina Rich.
Charlie undergoes significant growth this season, and his boyfriend does, too. Nick not only has to come to terms with his limitations in how much he can give, but he also has to face the daunting task of selecting his uni options—will he choose to stay close to Charlie to avoid straining his relationship? Or will Nick put himself first for a change and prioritise what he wants?
Such a conundrum reminds me of advice I once received from my chemistry teacher, which was, in essence, a testament to not following your boyfriend to uni or, in this case, not going to a specific university because of said boyfriend. Let's hope Nick chooses wisely (and that Netflix green-lights a fourth season, pronto). In summation, season 3 of Heartstopper is a celebration of inclusivity.
The show, an idyllic encapsulation of queer teenage romance, continues to delve into the characters' journeys of self-discovery. Whether it's their sexuality, relationships, or familial grievances, Heartstopper covers all the bases. It's a perfect comfort watch, filled with moments that will have you kicking your legs in excitement and anticipation, grinning with unequivocal ecstasy, and, yes, occasionally shedding a tear.
This new series balances its moments of joy and sadness to create an emotionally engaging, ever-changing, idealistic, but also harsh world with abundant relatable moments for all viewers. The feeling I had after finishing the last episode is indescribable; this latest series is unquestionably worth watching. I also urge you to watch the first two seasons if you haven't already, as they're filled with subtle clues for the third series, and they cement Heartstopper's legacy as a cinematic masterpiece.