Heartstopper - Series 3

Like many people I was absolutely ready to devour the new series of cult favourite Netflix show Heartstopper based on the YA comics of the same name by Alice Oseman. I had been able to avoid any spoilers from friends who have read the series and raced home on October 3rd to spend the evening getting all the updates from my favourite young lovebirds Nick and Charlie.

To be honest, I found season 2 of Heartstopper a bit underwhelming; it felt like some of the charm was lost amid the higher budgets and new found fame of cast members. However, I remained hopeful for season 3. Thankfully, this new season delivered with more mature plotlines and relationships that continued to evolve beautifully. I was left with all the cosy feelings that fans have come to love, like being wrapped in a warm blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and a comforting hug.

©Samuel Dore/Netflix

My highest praise for the new season lies in its sensitive and authentic handling of a range of challenging storylines that provide a well-rounded perspective on the struggles faced by teens, particularly queer teens, as they navigate early adulthood. Topics like eating disorders, anxiety, exploring sexuality, coming out, moving away, and transphobia are addressed with nuance and care. The way these complex issues are navigated and intertwined with the romance and friendships that make the show so beloved ensured that I was left feeling light-hearted and optimistic about the characters' journeys. In particular, the depiction of Charlie's experiences with his diagnosis of anorexia and OCD and his road to recovery in a psychiatric hospital were eye opening and complex showing the realities of institutions like this in a more positive light than I have ever previously seen depicted in any other young adult film or tv show. Much like with other themes, Heartstopper yet again lives up to its reputation by breaking stereotypes and providing a portrayal of experiences that have never been accessible on screen before which universally has been felt as healing and monumental to many viewers.

It was these beloved actors performances that really made this new series of Heartstopper the best yet. Kit Connor (Nick) and Joe Locke (Charlie) really prove just how comfortable and trusting they are of one another as actors as the progression of Nick and Charlies love story was so precious, endearing & a joy to witness as the characters feelings develop for one another both mentally and physically. Intimate scenes were handled with great care & when these characters were at their most vulnerable, Connor and Locke's performances were absolute tear jerkers as their deep care for one another radiated through the screen. The maturity and growth of these actors was extremely apparent this series, perhaps emphasised by both of their continued success on screen and on Broadway as both actors tackle the start of what are set to be long and successful careers with ease. This not only goes for our leads but the entire supporting cast as well, my favourite part of the entire series came from the video that Charlie's best friend, Tao (played by William Gao) creates with all his friends to send love and support to Charlie whilst he is away in hospital. I think the relationships that this group of actors have formed off screen that is often documented on their socials definitely benefits the show in both the performances that are provided as an outcome of genuine friendships as well as for the fan base who love to see the cast supporting one another.

The other standout performances for me this season came from Yasmin Finney (Elle) and Jenny Walser (Tori). The continuation of Elle’s journey as a young and proud transgender woman was one the cast and creatives can most certainly be proud of. The character continues to celebrate her gender identity as a vital part of who she is, yet is certain not to let it solely define her or her success' - as is also supported unwaveringly by her friends and family. The execution of Elle's story including the tricky experiences of exploring sexual relations as a transgender person & handling transphobic behaviours was yet again portrayed unquestioningly and candidly as could only be done by an actress as skilled and raw as Yasmin Finney whose experiences are mirrored within her own life allowing her to handle the character with much grace and depth. As for Tori, I believe her to be the most underrated character in the series. As a neurodivergent character, whilst less emotive, Walser's portrayal of Tori (especially this series), proves her to have the biggest heart and more emotional intelligence than many of our other characters. It was wonderful to witness her character to be more vocal this series as well as to have her own growth in developing some special friendships & Walser's delivery, as a highly experienced actress, was exceptional in making Tori understood and innocently hilarious in her own ways of dealing with her emotions.

My only criticism of this series comes in the final episode, when several characters visit university open days and grapple with the idea of moving away from home. As a UOL grad myself, I hope Nick opts for the University of Leeds in the next series! However, I found the depiction of attitudes towards queerness in the Rugby society a bit unrealistic and amusing. While it was portrayed as highly normalised and supportive, to my knowledge I don't know if this would be an accurate experience (although this is definitely a comment on university rugby soc culture rather than the show!) But alas, I suppose the experiences even with these characters secondary schools are somewhat idealised as even-though I left sixth form 7 years ago I appreciate how the show demonstrates the inclusivity every school community should strive for, even if it doesn't fully reflect reality right now. Regardless, Heartstopper continues to do an exemplary job of celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and delivering a beautiful story that I am genuinely invested in. I just wish I didn’t have to wait so long for series 4!