Over the past seasons, Heartstopper has captured the hearts of many fans across the world. Its lighthearted charm and romance has garnered plenty of appreciation.
The first season was all about Nick Nelson (played by Kit Connor) and Charlie Spring (played by Joe Locke) falling in love. Season 2 took a deep dive into the complexities of coming out. It looked closely at how different individuals navigate relationships.
Heartstopper Season 3 lays out some really sensitive issues of mental health, eating disorder, and asexuality. It explores some real-world issues to make fans of the series feel more connected to it, especially teens, who are going through similar phases or have gone through their share of similar days.
Season 3 also dwells on the importance of having a like-minded community or a support system. The major and sensitive issues of the series are resolved by the characters when they decide to be held by their loved ones.
Apart is the name of the finale episode of Heartstopper Season 3. It further highlights the theme of community and how friend circles or inner circles matter. It strikes a hopeful note for all those who feel like there is nobody to support them through their journey.
All in all, Heartstopper is a heartwarming story about love and community.
Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers for Heartstopper Season 3. Reader discretion is advised.
Heartstopper: Nick and Charlie’s journey in Season 3
Heartbreak Season 3 sees new relationship struggles faced by Nick and Charlie. They are pushed to grow, both as individuals as well as a couple. This season is not just about their journey as a romantic couple, but also about finding comfort in their own skins and being there for each other through all of it.
The season finale opens with the two boys in bed, thinking about their first time being physically intimate. Amidst the vulnerability of the moment, Nick tells Charlie that there is no way to fit love and intimacy in one box or for it to be a certain way. What he means is that there is no right way to love somebody. He also says that it’s not about rules, but connection.
This marks a pivotal moment in their relationship, as it shifts from the honeymoon phase and looks at the reality of their relationship in the future. They also ponder upon long-distance relationships. Nick has been looking for universities and researching on it, and this leaves Charlie all shaken.
He is scared of it all not working out for them. Nick downplays the situation by telling Charlie that he won’t be away for too long as he just cannot do that.
Charlie’s growth and his family
Charlie is one of the major characters of the series and in Heartstopper Season 3, he experiences certain changes in his life. One of those moments is when he has a conversation with his mother.
Earlier, she was against his sleepover with Nick. In this season, his mother says sorry for being overprotective. She also tells Charlie if he can hold it off until his exams are over. This is relatable to many viewers because of the subtle balance Chalie must maintain between his family and relationship.
Charlie’s story in Heartstopper isn't limited to his relationship with Nick. It’s also about his mental health. Throughout the season, Charlie struggles with an eating disorder and mental health struggles, but with Nick’s love and support, he starts seeking help. By the end of the season, Charlie is more confident, optimistic, and comfortable in his own skin. He even applies to be the headboy.
When he starts seeking help, he realizes how he is surrounded by people who love him. He had a support system in Nick and his friends. The boy who could not take his shirt off, had finally shed his layers, and let his vulnerability out in the open, in front of his lover. We see his journey of self-discovery culminating in a beautiful and inspiring end. In one of the scenes, Charlie says:
“I think I realized that even though I love Nick, I need other people.”
In Alice Oseman (series creator)’s words:
“It ends in such a joyful, beautiful place for both of them. Charlie finally has such confidence, security, and safety in himself — not just in his relationship.”
Nick’s road trip and what it means for their future
Charlie remains at home and Nick goes off to visit universities with his friends Imogen, Elle, and Tara. In this trip, Nick begins realizing how life would be like away from home. He realizes that school would be four hours away. This distance feels like a threat for Nick and Charlie’s relationship, especially for Nick, as he stands at the crossroads of his dreams and love life.
On their way back home, Nick expresses his fears about long-distance relationships. This is going to be a major conversation that could be setting the stage for future seasons.
The carnival and Charlie’s performance
One of the significant highlights of the final episode of Heartstopper is Charlie performing in a band. He plays with Sahar's band, Queer Intentions. Nick does not make it on time due to traffic, but Charlie still confidently takes the stage. This is new for him because earlier, he wouldn’t have done it. This goes to show just how much he has grown as an individual and become confident in himself. He has started finding joy outside of his relationship with Nick.
Nick eventually makes it to the carnival, mid-performance, and just in time for a heartwarming moment with Charlie after his performance. Charlie’s mother finally allows him for a sleepover with Nick. They both go home and Charlie finally takes his shirt off, which is a huge step towards self-acceptance.
Heartstopper Season 3 closes with Charlie finally getting comfortable and accepting himself, which is difficult for someone struggling with body image. It shows us that the road to self-love and acceptance is a long one, but with the help of others, it becomes an easier and more positive journey.
As for what happens next for Nick and Charlie, we’ll just have to wait for Heartstopper Season 4 to find out.
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Heartstopper can be streamed on Netflix.
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