Do not fear: your favourite show is as good as ever.
Heartstopper season three hits Netflix at eight on Wednesday, October 3. Luckily for me, I was able to attend a pre-release screening of the first two episodes. Here are Brig’s first impressions.
No spoilers, promise!
The highly anticipated Netflix adaptation of Alice Oseman’s queer love story has aged like fine wine: the young cast’s talents have greatly improved, making the episodes emotionally deeper and richer than in previous seasons. The emotional depth was palpable – the cinema was awash with sniffles by the end of the two episodes.
As always, the characters themselves brought light and laughter to the show. Each was undiluted and unforgettable – the show finds a way to make you love and connect to even the most side-lined characters. This has always been a strong draw of Hearstopper so it’s a relief to revisit the familiar faces without feeling like something is missing – which can often happen between seasons of Netflix shows (Bridgerton season 3’s treatment of Colin, for example).
Cute cartoons, sound effects, music and tastefully oversaturated colours make their return in season three, continuing Heartstopper’s signature playful style. The audience is launched into a new but familiar world, with a unique sense of nostalgia for the previous seasons. Credit to the Heartstopper team for making the transition between seasons so seamless and comfortable, especially with a show that is so dear to the audience’s hearts.
Young queer love remains the key focus, of course, and it’s a heart-warming, honest, and moving representation of the reality of being young and queer. Other powerful themes include eating disorders, acceptance (or lack thereof), and friendship, which are all addressed with a mindful and thoughtful approach so far.
The plot shall remain in shadows until the official release on Thursday morning, however, fans of the original books will be thrilled with the current scenes, with that I am sure. Already the season is heart-breaking, funny, wholesome, and serious – everything that Heartstopper has ever promised to be.
For a first look, it certainly did not disappoint. Brig will be reviewing all of Heartstopper season three once it fully hits our screens, so watch this space.
Featured Image Credit: Netflix via TV Zone
Journalism student at the University of Stirling & BRAW Magazine editor 24/25 and 25/26 🙂
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