Heartstopper season 3: Release date speculation and latest news
When will we be reunited with the internet's favourite friendship group?
It's the end of an era. Heartstopper writer Alice Oseman has announced the graphic novel series's sixth volume will be its last.
Oseman told People that, while she finds the idea of concluding the series – and how readers might react to the news – "a little bit scary", she is "really looking forward to writing about adults".
She added: "That is something that I've just never had the opportunity to do... I'd love to try writing more for screen.
"I've really enjoyed writing the TV show and I would love to do more of that, whether that's something original or I would love to try adapting someone else's book. I think that could be really fun. It's all a mystery right now, so we'll see."
Though the graphic novels will be bringing Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick's (Kit Connor) story to a close, we still have plenty to look forward to in the hit Netflix adaptation, which should return to the streamer soon.
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The Heartstopper cast wrapped production on season 3 in December, with Oseman announcing the news on Instagram. One actor who won't be back, however, is Sebastian Croft, whose exit was confirmed last year.
Despite Croft's absence, fans will be glad to hear they'll get to see more of Charlie, Nick and the rest of the gang following that emotional season 2 ending, during which Nick and Charlie went to Paris for a trip that "changed" them, series director Euros Lyn told RadioTimes.com.
It looks like the Heartstopper location guide has been expanded for season 3, with Oseman's wrap post showing Nick and Charlie holding each other on a beach.
Want to know more? Read on for everything we know so far about Heartstopper season 3.
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 launch in summer/autumn 2024.
Due to Heartstopper being a UK production, its timeline wasn't greatly affected by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and Writers Guild of America (WGA) strikes that took place last year, and production on the third season wrapped back in December 2023.
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Heartstopper season 3 cast news
While there has been no confirmed cast list for Heartstopper season 3 just yet, we know for a fact Kit Connor and Joe Locke are back 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
Heartstopper season 3 will be at least partly inspired by the fourth volume of Alice Oseman's series of graphic novels, with the writer telling Metro that mental health will continue to be a key focus.
She explained: "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.
"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."
Oseman added: "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."
The story will pick up after the season 2 ending, with Nick and Charlie on the brink of saying "I love you" for the first time, while Tao and Elle take their relationship long-distance, and Tara and Darcy bounce back from their wobble in season 2.
Meanwhile, Isaac is poised to continue his research into asexuality, which has been celebrated by members of the ace community.
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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