Heartstopper: Season 3 (Web Series) (UK)

I am sure, anyone who has seen first two seasons, would not have expected the change of pace and the storyline that is offered to the audience. The plot is a bit heavier than the usual lovey-dovey ones we have watched in first two seasons. It is not to say that the romance is not there, but the plat also focuses on some very meaningful and deep changes to the love story of Nick and Charlie. I also have. To say it that I did miss my favorite Olivia Coleman. I so wish she was there even just for a cameo maybe.

All the various couple are doing well in this relationships and we just see how they are all growing. The main focus. This time is on Nick's concerns around Charlie's struggles with eating and the possible disorder that he has. Alongwth help of Charlie's very supportive sister, Nick eventually gets to share etc burden of noticing something odd about Charlie and wanting to be there for him. These are kids and they just dont know what is wrong with Charlie and how they can help. Eventually an honest conversation with parents make them realize that the issues go further deep. Charlie eventually goes into rehab where he spends 3 months trying to work on his issues. The impact that this separation has on them both is shown beautifully with two different perspectives. The second half continues tp focus on that but also on the next two very important topics. They both want to take their relationship to next level and have sex but the awkwardness around being a teenager, having never done it, over-expectations are nicely handled and it eventually happens. And the final topic is around the fact that Nick is soon going to be out of college, so what is that going to mean for their relationship. Should Nick continue to only think of Charlie and his needs, or as his friends say, It is University Tim and Nick is allowed to be selfish for once.

We also see continuing stories of the other friends. The bookish asexual guy gets little more time, presumable to educate audience about aromanticism. We also see more of Darcy's journey into exploring their gender while dealing with a mother whose negative reaction to Darcy’s sexuality, gender expression and general existence leads to a demonstration of firmly establishing boundaries that many older generations could learn from. Tao and Elle are happy in their relationship even with Elle going to a new art school. Elle, a trans woman, is given space to explain her dysphoria, and again, this couple’s intimacy is filmed respectfully, and in a non-exploitative manner. 

Even with the evolution of characters and storylines contained within this season, Heartstopper continues to inhabit a world that is generally warm and loving. Even the darkest moments have a positive outcome. Nick and Charlie make a couple that we all wanna be a part of.  Charlie's performance special deserves special mention.  He show you that you can be loved in abundance and still face terrifying trials in your head, emerging as very real scars.This is not to say that there are no more lighter moments but they are few, far in between. In addition to focusing in the lead couple, the show is trying its best to show various spectrums within the LGBTQ+ community and the specific issues that teenagers these days have to go through. Like everyone else, I also wish we saw a bit more detailed account of the scene when they finally "do it", but hey we cant have it all. The sho w, even its third season, still makes it for a mandatory watch. (8.5/10)