Trigger Warnings: Depictions of homophobia, transphobia, eating disorders, anxiety attacks, self-harm, insinuations of sex
Since “Heartstopper” season one first debuted April 22, 2022, it received a tidal wave of attention. Excitement for each new season would bloom year after year. On Oct. 3, 2024, season three of Heartstopper debuted after a year-long gap from the last season. Though the series is based in Europe, the demand for Heartstopper in the United States is “8.8 times the demand of the average TV series in the last 30 days.”
“Heartstopper” is based on the book series of the same name by Alice Oseman, and the book itself was a spin-off on a book titled “Solitaire” that was published a decade ago by the same author. The show both added and took away some characters, and changed some plot points slightly, but fanfare for the show is still very high among readers of the novels.
Heartstopper follows the lives of the two main characters, Nick and Charlie, and their friend group as they make their way through secondary school (high school in the United States), figuring out their sexualities, gender identities, relationships, and friendships.
Season one establishes the start of multiple relationships, including one between Nick and Charlie, Tara and Darcy, and Elle and Tao. All parties start to come to terms with their sexualities and learn how to get along with each other. They also deal with external forces that threaten their newfound relationship, and witness new members get added to the friend group as well.
Season two reveals more problems within the group, including grades, flirting, homophobia, and secrecy. Isaac, a solo member of the friend group, begins questioning his sexuality, and two teachers harbor a secret of their own.
The actors of Nick and Charlie, Kit Conner and Joe Locke, were interviewed by Tia Kofi in a video on the YouTube channel Still Watching Netflix prior to the release of season three. When asked for an overview of the season, both Conner and Locke confessed that “sex plays a big part in it,” as well as “darker themes” such as eating disorders. Conner also touches on how the characters show how they’re growing up, by starting to swear as well. Locke reveals that “Tori gets her moment this season.” Locke also spoke on the musical elements of season regarding his character and another semi-new character, Sahar (portrayed by Leila Khan).
Season three dives into deep topics, including eating disorders, self-harm, and mental disorders. The friend group begins to feel the strain of growing up and growing apart. Tori, Charlie’s older sister, begins to live her own life as she attempts to lessen her role as the protective older sibling. Elle begins developing her passion, and becomes noticed on social media. The group also begins considering their university options, having to choose between what they want and what others want for them. Charlie begins stepping out of his comfort zone, in his relationship and personal life. The couples also further their relationships.
I personally really enjoyed this latest season. I felt that they fleshed out the characters and relationships more and focused on the side characters (especially Tori) more than in previous seasons. I also enjoyed the visuals, such as small lightning strikes to portray the nervous electricity they felt when they touched, that they continued to use to portray Nick and Charlie’s emotions.
These past three seasons of Heartstopper have been extremely successful. However, according to Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman in an episode of the podcast I’ve Never Said This Before, hosted by Tommy DiDario, the next season (season four) is going to be the last one.
“We haven’t received any solid news [on season four] as of yet, obviously we’d love to. I really just want to tell the end of the story on TV and bring all of those characters’ stories to a close,” Oseman confessed.
She also mentioned that she’s writing the sixth volume of the comic series, which will likely coincide with the fourth season.
This decision makes sense because the characters are going to graduate secondary school soon. Though the series is coming to an end, it has had an effect on young members of the LGBTQ+ community because of the unproblematic representation that the show provides.