I am happy that Heartstopper is getting a finale film instead of Season 4, and here’s the reason why

Heartstopper is getting a finale film (Image via YouTube/Netflix)
Heartstopper is getting a finale film (Image via YouTube/Netflix)

*Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article belong solely to the author.*

After months of suspense, Netflix has confirmed the future of Heartstopper, announcing that the heartwarming LGBTQ romantic drama would be getting a feature film as the finale instead of a fourth season. When I found out about the development, I felt a mix of emotions: relief that the show isn’t canceled and sadness that it is coming to an end.

However, after a little thought, I was happy that Nick and Charlie’s adorable love story is being concluded with a film. Yes, I too was hoping for a fourth season initially, considering how beloved the two teenagers have become to me and many others.

But looking back at the storyline so far and how Alice Oseman is planning to conclude the story, a complete season would have unnecessarily stretched out the plot. At the same time, Kit Connor and Joe Locke’s stardom could have also hindered the production of a final installment. Here are some reasons why I believe it is best to end Heartstopper with a film rather than a season 4.


Why I think Heartstopper is getting the perfect ending with a film

Sometimes television shows get stretched out too long and begin to lose their charm. Heartstopper has always created magic with its authenticity and emotional honesty, which is why watching it feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

In the final volume of the graphic novels, Nick prepares for college, which makes Charlie worried about their future. Trying to fit this storyline into eight episodes might have forced the addition of unnecessary scenes, which could slow down the pace and impact the heart of the story.

A movie, on the other hand, needs to cover only the most meaningful moments. This way, the conclusion can feel emotional yet powerful without dragging things out. Another factor is the actors’ ages.

Both Kit Connor and Joe Locke are now in their early 20s, and while they are still fantastic at playing teenagers, the gap between their real ages and their characters’ ages is growing. A movie allows the story to wrap up while they are still believable as high school seniors.

Additionally, the two actors are in high demand now and have some ambitious projects to work on. Committing to an entire season would have been a challenge for them, and there would always be a risk that scheduling conflicts could interrupt production. Wrapping up with a movie ensures that Nick and Charlie’s relationship gets a proper ending, with both actors still fully involved.

Coming to the storyline, Season 3 already showed Nick and Charlie facing some intense issues, from Charlie’s mental health problems to Nick’s family challenges. While there is still an important story left to tell, dragging these emotional themes across a whole season might have made the show feel repetitive or too heavy.

Finally, ending Heartstopper with a movie just feels more special. Series finales can sometimes come off like just another episode. On the contrary, a movie can be seen as a special event that pays tribute to everything Heartstopper has meant to so many people.

There could be special screenings or viewings where fans can gather and say goodbye to their favorite characters together. That is the kind of ending Nick and Charlie’s journey deserves.

There have been several shows in the past that concluded with a film and became a part of pop culture, including Prison Break, Firefly, and Deadwood. Another LGBTQ comedy-drama, Looking, ended with a film after two critically acclaimed seasons.

With a feature-length finale, Heartstopper is also getting a farewell it deserves. Rather than overstaying its welcome or risking an incomplete ending, the show is ending on a high note. That is why I am happy that it is getting a finale film instead of Season 4.

Heartstopper Seasons 1 to 3 are streaming on Netflix.

Edited by Sroban Ghosh