Top 7 Must-Watch Series During the Wait for ‘Heartstopper’ Season 3

In its two seasons, Heartstopper has garnered acclaim as a heartwarming tale of young love and friendship, alongside an authentic exploration of queer themes. Based on the graphic novel series by Alice Oseman, the Netflix coming-of-age teen drama is set to premiere its highly anticipated third season in October.

The storyline centers on the friendship and budding romance between Joe Locke’s Charlie Spring and Kit Connor’s Nick Nelson. Charlie’s lively personality beautifully contrasts with and complements the cheerful demeanor of the rugby player, resulting in a delightful on-screen chemistry. With this backdrop, the show has received praise for its authentic portrayal of self-discovery, acceptance, and the complexities of teenage relationships, all without unnecessary embellishments.

Meanwhile, the conclusion of the second season left fans on a cliffhanger. From Nick’s coming out to his father to his growing awareness of Charlie’s mental health struggles, plus prom night celebrations and relationship challenges faced by other characters, season three promises to delve into significant developments.

Seven Shows to Enjoy While Waiting for Netflix’s Heartstopper

As Heartstopper prepares to unveil its third season’s pilot in less than two weeks, fans have ample time to speculate on how Nick will support Charlie in the upcoming story. Additionally, viewers can ponder their future aspirations, university experiences, new character arcs, and evolving dynamics—though these narratives are best left to the showrunners.

Fans can, however, immerse themselves in the following seven recommendations. Curated from viewers’ opinions and presented in no particular order, these shows also explore themes of teenage love, queer challenges, heartbreak, and overall provide a feel-good viewing experience.

1) Young Royals (2021) – Netflix

A still from Young Royals (Image via Netflix)

While Heartstopper adopts a lighter tone, Young Royals offers a more dramatic and mature exploration of love and identity. Both shows carry emotional storylines and meaningful LGBTQ+ themes, but Young Royals tackles significant issues like societal pressures and class divides.

This Swedish teen drama spans three seasons and follows Prince Wilhelm of Sweden as he navigates a new life at a boarding school, where he develops a connection with scholarship student Simon Eriksson.

The tension between the Prince’s royal obligations and personal desires, alongside Simon’s humble beginnings contrasted with royal life, creates a compelling storyline.

2) Elite (2018) – Netflix

A scene from Elite Season 5 (Image via Netflix)

Similar to Heartstopper, Elite focuses on character development. With eight seasons wrapping up in mid-2024, the series follows students from various socioeconomic backgrounds at a fictional elite high school.

The narrative centers on class conflicts, murders, corruption, power struggles, romances, and jealousy, with characters grappling with their identities and orientations amid the gripping murder mystery.

Friendships, betrayals, crime, and issues relating to queerness and mental health provide a depth that distinctively sets Elite apart from Heartstopper, particularly due to its more mature tone.

3) We Are Who We Are (2020) – HBO Max

The cast of We Are Who We Are in a still from Season 1 (Image via Prime Video)

Comprising one season with eight episodes, We Are Who We Are follows two American teens, Fraser Wilson and Caitlin “Harper” Poythress, as they navigate adolescence at a fictional US military base in Italy.

The show captures their journey of living on an isolated base and uncovering each other’s secrets while including various supporting characters. It showcases the depth of breakups, family tensions, intimacy, and emotional separations.

Similar to Heartstopper, this coming-of-age drama delves into teenage love and authentic representations of queer relationship struggles. It also encourages themes of self-acceptance and positive vibes among viewers.

4) Never Have I Ever (2020) – Netflix

A still from Never Have I Ever (Image via Netflix)

Following the life of Indian-American teen Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s Devi Vishwakumar, Never Have I Ever may not prominently feature queer themes like Heartstopper, but it thoroughly explores teenage romance and coming-of-age narratives.

The narrative addresses love triangles, heartbreaks, cultural clashes, grief over family loss, and various adolescent struggles. Additionally, it skillfully balances humor and serious moments, leading to a significant emotional impact.

Concluding in 2023, the four-season journey leaves viewers with Devi as she wraps up her high school experience.

5) Love, Victor (2020) – Disney+, Hulu

A still from Love, Victor trailer (Image via Hulu)

Spanning 28 episodes across three seasons, Love, Victor tracks half-Puerto Rican, half-Colombian-American high school student Victor Salazar as he confronts his various complexities.

Initially, the story explores Victor’s efforts to fit in and build friendships. As the series progresses, he comes out and begins a relationship with Benji. However, he soon develops feelings for another friend, Rahim, and the reactions of his friends and family shape the storyline.

The eight-episode third season sees him choose between Benji and Rahim, also delving into his future possibilities after high school, creating an emotional journey reminiscent of the upcoming heartwarming themes in Heartstopper season three.

6) XO, Kitty (2023) – Netflix

A still from XO, Kitty (Image via Netflix)

While Heartstopper emphasizes LGBTQ+ themes and the supportive nature of friendship and young love, XO, Kitty expands the narrative to include cultural identity, heartbreak, and family dynamics. Still, at their core, both feature character-driven stories about the challenges of teenage life.

Over one season consisting of ten episodes, XO, Kitty stars Anna Cathcart as Kitty Covey, who relocates to South Korea to be with her long-distance boyfriend Dae. This move also holds personal significance as she attends the same school her late mother attended.

The show weaves together themes of family heritage, evolving relationships, friendships, and the everyday challenges teenagers face.

7) Atypical (2017) – Netflix

A scene from Atypical (Image via Netflix)

Much like Heartstopper, Atypical has received favorable reviews for providing an emotional viewing experience. Additionally, its exploration of identity, love, and adolescence, combined with heartfelt comedic elements, establishes it as a standout in the coming-of-age genre.

The narrative follows Sam Gardner, an 18-year-old autistic teen on a quest for love and self-confidence. As he navigates high school life, he contends with unique family dynamics, particularly his overprotective mother.

The series captures everything from his developing crush on a therapist to the ensuing complications and his journey toward independence, while also incorporating supporting characters and their romantic endeavors.

Heartstopper is set to premiere its third season on October 3, 2024. Until then, the seven shows listed above will provide similar themes of teenage romance and life complexities to keep viewers excited for the upcoming premiere.

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