Heartstopper season 3 parents guide: Sex, mental health, and more warnings

Heartstopper season 3 parents guide: Sex, mental health, and more warnings

As a dedicated fan of Heartstopper since its inception, I must say that the third season has truly outdone itself! It’s not just a show; it’s a heartfelt exploration of adolescence and the complexities that come with it. The characters have grown, matured, and tackled some tough topics head-on, making this season both gripping and educational.


The third installment of the beloved and Emmy Award-winning teen drama “Heartstopper” is now streaming on Netflix! This latest season, which premiered on October 3, promises even more intrigue than its predecessors, making it the most riveting one yet. As the characters progress through their lives at a rapid pace, so too does the series, becoming increasingly mature and engaging.

In the third season of Heartstopper, it delves deeply into challenging yet crucial themes like mental health and intimacy. Throughout its run, the show has served as an educational tool for its younger audience, guiding them through life’s complexities. This time, viewers familiar with Alice Oseman’s book series may find some scenes emotionally intense due to the powerful lessons conveyed.

Because the season covers Charlie’s mental health struggles and the characters exploring their sexualities in physical ways, parents and viewers alike will want to know what to expect from season 3. The episodes feature sensitive topics that can be triggering, in addition to more mature conversations that are inappropriate for younger viewers. Here’s a guide to season 3’s subject matter!

Trigger warning: This post mentions instances of self harm and eating disorders.

Heartstopper season 3 parents guide: Sex, mental health, and more warnings

Heartstopper season 3 content and trigger warnings

Based on the official Netflix page, the popular series “Heartstopper” has been classified as TV-14 due to elements such as strong language, depictions of self-harm, sexual content, and innuendo. Although it was previously recognized for its achievements in children’s and family programming, season 3 moves significantly away from that genre, leaning more towards mature teenage themes.

Sex and nudity

Previously teased during pre-release interviews and trailers, the third season of “Heartstopper” delves deeper into open discussions about sexuality and relationships, as well as depicting romantic encounters between the characters, including scenes of kissing. Though there are no graphic sex scenes shown directly, some scenes may be deemed suggestive, involving teenage characters in bed together.

In a particular scene, I find myself reaching out to touch a female character’s chest, hidden beneath her shirt. Elsewhere, two other characters are seen snuggled under covers, with subtle hints of an intimate moment between them. There are dialogues that delve into sexual themes, including discussions about buying condoms and lubricants. During a sex education class at school, we take turns putting a condom on a cucumber to learn proper application.

The series does not contain any nudity beyond males appearing without shirts, with only their upper torsos exposed. A scene involves Kit Connor’s character, Nick, in a shower, but no parts above his chest and shoulders are visible. Besides the sexually-charged scenes involving shirtless male characters, the other beach or pool sequences do not contain anything suggestive.

Language and drinking

In the third season of Heartstopper, the dialogue seems to be more intensified compared to earlier seasons, including a few occasions where strong language is used. Specifically, there are at least two instances of the word “f***” and one instance of “s***.

Besides using inappropriate language, the content encompasses discussions on mature themes that may not be suitable for all ages. Notably, Season 3 contains several scenes depicting underage drinking at various parties.

Potential trigger warnings

In the first half of Season 3, the storyline mainly delves into Charlie’s battles with mental health issues and an eating disorder, which are portrayed in some scenes that might be challenging to view. Moreover, Charlie opens up about his past self-harm incidents, which are symbolized through scars on his arm.

Throughout the series, Charlie seeks help at a treatment center, engaging in frank discussions with therapists and experts. Topics such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, transphobia, grief, among others, are addressed and depicted within the show. Viewers should be aware that these themes may prove distressing for some individuals. Proceed with caution when viewing.

If you or someone you know have concerns about an eating disorder and need to reach out for resources, call the ANAD Helpline at (888)-375-7767 or online at ANAD.org. You can also reach out to the National Alliance for Eating Disorders at (866) 662-1235.

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2024-10-03 10:33