Heartstopper has captured the hearts of audiences over its past two seasons with its charm and heartfelt romance. The initial season explored the early stages of the relationship between Nicholas Nelson and Charlie Spring, while the second season delved into the complexities of coming out. The latest season, however, takes a more serious turn, addressing real-life issues such as eating disorders, mental health, asexuality, and sexuality, presenting a more genuine depiction of modern teenage life. Although it shifts from the previous lighthearted tone, the show continues to serve as a source of support for teens facing similar challenges.
As season three progresses, the emphasis on the significance of community, whether through family or chosen friends, becomes increasingly apparent. During the season, characters confront their struggles by leaning on their support systems. Charlie, with encouragement from Nick, seeks help for his eating disorder and mental health issues. Additionally, Tao and Elle navigate their sexual relationship after having crucial discussions about Elle’s gender identity. Tara deals with academic pressures and overcomes an anxiety attack thanks to her friends.
The finale, titled “Apart,” underscores the value of supportive relationships. It highlights how essential it is for LGBTQ+ individuals to foster strong support networks, which may sometimes be hard to find. Heartstopper conveys that the people who support us are often closer than we realize.
The episode opens with Nick and Charlie in bed, discussing their experiences sleeping together. They hint that their intimacy has not included penetrative sex, and the conversation evolves to encompass the various meanings of sex. Through a light-hearted banter, Charlie discovers that Nick has been exploring universities that aren’t local and expresses concern about being far from him.
Later, Charlie talks with his mother, who previously disallowed sleepovers at Nick’s house. She apologizes for her overprotectiveness and suggests postponing such arrangements until after exams, which Charlie agrees to.
Nick joins Tara, Imogen, and Elle on a college road trip, where they explore potential universities. During this trip, Imogen admits her past crush on Nick was more about seeking attention than genuine feelings. The next day, Elle mentions Nick’s intimacy with Charlie after hearing about it from Tao and urges him to buy condoms, marking a significant moment in their journey.
As Nick considers a university four hours away, he wrestles with the idea of a long-distance relationship and expresses his concerns. Meanwhile, Charlie reduces the frequency of his therapy sessions, realizing the importance of having a supportive community. Charlie also decides to run for head boy at his school.
The family attends a lively carnival where Charlie is set to perform with a band. He gives advice to a friend about his crush, Tori, who is struggling with her feelings. Tori expresses jealousy over Charlie’s optimism, and their interaction underscores the emotional connections they share.
Amid traffic delays, Nick feels compelled to support Charlie during his performance. They rush to arrive just in time, and Charlie successfully performs despite Nick’s late arrival. Afterward, Charlie’s mother finally permits him to sleep over at Nick’s place, leading to a delightful carnival scene where Elle shares her plans to attend art school in Europe.
The season culminates with Charlie and Nick taking a significant step in their physical relationship. As their intimacy deepens, Nick professes his love for Charlie, who responds with warmth and affirmation. The season concludes with a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love and the positive impact supportive words can have on one’s self-acceptance.