6 Transformative Moments In ‘Heartstopper’ Season 3 We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Heartstopper Season 3 gave us so much to think about and so many people to root for. We had the teachers continue the not-so-secret relationship they started in Paris. We had a cute beach trip that made me want to visit England in the summer. We had teen relationships growing more adult by the second. All the sweet and sometimes sad moments add up to something transformational for not just the characters, but for the people watching, too. These are the moments that stuck with us long after the end of the last episode:

Nick’s lesson in helping the ones you love (and accepting what you can and can’t change)

Can we all just agree that Nick Nelson is the world’s best boyfriend? He notices that Charlie isn’t eating, that he seems more anxious than ever before, and he tries everything to help him. Not only does he do his own research, but he talks to his therapist aunt to find out the right way to help him. He learns from her that there’s only so much you can do, which is a lesson we all need to learn. Her speech to him about how to help someone you love when they’re struggling is something we all need to hear.

Tao’s unshakeable support of Elle (and unconditional love)

Okay, maybe it’s Tao who wins best boyfriend? As Elle struggles with her dysphoria and, later, a transphobic radio interview, Tao is nothing but accepting and loving. In decades past, their relationship would be all about how he has to “overcome” the fact that Elle is trans. Thankfully, in 2024, we no longer need that kind of storyline for relationships featuring a trans and cis couple. It’s beautiful.

Darcy’s gender journey (and magnificent hair transformation)

There have been hints from the start that Darcy didn’t exactly fit the gender journey of a cis woman, and those clues come in full force this season. Wearing skirts to school doesn’t feel right. None of the things girls are “supposed” to do or be feel right. Luckily, their friends are so supportive of their journey into accepting their nonbinary status. Also, their new hairstyle is FIRE.

Imogen’s continued self-reflection (and battle with heteronormativity)

At the end of Season 2, we got a little hint that Imogen may not be the token straight of the group after all as we watch her gaze at Sahar on stage. Season 3 has a quiet throughline of Imogen’s journey into discovering that she may not be straight. It’s a nice story to watch because not every queer person knows who they are at a very young age. Some have to realize that maybe they were crushing on the opposite sex because they felt like they were supposed to–not because they actually had real feelings.

Charlie’s mental health journey (and the on-going battle of self-acceptance)

As someone who’s read the webcomic from which the show is based, I was waiting for this. Poor Charlie hid his mental illness well in the first season, but by the time we get to the beginning of Season 3, he can’t do it anymore. His anorexia and OCD are at an all-time high and he can no longer cope. But watching him accept what’s going on and take steps to get better is such a great thing to see. There’s hope in mental health, even when you know it’s going to be an on-going and potentially lifelong battle.

Tori’s baby steps toward personal happiness (and untethering herself from those around her)

Charlie’s quiet goth older sister Tori has been a stealthy supporter from the beginning, but her overflowing love for her brother comes front and center this season. While their parents may be willfully ignorant of the plight of their son, Tori is eagle-eyed. It’s like her happiness and well-being is tied to how Charlie is coping. But even Tori gets a transformation this season. She learns that she needs more in her life besides her brother and even ends the season with an adorable boyfriend. You deserve happiness, Tori!

If you’re wondering if Heartstopper is getting a Season 4, here’s everything we know so far.