Everything we know about Heartstopper season 3

Love stories come in all shapes and sizes and one of TV’s most popular is set to continue later this year on Netflix with the arrival of Heartstopper season 3.

Based on the graphic novel series of the same name by writer and illustrator Alice Oseman, Heartstopper follows Charlie and Nick, two high schoolers from opposite ends of the social ladder who find themselves attracted to each other.

Throughout the show’s two previously released series, we’ve seen Charlie and Nick’s relationship endure various ups and downs alongside the love lives of their extended friend group.

With a third series currently in production, life will continue to throw the duo some unexpected curveballs as the pressures of adulthood creep closer. Here’s everything we know about Heartstopper season 3 so far.

When will Heartstopper season 3 be released?

Heartstopper season 3 will land on Netflix in October 2024, so there’s not too long to wait before we can hang out with Nick and Charlie once more.

Despite knowing its month of arrival, we’re still unclear on an exact date. We do know that the series is in production and that the first episode is entitled ‘Love’ and written by Oseman herself.

Is there a trailer for Heartstopper season 3?

We don’t have a Heartstopper season 3 trailer, and with cameras still rolling, it’ll likely be a few weeks before we get to see any new footage from Oseman’s show. That said, as soon as it finds its way online, we'll post it here.

What happens in Heartstopper season 3?

Heartstopper season 3 will pick up directly after the events of Heartstopper season 2.

Not seen that yet? Then beware: spoilers for the show-so-far lurk below.

The climactic final moments of Heartstopper season 2 saw Charlie and Nick taking exciting new leaps in their growing relationship, with the latter coming tantalszingly close to finally telling the former how he really feels about him.

After typing out a text message that read ‘I love you’, audiences watched on as Charlie’s thumb hovered over the send button before the episode cut to black, leaving viewers with a nail-biting cliffhanger.

While diverging slightly from the exact narrative of Oseman’s graphic novels, the spirit of the author’s work remained largely the same throughout its transition to TV. In Heartstopper season 3, we’ll see the pair reach new heights but also experience some tricky new challenges.

“While Heartstopper will always celebrate the joyful and point towards hope, I’m really excited that we are allowing the tone of the show to mature alongside our beloved characters growing up,” Oseman told Netflix.

“Mental health, sex, university ambitions, and more: Nick, Charlie, and the Heartstopper teens are getting older, learning more about themselves and each other, and experiencing new desires, new fears, and new joys as they approach adulthood.”

While keeping her cards close to her chest for the benefit of those who haven’t read the Heartstopper books, Oseman teased that many big life issues lay in wait for Charlie and Nick during this exciting new chapter of their shared lives.

“I think [Season 2’s ending] just sets up that conversation for next season,” Oseman told the streamer. “We know that Charlie loves Nick, and I think we know that Nick loves Charlie as well. It’s just about when and how they’re going to say that to each other.”

Who is in the Heartstopper season 3 cast?

Joe Locke and Kit Connor will return to play the show’s main duo Charlie and Nick, respectively. They’ll be joined by returning faces like William Gao as Tao, Yasmin Finney’s Elle, Kizzy Edgell’s Darcy, Corinna Brown as Tara and Tobie Donovan’s Isaac.

Olivia Colman won’t be returning due to scheduling issues. The Oscar winner, who played Nick’s mum in season 2, explained: “I couldn’t do number three. I couldn’t fit it in. I feel awful about that.”

Another character who also won’t be back is Sebastian Croft’s Ben, with Oseman explaining that his complex character arc as Nick’s toxic frenemy was “now complete.”

As far as newcomers go, Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey will appear Charlie’s Insta-famous crush Jack Maddox. As if that wasn’t good enough, big-name stars Hayley Atwell and Eddie Marsan will also star, with Atwell playing Nick's Auntie and Marsan laying Charlie's therapist.

Darragh Hand will play Michael Holden, a character who also appears in Oseman's novel Solitaire. “Michael is a quirky, eccentric optimist with a sunshine disposition, and it was a challenge to find someone who I felt truly channelled Michael from the books,” Oseman wrote on Instagram. “I can’t wait for you to meet Michael in season 3!” she added.

As filming continues, we’re sure new names will continue to emerge.

Heartstopper season 3 comes to Netflix in October.