Heartstopper Season 3 Was Hard To Watch....

[@LoraK31]

It's actually wild how they managed to get this big ensemble cast and give each of them so much development in just 8 30-minute episodes! So many shows drop the ball on this where characters get sidelined, but Heartstopper really did right by all of them this season

[@ellie-rey]

I think it was established in ep 8 of Heartstopper that Imogen is a lesbian. It's not said explicitly, but she talks a lot about comphet with Nick and says that she doesn't think that she's ever actually liked a boy. Her little monologue, for me, is one of the best representations I've ever seen of how I felt working through my comphet and realizing I was a lesbian-like I had to pause the episode and take a moment because, for a moment, I just saw myself in Imogen. I do definitely agree though that her and Sahar's relationship is very much still left in the air and I can't wait to see where it goes.

[@normaladjacent]

Definitely, it’s alluded to in episode 3 too, when she talks about how she liked the idea of dating Ben but was bored once they actually got together.

[@chimaxx]

I think that even if they both realized that they are bi or lesbian, their personal styles don’t mesh, so they are better off friends. But that was before Imogen’s conversation with Nick, and I think she has to peel apart how much of her behavior is a true expression of self and how much is performance of the sort of girl she wanted to be/thought she was supposed to be. After she does that work, maybe she and Sahar will be closer together, or maybe they’ll br reassured that they can be supportive besties but not girlfriends. Sahar seems to know who she is. Imogen has a lot of unraveling to do to discover herself. If they don’t get together,they will likely become for one another something equally important-the best friend you call first when something is amiss in your relationship, the one who will instantly see through the facade of normalcy you’re putting on to get through the day by day, but will wait til you’re safely alone to say, “ok, girl, out with it.” They will be for one another the one who will listen to you tell what’s going on, take it all in, and then say either “That’s unacceptable. Get out” or “I think maybe you’re overreacting here.” And explain why. They will be the one whose advice you will listen to seriously (whether or not you ultimately take it) because you know it comes from a place of absolute honesty and trustworthiness. And as you get into your 20s and 30s and even beyond, that person will continue to be important and will continue to be the one whose advice you shows up when you absolutely need someone’s help and who you do the same for. As important as romantic partners are. That sort of friend can be equally important.

[@justathought247]

THIS IS SO TRUE I HAVENT HEARD ANYONE TALK ABOUT IT😭😭

[@i_reallylikecrows]

for real like this was similar to how i came to terms with being a lesbian

[@Justaqueerthing]

I don’t think it’s unrealistic most of them are queer- we flock together😂 like it makes sense the friendgroup would find each other🤷🏻‍♀️

[@just_peachy3582]

Agreed. All my straight friends end up not being straight anymore lol

[@Justaqueerthing]

@@just_peachy3582 they are either queer or neurodivergent in my case🥰 which I love

[@eliesundesastre9473]

​@@Justaqueerthing Or both!

[@asterismos5451]

Yeah like the only straight people I know are my family? And even then my entire generation of family is queer....

[@diamondyvie1182]

You know some straight people think everything must be about them lol so queer people being the main focus and the straights being reduced to side characters is something that doesn't make sense in their mind.

[@nina__serafina]

As someone who has suffered and still does suffer with an eating disorder I personally thought the way they handled Charlie's eating disorder was done really well. I usually hate when shows do and ED because the way it's done is very patronizing in my opinion like magically going to one therapy appointment doesn't fix everything. But the way it was handled in the show made me cry so much because I have been in Charlie's shoes of lashing out at my friends, skipping meals with my family and feeling like I couldn't tell anyone.

[@jadestutorials]

yes exactly it was so good, if you want i have a recommendation, it's a show called everything now it's on netflix and it only has one season since it got cancelled but it such a good show and has a good reputation of ed

[@jadestutorials]

yes exactly it was so good, if you want i have a recommendation, it's a show called everything now it's on netflix and it only has one season since it got cancelled but it such a good show and has a good reputation of ed

[@froggymuds]

Exactly, I have an ocd based eating disorder and I feel like it's the only time I've seen that form of it explored this well.

[@J_Mock92]

Yeah, it definitely hit close to home for me as well, and I thought they did a really good job. Some things felt a _little_ breezed through, but I particularly liked how they handled the way it affects the people around the person suffering. I was Bulimic all through highschool and to an extent beyond (I'm much better now but still binge sometimes to this day), and while the behaviors present differently from Anorexia, the body image issues and the way it affects your relationships with others can be so detrimental. People approaching it or wording things in a certain way can easily make you lash out, or just completely shut down and go into a state of denial. I loved the advice Nick's aunt gave to him, as well as the interactions between Charlie and his therapist. It's so important for people to see and hear stuff like that in media. The issue wasn't presented as some horrible incurable thing, but the importance and severity of it wasn't looked over or anything, if that makes sense.

[@ritx_.07]

@@nina__serafina i also love how they talked about ED’s that aren’t to do with the way you look or how skinny you can get, ED’s can be caused by so many things just like ocd

[@meowleymontana]

as a therapist, i absolutely loveeddd the representation of mental health this season, especially how they did say he got lucky that the rehab helped without invalidating or dismissing those who do have bad experiences at such spaces.

[@orimoreau3138]

"therapist" lmao

[@kphoria1009]

@@orimoreau3138???

[@vallie764]

@@orimoreau3138???

[@meowleymontana]

@@orimoreau3138 ??

[@bioluminescentlyunfolding5716]

This. I've got different mental health issues to Charlie, but I've had a mix of very good and very bad care experiences and I thought they struck a great balance by acknowledging that variation exists. I liked how they showed snippets from lots of therapy sessions over time, to realistically convey the gradual pace of change (and the slow growth of Charlie's trust, in his therapist and in himself) that is more likely than the high drama TV shows portraying therapy often rely on. I also appreciated the realism of how Charlie was initially told he'd have a long wait for NHS care. Unfortunately CAHMS is an over-stretched lottery (when they're even willing to help: e.g. CAMHS is infamous for often refusing to see autistic teens who have co-occurring mental health needs) and it is very realistic that Charlie's ability to access timely, good quality care turns on his parents having access to the significant resources it can often take to self-fund.

[@isabellewoods1396]

I’m pretty sure that Imogen is a lesbian and dealing with comphet because she said that she’s never crushed on boys just liked the idea of them xx

[@julessjuul]

My exact same thoughts!! I just recognize a lot of her in myself hahahh

[@em-yu6sb]

I literally loveeee how Imogen had a queer awakening but didn't just get coupled off. like a lot of shows portray gay awakenings as you have it, then date the person, which is usually not the case. and i love how they showed how real comphet can seem.

[@Harrison_J_T]

I loved Isaac's story this season and that he got more attention on him in general, he definitely feels like a more fully rounded character now. Also, while I'm not ace or aro, as a trans man who realised my identity in my 30s I really related to him when he talked about how realising he was ace and aro changed everything he thought he knew about himself and his life and his future. I've never seen that talked about before but I feel a lot of trans and queer people experience that.

[@andylewis1318]

You forgotten to mention Tori who had a a bit of character development

[@littleanina1]

Tori was my fav before, but now definitely🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@ezequielmondada6427]

That's because her character development is to not being apathetic anymore and caring about life and not just charlie, Alice didn't put much of solitaire in Heartstopper

[@hrtsforzi]

reading solitaire makes watching this so much harder😭

[@orimoreau3138]

It was way too distracting how old the actress they cast was. She's supposed to be like 16-18, why does she look like she's in her 30's?

[@kphoria1009]

@@orimoreau3138she doesn’t look that old

[@contra3486]

One thing tho it’s heavily implied that Imogen is actually lesbian, not bi/pan

[@kaleem9162]

No one knows what the ending is cause the final book isn't out yet , also they aren't going to uni right away , 6th form is 2 year ( year 12+13 ) . Nick and the others just finished 1st year of 6th form , so they still have a year left . Season 4 isn't going to be set in college, the ending is probably gonna be a send off to college .

[@Tyler-x7u]

doesn’t that mean the 4th season will be a long time away as the book has to be released, then it has to be scripted, then filmed??

[@mythicalunicorn4530]

The author has said stuff about their future. Don’t wanna spoil but it’s out there if you look it up!

[@kaleem9162]

@@Tyler-x7u not necessarily, the book is ready , alice is currently working on the show and they only take a few months to film and a few months in post production with that being said season 4 will definitely come out before 2026

[@kaleem9162]

@@mythicalunicorn4530 that's common sense , she said that she's done with the book .

[@ThatsMyUsborneBook]

​@kaleem9162 the author is currently writing book 6 - it's not finished. We are reading a page of the new book that she is drawing currently on their patreon. It's definitely not finished yet.

[@nouhot1]

My personal opinion this is mine with how heartstopper is I think you have to think about the timeline like there is some really personal things like stuff you don’t share with your crush which all of heartstopper from my personal opinion on watching it, you’re watching through the eyes of Nick and Charlie. You have the first season the crush season the will they won’t they. That phase that is very common irl relationships Then the honeymoon phase, where you’re still getting to know the other person but it’s all rainbows and butterflies Then you have the third season where you get to learn more about the other. The worst parts , the best parts this is like usually when people tend to break up but with Nick and Charlie it’s showing how strong their relationship is

[@strangegiraffe]

This is a perfect explanation! Makes a lot of sense

[@nouhot1]

@@strangegiraffe ty omg

[@lucky_squirtle]

I really enjoyed binge watching Heartstopper S3. The season definitely dealt with more emotionally heavier topics than the first 2 seasons. But, I feel that there were so many great messages that the story was able to convey because of those emotionally heavy stories. One of my favorite scenes is where Nick’s aunt tells him that love can’t cure a mental illness and that people need more support and love than one person can give. I also like how the scene of Charlie with his therapist Geoff reinforces the same themes. Charlie tells Geoff that he’s beginning to realize the value in the other relationships he has apart from his romantic partnership with Nick. Familial and platonic relationships are super important and I do feel that sometimes media makes them seem less important or secondary to romantic ones. So I love that Heartstopper incorporated the importance of all kinds of healthy, loving relationships into the overarching themes of the season. Apart from the really great messages, I really enjoyed how vibrant the outfits and background settings were this season!

[@marcusmelancon3426]

I like how obsessed Nick and Charlie are with each other but I agree it isn’t healthy like his aunt said and when he kept saying he can’t leave because it would hurt Charlie while true I was suspecting he also didn’t want to leave him for himself as well so I’m glad he was able to admit at the end that it was for him as well

[@Harrison_J_T]

Sahar didn't realise she was bi when they made out at Halloween, she says shes bi in season 2 after Imogen say can't say she's the token ally when Sahar is there too. And Imogen isn't bi or pan, she's gay. She says to Nick she doesn't think she ever actuslly liked a boy, she just wanted a boyfriend because she thought that's what she was meant to want and she also enjoyed getting attention from boys. She didn't realise she was queer before now because of compulsive heterosexuality. Even in season 1 when Nick says he doesn't like her romantically she says 'but we've been friends for years' and likewise in season 2 she said she's known Ben for years - she didn't know what romantic attraction felt like because she's not romantically attracted to boys so she mistook her strong platonic feelings for her long time friends who are male as romantic. Also she doesn't kiss Sahar after they agree to be friends, she kisses her at Halloween and new years and they have a conversation where Imogen admits she realises she's not straight at Charlie's birthday which I think is in April? Sahar then says they'd be terrible as a couple which Imogen agrees with, but based on the fact Sahar wrote a song about her and Imogen still seeming into Sahar at the end of the season it did feel like they were setting them up to get together in season 4. Also, i dont think she's ever openly said how she identifies but we haven't seen anything to duggest that Elle is queer so it may be that Tao is not the only straight member of the main cast.

[@orimoreau3138]

every girl is either bi or straight, childhood trauma doesn't really count

[@asterismos5451]

oh my god I would LOVE an Isaac episode! Alice is obviously a great person to be involved in creating that and as an aro person, it would just mean so so much. Even if Isaac's experience isn't much like mine at all (mostly since I'm not ace and my friends have always also been single lol) it means so much to me and I hope saves me the trouble of explaining aromanticism to so many other people :D

[@orimoreau3138]

Good character, shame they chose the actor that doesn't look anywhere like the one in the source material. Why pick a fatty well-built boy when he was clearly supposed to be a thin blonde twink? Strange decision

[@K4TSSS]

I hate when ppl say it’s unrealistic 😭 it’s a TV SHOW OFC ITS NOT REALISTIC?! Like if you watched a zombie you wouldn’t complain it’s unrealistic BECAUSE ITS NOT REAL ITS MEANT TO BE A ESCAPE FROM REALITY IMAGINE IF ALL SHOWS WERE REALISTIC THAT WOULD BE MISERABLE 😭😭

[@Danica-gz4nr]

Right!! The osemanverse is literally my escape from reality partly because it is unrealistic 😭😭😭

[@urfavsh1teditor]

No but it actually is kind of realistic tho. The dialogue was cringey sometimes but it sound like stuff a British teen would say (i am one so I'd know). The only unrealistic thing is how much they swore imo. Its a 1000x worse irl 😭

[@K4TSSS]

@@urfavsh1teditor it is realistic but ppl expect it to be JUST like reality and it pisses me off 😭

[@artemis88899]

​@@urfavsh1teditorI agree. It kind of feels cringe at times, but that's what the show needs. They are supposed to be 15-17 year old teens lol

[@double0zero758]

You’re confusing realistic for relatable. The show, on many levels; has relatable content that a lot of fans love because it speaks on a lot of topics that hit home. But the non-realistic take is valid, because it’s an adaptation of a comic series. The things they go through are sure, relatable. But the actual ways Nick and Charlie act around each other are a bit unrealistic. I can’t quite but my finger on it, maybe it’s the heavy romance they have isn’t quite getting shown through the actors? Either way, the characters just aren’t acting right this season.

[@ThatsMyUsborneBook]

Imogen didn’t kiss Sahar after their discussion to be friends. That discussion happened in the tent at Charlie's birthday party in April. She kissed Sahar at the previous Halloween and New Year's parties.

[@dappled_blue1608]

One of my closest friends is suffereing from an ED, and I think how they handled parts of Charlies ED was really good. Charlie lashing out at his friends, the way the treatment he went through did not fix him - its like a mirror of what I witnessed happening to my friend. Thank you Heartstopper for this representation!!

[@gabrielleduplessis7388]

Part 1: I think two things that don’t get discussed when it comes to Heartstopper are the therapy scenes and how the relationships aren’t fetishized. First, I have seen many therapists review therapy scenes in movies and shows and hate how they are written and filmed. They see therapists be condescending and insult their patients or hide their files from them. I appreciate they did not do that in Heartstopper. Charlie’s therapist followed the advice that therapists in these videos bring up. He listens, asks good questions, acts like a guide to Charlie, and shows empathy. He doesn’t judge Charlie. And I love that he tells Charlie that he is more confident and brave than he thinks. He even respects Charlie’s choice to meet once a week versus a few times a week. And I appreciated how Charlie mentioned there are some staff and therapists who aren’t like that which makes his relationship with his current therapist a godsend. There is a level of trust and compassion there.

[@gabrielleduplessis7388]

I forgot to mention Nick’s aunt, who is also a therapist. I loved seeing how supportive she was of Nick and how he tried helping Charlie and how she offered great advice on how to approach the topic to Charlie, but also sees how much pain Nick is going through.

[@urfavsh1teditor]

Charlie's problems this season were so well-written. I didn't think they'd be able to go too far into it because then shows only a 12, but I cried so much because it was so realistic. This was definitely the deepest season so far but I absolutely loved it

[@sl.2126]

The vibe I got is that Imogen is a lesbian!! She said that she doesn't think she's actually liked a boy before

[@magdieljmc]

I completely agree with you on the S thing in publicity and interviews. I LOVED the way they mentioned it and laughed so much with it but I was actually expecting something not as graphic as we're used to, and I'm so glad that's what we got. It was fun and endearing to watch their "sexual interactions" in a non overly sexualized or explicit way. It's the magic of Heartstopper: daring to be different to other teen series out there. I loved how the characters developed and how Charlie's arc was not solely centered on him but on the impact his condition has on people around him, specially Nick and Tori. I feel like we should have gotten more screen time with Charlie's dad, as he was so protective in season 1, but his mom needed some extra time, too. I finished reading the 5 book yesterday and I was shocked to see it ended as in the final episode. The "extra" scenes we might have gotten are from the other books Alice has written, so the aftermath will inevitably be in the fourth and final season. Let's hope it happens, as anything is possible with Netflix.

[@just_peachy3582]

On terms of Tori’s relationship with Michael, I believe it’s queer platonic. It’s obviously more than just friendship, but they both seem to not care about labeling it and they also don’t seem very romantic. They just really enjoy each others presence in their lives. I wasn’t sure but then there a moment where Isaac looks at them, and that kinda confirmed it for me. I think maybe Isaac might start exploring friendships outside of the established friend group and maybe exploring queer platonic relationships. As someone who is somewhere on the aroace spectrum, I relate a lot to both Isaac and Tori. I really want to have a special person in my life, but I’m very averse to any sexual or romantic aspects. I really value my friends, almost in a serious relationship way. And that’s how it seems both Isaac and Tori are. So that’s my take lol

[@Cries_In_Vampire]

If you read the book about how they get together (solitaire) it’s super clear that Tori is some type of aro/ace!

[@katheyy0078]

Omg same here. I was kinda disappointed that they changed the ferris wheel scene (which was different in the comics and would have brought more rep and clarity)

[@dylanmeek8394]

The final scene of volume 5 in the comics (the end of season 2 of the show) does have them acknowledging how big of a distance it'll be if Nick goes to college far away but they weren't sure if there would be a season 4 (I still don't think it's 100% confirmed by Netflix) so they didn't want the last scene of the show to be a cliffhanger if they don't get a season 4 but they still wanted to set it up if they do. That's why you might have felt like the ending kinda felt awkward. I am so hoping for a season 4 confirmation soon!!! Love the vids!!!!!

[@marcusmelancon3426]

I believe Alice said it hasn’t been renewed yet but she has started working on season 4 so that if it is she has things ready

[@bioluminescentlyunfolding5716]

Yeah, these days Netflix gives shows so much less of a chance than in the past so it makes sense for them to hedge their bits a bit in the interest of leaving themselves open to continuing if it's renewed, but having at least some sense of an ending if it isn't. Fingers crossed!

[@dadadada6147]

It genuinely so sad that humanity never learns. Haven’t we had enough little black girl characters forced into the role of an activist for their lifelyhood rightfully been criticised? Why should trans people now all of a sudden be activist first and humans last? 😢

[@eggsbennydict28]

REAL REAL REAL

[@nikoblack1272]

i really want to know more about James, Isaac, Tori + Michael, and Sahar + Imogen ; i don't need them all to get super deep storylines but i want to see how their arcs play out -

[@springdemon.w.]

I definitely recommend reading Solitaire then, for Michael and Tori!! I love them sm, season 3 just had me re-reading it

[@amadou.oury.diallo]

Charlie has always been my favorite character because he is literally my story portrayed in media in too many ways than some. Even before the series came out, from the novel series. And, I’m so in joy with how they portrayed his character trajectory, specifically with his ED and him, learning to become an individual outside of his romantic sexual relationship, and him learning to not be so closed off with those around him in his struggles and him being needy not being a flaw of himself or burdensome. I’m also so happy they finally started diving into codependency in relationships. Both with Charlie and Nick, as well with the other folks. Charlie and Tori (hopefully that’s how you spell her name), Tao and Elle, and with Darcy and Tara, just to name a few. So many gems and not enough time to write. 😁 Each new season has been my favorite and this one was not an exception. I’m so excited for whenever the new season comes out. 🙏🏽

[@Cayles764]

Multiple Beebadoobee songs were in season 1 😅

[@Evergreenvic]

Came here to say that. Like where were you in S1? Snow scene ❄️ - my favorite scene of the whole season.

[@yaboimax]

as a reader of the comics, i think this season was reallllyyyyyy good like they ate down, i think the adaptation was great and casting for the new characters was amazing. i know Michael is much less involved in Heartstopper but i found myself asking every episode "where's Michael 😢" hahaha, Darragh did an amazing job in what we've seen so far. right now the show has caught up to the books and i think Alice Oseman is writing the last book to then do the season 4 adaptation so we might have a bit of a wait ahead of us. overall i loved the season and i really hope we get a Solitaire spin off, seeing Michael and Tori together just solidified that want and need for me 🥰

[@yaboimax]

also hello from a UK ruminator! you should definitely come visit London you'll have a blast 💥

[@FayolaLoves]

I love heartstopper. From a queer person that goes to a British secondary school I find the characters so relatable, both through the queer issues they work through and just general teenage worries; and it’s really reassuring to see queer characters be shown as other things than queer. They have struggles, and issues, and personalities.

[@NicoleDlSantos]

Why is he acting like Sahar wasn't on season 2 and is a completely new character? I mean, we don't know much about her but she was on season 2

[@ladieslovecj]

i mean its kinda fair enough to forget she was on s2 because she was (unfortunately) kinda just a nothingburger character introduced for imogens development

[@manuba_]

yeah honestly I can barely remember any scene she was in in s2 except for her correcting Imogen for being bi and not straight

[@syds8752]

Sahar is in the comics too so he really played her 😂

[@montserratmarroquin400]

Sahar had barely any screen time to deep dive into her character so makes sense why he would forget her.

[@yasberry]

i was shocked that the last episode was the last episode too, i feel like some storylines were kinda just skimmed over, and i wished the episodes were longer to flesh out things more. tao and elle's relationship was adorable though!!! and the representation of each issue was really good and accurate. this season was so wholesome, even though the topics got deep

[@Kaejoa]

i liked it but it definitely just felt like a bunch of PSA’s and one liners to communicate to ‘the youths’. i think it’s really good i don’t think it’s bad and every message was great but as someone who has been through things like residential treatment there wasn’t really any plot i could enjoy without a glaring lesson at the forefront.

[@ThatsMyUsborneBook]

Beabadoobee's been on the soundtrack since season one. Taylor was in season 2.

[@jbach1738]

Speaking on eating disorders. Charlie's behavior is really common for people with very restrictive eating habits. Not only would he be defensive about talking about it because it's just not something anyone wants to discuss, but lashing out is completely normal in someone suffering from malnutrition. Depriving the brain of essential nutrients causes major fluctuations in mood and behavior. That's why competent modern mental health professionals won't diagnose anything like depression, borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, any form of psychosis, bipolar disorder, etc., until the malnutrition is sorted out. Blood tests and other factors have to be normal before other mental illnesses can be diagnosed because malnutrition WILL CAUSE the appearance of other mental illnesses. In this particular case, it was obvious that the OCD was directly related to the root cause of the ED, but all of Charlie's other erratic behavior is most likely caused by the ED itself. Malnutrition will mess with you and make you act crazy. Brain misfiring, body frantically searching for what it needs, dehydration is a big factor too. Someone suffering from malnutrition will act kinda crazy sometimes as the brain lacks what it needs to function, and the body tries to react to that. So try not to be too mad at Charlie guys. His brain was literally starving for nutrients, and he couldn't control his behavior. Luckily, Nick is a very understanding boyfriend.

[@gabrielleduplessis7388]

Part 2: While character’s sexualities are explored on the show, I don’t see them fetishize the teen characters which is huge, especially in the age where shows like Euphoria are constantly critiquing the weird objectification of teenage characters. Yes I know they are played by adults, but they are playing teenagers. I get the Heartstopper characters are kissing a lot or having sex, but we are not getting weird pan ins to people’s bodies or the panning up and down. It is one thing to have a character look at their love interest’s body, but you don’t feel the camera person is purposefully trying to be creepy with it. They show that teenagers do think about sex or not and I feel the writing portrays it in a grounded way versus just exploiting the actors. That is such a huge reprieve considering how this is a problem in books and media.

[@태이씨]

Agreed

[@fionakida]

Honestly, I’m just happy to see a show handle queer and personal difficulties on a deep level and yet still just celebrate QUEER JOY!!!😭 how did they balance that fantasy element to it like THANK YOU🥹💗✨

[@supergriffin844]

I dont see enough people pointing out that project waisa a band that has william Gao in it also had music in the series

[@Person-yr6td]

The one thing I didn't like about this season was Tara's panic attack. The build up to it was fine, but how it resolved was just unrealistic. She took three deep breaths, and Charlie told her where she was, and she was suddenly okay? I know every person with anxiety has different types of panic attacks, but for me they can last hours. Seeing one be "dealt with" in less than two minutes just felt like it was rushed. I know that they technically cut away from her and move on but it's never brought up again. Just thought it was weird.

[@urfavsh1teditor]

No I totally agree. I think they could've done more with it instead of it just taking two secs to resolve, it doesn't work like that at all. I hope they do more with it next season

[@EmonEconomist]

I agree too. There's a lot of talk about how we got deeper into various characters' stories this season and I think that's true for a lot of the main ensemble, but Tara's storyline just felt a little too rushed - I wish we'd seen more of how her school-related stress affected her at school, in exams, while studying etc, and how it affected her family/friendships/relationship with Darcy. And more about her journey to realising she was putting too much pressure on herself, and learning to take a step back (more than just one panic attack). It felt like there was meant to be more but it got cut for time (though I have nothing to support that, it's just the vibe I felt from the season with regard to Tara).

[@eclipse_eternal8178]

Yeah, someone had to coach me through breathing for about 2-3 minuets straight to stop me from hyperventilating, and even after that I was still in the middle of an attack, it took about 10 minuets after that to start properly calming down. To be honest I have had one where it lasted for about 5 minuets fully and it was pretty much done but yeah, not usually realistic to have it resolved that quickly.

[@montserratmarroquin400]

I didn’t mind that actually, but I would have liked to see everyone’s reactions

[@just_peachy3582]

I like that Imogen and Sahar decided to be friends. I think their relationship wouldn’t have worked with all their history, and because Imogen doesn’t know who she is yet. She needs time for herself to figure things out. I don’t have any theories on what her sexuality may be, whether she is bi or pan or a lesbian or something else entirely. I will say as someone on the aroace spectrum, I relate a lot to Imogen when she was describing not knowing if she ever truly liked any of her crushes. Now this could point to her being a lesbian, but it also seems to me that she doesn’t like Sahar. It truly did feel more experimental and like she didn’t know what she was feeling or what she was supposed to feel. I’m here for her character regardless because I love her and she’s probably the character I’m most like besides Tara

[@montserratmarroquin400]

Idk if this is a hot take but the whole Sahar x Imogen thing felt very forced in my opinion They didn’t have any meaningful scenes before they kissed and half of the time it looked like Sahar was even annoyed with her, glad they stayed friends tho.

[@MegaMusic104]

Great video, I loved what you stated about character growth to me that is also important when watching a show, and I hate when writers don’t show that more or let characters backslide like they did in How I Met Your Mother. I’m also glad that they finally acknowledged how Nick doesn’t really know who he is without Charlie. Also I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels that this season was left open ended. I don’t know if I’m the only one but I need Nick and David to have a healthy interaction, like why is David so nasty for no reason.

[@Tuckerz5d]

Like you, I love the series. As Isaac said, “I wanna believe in romance.” There’s enough harsh reality out there, let’s share some queer joy. At the same time, even in seasons 1&2 the show has always given concrete examples of the challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth and positive examples of how to cope with challenges. Mixed in with the joy and the romance are so many teachable moments. Alice is my hero. 🌿💕🌿

[@vanillaplanifoliae]

this season drove me crazy but it also made me cry a lot - like full-on sobbing - at the end. mixture of annoying wholesome kids and very personal mental health stuff

[@julesucodecaixinha]

no, but like the way tao fully accepted and encouraged elle to go study in france, love the character development 🙏

[@morevannypso5005]

The only complaint I have about this season, is how little they show compared to telling.. the previous 2 seasons, did a really good job showing the characters story and development, scene by scene. This season it felt like almost every character outside of Nick and Charlie, their story and development was TOLD to us (through Nick or Charlie) rather than SHOWING the audience these stories and developments.

[@tylerdoesathing]

u want spoilers? okay so boom: we don't know a lot, only literally like a couple things because the comics havent came out yet for the next volume. however, the novella, nick and charlie does take place during the season 4 timeframe and some shi goes down: - tao and elle break up because they dont think they can handle long distance. closer to the end, they get back together. - nick and charlie legit ghost eachother for like 2 weeks from a misunderstanding about uni stuff and they have a big fight at a party when charlie is super drunk - s4 will likely be volume 6, the nick & charlie novella, and the epilogue. - epilogue: nick goes to leeds, it is unwritten where charlie goes. nick firstly plays semi-pro rugby, marries charlie, they have children. nick goes onto teaching a younger team, and that leads him into teaching at primary school. charlie majors in classics and gets a job at a publishing house and does stuff there ig. - don't know anything abt anyone else but alice did say everyone has a happy ending!!!!!! - also if u read solitaire, a book that takes place during s3's timeline from tori's perspective, higgs (the girls school in truham) burns down??????? (like it's the major plot point of the book). they do not mention it at all in s3, and neither do they in the comics either. it's easier not to mention it because of the time skippiung and a damn school burning down is not very heartstoppery and will def need further explanation if mentioned. im not sure how they'll go about it so idk. - alice has already started writing the scripts for s4!!!!!!!! - im honesly terrified for s4 kay byeeeeeeeeeeee

[@Harrison_J_T]

Heartstopper season 4, as far as I'm aware has not been confirmed. There was an AI recording of Alice Oseman confirming a fourth season doing the rounds a while back but what she's actually said is she really hopes we get a season 4 but she doesn't know yet if we will.

[@freddykent8470]

Nah it hasn't been confirmed keep streaming cause Netfkix has no mercy on any shows

[@orimoreau3138]

@@freddykent8470 " Netfkix has no mercy on any shows" wdym

[@andy3701]

Ever since both season 2 and 3 were announced I was sooo excited and could not wait for season 3 because it covers my most favorite arc from the comics. Definitely the best season in my personal opinion.

[@jennifervasquez]

I didnt expect to relate to the depiction of charlies ed since i have arfid n thats very different from anorexia, but some of the moments felt incredibly realistic to my own experience. I cant speak for how accurate it was as a depiction of anorexia specifically, but as a depiction of an ed in general it was very good. The moment of him anxiously staring at his plate while at the table w his family immediately reminded me of every time ive nearly had an anxiety attack while at a restaurant w my family. Also, on the topic of the ending, in the book there is actually one more conversation between nick n charlie after they have sex, but i figured they removed it so the topic could be saved for s4 n to give the s3 finale a sweeter ending.

[@laurenj6802]

You mean Darcy would be staying and Tara would be leaving for college with Nick, Elle, and Imogen. The people still in high school are Charlie, Tao, Issac, Darcy, and Sahar

[@EmonEconomist]

Darcy and Sahar are in the same year as Nick, Elle and Tara. I think Darcy's likely just not planning to go to uni (given her obvious disappointment with her grades), and I'm not sure why Sahar didn't go school-hunting with them but maybe she isn't planning on going to uni either.

[@raygoodspeed2382]

ALL the characters have at least one more year at school. Charlie, Tao and Isaac have two more years. The others have a whole battery of exams to take (plus interviews etc) before they know if they can be admitted to uni and get an offer from the unis they like. The road trip was just to decide what unis they could POSSIBLY apply for.

[@dreafrieght]

I loved the aroace representation in isaac.. it somehow captured how I myself feel about my own sexuality

[@katheyy0078]

Same! I’m so happy seeing that other people relate to aroace stories too. I still struggle with believing myself

[@Maddie-nx3hb]

Also it was confirmed I believe by the scene in the hotel room with Nick and imogen at the end that imogen is lesbian!

[@hauntmethenn]

i am obsessed with the music ! there were some incredible songs in season 1 but omg this season's soundtrack is insane. and the way they caught up with the comics was well done and I love that we got rid of Ben too we really didn't need him this season.

[@hrtsforzi]

i feel like y’all are lying bro was bullied, assaulted, and called a slur and ppl are like nah too happy?😭

[@JustWandering]

Ikr, talk about grading on a curve ;_;

[@syds8752]

😂 exactly

[@nikoblack1272]

i think if anyone breaks up, it would be Tara and Darcy, tho i can see them deciding to remain friends because they do love each other outside of their romantic relationship, it would just wreck me bc they're so established

[@montserratmarroquin400]

Why them tho? They have so much development and have tremendously helped each other, It would feel really weird if they just broke up

[@nikoblack1272]

@montserratmarroquin400 they're our longest established couple, so it could be more impactful ; i don't think they'd stay broken up but i can see half a season's worth of angst at least -

[@ca1tl1m]

I've been waiting for this video!! ❤

[@nikoblack1272]

i also wanted to see Nick and Charlie hash out the reality of being somewhat separated ; i don't remember if it's been mentioned where Charlie is thinking of going for university but his mom is definitely pushing him to go somewhere lol a four-hour drive is nothing compared to international flights lol so if Elle and Tao can do it, Nick and Charlie certainly can

[@jungkookthesithlord8168]

It’s absolutely not unrealistic to have a queer friend group gays just attract each other?💀

[@beefy74]

girl elle’s storyline hit so close to home. i started going back to college this year and my english teacher is GAH. she asked our pronouns at the beginning of class, i gave them, yet there have been several instances where she’s used the wrong pronouns for me. she apologized the first time, but the rest, nothing. like i understand how i look and i’m not mad if you don’t know my pronouns, but if you’re trying to be woke, if you KNOW, your presence leaves a bad taste in my mouth. for our first micro research project, we were supposed to come up with a thesis statement delving into the book we’re reading. I wanted to go into hurricane preparedness and the lack of funding for minority communities. The resource she sent me was about intersectionality and the LGBT community. The book we’re reading, Men We Reap by Jesmyn Ward, does not mention queerness at all. I am a middle class white person. I do not want to insert the only “marginalization” i have into analysis about a memoir written to honor this woman’s family and friends who have died.

[@nevermind9835]

It’s definitely not that unrealistic that most of them are queer. I was born in Russia and somehow managed to find a fully queer friend group in my homophonic motherland RUSSIA in MIDDLE SCHOOL in the beginning of the 2010’s. And yes, there were indeed children running around and joking about facing legal consequences because of their sexuality, yes I am traumatised by the experience of growing up in such environment, so seeing such representation is always heartwarming.

[@davidssubwaycookies190]

I cried like 3 times ngl

[@oatmeallover4302]

I’m happy we live in a world where we don’t only have to consume media about queer pain and suffering. I think it’s important to show that side AND to show what things could look like in a better world. Heartstopper is such a good example of how things SHOULD be, so yea, it’s not gonna be super realistic and I’m okay with that.

[@frijolera.21]

im not aroace but i fw issac heavy. my favorite asexual/aromantic bookworm 🙏🏼

[@dianabimabloff4581]

I think Alice Osseman is specifically talented in making and bringing to life this wholesome little universe where even the bad things end up dealt with well and aknowledged. It isn't the real world. But it is a world-the Heartstopper world. That's what makes it special and lovely. Season 3 really deals with handling the bad things healthily. As for the sex I feel like after the first season came it was such a big criticism that there wasn't any/enough sex for it to 'count' as good queer representation which is ironic considering 1. The author is ace and 2. To claim that within the sphere of queer tv representation there isn't enough explicitly sexual representation is just wild.

[@mariem92]

You didn't mention Tori! I loved to see more of her and I feel like she's also ace! I would also love to have more focus on Isaac (and Tori if she is really ace). I am ace and it feels so good to be finally seen in tv shows, especially in a show like Heartstopper which is so genuine and truthful.

[@katheyy0078]

That’s dealt with in the comics and in solitaire

[@Greenlight83380]

THANK YOU ofc the story is amazing but THE MUSIC IS SOOOO GOOD. ❤ 20:19

[@robinkarlsen7113]

omg the bombas sponsorship was so perfect, bc yesterday (day after this came out) was apparently World Homeless day according to a charity i support

[@coolchameleon21]

i feel like the show has improved so much since its first season. the first season was very cute and fun, but it felt a bit hollow and fluffy. i was very impressed with how much the show has developed in the second and third seasons

[@ravenbuscus4416]

I loved all 3 seasons and didn't think s3 was hard to watch at all, especially because I knew what was going to happen from the comic. I like that it did feel grown up, because the characters are older. However, I can't watch anything with overly mature scenes, and it was great that this never crossed the line for me. It was still very wholesome and cute, and fit the exact same audience.

[@jhinjhin00_1]

I think the fight scenes or similar difficult scenes could have been shown at length, like the time Charlie relapses, rather than showing it as a short clip or montage! That’s the only feedback I think I have! Also I really was feeling for Issac since I am the third wheel almost all the time:(

[@strigiformthunderstorm]

The "ladies" moment w/ Darcy was so real

[@anwar--]

This review is Really spotted on thanks some ppl needed this

[@just_peachy3582]

I really hope season four has less focus on Nick and Charlie and an equal focus on everyone in the friend group. If I’m correct, the characters who would be going off to uni still have a year left before then. They’re about 17. So I think next season would be wrapping up some of the storylines from season three and then possibly leaving for uni at the end. I hope there are more seasons after season four, but if not, I think it would be a good place to end

[@mauriciocordoba952]

I think that Charlie’s parents had a huge effect on his ED. They were so fast to critic and yet so bad to accept critic. It was very realistic. Probably the most realistic thing in the show

[@victoryluck]

Darcy's haircut was amazing. Big improvement. So cute.

[@eggsbennydict28]

I ADORED Isaac and I loved how real Elle’s awful interview was. I’m a trans person and it feels super super real, that people will just use you to hear about the “trans debate” when it’s NOT A DEBATE. ITS MY LIFE. I loved how this season went I thought it was great. All the characters are flawed and well rounded

[@Awakening_Sunshine]

I’m not sure where you’re getting the info that season 4 has been confirmed. There haven’t been any announcements I’ve seen about it (including when I just googled it)

[@IXFALLS]

absolutely loved this season

[@tangerinenina]

i'm so happy that in this season Isaac got to be a person since in the last two he was just existing on the background. As an ace person myself i finally feel represented in the loneliness and confusion that it brings. It still kind of frustates me that his character still revolves in being the one who reads and doesn't enjoy beign with other that much(even if in this season he's finally saying more than two words). Ace people can be extroverted and open, not just loner bookworms.

[@syds8752]

They’ve had music from beabadoobee since season 1. That’s how I found out who they were. Also, the creator Alice wants a 4th season. They’re still releasing content and it covers pretty much everything you want to see and your prediction 👀

[@katecollins2471]

My take (as a 33 year old adult) is that kit and joe talking about the sex so much in the press interviews wasn’t to “hype it up.” I think they’re very young actors who have only really done this show (I know kit had a few other smaller roles) slash are only really known for this show and I think they’re growing up and want to be seen as more than child actors. I think they want to be seen as mature actors. In a very sweet, normal and healthy way, the way they discuss the sex in this season during the press release feels like 19-21 year olds who think they’re grown up. I was like that too 😂 Its refreshing to see kids are the same! Haha. That’s my two cents anyway.

[@ThatsMyUsborneBook]

I think it's because the age rating for the show is age 12+ and so they are talking directly to their younger audience.

[@frijolera.21]

I was really annoyed with Charlie a lot, probably because I see myself in him. Also it's not uncommon to have a huge queer friend group bc that's literally my friends and me 💀

[@dzrmgkva]

Idk if I still like heartstopper, but it's still educational, like now I know that I had ocd anorexia too, and I'm not just mentally ill/picky eater. New day new diagnosis🐬🐟💫🌊

[@killerpanda2086]

I loved the ace representation tho, I'm ace and nobody really cares about asexuals cause it doesn't matter, I guess. Really nice to see a character actually open their mouth and say, yep I'm aro ace.

[@katheyy0078]

Love it !!

[@omarirucker9226]

With the break up i am sensing tara and darcy. With all their not talking out things and darcy now finding herself and becoming more of the person she wants to be will def bring a big wedge between them which will result in a break up. They will likely stay friends just because of the group but i don't think it'll be a melt down more of a agreement and realisation.

[@crumbsintopebbles]

It is a bit unrealistic, but more in the sense that I wish this had been my experience. I wish my family had been accepting when I came out as bisexual. I wish I had a loving, caring partner who wants the best for me. I wish I had a close, healthy group of friends. I wish my parents had known some of the things shown here when I was going through an ED.

[@lily-rl8po]

i hate to be that guy but imogen is like heavily implied to be a lesbian who experienced comphet, not bi or pan!!! her conversation with nick made that veryyy clear to me like her whole spiel about only wanting a boyfriend because “that’s what cool girls do” and it “made her feel important” ! i think she even explicitly says that she doesn’t think she’s ever liked a boy! so sorry but im very passionate about this :)

[@orimoreau3138]

"bi or pan" isn't that literally the same?

[@birnapetursdottir2616]

@@orimoreau3138Not necessarily. Bi is being attracted to more than one gender while pan is being attracted to people regardless of what gender they are.

[@orimoreau3138]

​@@birnapetursdottir2616 "bi is being attracted to more than one gender" I thought "bi" stands for two, as in you're attracted to both genders. So you can be attracted to both men and women, just as a pansexual. I still don't see the difference

[@birnapetursdottir2616]

@@orimoreau3138 Bi can mean two and also more than two, and there are more than two genders. There is a lot of overlap so I get the confusion, the way people describe their attraction and therefore label themselves is very varied. People experience attraction in all kinds of ways and so I think it’s just up to the individual to decide how or if they want to label themselves.

[@orimoreau3138]

@@birnapetursdottir2616 "and there are more than two genders. " what, how does that work? I don't know about all animals/plants but for humans we clearly just have male and female

[@rafscult]

wow I’m actually shocked, but spoiler alert (books) 🚨 nick and charlie actually “breakup” and spend some time apart because of the distance drama before Nick leaves. but they get back together in the end.

[@SR-ql9he]

I mean, that's a bit inaccurate. They basically thought the other one broke up with them/wanted to break up so they didn't talk to each other for 2 weeks. After that both of them said they don't want to break up.

[@rafscult]

@@SR-ql9he yeah I know, that’s why I put quotes in breakup because it’s not really a breakup hahaha

[@mcfrog5473]

It annoys me when people say it’s unrealistic that everyone in the show is queer, because it’s not like the entire school is queer. There are, I would say, a normal amount of queer people in this universe and the show is centered around them because it’s a queer show. Also, Tao is not queer and he’s one of the main characters

[@birnapetursdottir2616]

People who say it’s unrealistic are most likely not queer and don’t know that queer people tend to flock together.

[@jordhailwood]

Been waiting for this !!!

[@kanelives609]

One thing you didn't talk about is how great Tori is as casual autistic representation!

[@briannacherie]

about the older characters going to uni- where season 3 ended theyre in year 12, we still have the rest of year 12 and all of year 12 to see more of their stories before they go to uni, i suspect that might be the season 4 ending??

[@aobakwekeatlhomile8226]

I cried the entire season 😭😭😭😭even in the happy moments😂

[@kphoria1009]

beabadoobee literally has 4 songs in season 1 lmao

[@bennyboiart7781]

I loved this season, but one thing that stood out somewhat awkwardly (unrelated to the actual plot) was the distinct lack of Nick's, mom's (i.e, Olivia Colman's) presence. I mean sure, a show about teenage romances should focus on the teenage characters. However, there would be times when she logically should have been present, like during the Christmas episode, but was always conveniently just out of sight. It made me half wonder if all their star actor cameo budget went to Jonathan Bailey this season, or if it was just a matter of scheduling conflicts.

[@ThatsMyUsborneBook]

We were told in advance by the creator om socials that Olivia was not available to film this season and accommodations would be made to adjust because most of her lines all series are actually in this season. It didn't have anything to do with budget - she's just a busy actor.

[@bennyboiart7781]

@@ThatsMyUsborneBook that makes sense, and while I missed her presence in the show, I'm glad she's occupied with other acting opportunities.

[@idrissadial4963]

We need to see more and get more out of the teachers! Farouk and Mr. Ajayi

[@rafaelorona1395]

This show is amazing and yes, a bit unrealistic and overly optimistic, but the queer community needs to see this positive outlook. We are crowded with negative and overly sexual representation. I’m excited for season 4, because there is much that was set, but not resolved, new challenges for their relationships. I do see breakups happening, and experiencing that first breakup is going to be heartbreaking.

[@Lilt348]

Not skipping Tori😭😭 She got neglected enough in s3

[@katheyy0078]

So true!!!