Netflix’s Heartstopper has finished another season with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score of 100%. Season 3 is a challenging watch, and viewers should read the trigger warnings before watching. However, the finale ends on a sweet and hopeful note.
Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) return to the screen together, and they share three special words. They are joined by a familiar cast, where each character grows and discovers their identity. This season also hints at what a possible Season 4 could be about.
Heartstopper’s Focus on Charlie’s Mental Health
Charlie and Nick continue to grow emotionally. They say “I love you” for the first time and become better at talking to each other. Towards the end of the season, they show intimacy in a fun, awkward, and trusting way.
However Charlie’s mental health and struggles with disordered eating are important topics throughout the season. Nick tries to address these concerns gently, and eventually, Charlie confronts his issues directly.
In the finale, Charlie’s mental health journey reaches a hopeful conclusion as he talks to his therapist (Eddie Marsan) about his new approach to health. After being diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and OCD, Charlie learns to overcome his compulsions and follow a healthy eating plan.
He understands that not every day will be perfect in his recovery, but he knows he can rely on his support system, which includes more than just Nick. Charlie learns to seek help and be open about his feelings.
The end of Season 3 symbolizes his healing journey. As Charlie and Nick become more intimate, Charlie is hesitant to take off his shirt.
Throughout the season, he has vulnerable moments where he looks at his scars in the mirror. When Charlie finally takes his shirt off in front of Nick and asks him to do the same, it shows how much he has grown and his willingness to be vulnerable.
Tao and Elle’s Journey in Season 3
Season 3 also follows Tao (William Gao) and Elle (Yasmin Finney), another couple ready to be intimate. Elle experiences gender dysphoria and feels uneasy about being vulnerable.
Later in the season, she is invited to do a radio interview about her art, but the host shifts the conversation to gender politics. Elle, who just wants to discuss her art, feels disconnected from her creativity after the interview.
In the finale, we catch up with this couple briefly. Elle shares her plans to study art in Europe, and Tao jokes about getting a job to pay for her travel.
This shows that Elle is reconnecting with her art, thanks to Tao’s inspiring video. She has struggled to trust him with her artistic side, but she learns that she needs to trust him with her emotions too. Tao also shows his growth by overcoming his fears of abandonment.
Showing Sexual and Gender Identity in Season 3
Heartstopper is dedicated to showing love and identity through its supporting characters. Isaac’s (Tobie Donovan) journey of discovering his sexuality continues as he identifies as asexual and aromantic. He proudly shares this with his friends during a heartwarming scene at the zoo.
Meanwhile, Darcy (Kizzy Edgell) experiments with they/them pronouns and comes out as non-binary to Tara (Corinna Brown), showing support and love. Tara also learns to set boundaries with Darcy and shares this wisdom with Nick, who has his own concerns.
Imogen (Rhea Norwood), our favorite ally who sometimes makes insensitive comments, begins to question her sexual identity. During a university tour in the finale, she tells Nick that she never liked her past boyfriends.
This reflection starts after she kisses her best friend while drunk, but they agree to stay friends. Imogen begins her confusing journey of self-discovery with the support of her friends.
Charlie’s big sister, Tori (Jenny Walser), also experiences a sweet romance this season. She meets the quirky Michael (Darragh Hand) during New Year’s but avoids labeling their relationship.
At the carnival in the finale, Michael asks if she is his girlfriend, making Tori run away. After Michael encourages Charlie to talk to her, they have a heartfelt conversation on the Ferris wheel. Charlie helps Tori understand that she should focus on her own life and happiness.
Setting the Stage for Season 4
Although Netflix has not confirmed Season 4 yet, Heartstopper hints at future conflicts in the finale, especially regarding Nick’s storyline. Throughout the season, Nick has prioritized Charlie’s health, but now he is looking toward the future.
He insists he wants to stay close to Charlie when choosing universities, but he also has an interest in a school four hours away. If he chooses this school, it means he won’t see Charlie as often.
Tara, Elle, and Darcy remind Nick that his need to please others might hurt his happiness. Nick has not told Charlie about his university choice, leaving us wondering how Charlie will react.
The finale is titled “Apart,” which may suggest that the couple might soon need to learn how to be independent in their relationship. Nick has relied on Charlie since coming out, so if he goes to university, he will show his identity without Charlie.
Heartstopper Season 3 shows Charlie and Nick’s emotional growth, focusing on Charlie’s mental health journey and their evolving relationship. Tao and Elle faces intimacy amidst gender dysphoria, while supporting characters discover their sexual and gender identities. The season concludes on a hopeful note, hinting at future challenges for the couple.
Heartstopper Seasons 1-3 are available for streaming on Netflix in the U.S.
