You know the show is a hit if Netflix hasn’t canceled it, and extended it beyond seasons!

Based on the best-selling graphic novel by Alice Oseman, “Heartstopper Season Three” hits harder than the prequels. It has darker tones, with themes extending to maturity, mental ailments and transphobia. We have characters recognizing or reconciling with their sexuality, couples making headway into their relationship and a somber passage of rites as they grow older. Despite the occasional cartoon leaves floating across the timelines, “Heartstopper Season Three” maintains a serious tone as we delve deeper into Charlie and Nick’s relationship. Fortunately, the sequel isn’t only about them; Season Three projects the anxieties, fears and livening of all characters, no matter who they are. It could be Isaac reconfirming his sexuality, or Sahar & Imogen discovering themselves through mutual discord, Tara’s anxiety about her future or Darcy’s transition as a nonbinary person. The show extends its claws into mature themes and deals with them sensibly and with a sensitivity that touches your hearts.

Nick & Charlie

Our classic couple have a lot of growing up to do this season. While Charlie struggles with confessing his love, Nick is anxious about his lover’s eating habits. As they push back and forth, which leads to a sweet confession; the focus remains on Charlie’s eating disorder. Nick has a harder time trying to address Charlie’s issues; he wants to help but doesn’t want to cross the boundaries. As they separate over a vacation, their anxiety grows bigger. Coming to Nick’s rescue is his Aunt Diane (Hayley Atwell) who explains the need to ask for help. She also helps Nick understand that Charlie needs his calm presence and handling this issue on their own is beyond their teenage capabilities. As Nick and Charlie have a serious conversation, Nick gently urges him to discuss the same with his parents. Despite having reservations about his mother, Charlie takes Nick’s advice and begins his treatment. Our lead couple spend quite a lot separately but overtime their bond grows stronger. The best part of their relationship is that they never let anything overwhelm themselves or strain their relationship. Kit Connor plays his role with a conviction; even though he has a mental breakdown from separation, he doesn’t let his fears alleviate Charlie’s anxieties. Joe Locke embraces Charlie’s fears and weaknesses wholeheartedly. The show also pans on their readiness to take their relationship to the next step; obviously the sex scenes are tasteful keeping in mind that they are portraying teenage characters!

Tao & Elle

I’m a huge fan of Yasmin Finney; have been so since I first saw her in Season One. We don’t have many trans actors in mainstream shows, so Yasmin is literally an icon leading the way for many others. This season, as Elle heads to Lambert School of Arts, Tao grows anxious. He plans a whole summer of romance, spending each day together. As Elle tries to alleviate his fears, their relationship grows mature, so does Tao who begins experimenting with creative video-editing. Being the better half of a future artist who is already Instagram famous, Tao tries to find his own path. Elle is concerned with body dysmorphia, as Tao wants to move ahead in their relationship. She also faces major disappointment when she is invited to a radio program, only to be questioned about her identity, when all she wants to do is talk about her art. William Gao gives an exemplary performance, not just as Elle’s boyfriend but also as a friend. He supports Nick when he has a breakdown in Charlie’s absence and also helps Charlie when he is confused about having sex with Nick.

Tara & Darcy

Despite being an established couple who are far ahead of their friends, Tara & Darcy had their own issues to handle. As Darcy grows too dependent on Tara (after leaving home), Tara feels overwhelmed and seeks some personal space. Though seemingly surprised by her request, Darcy moves to her grandmother’s home and their relationship remains unstressed. Darcy also starts experimenting with new pronouns as she further explores her sexuality before deciding that they are nonbinary. Tara remains a silent supporter beside Darcy as they come to terms with their new sexuality while handling her own anxieties. Being the best student at school, Tara is levied with people’s expectations and that supposedly takes a toll on her mental health, leading to a panic attack. Fortunately, Charlie is around, and he helps her calm down. Tara also spends a lot of time being Nick’s sounding board in Charlie’s absence and keeps him sane, while he is falling apart. Corinna Brown & Kizzy Edgell handle their roles sensibly and their chemistry is still spot on!

Imogen & Sahar

Imogen (Rhea Norwood) & Sahar (Leila Khan) have their own discoveries; as they accidentally end up kissing during a house party. Imogen’s frivolous nature doesn’t endear her to Sahar who believes that Imogen is just so unserious about most things. But she does credit Imogen with helping her figure out her sexuality, so they settle into an odd friendship. In a somber moment, she has a heartfelt conversation with Nick where she confesses that she has never felt anything for the boys she dated. Evidently confused about her sexuality, Imogene breaks down and Nick offers console as a friend. Though they are back together as friends, Sahar still harbors feelings for Imogene, so their future is uncertain.

Isaac Henderson

As a part of Charlie’s inner circle, Isaac isn’t unaffected. All his friends are dating, so he is mostly left to fend for himself. As he deals with loneliness, Isaac explores his sexuality as he comes to terms with the fact that he is asexual and aromantic. Isaac has a huge argument with Tao, but they quickly apologize and the friends are back together. Tobie Donovan plays this role with the same sensitivity, as he did in the previous seasons.

Final Impressions

Heartstopper isn’t just about love or romance; it handles sensitive topics that plague today’s youth, queer or not!

This season betrays a sensitivity that was absent in the previous seasons, as they were lighthearted and fluffy. The kids are growing up, and they have to deal with adult issues sooner than later- choosing universities, talking openly about sex and handling their mental ailments; most characters this season had a hard time. And this is what happens in real life; teenagers don’t have an easy life, they are an hormonal mess most of the times, confused about their feelings and surroundings. They never know whom to ask for help and it was this important message that “Heartstopper Season Three” delivered convincingly. Teenagers need to turn to adults and ask for help, they cannot solve everything on their own. Keep your tissues handy when you sit down to watch this four hour marathon!

Rating- 4.5 out of 5

Streaming on- Netflix