Heartstopper debuted on Netflix in 2022 and quickly became a beloved coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama, praised for its tender LGBTQ representation.
The show focuses on Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson, played by Joe Locke and Kit Connor, as they navigate school life, friendship, and blossoming love.
Season 1’s success prompted Netflix to grant a rare two-season renewal, leading to the release of Season 2 in August 2023 and Season 3 on October 3.
Season 3 Performance
According to recently unveiled data, Season 3 of Heartstopper accumulated 10.9 million views by the end of 2024, securing a spot as #130 among all Netflix offerings from June to December.
This figure marks a noticeable dip from Season 2, which garnered 16.5 million views in the same measuring period and ranked #59 on the service from July to December 2023.
Analysts estimate that if Season 3 had a longer viewing window, it might have reached around 11.6 million views, still reflecting a 30% drop.
Even so, the show maintained strong creative momentum, achieving another 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and delving deeper into important mental health themes.
+Related: Heartstopper Kit Connor & Joe Locke: MCU Superhero Lovers?
Catching Up and Comparing
Longtime fans continued to watch Seasons 1 and 2, adding roughly 8.8 million more views across the latter half of 2024.
This sort of catch-up phenomenon highlights ongoing interest and dwarfs the performance of comparable new comedies that launched on Netflix in the same timeframe.
Meanwhile, series creator Alice Oseman mentioned at a recent event that she is advocating behind the scenes for a renewal, though no final word has emerged from Netflix yet.
Uncertain Renewal
Five months have passed since Season 3 dropped, and the streamer remains silent on a Season 4 announcement for Heartstopper.
According to Deadline, industry rumors suggest that the cast, including Kit Connor and Joe Locke, may need new contracts if a fourth season goes ahead, complicating negotiations.
Both actors are in high demand, with Joe Locke linked to a major Disney+ project, and Kit Connor fresh from a sold-out run in Romeo + Juliet on stage.
Despite potential scheduling hurdles, sources indicate the duo would be open to reprising their roles, mirroring how Euphoria’s cast reunited for a final season.
With fans clamoring for more heartwarming content and many praising the show’s positive impact on LGBTQ visibility, the wait for official renewal news grows more intense by the day.
If Netflix’s track record is any guide, a delayed announcement might lessen the odds, but the devoted fanbase remains hopeful that Heartstopper has at least one more chapter to share.