Heartstopper Season 3 review: Heartfelt turns horny in emotional return

As a seasoned gamer who has seen more than a few virtual worlds come to life, Heartstopper Season 3 is nothing short of a breath of fresh air. Having grown up with my fair share of teen dramas and LGBTQIA+ narratives, I’ve become quite the connoisseur of heartwarming storylines wrapped in a warm blanket of friendship and love.


In simple terms, everyone expected the third part of Alice Oseman’s popular LGBT series to be excellent, and yet, Heartstopper Season 3 has managed to further shine as a unique symbol of representation.

Let’s start with the exciting news you’ve all been waiting for: Heartstopper Season 3 is exceptional! The comforting, heartfelt feelings encased in a blend of friendship and romance have returned, stronger than ever. Our group continues to mature, along with their challenges, but that essential charm persists throughout.

To assume that new episodes of the addictive TV series we adore are merely repeats of the past is quite unaware. While Heartstopper has never been shy about tackling tough topics, Season 3 pushes boundaries even further. Nick and Charlie’s relationship becomes steamier (and others aren’t left out), but their journey isn’t all smooth sailing as Charlie receives a diagnosis of an eating disorder. They’ve got a steep mountain to climb together.

With remarkable finesse, Alice Oseman skilfully interlaces delicate themes within a heartfelt embrace, ultimately crafting a cohesive ensemble work. Remarkably, she navigates this complex task effortlessly, and it’s fortunate for Netflix that they have her on board.

“Love can’t cure a mental illness”

It’s worth noting that Heartstopper Season 3 appears to be split into two parts, but thankfully, it avoids the common practice of a streaming service releasing them in separate installments. The initial part revolves around Charlie’s quest for a diagnosis regarding his eating disorder. Unlike how the series often illuminates love with a romantic glow (and who can blame it, as teenage romance is one of life’s sweetest sensations), it tackles mental health issues with an authentic sense of discomfort, which is entirely appropriate given its significance.

Charlie’s journey isn’t simple at all, whether it’s his path to understanding, acceptance, and growth, or us observing it. We witness a more difficult aspect of him that’s lacking in energy and sustenance, but as anticipated, neither Nick nor his companions falter in their encouragement. In unity with the Heartstopper cast and Oseman, a beautifully woven, easy-to-understand masterpiece emerges.

A standout moment for me was when Charlie disclosed his eating issues to his parents for the first time. He carefully prepared what he wanted to say, then read it out loud while they appeared puzzled, unable to comprehend how they had overlooked such a significant struggle in their son. At that point, I felt this might be a rare instance where children could witness such depiction, and Heartstopper truly shines by giving equal emphasis to mental health narratives as it does to LGBTQIA+ themes.

Heartstopper Season 3 review: Heartfelt turns horny in emotional return

It’s all too easy for us adults, including myself, to unjustifiably burden children with difficulties. At times, a blend of kindness and firmness is needed to truly understand the situations they face. As the saying goes, today’s children carry an immense load, and Heartstopper does an excellent job of highlighting this fact.

Regardless of our age, these characters are teaching us significant life lessons. It seems that if we could simply discuss our problems, many difficulties would be alleviated. As we witness Charlie dealing with his eating issues, Isaac confronting peer exclusion, and Elle exploring her body image concerns, the world becomes a bit more manageable and secure for them. Essentially, Heartstopper can be seen as a contemporary fairy tale – delight in its charm, and extract the lessons that resonate with you.

Queer sex without the sexualization (finally)

In the second part of Heartstopper Season 3, there’s a noticeable change in tone – the majority of the group (with the exception of one) are exploring romantic relationships for the first time, which is leading to some amorous encounters.

Heartstopper Season 3 review: Heartfelt turns horny in emotional return

There’s a general rule that sex isn’t a subject that should be broached – or watched – with family, but new episodes are best viewed as a cultural conversation starter. The cast might have found them intense to film, but sex scenes here aren’t exactly 9 1/2 Weeks. Even their group’s horniness is gentile… and while you could argue it’s a safe and sensible approach, it’s actually refreshing.

At age 14, before coming out, my primary sources of understanding female same-sex relationships were limited to shows like The L Word, random YouTube clips, and certain online platforms. Although The L Word is a groundbreaking show in the LGBTQ+ genre that I continue to appreciate, it often presented adult themes in an overly explicit manner which wasn’t suitable for my age at the time. While there is a place for such content, it might not have been the most appropriate starting point for understanding these relationships.

In Heartstopper, the emphasis shifts from sexualizing acts themselves to fostering connections and deeper meaning. Every intimate moment contributes significantly to the storyline, offering both a captivating and enlightening experience.

Heartstopper Season 3 review: Heartfelt turns horny in emotional return

The show’s recent exploration of romantic entanglements seems to evoke a deeper longing within me, perhaps because I am currently single after nearly three decades of life. As I watch Season 3, I find myself yearning for boundless love, craving the feeling of being cherished without condition, and seeking someone who appreciates me despite everything. Moreover, I miss the sense of endless possibilities that comes with having a world at my fingertips.

We’re grateful to experience this fictitious kind… and maybe it’s the hope we need as well.

Heartstopper Season 3 review score: 4/5

Love may not heal mental health issues, but it will endure; Heartstopper Season 3 lives up to our anticipations – and surpasses them – by introducing a touch of gravity, making it as good as or even better than its previous seasons.

The reason I’m, a nearly thirty-year-old woman, shedding tears at two teenage boys confessing their feelings for each other is due to the enchantment found within Alice Oseman’s narratives. Each character seems perfectly at ease in their part, working together to create something profoundly greater than any single individual.

The ease with which it’s being carried out allows the show to keep sparking inspiration, expanding, and expressing affection more powerfully than ever.

You can stream Heartstopper Season 3 on Netflix starting October 3rd! Until then, take a look at some of our favorite scenes from the upcoming season, learn why Ben won’t appear in new episodes, and discover other great TV shows that are streaming this month.

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2024-10-01 10:18