Finally. Although it has only been one year and two months since the last season. The buildup of what happens next in the Netflix series “Heartstopper” has left fans dying of curiosity. Before the show was on Netflix, it was a comic book series. For those who have read the comic, the excitement may not match the level of those who have only seen the show. Fans were eagerly awaiting the release of the new season on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. Season 3 of “Heartstopper” introduces a variety of new themes.
In the first two episodes the audience becomes aware that Charlie has an eating disorder. There were many scenes hinting at this in seasons one and two. Although it was somewhat talked about at the end of season two, the speculation of the disorder itself was not confirmed. Charlie tells his boyfriend Nick while he is away on vacation with his aunt and uncle. His aunt is a therapist and gives advice to him about what he can do to help Charlie. Being there for him by talking and listening to him. Cheering up Charlie when he is having a bad day. Asking what he (Nick) can do to help on those bad days. His aunt said, “love cannot cure a mental illness.” This went on to show how Charlie’s eating disorder did not just affect him, but also impacted his family, his friends and Nick. His time in the treatment center reminds the audience how much his friends care for him, shown through thoughtful cards and a well-made video his friend Tao filmed. Hearing about an eating disorder from a man’s perspective is rare, and shedding light on this issue may encourage other men to speak up and seek help.
Individuality in a romantic relationship comes up throughout the entire season. After his two-month stay in the eating disorder treatment center, Charlie continued weekly therapy sessions. He loves Nick with his entire being. However, he realized that this is not the only person in his life that he must always give energy to. That his other relationships matter. Such as his friends, his sister Tori and his parents. They all meet his emotional needs to a certain extent, and it is important to keep them close. Charlie’s friends Tao and Elle who are together are reminded of the same thing. They do not need to be with each other every second of the day. Friends are still important to them and their energy should not be limited to only one person. Being independent is crucial. Nick feels that he does not know who he is without Charlie. In the next season we can hopefully see the evolution of his identity.
The character that sticks out in season three is Isaac. He has a book in his hand at all times. Even when he is hanging out with friends. A reserved individual who the audience has not gotten to know the past two seasons. He starts to say more in this season. He is displeased with always being the seventh wheel when he is hanging out with his group of friends. In season two he was still figuring out his sexuality, especially after he kissed one of his peers named James. His self-discovery led him to figure out that he is aromantic and asexual. Imogen is another character that is figuring out her sexuality. She talks to Nick about how she felt pressured to have a boyfriend in the past and believes she has never really had a crush on a man before but felt like she had to because that was the norm. That is compulsory heterosexuality. An important theme that came up was sex. Characters such as Elle and Charlie had concerns (although different) about what would happen and were unsure if they were even ready. The show did a nice job, letting the audience know that it is completely fine to have those thoughts along with not doing it until you feel comfortable.
Season three of “Heartstopper’s” new themes dove into the complexities of the human experience and the relationships that come with it. The triumphs and challenges of being a human with themes of sexuality, sex, gender identity, and mental health made this show worth watching.
