Heartstopper Season 3 Review: Growth, Love & Maturity

As Heartstopper returns for its third season on Netflix, the beloved teen drama continues to explore the intricacies of young love, personal growth, and mental health. Nick and Charlie’s relationship deepens as they navigate new challenges, while the series tackles more mature themes with sensitivity and care. From the heartfelt moments to the gentle exploration of tough issues, Season 3 promises to resonate with both fans and new viewers, offering a beautiful and emotional continuation of the characters’ journeys. Dive into our full review!

The third season of Heartstopper signals a delicate transition, not only for its characters but also for the show itself. As Nick and Charlie grow up, so does the story, with new emotional stakes that enrich the heart of this beloved series. What began as an almost impossibly wholesome teen drama continues to maintain its tender core while navigating more mature terrain, where relationships deepen, identities are defined, and personal struggles quietly come to the forefront.

This season sees Nick and Charlie, played by Kit Connor and Joe Locke, taking their relationship to the next level. This doesn’t immediately mean what fans might expect – for now, it’s about the tender confession of love that both characters have, surprisingly, held back. As Charlie’s sister Tori wryly remarks, it’s high time they voiced these feelings, echoing the sentiments of a loyal audience. The slow evolution of their relationship, however, is part of the charm that defines Heartstopper’s approach to love: patient, soft, and utterly genuine.

Yet, behind the sweet veneer of teenage romance, real issues begin to simmer. One of the season’s more affecting storylines is Charlie’s struggle with an eating disorder. This subplot allows Locke to showcase his emotional range as Charlie faces this harrowing challenge, with Nick in the difficult position of wanting to help but unsure how to support someone through such a personal battle. Nick remains the fantasy boyfriend of teenage dreams—caring, understanding, and unwavering in his devotion—but the season does well to expose how even the most idyllic relationships come with complexities, especially in the realm of mental health. Locke’s scenes with Eddie Marsan’s psychiatrist character Geoff bring a quiet authenticity to the narrative, illustrating how recovery is never a straightforward journey.

The supporting characters, too, experience significant growth this season. Yasmin Finney’s portrayal of Elle, a trans teenager navigating both her identity and her budding relationship with Tao, adds depth to the show’s already rich inclusivity. The season doesn’t shy away from the nuanced challenges Elle faces, particularly in how she reconciles her place in the world with her personal desires. In a beautifully crafted scene, Elle and Tao explore their relationship’s intimacy, handled with a tenderness that has come to define the show’s treatment of young love.

While Heartstopper gently touches on heavier themes, it never loses its sense of comfort and optimism. The drama’s self-awareness ensures it never spirals into melodrama. Instead, it stays grounded in the lives of its teenage characters, who deal with big feelings in ways that feel both real and manageable. The show’s ability to balance these emotional weights with an inherent sense of warmth and hope is part of what makes it so special. Even at its darkest moments, the sense of reassurance that everything will be okay remains a hallmark of the series.

Despite its small steps into more mature themes, Heartstopper never loses sight of its audience. The show still largely functions as a safe space for young viewers, offering representation and positivity for LGBTQ+ teens in particular. It remains an idealised portrayal of what growing up as queer could look like—without fear or shame, but with love, acceptance, and the space to explore who you are. For those watching who never had such representation growing up, it’s a poignant reminder of what could have been.

Yet the show isn’t just about romance. It continues to use its signature mix of gentle humor and serious conversations to explore issues of self-doubt, family pressure, and friendship. Characters like Tara and Darcy are given moments to shine, as they figure out their relationship in the shadow of Tara’s family expectations, while Tori’s dry wit provides welcome levity, even as she reflects on the changing dynamic between herself and Charlie.

What makes Heartstopper Season 3 work so well is how it grows with its characters. Even as Nick, Charlie, and their friends begin to navigate more complex issues, the show’s tone remains sweetly sincere. There’s a careful balance of nostalgia and realism in how it portrays teenage life: on the one hand, it embraces the messiness of emotions and relationships, but on the other, it gives viewers the comfort of knowing everything will be all right. For those who grew up with the harshness of Section 28, when LGBTQ+ teens had little visibility, Heartstopper offers a glimpse into a kinder, softer world, where being yourself isn’t just accepted—it’s celebrated.

For younger viewers, Heartstopper remains a delightful, heartfelt portrayal of teenage life, one that doesn’t patronise but rather understands the enormity of the issues that feel all-encompassing at 16 or 17. The drama continues to deliver its messages with a sincerity that never feels forced, making it a standout in a crowded landscape of teen TV shows. In Heartstopper’s world, love is kind, friendship is loyal, and even the darkest moments have light at the end of the tunnel. And in this comforting vision of growing up, there’s a beautiful, enduring appeal.

Season 3 of Heartstopper is a reminder that while its stars may be growing up and stepping into bigger roles, the heart of the show remains the same. It’s a gentle, loving portrait of teenage life, told with the same sensitivity and care that has always made it so special.