Fans of Heartstopper are eagerly awaiting the arrival of season 3, and the good news is that new episodes are on their way soon.
The Emmy-winning Netflix series follows openly gay teenager Charlie Spring (played by Joe Locke) as he forms a friendship with rugby player Nick Nelson (portrayed by Kit Connor).
As their relationship develops, Nick comes to the realization that he is “bisexual, actually.” Season 2, which debuted in August 2023, ended on a bittersweet note.
Following the prom, Charlie opened up to Nick about his struggles with disordered eating and past self-harm. The two expressed their deep feelings for each other, though they stopped short of saying “I love you.”
Fans can expect these unresolved emotions to be addressed in Heartstopper season 3. In March 2024, Netflix confirmed that season 3 of Heartstopper would premiere on October 3, 2024.
The official Heartstopper Instagram revealed in September 2023 that the first episode of season 3 is titled “Love.”
This episode is expected to go through Nick and Charlie’s growing closeness as they approach the moment of confessing their love for each other.
For those familiar with the graphic novels, the events of season 3 may already be known. However, creator Alice Oseman teased during an August 2023 interview with Tudum, “I think [Season 2’s ending] sets up that conversation for the next season. We know Charlie loves Nick, and Nick loves Charlie too. It’s just about when and how they’re going to say it.”
In August 2024, Netflix revealed additional episode titles: Episode 2 is “Home,” Episode 3 is “Talk,” and Episode 4 is “Journey.”
The fifth episode, titled “Winter,” seems to be influenced by Oseman’s This Winter novella, which focuses on Charlie’s sister, Tori. Episode 6 is titled “Body,” while Episodes 7 and 8 are called “Together” and “Apart.”
Sebastian Croft, who played Ben, will not appear in the new season. In a powerful scene from season 2, Charlie refused to forgive Ben for bullying and assaulting him, and Ben revealed that he was transferring to a new school for Sixth Form.
“Ben’s role in Heartstopper is now complete,” Oseman shared in an interview with Tudum. “I am so proud and honored that Sebastian has been part of Heartstopper, and I know he will go on to achieve incredible things.”
Additionally, Olivia Colman, who played Nick’s mother, confirmed in March 2024 that she would not be reprising her role in season 3. “I couldn’t fit it in,” Colman told.
“I feel awful about that because it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever been a part of.”
As hinted in the season 2 finale, Charlie’s struggles with his eating disorder and self-harm will be a major focus in the upcoming season. “In season 2, we began to delve deeply into mental health,” Oseman told in August 2023.
Locke noted that filming the more intimate scenes felt “almost like being back in season 1 with the first kissing scene.” While he and Kit Connor are comfortable with each other, these moments were still vulnerable to film.
Connor echoed this sentiment, telling a month later, “We filmed a lot of footage for those scenes. Not everything made it into the show, but we spent about seven hours shooting the sex scenes.”
Though Heartstopper remains faithful to Oseman’s graphic novels, the creator is excited to continue expanding the story.
“With seasons 1 and 2, we’ve had so much character development for Tao, Elle, Tara, Isaac, and even new characters like Imogen. There’s plenty to play with in season 3, and I’m excited to let the show take its own shape.”
In November 2023, Oseman announced that actor Darragh Hand would play Michael Holden in the third season. Michael, a central character from Oseman’s first novel Solitaire, is connected to Charlie’s sister, Tori.
Oseman explained her excitement about casting Hand, describing Michael as a “quirky, eccentric optimist.” She shared that Hand brought humor and warmth to the role, perfectly complementing Jenny Walser, who plays Tori Spring.
In April 2024, Netflix also revealed that Jonathan Bailey, Hayley Atwell, and Eddie Marsan would be joining the cast in undisclosed roles.
Filming for season 3 wrapped in December 2023. Oseman expressed her gratitude to the cast and crew on Instagram, writing, “Season 3 takes Heartstopper into uncharted territory, and though it presented challenges, everyone did an amazing job. I can’t wait to share what we’ve created.”
Locke shared Oseman’s post, humorously commenting on Instagram, “Can you tell how tired we all are? But S3 is the best yet, so it’s worth it.” Connor marked the end of filming with beach photos and a behind-the-scenes snap from the makeup chair.
In May 2024, Netflix released a clip featuring Charlie contemplating how to tell Nick that he loves him.
Charlie receives a pep talk from Tori, encouraging him to be honest with Nick. The clip ends with the couple reuniting before heading off on a beach trip with friends.
