Television’s sweetest and most heartwarming show is back. It is sweeter and more heartwarming than ever. Netflix’s Heartstopper returns after over a year, bringing the delightful relationship of Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) back to our screens.
Based on Alice Oseman’s best-selling graphic novel series, Heartstopper is one of Netflix’s best and most reliable originals. The show still feels like a warm hug.
Like all the best teen shows, Heartstopper is growing and maturing along with its characters. There is a distinct and much-appreciated change in this third chapter.
While it maintains its famous brand of overwhelming pleasantness, it shows a more mature and insightful look into youth and the LGBTQ+ community. This season delivers its most confident and emotionally intelligent story so far.
Heartstopper Season 3 Is All About Growing Pains
Heartstopper Season 3 picks up immediately where Season 2 ended. Charlie wants to tell Nick he loves him, but he is shy and struggles to find the right words.
At the same time, Nick notices that Charlie’s eating disorder is getting worse, and he does not know how to help him. It is a lot for fifteen and sixteen-year-olds to handle, and the show does not shy away from their struggles.
Meanwhile, the large group of colorful characters also gets their own storylines, even if they are less prominent than in previous seasons. Now in a proper relationship and still enjoying the honeymoon phase, Tao (William Gao) and Elle (Yasmin Finney) try to figure out what they want from each other.
Darcy (Kizzy Edgell) and Tara (Corinna Brown) follow their new living situation while trying to set boundaries. Imogen (Rhea Norwood) is on a journey of self-discovery, while Isaac (Toby Donovan), feeling like a third wheel around his friends, learns to accept that he is asexual and romantic. Tori Spring (Jenny Walser) also gets a bigger role this season, allowing fans to see more of her character.
Sadly, the talented Olivia Colman does not return as Nick’s supportive mother, Sarah, and her absence is deeply felt. However, Season 3 makes up for this by introducing some welcome guest stars. The ever-reliable Hayley Atwell debuts as Diane, Nick’s aunt, who provides valuable advice.
Still from Heartstopper (Credit: Netflix)
Eddie Marsan, an underrated character actor, plays an important role in Charlie’s story. The delightful Stephen Fry returns as the voice of Headmaster Barnes, while Jonathan Bailey, known for his role in Bridgerton, makes a short but charming cameo.
Heartstopper’s Cast Is Still at the Top of Their Game in Season 3
The brilliance of Heartstopper lies in its collection of deeply human, relatable, and flawed characters. The star of Season 3 is definitely Joe Locke, with Charlie taking center stage in all eight episodes. Because of Charlie’s nature, Locke was a more passive presence in Seasons 1 and 2, allowing Connor’s Nick to shine brighter.
Season 3 changes this dynamic, with Nick taking more of a supporting role in Charlie’s story. Locke makes the most of his chance to be the star, showing a new and more challenging side to Charlie.
This season allows Locke to show the deepest and darkest parts of Charlie’s personality, and the young actor does an impressive job. His growth as a performer is noticeable, especially because the changes in Charlie’s character are subtle at first, forcing Locke to show them through his expressions and body language.
It is especially fascinating to see Locke as Charlie while he also takes on a different character in Disney+’s Agatha All Along. As the mysterious Teen, Locke is sassy and inexperienced but also self-assured and witty.
This is quite different from the self-doubting, shy, and introspective Charlie, showing that he is becoming more confident in his acting skills. Locke shines during his scenes with Marsan, as the two create a natural and familiar dynamic.
The focus on Charlie is so strong that other characters, especially Nick, suffer a bit. For most of the season, Nick’s story mainly supports Charlie’s growth. It is handled well, and Connor still gets chances to shine, even if it is always in the context of Charlie’s character arc.
Nick does see some progress in his storyline during the latter half of the season, hinting at a more balanced Season 4 if the show gets renewed. Like Nick, the other characters see their roles reduced; Elle and Tao have the most to do, but their stories feel incomplete compared to previous seasons.
While Charlie has a clear arc that sees him ending the season in a completely different place, the other characters seem to stay the same, which is not an issue in earlier seasons.
As for the guest stars, Marsan gets the best material, and it is great to see an actor of his skill doing what he does best. Atwell fits well in the world of Heartstopper, but she has little to do, sharing only a few sweet and short scenes with Connor.
Still from Heartstopper (Credit: Netflix)
Bailey’s cameo is effective but feels a bit forced. Surprisingly, Charlie’s family, especially Tori and his mother, Jane (Georgina Spring), get some of the more meaningful storylines this season.
The Journey to Maturity is at the Center of Heartstopper Season 3
Heartstopper has faced criticism for being an overly idealized and sentimental take on queer love. This argument has some merit, but it also oversimplifies the show’s warm and emotionally intelligent message. However, it is important to note that Heartstopper is not just a teen drama or a romantic comedy; it is a romantic fantasy.
The show presents an ideal version of the LGBTQ+ community in a world where hope is never more than an episode away. The show’s distinctive visual style adds to this magical feeling with its famous cartoon leaves and warm cinematography, which sometimes overwhelms the scenes with bright sunlight.
That does not mean Heartstopper avoids the real issues LGBTQ+ youth face in 2024; on the contrary, Season 3 is the show’s darkest and most emotionally resonant. It tackles heavy themes such as mental health, eating disorders, intimacy, sex, and the scary idea of leaving childhood behind.
This season features characters who are more self-aware and emotionally mature than ever before. They can clearly express their feelings better than many adults. They openly say things like, “I have mental health issues,” “I love you, but I need space,” and “I am loved by more than one person.”
The greatest strength of Heartstopper has always been its rejection of typical teen and romance tropes. While other shows use elements like mental health, sex, and intimacy to create drama, Heartstopper uses them to deeply show a person’s character.
Conflicts are resolved through real communication, showing a level of emotional understanding that surpasses their age, even if they still say some awkward things that remind us of being sixteen.
Heartstopper features mature teenagers without treating them like adults. There is a sense of innocence among them, even as they experiment and push their boundaries.
The magic of this fantasy show is how beautifully it shows everyday life; it has no real cliffhangers because it understands that, in life, a cliffhanger is just the end of a day. Yet, it still feels important because that is how its characters experience things.
Still from Heartstopper (Credit: Netflix)
Heartstopper perfectly illustrates how monumental everything seems at sixteen and how life-changing a simple kiss or a gentle touch can be. Season 3 might have a few flaws compared to earlier seasons, but these imperfections come with a more powerful and thought-provoking story that is just as uplifting.
With this third installment, Heartstopper moves into a new and exciting chapter, embodying the coming-of-age genre like few other television shows. Heartstopper premiered on October 3 on Netflix.
With the Blind Auditions continuing, the four coaches aim to build their perfect team. Season 26 of The Voice has truly become the Snoop Dogg show thus far. At the top of Episode 2, the D-O-Double-G makes a special entrance, walking out like a boxer while a giant mariachi band performs “El Rey.”
Why? Well, why not? It’s Snoop Dogg. He is a showman. As Snoop says, he wants to show how a real player plays. He is ready to win this season and join the lofty ranks of newbie judges who have come out on top.
This season features rookies competing against veterans. Gwen Stefani and last season’s winner, Reba McEntire, are battling against new coaches Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé. With this new dynamic among the coaches, The Voice is still the same show that has survived the test of time in reality television.
Now that the season is underway, the coaches are determined to build the strongest team. They know they have the possibility to steal artists later on. Therefore, expect some timid and cautious decisions from the four coaches.
This Season of ‘The Voice’ Has Been the Snoop Show
After the grand spectacle of Snoop’s entrance, the performances are back underway. A 27-year-old singer named Dreion from Omaha, Nebraska, takes the stage. He has previously opened for famous groups like Earth, Wind, & Fire.
After learning about his story of growing up in the foster care system and then transitioning to work to help others in similar situations, it is clear he would be selected. Thankfully, his talent is just as impressive. His dazzling performance earns the first four-chair turn of the night.
Leave it to Snoop; the newly self-proclaimed King of The Voice playfully snips at the other judges as Dreion picks him. Snoop loves his showmanship, and now he gets to work with this talented performer.
The big twist of Season 26 is the Coach Replay Button. This feature allows a coach to return when they regret not turning for an artist initially. The button gives certain artists a new chance on The Voice. In the second episode, it is Snoop Dogg who uses his one chance, hoping this artist won’t let him down.
When Gail Bliss performs and no coaches turn for her, Snoop expresses instant regret and slams his button down for the country singer. For Bliss, she had a bucket list of six items she wanted to achieve after turning 60, and now she has officially checked off every single box. While he may not be her perfect coach, as each season has shown, every coach needs a country singer, and this is Snoop’s choice.
Although there was no smoke to drown out his fellow judges this week, Snoop is establishing himself as a force in this competition. While you may not turn to Snoop Dogg for advice on vocal technique, you will want to learn how to become a megastar from him.
Still from The Voice (Credit: NBC)
He has an ease about him. He doesn’t seem to sweat much, only when he realizes he passed up on a talent he wanted. Snoop has legendary potential as a coach.
History Is Made on Season 26 of ‘The Voice’
Gwen Stefani has a busy Blind Audition night, filling up her roster quickly. Even after 26 seasons, The Voice is still making history. For the first time ever, an artist returns to sing again after competing in the show’s very first season.
During Season 1, Felsmere, then known as Kelsey Rey, was on Team CeeLo Green but was eliminated during the Battle Rounds. Now, performing “Some Kind of Wonderful,” she feels wonderful as she joins Team Gwen Stefani, a fellow songwriter.
Felsmere’s vibe matches that of the No Doubt singer. Stefani also picks up a lively country singer, Rowdy Shea. Although Rowdy doesn’t have the most unique sound, it is a smart move for Gwen to select him in a show that thrives on country acts. She also earns the last singer of the night, Austyns Stancil.
As Gwen notes midway through the episode, Reba McEntire is struggling tonight. She faces a block by Bublé, and artists are choosing others over her. Reba realizes that something needs to change quickly.
While Snoop arrives as the King, Reba, wearing a crown and holding a scepter, later appears, escorted out on a throne to a remix of her track, “Fancy.” Luck finally comes Reba’s way when Tanner Frick steps on stage. Tanner, a maintenance foreman originally from Mississippi, takes on The Voice alum Morgan Wallen.
Even though he receives a four-chair turn, he selects Reba as his coach. Tanner hopes to work with her to follow in the footsteps of his inspiration, Morgan Wallen. While he might fall into a trap as a generic modern country artist, if there is anyone who can bring out something special in him, it is Reba McEntire.
One of the strongest entries of the night comes from a trio named 323. Their name comes from the area code of their home in Tallahassee, Florida. They put a unique spin on Britney Spears’ “(You Drive Me) Crazy.” Instead of using the typical three-part harmony, 323 offers a modern tone to the classic track.
Still from The Voice (Credit: NBC)
Groups haven’t had the strongest track record on The Voice, but this trio shows strong potential. While Michael Bublé tries to bribe them with stories about his former group, The Bublettes, the trio selects Reba McEntire, who once sang in a group known as The Singing McEntires. The members of 323 are all friends from church, making them underdogs to keep an eye on.
Michael Bublé Is Finding His Groove
Mor Ilderton from Teays Valley, West Virginia, shares his story of being taken in by his aunt and uncle at 18. This emotional backstory leads to another successful Blind Audition, especially for a coach who was not blocked. Ilderton, who only started singing two years ago, makes his live-singing debut on The Voice, performing “Coal.”
His story is prepared to set a certain outcome. Michael Bublé turns his chair first, making a bold choice to block Reba McEntire in the process, and she is not happy.
This marks the second time Reba has been blocked in just two episodes. However, Michael Bublé compliments her, calling her the best country singer. His bold move pays off as Mor Ilderton selects Bublé as his coach.
While Michael Bublé may not have the same energetic presence as Snoop Dogg, he uses humor in his storytelling. While pitching to Felsmere, Bublé shares that worse things have happened in his life besides not being chosen as a coach — one of which was dressing up as a rat when he worked at Chuck E. Cheese. His night also sees the addition of 17-year-old Kamila Kiehne to his team.
A big part of The Voice and similar shows is introducing viewers to the artists they will hopefully watch over the next few months. Within a brief clip package, the artist shares a bit about themselves: what they do, where they come from, and how they got there.
This often becomes their identity more than their voice. While there may be no way to avoid this trend, audiences might remember the backstories of the artists more than the actual songs they perform. It raises the question: if you don’t have an emotional backstory, will you make it to a team?
Still from The Voice (Credit: NBC)
Unfortunately, not everyone earns a coach on the second night of Blind Auditions. Those who do not succeed include Wednesday Addams look-alike Crystalla Gonzalez and Stevie Nicks sound-alike Iris Herrera. The second night of Blind Auditions is packed with talent but lacks the spark that the premiere episode tends to have.
While there is some fun banter between the coaches, this episode feels more like a formality rather than a celebration of music. The Voice has already introduced the new dynamics, so this episode feels like a necessary step as the show gears up for the next round.
Conclusion
Season 26 of The Voice is shaping up to be an exciting journey filled with diverse talents and unique stories. With Snoop Dogg stealing the spotlight and new twists like the Coach Replay Button, the season promises to be one to remember.
Still from The Voice (Credit: NBC)
The competition is fierce, and as the coaches continue to build their teams, viewers can expect more thrilling performances and surprising choices in the weeks to come.
Each episode brings a mix of emotion, talent, and drama, making it an exciting watch for fans of the show. As the journey continues, audiences will be eager to see who will rise to the top and claim victory in this season of The Voice.
