Heartstopper season 3 is a testament to Alice Oseman’s commitment to telling nuanced queer stories from the perspective of teenagers. Growing up, there were only two kinds of shows for teenagers. One was the Degrassi type that taught you a lesson. And the other was the Gossip Girl kind of show, where everyone was obsessed with drama and sex. Heartstopper finds a happy medium that feels more honest and real than any teen show I have ever watched. And as one of the only LGBTQ+ shows out there left in this desert wasteland of cancellations, it’s an example as to the positive queer representation we need to see more of.
Overall, the thing that I loved the most about Heartstopper season 3 is that it trusted its audience. For example, Isaac coming out as asexual and aromantic to Charlie. The show made it so Charlie didn’t automatically know what that meant, being aromantic. Just because you’re part of the queer community doesn’t mean you know everything. But more importantly, the show made it so Isaac didn’t have to sit down and give a lesson on what his experience was like. Even Elle, who experienced gender dysphoria this season, this was not classroom time to explain what she was going through. All of their feelings were valid and given the platform to express them well, while trusting that the audience would do their own research if they needed to know more.
When it comes to trust, I also think that the show did a really good job in season 3 of showing that these teenagers are looking for partners. Most teen shows have leaned way too heavily into the sex, drugs, and drama of it all. But in reality, we’re looking for people to walk through life with and who understand us. And when you’re a teenager, that’s when you learn the essential building blocks of what to expect from relationships. And Heartstopper is setting an example of how you treat your partner, what things you should be looking for that fit you, and how you can tackle things in life together without hurting your partner if it contradicts what they want. It’s all an example on how to respect ourselves and respect others.
Then there are the relationships in Heartstopper season 3.
Heartstopper didn’t forget that the most important part of the show are the friendships. Yes, romantic relationships are important within the show itself, because these formative years are when the romantic sparks between people emerge. But friendships are key to each and every single character on this show. Some favorite moments of mine were Isaac coming to question Charlie if he was okay and respecting Charlie space. I also really liked when Tara sat with Nick multiple times throughout the season, a sounding board to help with some of the heavy things they were both going through. I also liked the small moments that we got between Imogen and Sahar, as they were trying to figure out their friendship was a relationship. And when someone faltered when it came to being a good friend, Heartstopper made sure that they were held accountable before moving forward together.
Now if we’re talking romance, Heartstopper season 3 covered something that I’ve never seen another teen show hit as seamlessly. They focused on the shift that happens in those teenage years when you first start realizing you like someone and how it eventually develops into something a little bit more physical. Being a teenager is super confusing and hard, and I love that Heartstopper took the time to explore the anxiety, discomfort, and enjoyment that comes with change. And it wasn’t only for the teenagers of the show. We saw Mr. Ajayi and Mr. Farouk also experiencing shifts in their relationship that explored opportunities maybe they never had when they were younger. And it was all done with respect, love, and honesty.
If there’s any complaint I have when it comes to Heartstopper season 3, it’s that this feels like the end of part 1. And even that complaint is born from me just wanting more of these characters. The show has made sure that every single character, besides the parents (guess another complaint here), gets a moment to shine, leading to an intricate web of characters and plot development that feels rich. That’s why I think Heartstopper season 3 is a nuanced take on the LGBTQ+ experience but also required watching for those within our community. And I don’t say that lightly because our shows have been canceled left and right (including by Netflix itself) and it hurts out there being a fan or avid TV watcher. Heartstopper is unique and beloved. And I hope that Netflix continues on this journey with the world that Alice Oseman has created.
Heartstopper season 3 is now available on Netflix.
