‘Heartstopper’ Season 3: Everything to Know About That Cliffhanger, Cast Changes and More

Heartstopper fans can't wait to say "hi" to season 3 — and new episodes are coming soon.

The Emmy-winning Netflix series follows openly gay teen Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) as he befriends rugby jock Nick Nelson (Kit Connor). They quickly fall head over heels for each other as Nick realizes he is “bisexual, actually.” Season 2, which premiered in August 2023, ended on a melancholy note.

After prom, Charlie opened up to Nick about his disordered eating and his past self-harm. They expressed how much they cared for each other, but they stopped just short of saying those three little words. Fans can expect a resolution for that little cliffhanger and more in Heartstopper season 3.

When Will 'Heartstopper' Season 3 Premiere?

Netflix confirmed in March 2024 that Heartstopper season 3 will hit screens on October 3, 2024.

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What Is the 'Heartstopper' Season 3 Premiere Titled?

The official Heartstopper Instagram revealed in September 2023 that the premiere will be titled "Love." The episode is expected to deal with Nick and Charlie being on the verge of saying "I love you."

“People who have read the comics will know what’s going to happen, but I don’t want to spoil it for people who haven’t been reading the comics,” Oseman told Tudum in August 2023. “I think [Season 2’s ending] just sets up that conversation for next season. 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.”

In August 2024, Netflix revealed Episode 2 will be titled "Home," episode 3 is "Talk" and episode 4 is "Journey." The fifth episode, titled "Winter," includes a photo of Tori that certainly seems inspired by Oseman's This Winter novella. Episode 6 is titled "Body" while episodes 7 and 8 are "Together" and "Apart."  

Who Is Not in the 'Heartstopper' Season 3 Cast?

Sebastian Croft's character, Ben, will not appear in the new season. In a powerful season 2 scene, Charlie refused to forgive Ben, who had bullied and assaulted him. Ben revealed he was switching schools for Sixth Form.

“Ben’s role in Heartstopper is now complete. ... I am so proud and honored that Sebastian has been a part of Heartstopper,” Oseman told Tudum. “I know that he’ll go on to do incredible things, and I will be cheering from the sidelines all the way."

Olivia Colman, who plays Nick's mother, confirmed in March 2024 that she didn't reprise her role.

"I couldn't do number three. I couldn't fit it in. I feel awful about that," she told Forbes. "I feel like I was part of one of the most beautiful things I've ever been part of."

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What Will 'Heartstopper' Season 3 Cover?

As the finale indicated, Charlie's eating disorder and self-harm will be a big focus moving forward. “In season 2, we 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 3,” Oseman told Metro in August 2023. “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.”

The characters will also explore their sexuality in season 3. "The show is growing up,” Locke told Variety in an August 2024 profile. “The second half of the season is about sex.”

The more intimate scenes felt “almost like being in season 1 again with the first-ever kissing scene," Locke added. "Me and Kit are so comfortable with each other, but it’s still a vulnerable thing to do.”

Connor teased the scenes as well, telling the Times one month later, “We shot a lot of footage for them. Not much actually ended up in the show. But we shot the sex scenes for about seven hours!”

While Heartstopper is based on Oseman's graphic novels of the same name, the showrunner is excited to continue expanding her story — so even readers don't know everything that's coming.

"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," Oseman told Entertainment Weekly in 2023. "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."

What New Characters Are Joining 'Heartstopper' Season 3?

Oseman announced in November 2023 that actor Darragh Hand will portray Michael Holden in the show’s third season. Michael is one of the main characters featured in Oseman’s first novel, Solitaire, which centers around Charlie's sister, Tori.

“I was very nervous and excited to begin the search for our Michael! 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 captioned an Instagram pic of Hand and Jenny Walser on set. “But then Darragh came along and warmed our hearts, made us all laugh so much, and perfectly complimented [sic] Jenny Walser’s Tori Spring.”

In April 2024, Netflix announced Jonathan Bailey, Hayley Atwell and Eddie Marsan were cast in unspecified roles, as well.

Has 'Heartstopper' Season 3 Finished Filming?

Production on the show’s third season wrapped in December 2023. “I wanted to express how deeply grateful I am to the cast and crew for their hard work, dedication, skill and endurance over the past 11 weeks, and for once again bringing a season of Heartstopper to life,” Oseman captioned several behind-the-scenes pics via Instagram. “Season 3 takes Heartstopper into uncharted territory and it presented a range of new challenges for our cast and crew, but everyone did the most incredible job and I am so excited to share what we’ve all been working on.”

Locke shared Oseman’s post via his Instagram Story, joking, “Can you see how tired we all are? S3 is the best yet tho so worth it ??.” Connor, for his part, celebrated the end of filming by sharing a pic of a beach and a snap of him in the hair and makeup chair via his own Instagram Story. “That’s a wrap. Thank you x,” he captioned the snaps.

Has Netflix Offered a Glimpse at Season 3?

In May 2024, Netflix shared a clip of Charlie contemplating whether he should tell Nick that he loves him. Charlie got a pep talk from Tori, who convinced him to be honest with Nick. The couple are reunited before they go on a beach trip with their friends.