"I feel like season one was the most special," Heartstopper star Yasmin Finney shares over Zoom. "For half of us, it was our first time on set, so it felt very pure. This season, we’re more mature, and it’s a different experience. It really challenged me, especially since I was in a relationship."
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| William Gao and Yasmin Finney in Netflix's 'Heartstopper' Courtesy of Netflix |
Heartstopper, Alice Oseman’s popular YA Netflix drama, garnered much praise in its first season and faced some criticism for being overly sweet in its second. Now returning for a third season, the show takes a tonal shift, moving away from the "lighter, more hopeful and optimistic" coming-of-age narrative Oseman initially crafted.
Streaming now on Netflix, the latest season tackles more mature themes like relationships, sex, and mental health for LGBTQIA+ teens at two British secondary schools. “The story was always going to explore these themes, as Charlie’s mental health struggles were part of his original character in a previous book,” Oseman tells Reporter. “The characters, actors, and viewers are all growing up, so it makes sense to evolve.”
In season three, that evolution is especially visible in Elle (Finney), a straight Black transgender girl, and Tao (William Gao), a straight cisgender Asian boy. They have moved from friends to lovers over two seasons, and this arc delves into the emotional and physical aspects of relationships.
“When I read the script, I knew there were challenges I’d face this season,” Finney explains. "The relationship with Tao grows into an unbreakable bond, which I love. The audience sees a more mature take on the gay and transgender experience, and what it means to fall in love as an adult."
Oseman comments on the couple’s journey, “Both Elle and Tao have vulnerabilities and anxieties they haven’t shared with each other, which creates tension. Tao must learn to let his guard down, and Elle needs to be vulnerable in return.”
Traci Abbott, an English and Media Studies professor at Bentley University studying trans representation in U.S. teen shows, says that Heartstopper’s depiction of Tao and Elle’s relationship is uncommon in American media. “The show models how affirmation looks in friendship and romance and how to verbalize feelings, which can be rare in teen shows where relationships are often toxic,” Abbott tells Reporter. “The transness in their relationship is not a barrier, but it’s not ignored either.”
Elle and Tao’s relationship is established offscreen, with Finney describing their history: “They went to an all-boys school, and Tao supported Elle through her transition. Their love story blossomed after she transferred to a girls' school.”
Gao adds, “Tao’s been there for Elle all along. They have a deep friendship and love, with Tao fiercely protective and understanding.”
Reflecting on her personal experience, Finney shares, “I was bullied in high school. Heartstopper doesn’t ignore transphobia, but it gives more space for developing Elle and Tao’s relationship, which feels like a fantasy since you rarely see it on screen.”
Oseman also wanted to show a trans character being loved unconditionally. “I wanted to show Tao, a straight boy, adoring Elle without questioning his sexuality,” they say.
Abbott notes how Heartstopper’s approach differs from other teen shows that lag behind in trans representation. While trans-cis relationships were once treated with ridicule, newer series like Sense8 have helped move the narrative forward, but often still focus on trans people explaining themselves to cis partners. Heartstopper shifts that narrative, focusing on personality over physicality.
“We’re breaking boundaries with this show,” Gao says. “It’s important to show the ease and naturalness of their relationship. Those stories happen, and we need more of them.”
Season three highlights real challenges alongside romantic moments. Finney describes the “extra level of comfort and consent” in their relationship, which she feels is crucial in portraying realistic dynamics.
Gao credits Finney for helping steer the show away from the utopian portrayal of queer relationships, common in some American teen shows. Abbott adds that Heartstopper avoids the pitfalls of wealthy queer utopias, making the characters more accessible to viewers.
With season three, the show explores deeper themes like gender dysphoria and intimacy. One scene features Elle and Tao becoming intimate before Elle pauses to discuss her feelings, offering a rare, honest depiction of trans-cis relationships.
“As a cis guy like Tao, you need to understand that being with a transgender person of color comes with its own challenges,” Finney explains. “It’s not easy, but it’s about making sure Elle feels comfortable.”
Oseman emphasizes that being trans is part of Elle’s identity, and it’s important to acknowledge that. “Writing this season was a learning curve, but it’s a more relatable, realistic story.”
Finney also contributed to shaping scenes that reflect the struggles of being trans. “Alice, as a nonbinary person, couldn’t fully speak to my experience as a trans woman, so I had the opportunity to shape certain moments,” she says.
Gao shares how they had in-depth conversations during rehearsals to ensure the story was authentic. “We had to do justice to the characters and their story,” he says.
Oseman reflects on the importance of showing both the positive and harder aspects of Elle’s journey, which ultimately enriches her character’s story.
Finney’s own experiences, such as dealing with uncomfortable interviews, resonate with Elle’s portrayal in the show. “Trans people need to remember that life will be tough, but that’s what makes us stronger.”
She concludes, “We live in a binary world, but respect is key. We’re all human beings with feelings, and it’s important for trans people to be themselves."
