I’ve been anticipating series 3 since the release of Heartstopper vol 5. I rewatched S1 and S2 in the build up this season and it’s been 1 week since I finished it. And I’m still thinking about it. This series is undoubtedly one of the best book adaptation and the best season of the series. Bottomline is it’s emotional, it’s raw and it’s beautiful.
I was (still am as I’m rewatching it, possibly a 3rd time) an emotional mess, I’m still thinking about it so I guess my blog is a way of unpacking those thoughts.
I’m in my late 20s I think for many of us of a similar age or old, really wished we had this book series, this tv series when we were younger. So many people feel seen in this show and in one sense I do as well, but it’s also an education to for the hard hitting topics depicted in this show. I’m lucky I can talk about this show with my pupils in secondary school as an outlet for them.
Love – I want one of Nick’s hugs.
I think for it’s Nick and Charlie’s love that gets me. It’s so profound, undeniable, they love so deeply for each other that you can’t help but be immersed in their relationship. You can’t help but care so deeply for them especially when they are immortalised from book to screen. It becomes so real. Their love is challenged with Charlie’s mental health is an all time low. You can see how they support each other from both perspectives and the series really explores that.
Found Friendship
I want to be part of the Paris Squad. Their friendship group is found on so much love, its makes my heart fill with joy to the point of happy crying. The point where Charlie is at his all time low, they all want to support him, help him in their own way. I didn’t have this at school, I tried but I just wasn’t able to find the right people then. But now I have, but if I’m honest I still like my own time, and I am very family orientated too. What I did love was that we saw more of a presence from other main characters and seeing their development like Issac and Tori as well. I feel their story is still being written and I can’t wait to read more in the final volume/season – which I am so not going to be ready for that to be over.
Self love and confidence & Being Yourself and support
“Sometimes, people need more support than one person can give. You can be there for him, standing together, even when it’s hard. That’s love, darling.”
This for me is where I feel seen so much in this series and in this season. What society dictates or the pressure it adds to teenagers. It’s hard to be yourself and be comfortable with it. It’s all about finding your people that love you, have a friendship group you can truly be yourself. I didn’t have that. Looking back at school now, I didn’t fit in, or find those people, I tried but sometimes I would be better off like Issac and grabbing my book and read. I also didn’t have a library in my school, so sitting outside my next class and reading is where you would find me. It isn’t really until now where I have found my people, I found my partner and friends that like me for who I am. I still feel like I’m finding my own self, confidence is a big one for me and I’m getting better I think. Guess what I’m trying to say is that although the setting of this book is in school, know that we may not always find ourselves until afterwards.
Growing up and Sex Positivity
I feel for me, growing up and the pressure of sex is still very prevalent in society today. Heartstopper deals with it sensitively and at their own pace. Doing what makes you feel comfortable, I feel a lot of media and books doesn’t help coming of age and growing up and I love that Heartstopper is the only one that does. Also I feel Sex Ed classes are getting better. Well I hope they are.
Mental Health
I’m a huge champion for reading Mental Health awareness in books, as you know I love Holly Bourne. Seeing this immortalised from page to screen was the part that broke me the most. Joe Locke, Kit Connor and Hayley Atwell played a huge part in making it feel seen and feel heard and so authentically. I love Jeff and his approach to treating and getting Charlie to open up. But it is by no means a cure, but a copying strategy and we have to listen and adhere to this.
Heartstopper isn’t just something to love but something to be educated by and I think that’s why so many audiences will feel seen, it will feel relatable to most and that in itself is why it’s the most perfect book adaption out there and it will always be. It will be forever. It should be required reading and watching for all. I love how we relate to Heartstopper in different ways. Just shows you what a special and comfort this series is. 🍂
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