Like a ray of sunshine through storm clouds, Netflix teen drama Heartstopper burst back onto screens earlier this month to provide some much-needed sunny optimism in a time of doomy turbulence. What cost of living crisis?
In season two, loved-up schoolboys Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) continued their wholesome relationship – and the rest of the Truham Grammar gang got busy too. The year climaxed with (in creator Alice Oseman’s words) a “really big, bomb-drop moment” at the end-of-year prom after-party, where Charlie revealed the sad truth that he used to self-harm in order to cope with homophobic bullying. Everyone had a cry, and then a huge hug – with Charlie promising to let his boyfriend know if he ever felt that bad again.
So, where do we go from here? Read on for everything you need to know about Heartstopper season three…
Has Heartstopper season 3 been confirmed yet?
Yes! An extra two seasons were commissioned straight after the first came out
There’s plenty more where that came from. Oseman’s graphic novels comprise four published volumes so far, and the series hasn’t come close to covering everything that’s happened in them. Depending on what Netflix wants to do, Heartstopper could run for ages. Currently planned are three seasons though, the latter two of which were green-lit shortly after season one became a massive hit in April 2022.
“We were overjoyed with the global reaction to Heartstopper and can’t wait to continue the story with two more seasons,” said Oseman at the time. “Watch this space!”
Does Heartstopper season 3 have a release date?
Netflix confirmed the news in May
Last August Euros Lyn, who directed all 16 episodes of Heartstopper season one and two, confirmed that he was “due to start work on [season three] soon”, meaning fans were anticipating a late 2024 or early 2025 release for Heartstopper season three. However, earlier this year, Netflix confirmed the show would be returning October 3.
All eight-episodes will premiere on the same day, so clear your schedule. The streamer shared the news alongside a first-look clip that sees Charlie trying to work up the courage to tell Nick he’s in love with him.
Are all the cast returning?
Nearly, but with an important omission
Expect to see all of Charlie and Nick’s classmates in registration next season. Well, all except one face – and you probably won’t miss them anyway.
Ben (played by Sebastian Croft) was Charlie’s toxic ex during season one, convincing him to meet up and make out in secret. Eventually, Charlie plucked up the courage to do what was right and bin him off, but Ben didn’t take it well and treated him pretty badly. In season two, he apologised for manipulating and belittling Charlie. That doesn’t mean he’ll be getting a more positive story next time around though.
“Alice and I both felt strongly about him not having a redemption arc,” Croft told official Netflix publication Tudum.
As for newcomers, it’s been confirmed Hayley Atwell will play Nick’s aunt, Diane while Eddie Marsan will take on the role of beloved graphic novel character Geoff, who is Charlie’s straight-talking therapist. Bridgerton‘s Jonathan Bailey will also cameo as Jack Maddox, an Instagram-famous classicist and Charlie’s celebrity crush.
Darragh Hand will also enter the world of Heartstopper as Michael Holden. Not only does he appear in the graphic novels, but Holden is also the protagonist of Oseman’s novel Solitaire. Are they setting things up for a spin-off?
What could happen in Heartstopper season 3?
Let’s look at the books, shall we?
From the four Heartstopper graphic novels so far, the show has touched on a fair few storylines. Season two introduced Charlie’s struggles with his eating disorder for the first time – something that forms the focus of volume four (released May 2021). So expect that to become a bigger thing in season three.
In a Netflix blog, Oseman explained: “Season 2 ended with Nick beginning to understand the extent of Charlie’s mental health issues, and it’s this that will drive the story through Season 3.
“While Heartstopper will always celebrate the joyful and point towards hope, I’m really excited that we are allowing the tone of the show to mature alongside our beloved characters growing up. Mental health, sex, university ambitions, and more: Nick, Charlie, and the Heartstopper teens are getting older, learning more about themselves and each other, and experiencing new desires, new fears, and new joys as they approach adulthood.”
“The key to each season is thinking about each couple and how their relationship can progress in some way,” Oseman added. “It’s going to feel like a really different season, and I love that we are doing something different. People will be surprised, and I can’t wait.”