'Heartstopper' Season 3 review: Alice Oseman's series grows up with Locke and Connor at their best yet

This review discusses eating disorders and body dysmorphia. Heartstopper, you've grown up. A compassionate, gentle exploration of identity, mental health, and early sexual experiences, the Netflix adaptation of Alice Oseman's graphic novel feels more mature in Season 3, all while maintaining its signature sweetness. Season 2 focused on the complexities of coming out, specifically Nick's (Kit Connor) journey through understanding his bisexuality. And this season, directed by Andy Newbery, the series sees Charlie (Joe Locke) through an immensely challenging time with anorexia and his mental health. SEE ALSO: 6 things teens say they really need for their mental health On the teen series spectrum, Heartstopper has always felt like a younger sibling of Sex Education, a less dramatic companion of Never Have I Ever, and the polar opposite of darker teen shows like Skins or Euphoria. And this season, though the characters move further into maturity, Heartstopper maintains its tendency for tenderness through life's complicated turns. The "Paris Crew" face a lot individually this season, each grappling with the difficult task of asking for help, but ultimately finding love and support within their found family — and getting their first hangovers together. With the cast at their best yet, Heartstopper once again proves why it's one of the top teen shows on TV. Heartstopper Season 3 presents Charlie as more than his disorder, while showing the realities of anorexia. Joe Locke as Charlie. Credit: Samuel Dore / Netflix Screen portrayals of eating disorders are rarely commendable on screen, with shows like Netflix's To the Bone completely missing the mark. Last year, Ripley Parker's Everything Now actually managed a miracle, approaching the realities of eating disorders (specifically anorexia), social anxiety, and body dysmorphia with respect and nuance — and an excellent performance by Talk to Me’s Sophie Wilde. Heartstopper has been slowly and sensitively incorporating Charlie's