Heartstopper season 3 review: A beautiful and heartfelt journey through mental health and self-discovery

With Heartstopper season 3, warmth, inclusivity, and emotional depth come heavy-hitting on the personal struggles of its characters. The new season focuses on mental health, self-acceptance, and all of the difficulties people go through in the LGBTQ+ community.

As much of a love story as it is, the season is much more than that. It deals with deeper issues many young people can relate to: this issue of eating disorders, anxiety, and trying to understand identity. The season follows Charlie as he deals with the aftermath of his mental health issues, which include eating disorders and anxiety.

Meanwhile, Nick has to come to terms with what it's like to support a loved one through these difficult times. The series does not sensationalize the difficult topics but instead gives viewers a raw, honest look at how these issues can impact relationships. It then delves into Isaac's aromanticism and asexuality.

And the cherry on the cake? Jonathan Bailey makes a stunning appearance as Jack Maddox and brings much-needed new energy to the cast. Overall, Heartstopper season 3 masterfully weaves complex themes through the plot: the necessity of support and patience in matters related to mental health and self-discovery.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the author's opinions.

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Charlie's mental health problems

Charlie's mental health journey is something that Heartstopper season 3 focuses on. The show does not back away from the realities of living with an eating disorder but still does it gently. It does not focus on weight or numbers but more so on the emotional impacts these disorders can take, particularly how they may often go unnoticed by those around you.

Charlie Spring (Image via Netflix)

Charlie's struggles are portrayed as realistic. He is not attempting to change his body, but he is surely trying to control his life. The show avoids disturbing images of extreme weight loss or calorie counting. What makes Charlie's journey so impactful is that it is shown through his relationships with Nick and his friends.

With growing anxiety comes the realization that though he has a much better life above ground, psychologically, he still suffers. Heartstopper season 3 successfully handles this duality outside and inside, pointing out to the audience that sometimes a mental illness does not have to be caused by any "logical" reasons.

Heartstopper season 3 conveys an important message about how the struggle with mental health might persist, even when seemingly everything's okay in life.

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Isaac’s exploration of aromanticism and asexuality

Isaac's story is prominent in Heartstopper season 3, providing much-needed aromantic and asexual representation on screen. His self-discovery journey, though not as central to the narrative as some of the others, is important. Isaac’s realization that the romantic feelings he thought he should have aren’t really what he wants is handled with care and nuance.

The show depicts his coming-out process in a very silent yet meaningful way. Most of Isaac's conversations with Charlie and others depict the confusion and relief that often accompany understanding one's identity. Including this storyline expands the breadth of LGBTQ+ representation in the show and highlights the diversity of experiences within the community.

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The relationships continue to evolve in Heartstopper season 3

Although mental health and identity formation are the central issues, relationships still primarily drive the show's plot. Nick and Charlie’s relationship is as strong as ever, but now it is tested through Charlie's struggles. Nick's attempts to support Charlie provide an insight into the challenges of being there for a person dealing with mental health issues.

Elle and Tao (Image via Netflix )

The show does justice in trying to capture the realities of those ups and downs between the two. Meanwhile, Tao and Elle's love story develops further while Darcy and Tara navigate their issues. Darcy struggles through their journey of self-discovery to come to terms with their gender identity.

The relationships in Heartstopper continue to evolve in a way that feels natural and relatable. They serve as a reminder that love and friendship can provide strength in difficult times. Jonathan Bailey's portrayal of Jack Maddox adds an exciting new energy, as his character stirs up fresh plotlines and interactions with the rest of the cast.

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Heartstopper season 3 is available to stream on Netflix.