The Heartstopper teens are growing up, and Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie’s (Joe Locke) relationship is stronger than ever. As compared to the first two seasons, the third chapter of the Netflix queer teen drama is more than just a heart-stopping romance. This time, it takes a darker turn with its mature exploration of mental health, self-discovery and the challenges of growing up.

As the high-schoolers prepare for university and take their relationships to the next level, Heartstopper Season 3 reminds us that it’s perfectly okay to take your time on the journey of self-acceptance. Here’s what we loved about the third instalment of Heartstopper, streaming on Netflix.

Nick and Charlie’s love story is stronger than ever

Adapted from Alice Oseman’s eponymous graphic novel series, the show’s first season focussed on Charlie, an artistically-inclined high-school student, and Nick, a popular rugby player, navigating high school and falling in love. The second instalment took a closer look at their relationship, dealt with the struggles of coming out and touched on Charlie’s battle with mental health. After coming out as gay, Charlie faced intense bullying at school and endured a toxic, secret relationship with Ben (Sebastian Croft), following which he began self-harming and developed eating disorders.

In Season 3, we delve deeper into these issues. As Charlie’s struggle with his mental health and eating disorder escalates, Nick is deeply concerned as he seeks to support him. Amid these emotional challenges, the couple also aims to explore sexual intimacy but Charlie grapples with body dysmorphia, which complicates their journey.

Kit Connor and Joe Locke star win hearts in Season 3

Mental health takes centre stage

The first half of the third season does an incredible job of handling Charlie’s mental health with sensitivity and maturity. With Nick’s help, he opens up to his parents about his issues, following which he spends a few months at a treatment facility. Along with his eating disorder, he is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Eddie Marsan’s portrayal of Geoff, Charlie’s therapist, offers a nuanced view of mental health support, providing a safe space for Charlie to process his trauma. In the season finale, as Charlie expresses his doubts about overcoming his intrusive thoughts, Geoff reassures him that setbacks are a part of healing. His warm encouragement prompts Charlie to recognise that while he loves Nick, he also needs the support of others to lead a healthy, balanced life.

Just like Charlie, Nick, too, needs mental support to help the former heal. After the departure of Olivia Colman, who played Nick’s mother in the series, Hayley Atwell steps in as his Aunt Diane, a therapist who becomes a grounding presence for him. During one of Nick’s vulnerable moments, Diane gently reminds Nick that while he loves Charlie, he cannot be his sole source of healing, emphasising that their emotional dependency is unhealthy.

Jonathan Bailey makes a ‘heartstopping’ cameo

The third season does have its light-hearted moments. Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey makes a memorable cameo as the Instagram-favourite historian Jack Maddox that Charlie follows. We see Nick surprise Charlie with tickets for a Maddox book signing event on his birthday.

Though his appearance is brief, Bailey’s role adds a fun and charming layer to the storyline.

Jonathan Bailey with Kit Connor and Joe Locke in Heartstopper Season 3

The rest of the gang is back

As Nick and Charlie explore their emotional well-being and intimacy, their friends Elle (Yasmin Finney) and Tao (William Gao) also elevate their relationship to new heights. A standout moment occurs when Elle, now a rising artist on Instagram, storms out after facing transphobic comments during a podcast interview. In a supportive gesture, Tao surprises her with a film of her candid moments he took with his late father’s camcorder.

Nick’s evolving friendship with Tara (Corinna Brown) adds more depth to the season too, as he shares his worries about Charlie with her. However, Tara grapples with her own challenges, feeling overwhelmed by her girlfriend Darcy (Kizzy Edgell) moving in and the pressure to get into Oxford. Meanwhile, Darcy deals with her own struggles, avoiding her mother who is unsupportive of her sexuality.

Joe Locke, Yasmin Finney, Kizzy Edgell, William Gao, Tobie Donovan, Rhea Norwood, Leila Khan, Corinna Brown, and Kit Connor

Their friend Isaac (Tobie Donovan), who often feels isolated as the only single member of the group, comes out as asexual and aromantic. Charlie’s sister Tori (Jenny Walser) also has more screen time this season as she gets into a relationship with Michael (Darragh Hand) and tries to understand her emotions better.

Ultimately, Heartstopper Season 3 is about reinforcing the idea that self-discovery is a journey best taken together, where each character learns that it’s okay to lean on others while forging their own paths.