When will be reunited with the internet’s favourite friendship group?
Fans who have already burned through Heartstopper’s second instalment – we can’t blame you, it’s one of Netflix‘s easiest shows to binge – will be wondering what’s next for Nick, Charlie and co, especially after that dramatic, bittersweet season 2 ending.
Despite the tears, there were some beautiful moments too, including director Euros Lyn’s favourite scene, in which Tao and Yasmine’s parents watch her descend the stairs of her home ready for prom. “It feels like an incredibly joyous and political and emotional moment all wrapped into one,” he explained.
Though we have a while to wait before we find out what happens next, we do know there will be a Heartstopper season 3, as Netflix confirmed a double renewal last year. With season 2 of the LGBTQ+ romance receiving even better reviews than the first, there’s a fair chance it will continue beyond that.
Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman recently teased what could happen in the confirmed third season, but also offered an update on the book series the show is based on, hinting that there’s plenty more for Netflix to adapt.
“People who have read the books will know that there’s a lot of stuff we haven’t yet covered in volume four,” she told Metro. “But there’s also going to be volume 5, which is coming out in December, and there’ll be a volume 6 as well.
“So there’s a lot of story left for the show to go into season 3. In season 2, we’ve started to explore mental health in a big way, and I think it’s pretty obvious from the way we leave the season that is going to be a big element of season three.”
She added: “We’re going to continue to look at that in a big way and explore how that affects Nick and Charlie’s relationship, and all of the other friendships in the show. So people who’ve read volume 4 will have a little bit of an idea of what is coming. I’m really excited to take the show into that new place.”
We can expect most of the ensemble cast to return then.
One cast member who won’t make a comeback for the next instalment, however, is Ben Hope, whose exit has been confirmed by Oseman. Hope played Charlie’s ex-boyfriend Sebastian Croft.
Want to know more? Read on for everything we know so far about Heartstopper season 3 – and don’t forget to listen to the Heartstopper soundtrack too.
Heartstopper season 3 release date speculation
Heartstopper season 3 does not yet have a release date on Netflix, but it’s likely the next edition will arrive approximately one year from now, which would suggest a launch in summer/autumn 2024.
It’s unlikely that Heartstopper season 3 will be seriously affected by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and Writers Guild of America (WGA) strikes currently taking place, as it is a UK production associated with British unions.
Heartstopper season 3 cast
While there has been no confirmed cast list for Heartstopper season 3 just yet, it’s very likely that all of your favourites will be returning, including Kit Connor and Joe Locke as boyfriends Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring.
The cast also includes Yasmin Finney and William Gao as newly coupled-up Elle and Tao, and Corinna Brown and Kizzy Edgell as longtime girlfriends Tara and Darcy.
Tobie Donovan also stars as bookworm Isaac, Rhea Norwood plays self-proclaimed ally Imogen, and Leila Khan made a strong impression with her season 2 debut as Sahar.
Fans will also be excited to see what the future holds for teachers Mr Ajayi and Mr Farouk, played by Fisayo Akinade and Nima Taleghani respectively, who started down their road to romance in the recent episodes.
One cast member who won’t be returning is Sebastian Croft as Ben Hope, whose character arc reached its natural conclusion in season 2, when he unsuccessfully attempted to reconcile with Charlie before moving schools.
In an interview with Netflix’s TUDUM, Oseman said that “Ben’s role in Heartstopper is now complete”, explaining that she and Croft both felt strongly about not giving the character a redemption arc.
“Ben can become a better person, but Charlie should not have to witness that, endorse it, or offer any forgiveness. And so he won’t,” added Oseman.
“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 honoured 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.”
Heartstopper season 3 plot speculation
There are no plot details for Heartstopper season 3 just yet, but its likely the story would be at least partly inspired by the fourth volume of Alice Oseman’s series of graphic novels.
If so, the writer could continue delving into Charlie’s mental health – specifically, his battle with an eating disorder – as well as his desire to say “I love you” to Nick for the first time.
We’ll also find out how Tao and Elle get on with a long-distance relationship, while Tara and Darcy bounce back from their wobble in season 2 and Isaac continues his research into asexuality.
Is there a Heartstopper season 3 trailer?
There’s no trailer for Heartstopper season 3 just yet, but we’ll update this page when new footage arrives.
Heartstopper is available to stream on Netflix. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on.
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