With the release of Heartstopper season 3 on Netflix, it’s the perfect time to look back at the standout moments and consider which episodes resonated with us the most.
From charming meet-cutes to explosive pens, hickeys, and making their relationship Instagram official, Heartstopper captivates romantics everywhere. However, it’s not all joy and laughter; as we assess each episode, there are moments that might bring both tears and laughter.
Here’s a ranked list of The Mary Sue’s top 10 episodes of Heartstopper.
10. Season 3, Episode 4: “Winter”
This episode adapts the remarkable mini-comic/novella that shares its name, focusing on the winter holidays from Charlie and Tori’s viewpoints. We see Charlie grappling with the high expectations of the holiday season – a facade of happiness even when reality is bleak. The heavy emotional weight is evident as Charlie navigates conversations about his turbulent year with family, trying hard to maintain control during Christmas dinner. Meanwhile, Tori is eager to support her brother, but Charlie struggles to accept her help. The episode concludes on a jubilant note at the New Year’s Eve gathering, where Tao and Elle finally solidify their budding romance.
9. Season 2, Episode 6: “Truth/Dare”
On the final day of their trip to Paris, we witness Tara’s sweet sixteen celebration in the hotel. Darcy indulges a bit too much, while Charlie faces pressure to reveal the identity of the person responsible for his hickey. The bathroom gets a little steamy with Tao and Elle sharing a kiss. Isaac begins to confront his feelings about his sexuality, and even the teachers indulge in a bit of romance. Amidst all the action, Nick boldly announces his relationship with Charlie, confirming his role as the one giving out all those hickeys. It’s a packed episode filled with excitement!
8. Season 3, Episode 7: “Together”
In this episode, Charlie and Nick navigate taking their relationship to a more intimate level. Tao makes a sweet video for Elle in response to the hurtful comments made during a prejudiced radio show she was on. Nick’s university search unfolds as he grapples with the desire to remain close to Charlie. “Together” captures the bittersweet experience of young love and the complexities of commitment during tumultuous times.
7. Season 3, Episode 3: “Talk”
This stirring and poignant episode delves deep into Charlie’s struggles with an eating disorder, alongside Isaac’s growing frustration with his friends. Additionally, it touches on the mounting pressures the year 12 students face as they approach life beyond sixth form, with Tara taking center stage.
6. Season 2, Episode 7: “Sorry”
In this episode, Tara and Darcy face challenges stemming from Darcy’s home life, providing a glimpse into her struggles and resilience. During a shopping trip for prom outfits, Isaac ventures off to sort out his mixed emotions with James. The group rallies together to surprise Darcy with a prom suit. Elle attends a showcase at the prestigious art school she aspires to join, while Nick bravely comes out to his dad during a tense family dinner, and Tori delivers an empowering reprimand to David. What a display of BIG SISTER ENERGY!
5. Season 1, Episode 3: “Kiss”
Harry’s extravagant Sweet Sixteen party marks the moment when Nick and Charlie share their first kiss, making it a pivotal episode. This occasion also sees Tara and Darcy expressing their affection publicly. Notably, Charlie stands up to Ben, representing a significant leap in his personal growth. The scenes are filled with romantic moments, vibrant colors, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
4. Season 3, Episode 8: “Apart”
Join Nick and his friends – Sahar, Imogen, and Tara – as they explore university options while contemplating their futures post-sixth form. Tara and Nick reevaluate their paths, while Charlie gains confidence by rehearsing with Sahar’s band without Nick’s presence. As the final episode of season 3, “Apart” beautifully showcases the characters’ growth and diverse milestones.
3. Season 2, Episode 8: “Perfect”
As the season finale, this episode centers around the Higgs all-girls school prom, where the couples make their grand entrance in stunning attire. Nick’s rugby friends apologize for their past behavior regarding his relationship with Charlie. Darcy makes a late entrance after avoiding her mother, and Sahar’s band performs. Isaac confronts his identity within the friend group, while Imogen’s feelings for Sahar take shape. Tara learns of Darcy’s situation with her mom, and the prom celebration leads to a fun afterparty at Nick’s place. Charlie shares his experiences of bullying and his mental health challenges with Nick, marking significant developments for both characters.
2. Season 1, Episode 8: “Boyfriend”
This episode retains the classic Heartstopper essence while embracing more mature themes in the subsequent seasons. Football day antics lead to a reconciliation between Tao and Charlie, and a look back at Tao and Elle’s earlier classes at Truham. Charlie decides to leave the rugby team, culminating in a touching moment where Nick leaves the pitch to hug him. The episode concludes with Nick and Charlie affirming their relationship at the beach, with Nick coming out to his mother as bisexual.
1. Season 3, Episode 4: “Journey”
“Journey” stands out as one of the series’ most poignant episodes. Following Charlie, Nick, and Tori, Charlie faces profound challenges at a particularly low point in his life. The episode’s chaotic Halloween party provides a momentary escape from the surrounding drama, leading to unforgettable sequences filled with heartfelt revelations, supportive friendships, and the raw, relatable chaos of teenage celebrations.
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