Heartstopper season 3: Release date speculation and latest news
When will we be reunited with the internet's favourite friendship group?
Heartstopper continues to rank high on Netflix's global top ten as more and more viewers are drawn to its heartwarming charm.
That begs the question, however, of just when we can expect more episodes of the LGBTQ+ romance, which chronicles the love story between schoolboys Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor).
The good news is that the Heartstopper cast will be back in action very soon, with more weighty stories to tell after that emotional season 2 ending.
Series director Euros Lyn has confirmed that a return to production is imminent, while he also shared with RadioTimes.com his favourite season 2 scene – as well as the Paris moment that "changed" Nick and Charlie.
Indeed, the recent episodes whisk us away to the romantic French capital, which might just inspire you to plan your own trip – check out our Heartstopper location guide for all the details you need on the tourist sites featured.
We also have some new information on the season 3 cast – Ben Hope will not be returning to bother Nick, Charlie and the gang this time around, as actor Sebastian Croft's exit has been confirmed.
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 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.
In fact, in a recent interview with BBC Radio Wales, series director Lyn said that filming would get underway on the next episodes imminently.
"Season 3 has been commissioned already, we're very excited and are due to start work on it soon," he revealed.
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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.
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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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