Heartstopper Season 3: Everything we know so far
NetflixIt’s been a good few months since Heartstopper’s second season, but what about Season 3? Here’s everything we know so far, from production updates to casting.
Though Heartstopper, based on Alice Oseman’s webcomics of the same name, is intended for teenage audiences, it’s become one of the best TV shows around for adults too thanks to its nostalgic exploration of coming-of-age and young love, candid portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships and issues, and engaging storytelling and cast.
While it might not have as strong viewership figures compared to the streaming giant’s other big hits, the Heartstopper cast continues to create strong hype, with the final installment of the novels only recently released.
But the question remains: will Heartstopper be back for Season 3? Here’s everything we know so far. Warning: Spoilers ahead for Heartstopper Season 2!
Will there be a Heartstopper Season 3?
Yes! Netflix previously renewed Heartstopper for Seasons 2 and 3.
Although the streamer has left fans scratching their heads recently with the cancellation of fan fave shows such as Warrior Nun (which was later reversed) and Lockwood & Co., the same can’t be said for Heartstopper.
In May 2022, Netflix’s Tudum announced the good news, writing: “We’re about to make your heart stop with some queer joy because Heartstopper creator and writer Alice Oseman has a special announcement: ‘We were overjoyed with the global reaction to Heartstopper and can’t wait to continue the story with two more seasons. Watch this space!’”
Is there a Heartstopper Season 3 release date?
Heartstopper Season 3 will be released on October 3, 2024.
Season 1 of Heartstopper dropped in April 2022, and fans didn’t have to wait long for the second chapter, which arrived in August 2023. Season 3 is following this pattern, keeping in line with the seasonal changes seen in the original graphic novels.
However, that doesn’t mean fans are too happy about having to wait longer for new episodes. When the release window was announced, fans were vocal in their disappointment. “I love Heartstopper but there is no reason for a show with 10 30-minute episodes to take 14 months to release a new season,” one posted on X/Twitter. A second weighed in: “Me finding out the release month for Heartstopper S3 and then realizing it’s 7 months away.”
A third speculated: “FR!! I mean… we got the S3 date on Jan 3rd, I believe, so that’s a month and a half basically before release, whereas Heartstopper is 7 MONTHS away… maybe Heartstopper has been in production for much longer and it’s a finished project now… whereas OBX still has stuff to do.”
Heartstopper Season 3 cast: Who will be in it?
Heartstopper leads Joe Locke and Kit Connor are both returning for Season 3, alongside series regular including Yasmin Finney.
The full speculated cast list includes:
- Joe Locke as Charlie
- Kit Connor as Nick
- Yasmin Finney as Elle
- William Gao as Tao
- Corinna Brown as Tara
- Kizzy Edgell as Darcy
- Tobie Donovan as Isaac
- Rhea Norwood as Imogen
- Olivia Colman as Sarah
- Jenny Walser as Tori
- Leila Khan as Sahar
In November, Oseman revealed that Darragh Hand has been cast as Michael Holden, a character from her first novel Solitaire who will be making his on-screen debut in Season 3.
One character we won’t be seeing more of, however, is Ben, portrayed by Sebastian Croft. The reason being that Ben doesn’t appear beyond Volume One of the books, but Oseman decided to include him in Season 2 as she felt his presence to be important to the story.
Speaking to Tudum, she explained: “As Season 2 begins to unpack the trauma that Charlie carries with him due to his toxic relationship with Ben and the bullying he has faced in the past, I felt Ben’s presence was necessary to properly address those topics.”
NetflixOseman added: “We were in constant debate about finding the line between Ben being unrealistically demonic and too sympathetic. I feel we found that line and I am so proud and honored that Sebastian has been a part of Heartstopper. I know that he’ll go on to do incredible things, and I will be cheering from the sidelines all the way.”
Olivia Colman has also confirmed that she won’t be returning for Season 3.
Heartstopper Season 3 plot: What will it be about?
Although there are no official plot details for Season 3, since the second season was based on Volume 3 of the Heartstopper graphic novel series, we can expect the third to follow the events of Volume 4.
This picks up from where we left off, with Charlie wanting to tell Nick those three important words: “I love you.” While Nick feels the same, he’s got a lot on his plate after coming out to his dad, and his concerns over Charlie’s eating disorder, which will no doubt continue to play out in Season 3.
We can also expect the continuation of their friendship group’s arcs, including Tara and Darcy’s relationship, Isaac’s asexuality journey, Elle and Tao’s long-distance relationship, and Imogen’s potential feelings for Sahar.
NetflixOf course, Oseman has had the freedom to deviate from the books while still staying true to the source material, and so there will likely be some new plot details and character developments in Season 3.
“I’m always very committed to preserving what is in the comics and making sure all the big, exciting moments are in the show, but honestly, there is just so much extra space around that to do whatever we want,” she told Entertainment Weekly.
“Now that we’ve got Seasons 1 and 2, we’ve had so much development for the supporting cast: Tao, Elle, Tara, Isaac, even new characters like Imogen. There’s so much new stuff that gives us so much to play with in Season 3.
“I feel very comfortable letting the show be its own thing. In my mind, the show and the comic feel very separate, although it’s quite a faithful adaptation. I feel excited to get to expand Heartstopper for the show.”
Is there a Heartstopper Season 3 trailer?
No, since Heartstopper Season 3 is in early development, there is no trailer at the time of writing. In the meantime, you can check out a delightful video of the Heartstopper cast answering fan questions below:
And you can check out the Season 2 trailer below:
We’ll drop the Heartstopper Season 3 trailer in this space when it becomes available.
In the meantime, check out other new TV shows you should stream this month, and the best TV of 2024 so far.
