Get your first in-depth look at Heartstopper season 3

It hasn't even been a year since Netflix's Heartstopper released its second season on the platform, but fans are ready for the third. Heck, they've been ready since the credits rolled on the emotional rollercoaster of a season 2 finale that saw Charlie Spring very nearly, potentially, almost tell his boyfriend Nick Nelson that he loved him.

Heartstopper is a beacon of light and hope in the world, so it's not surprising that it has become the global phenomenon that it is. Fans just love Nick and Charlie, Tao and Elle, and Tara and Darcy so much, and it's honestly hard to blame them because the main characters in this show are just so darn lovable. And that's what has made the wait for season 3 feel even longer than it is.

The good news is that the third season is finally on the horizon, as it will stream on Netflix on October 3. The streaming service confirmed as much when it released the first clip from the new season a couple of months ago. Aside from that, however, much of the season remains a mystery (at least to those who haven't read the comics which the show is based on).

But Netflix has begun lifting the curtain on what to expect from Heartstopper season 3, offering fans more of an in-depth look at the season through the release of the first official stills. There are more than you might expect, and they tease yet another emotional rollercoaster of a season.

Heartstopper season 3 photos tease what's to come for Nick and Charlie

Netflix has unveiled the first photos for Heartstopper season 3 and it features all of the main characters from the show, and a varying range of emotions too!! It comes after the initial clip gave us our first glimpse of Nick and Charlie in the new season, but these give us a much more extended look into the season, Nick and Charlie's relationship, as well as the first look at what some of the other characters are getting up to.

The first one is the one that sent the internet into meltdown as it features none other than Nick and Charlie in the midst of what looks like an incredibly heartwarming moment. One of the most important aspects of the season will see Charlie attempt to tell his boyfriend that he loves him after coming oh-so-close to texting him those three words in the season 2 finale. The first clip of the season that Netflix released a while back also leaned into that as Charlie contemplated when he should say those words out loud.

Those three words will also likely be on the mind of Nick, as he too came very close to saying them in the season 2 finale after sharing an emotional moment with Charlie. Could this photo be from the exact moment they tell each other? The boys are normally on the same wavelength, so it wouldn't be too surprising if they both planned on telling each other at the same time. Whenever it does happen, it will undoubtedly be a special moment.

Charlie and his sister, Tori Spring, will be sharing more scenes together this season too from the looks of the above photo. That's not too surprising considering how important their bond is to the core of the show, and as that clip also revealed, Charlie will confide in Tori about how he is struggling to tell Nick how he really feels (and his worries about saying it out loud).

We also know that Tori will get more focus this season, as she is expected to have her own love interest. That is very exciting, particularly because she's a great addition to the show who hasn't had enough spotlight of her own yet.

We mentioned how this season is shaping up to be an emotional rollercoaster earlier and these photos definitely hint at that, as both Charlie and Nick look to be having their struggles.

Last season saw Charlie open up to Nick about his eating disorder and how it affects him when he's stressed. Nick, ever the supportive boyfriend, was there for him and allowed him to speak openly and honestly without judgment. Their conversation in the season finale brought them even closer than ever, but it was clear that Nick was growing concerned for Charlie's wellbeing.

Fans of the source material know that this will also be a big season for Nick as he will be facing his own worries and concerns too. The above photo suggests that this will indeed be the case, but the question is: Who is he phoning and what is on his mind?

Olivia Colman isn't expected to make an appearance as his beloved mother, Sarah Nelson, this season, but could he make a phonecall to her instead to tell her what's on his mind? We also know that Agent Carter star Hayley Atwell will be joining Heartstopper season 3 as his Aunt Diane, so what kind of role will she play?

Tao and Elle will also be returning to screens when Heartstopper season 3 premieres and it's likely going to be a big season for them too. The pair's relationship was a big focus of season 2 as they were finally honest about how they feel about each other. And Elle was afraid to tell Tao about the fact that she had been accepted into Lambert, meaning that she'd have to leave for an extended period of time if she accepted.

In spite of Tao's fears about losing Elle, he was completely supportive and understanding, telling her that she should accept. Will that arc continue to play a role in season 3, and how could it impact their relationship? Here's hoping that it isn't in a negative way, as the pair deserve some happiness.

Tara and Darcy are back, too, and by the looks of the photo above, there is some happiness on the horizon for them. That's a very good thing, because after what Darcy went through with her horrid mother in season 2, they deserve some happiness.

The season 2 finale reaffirmed them as one of the show's healthiest couples as their open and honest conversation brought them closer together after the behavior of Darcy's mother nearly tore them apart.

Speaking of deserved happiness, it looks like Isaac will be having a big smile on his face this season after coming to terms with his sexuality last season. Season 2 was an emotional one for the fan-favorite character as he struggled with his feelings, but the last few episodes brought him closer to understanding himself as he realized that he might be asexual.

He is seen in the above photo reading a book titled Gender Queer and he looks so much more at peace with himself as he does so. And, equally as heartwarming is the fact that Charlie is there by his side, reading with him, and being a supportive best friend.

Rounding things out, we have the amazing cast shot of almost all of the main characters. Cast members Kit Connor, Joe Locke, Will Gao, Yasmin Finney, Corinna Brown, Kizzey Edgell, Tobie Donovan, Rhea Norwood, and Leila Khan all pose in front of a beautiful giraffe. Are the gang on an adventure to the zoo? Will this photograph play an important part in the show itself (who doesn't love a group shot, am I right?!)?

The most lovely thing about this photo is that everyone looks so happy. Heartstopper's core friendships are so uplifting and delightful and it's always a joy to see the gang together. We're particularly excited to see how Imogen and Sahar fit into it now that they have become important parts of the group (Imogen had already begun spending more time with them early on in season 2, while Sahar did the same in the back half).

Heartstopper season 3 premieres on October 3, 2024.