Heartstopper‘s future remains in limbo following the non-renewal after season three, but creator Alice Oseman has offered a promidate. In case you weren’t aware, it’s now been over four months since the third installment of the young adult series hit Netflix, but the streamer has not yet given the greenlight for an additional season.

It’s enough to induce the same gay panic that is scribbled on the background of Charlie’s (Joe Locke) phone, but Oseman — who also authored the graphic novels upon which Heartstopper is based — isn’t done fighting for the show’s future. 

While speaking at the recent Waterstones Children’s Book Festival in England, Oseman remained hopeful about Heartstopper’s fourth season despite the lack of greenlight. “I’m working very hard behind the scenes to get us a renewal for Heartstopper,” Oseman said. “It is still ongoing and we don’t have a final answer yet.” Using all her might, Oseman also assured fans of the beloved show that it’s not just herself who is campaigning for a fourth installment. 

“There are so many people behind the scenes who are working really hard to make it happen,” the author said, adding that those involved are “feeling optimistic” and “hopeful.” Oseman concluded her thoughts by offering fans the tastiest of breadcrumbs, saying she may be able to share news of fourth season “sometime soon” and urging us to keep our “fingers crossed.” For context, Heartstopper was renewed for two additional installments following its massively successful debut season in 2022. 

That double renewal has since been fulfilled with seasons two and three, and while Netflix has kept quiet on the possibility of more episodes, Oseman has spoken in the past about what’s involved in securing another season. “There are a lot of moving parts to for that make it hard to solidify anything,” the graphic novelist told Tudum. “We’re doing our best, and will let fans know as soon as we can.” If it ever does arrive, Oseman has confirmed that season four of Heartstopper will be its last. 

“I really really just want to tell the end of the story on TV and bring all of those characters, their stories, to a close,” she told the I’ve Never Said This Before podcast in October, confirming that season four would “for sure” be Heartstopper’s final outing. Whatever the case, fans can rest assured that the Heartstopper universe will continue to unfurl, even if it’s not necessarily on screens. Oseman is currently working on the sixth and final book in the original graphic novel series, which she said she wants completed and published before Heartstopper season four. 

me waiting for netflix to renew heartstopper for season 4 pic.twitter.com/3kwjtTrvQl

— lydia ✲ (@0011____1100) February 8, 2025

“I’m only 50 pages in, but I know what’s going to happen, what all the dialogue is going to be, and now I’m just sitting down and drawing it, which is my favourite bit,” Oseman told The Guardian last year. “I’m really excited about what’s going to happen towards the end of the story, but it’s also very bittersweet. I also feel it’s absolutely the right time for it to end. It’s very sad, but it’s time.” Here’s hoping Oseman’s unbreakable optimism will translate to another season of Heartstopper because I, for one, am not yet ready to say goodbye to Charlie, Nick, Ben and the rest of the gang.

Just when we had finally stopped crying after bingeing season 3, we get an update about Heartstopper season 4, and it’s the one that none of us wanted. The coming-of-age romance has consistently knocked it out the park since its debut on Netflix in 2022, with each season somehow both being incredibly wholesome and affirming and capable of reducing fans to blubbering messes.

Here’s a whole new reason to cry, though; if and when Heartstopper returns, it sounds like there’s every chance that the next season will be its last. The third outing for Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) and their friends just hit streaming this October, so naturally everyone wants to know what awaits the Truham gang in their future. The answer, it tragically seems, is an ending.

Heartstopper creator just gave us the last season 4 update anyone wanted

We’re still waiting on Netflix to make an official renewal on Heartstopper season 4, but the bad news is that even if it is commissioned, it’s been confirmed that this will be the final run for the series. Creator Alice Oseman, who serves as showrunner as well as writer of the original graphic novels and books the TV version is based on, broke the big, heartbreaking news on an episode of the I’ve Never Said This Before podcast.

“Fingers crossed,” Oseman responded, when asked by host Tommy DiDario about whether Heartstopper season 4 is happening. “We haven’t got any solid news as of yet. Obviously we’d love to. I really, really just want to tell the end of the story on TV, bring all those characters, their stories, to a close. So, yeah, fingers crossed.”

It shouldn’t come as a total surprise to fans that Heartstopper‘s conclusion is drawing near. The show has already burned through much of its source material. Five volumes of the graphic novels have been released so far, with a sixth and final one on the way. Season 3 just tackled volumes four and five, so it seems like we can expect the end of the book series and the TV series to dovetail in perfect sync. Unfortunately, that means we might just run out of all forms of new Heartstopper content across the mediums in one go. As Tao might say in his Scottish accent, rude!

On the plus side, Oseman has written various other tomes set in this universe but which focus on other characters, so there is the potential for Netflix to move forward with a few spinoffs — even if the main show has already touched on them. e.g. Tori and Michael’s story in season 3 coming from the novel Solitaire.

Whatever happens, let’s just be thankful we got Heartstopper in the first place — a series that has truly changed the game when it comes to LGBTQ-driven storytelling and has helped launch a new roster of next-gen stars. Just look at Joe Locke taking over the Marvel universe in Agatha All Along and Kit Connor treading the boards on Broadway in Romeo & Juliet. Netflix, you know what you’ve got to do. Announce season 4 and let this extra-special show bow out on a high.

Fame is difficult to handle, especially when you’re young, and Heartstopper‘s Kit Connor now knows that firsthand. However, as he tries to stay grounded, he’s tried to draw a line in the sand when it comes to his family.

Kit Connor has been acting for over a decade, a long time considering he’s only 20 years old. The British star debuted in the British sitcom Chickens and made minor appearances in 2013’s An Adventure in Space and Time and the soap opera Casualty. While his career included several big films, including playing a teenager version of Sir Elton John in the biopic Rocketman, it was with Netflix’s Heartstopper that he reached everyone’s hearts.

Heartstopper is based on Alice Oseman’s webcomic and graphic novel of the same name, and the coming-of-age drama premiered in 2022. Connor stars as Nick Nelson, a teenager who is on a journey to self-discovery and exploration when it comes to his sexuality, starring alongside Joe Locke, who plays Charlie Spring. The series received critical acclaim and became an instant hit with fans, particularly for its tone and tenderness, with a new season on the way. While Heartstopper helped Connor and Locke, who starred in his first role, gain popularity, it also came with some downsides.

Some fans have a hard time understanding Kit Connor’s boundaries

There are multiple reasons why fans fell in love with Kit Connor, and I get it. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having crushes on celebrities and ing them in any way we can. However, there is a time and a place to show our and love – and that’s not during their personal time. And that is exactly Kit Connor’s problem with fame.

In a new t interview with his co-star Joe Locke for GQ, Locke explained that the “hardest thing” about his career is how it affects the people in his life, something Connor related to. He explained that he often finds himself “very defensive over that kind of stuff.”

“Like, people posting pictures of my mum or something. I’m like, ‘Dude, that’s my mum. She’s my mum. She’s not your mum.’ Even if it’s done out of no malice whatsoever, even if it’s done completely out of love, it genuinely upsets me.”

Locked added, “I found the reaction to Chappell Roan’s post this week really interesting and fascinating, and really hopeful,” referring to the pop star’s message about creepy fan behavior and those who don’t understand personal boundaries.

Kit Connor was forced to come out by Heartstopper fans

On Oct. 31, 2022, Heartstopper star Kit Connor hopped on social media and announced that he was bisexual. The actor was only 18 at the time. However, although that should be a personal message he delivered when or if he felt prepared to share this with the world, the actor itted he was forced to come out. The actor was accused of queerbaiting because of his Heartstopper character, and because he hadn’t addressed his sexuality, as many people don’t seem to understand the concept of an actor.

In his short message on Twitter, he itted that he’s bisexual, adding that some people “missed the point of the show,” showing his disappointment by noting, “Congrats for forcing an 18 year old to out himself.” The actor received major from the cast and fans, but the harm was done. Fast forward to two years later, little has changed, as people haven’t learned good manners when it comes to celebrities they ire, and Connor is still having a hard time establishing healthy boundaries with fans.

After stealing our hearts in Netflix’s deliciously horny Heartstopper, Joe Locke has ed the MCU’s Agatha All Along. However, before following Kathryn Hahn into the wicked corners of Marvel, Locke was already a fan of the franchise, with some unexpected opinions about the best Avenger.  

In a recent interview for Gay Times about the third season of Heartstopper, Locke took a break from gushing about Netflix’s thirsty show to talk about his Agatha All Along experience. Locke also described a curious dinner with Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios president. When asked about his favorite Marvel hero, Locke didn’t hesitate to name his top pick: Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow. Feige’s reaction was, of course, one of surprise. As Locke retells it, “He was like, ‘Oh! Interesting! Nobody really says that,’ and I was like, ‘People are wrong.'”

Locke’s choice of Black Widow as the MCU’s best Avenger is indeed surprising, given the character’s lack of superpowers in a team filled with gods, super-soldiers, and tech geniuses. However, this human element is precisely what makes Natasha Romanoff stand out.

Joe Locke is right, Black Window deserves more love from Avengers fans

Unlike her superpowered teammates, Black Widow relies solely on her intelligence and sheer determination. This makes her incredibly relatable to audiences, serving as an avatar for viewers in a world of fantastical beings. However, Black Widow’s importance to the MCU extends beyond her relatability. Her character arc, from a ruthless assassin to a selfless hero, is one of the most compelling in the franchise. She knows she has red in her ledger, which is why she fights so hard to do some good in a broken world.

Moreover, Black Widow’s role as a female superhero in a male-dominated franchise cannot be overstated. She has been a trailblazer, paving the way for more diverse representation in superhero films. Long before Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel of Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch, Johansson was the only female superhero in the MCU, carrying the weight of women representation on her back. As such, her strength, intelligence, and independence have made her a role model for many fans, including Locke.

Despite her significant contributions to the MCU, Black Widow has often been underappreciated. The delay in giving her a solo movie and the mixed reception of her film when it finally arrived underscore this point. So, it’s good that the character gets more recognition as the years . In championing Black Widow, Locke highlights the need to look beyond flashy powers and recognize the value of human resilience, skill, and growth.

The trailer for season 3 of Heartstopper is here and we have watched it at least 10 times. Especially that part at the end. Yeah, you know the one.

Jonathan Bailey is ing the Netflix teen show as Jack Maddox, a take on the source material’s academic hottie Henry Maddox, who Charlie (Joe Locke) has a major crush on. And who can blame him? The trailer gave us our first official glimpse into Bailey’s appearance as the heartthrob professor when Charlie and Nick (Kit Connor) attend his book g only for the latter to become a blubbering mess, realizing he, too, might be hot for the teacher.

Similarly to Charlie and Nick, Heartstopper and Jonathan Bailey fans alike have begun swooning over Mr. Maddox. Most related to Nick’s bi-panic reaction, while others came up with all kinds of indecent answers to Bailey’s one line in the trailer, “What can I do for you">for lack of time).

Heartstopper season 3 will be out on Netflix on Oct. 3.

I consider myself a teen drama expert. I cheered when Joey and Pacey kissed on Dawson’s Creek, followed along with Angela’s crush on Jordan on My So-Called Life, and will watch relatable shows about teenagers and also totally outlandish ones, too. Netflix has helped me out in the “teen shows are the best shows” category, with the sweet and comionate series Heartstopper, which now has a trailer for season 3!

The trailer includes actors such as Eddie Marsan, Jonathan Bailey, and Hayley Atwell, all of whom have ed the third season. But, come on, we’re all really here for the romance between Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor), which is front and center in the trailer.

As the characters prepare for school to start again, which is a totally emotional and scary and exciting time, Nick tells Charlie he’s concerned because he’s “been really stressed.”

In the Hearstopper season 3 trailer scene that made me tear up, Nick’s Aunt Diane (Atwell) tells him “Sometimes, people need more than any person can give. You can be there for him, standing together, even when it’s hard.” She adds, “That’s love, darling” (ugh, my heart).

The trailer also shares that Tao (William Gao) and Elle (Yasmin Finney) will become intimate. According to The Pink News, Finney said on Heartstopper: The Official Podcast that the storyline will discuss gender dysphoria and said “delve into that and educate a lot of the audience hopefully.”

Netflix claimed that we all be “a blubbering mess” after watching this trailer and, yes, that’s true! And as X @MaryammAmjad pointed out, the third season is going to be a “masterpiece.” Other fans were just as happy that Heartstopper season 3 will premiere on Oct. 3rd, 2024, which is just a few weeks away.

Alice Oseman, the showrunner and creator of Heartstopper, explained to Netflix.com/tudum that the third season’s tone is more “mature,” since everyone is getting older. Oseman said that season 3 touches on “Mental health, sex, university ambitions.”

While Heartstopper has dealt with important topics so far, it’s great that season 3 will dive into Charlie’s mental health. While of course I don’t want him to struggle, and I want to give him a big hug, this is a very real subject that teens deal with that has been missing from a lot of TV dramas about this age group. Sure, Kelly had a rough go of things on Beverly Hills 90210 back in the day, but her storylines were more melodramatic than anything else. The CDC shared “In 2021, more than 4 in 10 (42%) students felt persistently sad or hopeless and nearly one-third (29%) experienced poor mental health.”

As a teen who didn’t feel like I fit in, I loved getting lost in old episodes of ’90s teen shows, but I would have felt comforted by the wonderful characters on Heartstopper. I’m so glad that all the teens today (and those who never want to grow up) have what is sure to be a beautifully crafted season 3 to look forward to!

We’re used to seeing Netflix trending for a plethora of reasons. Sometimes it’s because a particularly good season of Bridgerton has come out. Other times, it’s due to price increases — and never decreases, much to our chagrin. However, in the last few days, the streaming giant has been trending because of… leaks.

Over the past three days, major animated titles have been leaked as a result of a security breach that compromised Netflix’s database. While it is still not known who is responsible for the leaks, many suspect that the breach was carried out by a Southeast Asian dubbing team — though Netflix has yet to confirm these rumors. In fact, Netflix only just addressed the issue after one of its major titles — Heartstopper — was also affected by the leak ahead of its scheduled release. Unfortunately, that’s not the only major title that has been released.

Which shows Netflix shows were leaked?

Surprisingly, the leak hasn’t just affected Netflix’s animated shows. While the majority of the titles include Japanese and American productions, more titles, including non-animated series, have been added to the list just a few hours ago. On that note, here are all the titles that were leaked during this cyberattack:

• Heartstopper – Season 3
• Arcane – Season 2
• Dandadan – 6 Episodes
• Terminator Zero Anime – Season 1
• Ranma 1/2 – 4 Episodes
• Re: Zero – Season 3, Episode 1
• Mononoke The Movie

Netflix has assured s, in an issue stated through The Wrap, that measures are being taken “aggressively” to pursue those responsible for the breach. According to the streaming platform, this digital attack was the result of one of its post-production partners being targeted. This explains why the leaked episodes are stamped with “for internal use” and “property of Netflix” watermarks and why they lack completed visual and sound effects.

Contrary to many reports circulating online, Stranger Things’ final season was not among the leaked titles. While some s on X have claimed to see leaked Stranger Things episodes, a on the forum 4chan confirmed that the sci-fi series was not part of the leaked titles, and no early episodes were released online. Allegedly, only subtitles from previous episodes were leaked.

Netflix’s response, however, took longer than expected. It wasn’t until two of its major Western-produced titles, Arcane and Heartstopper, were leaked that the company issued a statement on the matter. Hopefully, this issue will soon be resolved, as more and more animators are voicing their disappointment at having their work spoiled by the security breach.

If you’re here, the “BL” and “yaoi” have probably shown up on your radar once or twice. To be fair, the Internet does come up with the weirdest sayings and acronyms, but these have been around for far longer than you might have noticed.

Much like everything that goes even remotely semi-viral on the Internet, these have also ended up on TikTok — for better and for worse. You’ve probably seen these associated with anime, manga, or even Thai and K-dramas — the most popular mediums for what is known as “BL.” Now, yaoi, however, is an entirely different story, so let’s quickly dive into what these mean and their differences.

What does ‘BL’ mean?

The acronym “BL” stands for Boys’ Love and is the umbrella term used for content revolving around two male love interests. The earliest use of the acronym can be dated to 1991 when the magazine Image attempted to collect these disparate genres under a single term. From then on, several other magazines began using the term in reference to male-male romance in Japanese and Asian media. Nowadays, though, we can also see the genre is growing in the West, although BL isn’t often used to describe this type of content.

In fact, you’ve surely seen plenty of BL content exploding in recent years here in the West. For instance, series like Heartstopper or Young Royals easily fit under the BL umbrella term, as shows whose main plot surrounds a queer couple comprised of two male characters. More often than not, these series focus on romance, though that’s not exclusively the standard.

BL is still mostly attached to dramas hailing from Thailand, China, Taiwan, and South Korea. These East Asian countries are some of the biggest producers of LGBT content in Asia, with entire companies dedicated to creating these dramas. You might have even heard of the titles KinnPorsche or TharnType, which are two of the most popular BL Thai dramas. When it comes to Japanese and South Korean manga and manhwa, however, the story is a little different.

What is Yaoi and is it different from BL?

Yaoi is an outdated term that was used to refer to explicit content between two male lovers in Japanese manga. However, it is now widely deemed derogatory and has slowly but surely been replaced by BL as the umbrella term for both Yaoi and Shounen-ai. It was initially considered a subgenre of the literary shojo genre, although Shounen-ai and Yaoi stemmed from contemporary Japanese homoerotic romances created in the 1970s. Still, these exact wouldn’t be used until later on.

It was, in fact, doujinshi — self-published works often focused on already-existing characters in relationships — that propelled the yaoi and shounen-ai into popular use. Doujinshi creators, often fans of mainstream manga and anime, would create their own stories featuring characters from those works in romantic or erotic scenarios. These fan-created stories contributed to the early development of queer genres, with creators ironically referring to their explicit works as “yaoi” (from “YAma nashi, Ochi nashi, Imi nashi” — no climax, no point, no meaning) and less explicit works as “shounen-ai.”

Even though you might see fans often use all three interchangeably, they are all very different, and you’ll likely be safer using “BL,” as a general term. More often than not, both “shounen-ai,” and “yaoi,” are used in Japanese manga after all, and not necessarily for BL dramas — which are, arguably, its most successful medium currently.

Netflix has some of the best shows on streaming. From massive live-action adaptations like One Piece, to original productions like Stranger Things, fans are spoiled for choice and can snag many different types of merch online.

Better yet, there’s a ton of options available if you’re searching for the perfect gift! There’s more than enough for Netflix lovers who want to own items relating to their favorite shows. 

15. The original OBX license plate sticker 

A cute piece of merch that any Outer Banks fan will appreciate is this OBX license plate sticker. It features the iconic “Outer Banks” design, with the ocean and lighthouse in the background. The bottom text says “paradise on earth” just like on the show and it’s perfect for sticking on a laptop or water bottle. 

14. Voltron character s T-Shirt

Netflix’s Voltron: Legendary Defender was such a hit that it developed a devoted audience independent of the fans of the original show. This shirt from Hot Topic displays all of the Voltron paladins, as well as Voltron itself in all its glory. It’s definitely worth snagging for true fans. 

13. Netflix’s Rebel Moon: Part One- A Child Of Fire group wall poster 

This Netflix space opera hit viewer’s screens back in 2023, with the second part releasing in April 2024. The epic follows Kora, a former soldier as she recruits a team of rebels to face off against the oppressive Imperium. This poster for the first movie features the main cast looking majestic on high-quality, glossy paper. 

12. Youtooz Heartstopper: Nick and Charlie

Heartstopper stole the hearts of fans worldwide when its first season aired in 2022. Since then, Nick and Charlie have continued to capture hearts both within and outside of the LGBTQ+ community. This Youtooz figure shows the couple at their first meeting, the moment their story started, and when we fell in love with them. They’re seated at their desk, with smiles on their lips and blushes on their cheeks, oblivious to the world around them. Any Heartstopper fan would love to have these two decorating their room. 

11. 3 Body Problem headset

3 Body Problem is Netflix’s 2024 gem. The sci-fi series is based on a highly acclaimed Chinese book series and deals with alien invasions, existentialism, and so much science that you feel like you’re taking a crash course in astrophysics. The show featured amazing set pieces and costumes, with the alien VR headset being one of the most memorable. It’s a great gift for anyone who loves to collect unique pieces. 

10. Funko Pop! Squid Game 3 piece set

Not a lot of shows can boast the amount of success and impact that Squid Game can. The Korean TV show was a worldwide phenomenon, and had viewers who had never considered Korean media fully invested. This Funko Pop set on Walmart includes Seong Gi-Hun, Oh Il-Nam, and one of the masked workers of the squid game. It’s a great start for anyone who wants to kick off a collection of Squid Game merch. 

9. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story T-Shirt

The success of Bridgerton led to the creation of the spin-off, centered on one of the most interesting characters in the franchise, Queen Charlotte. With her opulent headpieces, to her queenly elegance, Queen Charlotte is the perfect Bridgerton character to rock on a t-shirt. The Netflix shop’s got you covered!

8. The Witcher: Geralt’s medallion

Geralt of Rivia is everyone’s favorite grumpy, monosyllabic mutant. His travel must-haves include his sword, his tight pants, and his White Wolf medallion. This piece is a replica of the White Wolf insignia necklace Geralt never takes off in the show. It’s a great item for cosplaying, or simply to have as a keepsake. The gift is also packed in a unique, wooden box that adds to the aura of the piece.

7. Bridgerton muse teapot and tea gift set 

Bridgerton season 3 was one of the most anticipated Netflix releases of 2024. In celebration of the new season and the diversity that the show advocates for, Netflix collaborated with artists globally to create unique Bridgerton merch pieces. One of these is this beautiful tea set from artist Sue Tsai that features a teapot and teacup set, as well as a tin of Peach Mimosa Black tea. It’s the perfect gift for the Bridgerton fan who wants to be immersed in the fantasy. 

6. POP TV! Wednesday

This Wednesday Addams Pop! figure is available on Netflix’s online shop. It is a great piece of merch for any collector who wants to add the character to their collection. With the success of Wednesday on Netflix, it’s no surprise that the character has become a TV favorite. The figure displays Wednesday in her black and grey uniform, with her signature resting face and pigtails. 

5. Inside Black Mirror companion book 

Black Mirror is one of Netflix’s most popular shows. The dark, sci-fi anthology touches on deep human fears, from AI and robot revolutions, to moral questions about the nature of life. This companion book from the show’s creator, Charlie Brooker, is perfect For Black Mirror superfans who want to know all the behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of the show. 

4. Scott Pilgrim print collection 

Scott Pilgrim is one of the most iconic graphic novels of the century. The novel was popularized with the 2010 movie starring Michael Cera, but Netflix’s Scott Pilgrim Takes Off returns the show to its animated roots. This print collection was curated by Scott Pilgrim creator Bryan Lee O’Malley in celebration of 20 years of Scott Pilgrim. It includes 21 high-quality 9 x 12-inch prints. 

3. Monkey D Luffy Netflix One Piece SH Figuarts figure

Netflix’s One Piece was the perfect project that broke the streamer’s record of poor anime live-action adaptations. Starring Inaki Godoy as the rubbery captain of the Straw Hat Crew, One Piece was a hit with fans of the anime and served as an introduction to the daunting world of the anime to outsiders. This flexible Luffy action figure can be put in multiple poses and the attention to detail is perfect for any One Piece fan.

2. Funko Pop! Animation: Castlevania Trevor Belmont action figure

Castlevania is one of Netflix’s most successful animated shows, with each season and entry in the franchise drawing more fans in. The dark, vampire show has expanded a lot from its first season, but Trevor Belmont will always remain a fan-favorite character. This action figure from Funko Pop is about 3 ¾ inches tall and depicts Trevor holding his iconic whip. 

1. Stranger Things collectors box bundle

A great pick from Walmart’s Netflix Hub is the Stranger Things collectors box bundle. This package contains a 48 x 48-inch wall tapestry and a 17 x 22-inch poster, a Stranger Things bandana and buttons, a cassette of the soundtrack, and more. It’s the ultimate gift for a Stranger Things fan who wants to decorate their room or spice up their outfit with pieces from their favorite show. 

While Netflix remains the king of streamers, it’s no longer news that other platforms are slowly clawing their way to the top. Across the pond however, Netflix UK subscribers still enjoy a ton of great content. 

From gripping dramas, to thrilling mysteries and hilarious comedies, Netflix has something to suit every taste. And while Netflix US has said goodbye to some shows, subscribers in the UK still have them in stock. Here’s a curated list of some of the best shows on Netflix UK in 2024 that are must-watch.

Skins

Long before they became a household names, a crop of today’s British stars (including the charming Dev Patel, Nicholas Hoult, and Kaya Scodelario) starred in Skins. The controversial British TV show became a major hit. While it garnered a lot of pushback for its harsh depictions of teenage life, the acclaimed series won hearts for its relatability. While US fans only have access to the show via Hulu, Skins is available on Netflix UK, and remains of the best TV shows on the platform.

Behind Her Eyes

Without giving too much away (because of the insane plot twist), Behind Her Eyes is a fantastic and compelling watch. The thrilling, psychological drama seeks to unravel the mystery behind a couple’s failing marriage, and the harmless woman who seeks to undo it all. There’s a lot of deeply disturbing moments on the show, but it all serves to deliver a landing blow right at the end. Trust me, you’ll be thinking about the twist for at least a few week after watching.

The Fall of the House of Usher 

Much like many of Stephen King’s works, The Fall of the House of Usher is a gripping horror story that will remain on your mind for a while. The series follows the rise of Roderick Usher, a formidable CEO of a corrupt pharmaceutical company, and his sister Madeline Usher, the company’s brilliant COO. The story also takes viewers through the events that culminate in the tragic demise of all six of Roderick’s children. It’s gripping, and the actors all do a fine job of keeping you glued to your screen. 

3 Body Problem

A new addition to Netflix’s greats, 3 Body Problem is one of the best TV shows on UK’s Netflix right now. It’s an adaptation of the 2008 novel The Three-Body Problem. The series follows a group of scientist friends who come into with an extraterrestrial civilization from a neighboring star system. After almost dying off, the aliens look for help to move to a more habitable planet. 3 Body Problem is quickly becoming one of Netflix’s popular releases so far.

The Gentlemen

Aristocracy meets comedy, action, and vicious gangsters in Netflix’s The Gentlemen. The television series features notable names like Theo James, Vinnie Jones, Kaya Scodelario, and Giancarlo Esposito. When a young man inherits his father’s estate, he discovers that it’s the home base for a bustling marijuana business. Only problem is, the gangsters behind the operation are hell bent on keeping business as usual. What results is an exciting, fast-paced series.

Baby Reindeer

It’s not every time we get an actor starring as himself in a show retelling a harrowing life experience. Starring Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer tells the uncomfortable, true story of a young, aspiring comedian who becomes the target of a disturbing and relentless stalking campaign by a mentally unstable woman with a troubling criminal past. There are comedic elements sprinkled all around the series, but one can’t help but shudder that the events of Baby Reindeer actually happened in real life. 

Beef

What do you do when road rage goes wrong? Beef chronicles the evolving and tumultuous relationship between two individuals named Danny and Amy, whose first meeting occurs during a violent road rage incident. The two become obsessed with finding out who can hurt the other more. It all culminates in a comedic and gripping story of revenge.

Wednesday

The Addams Family’s golden child Wednesday finally got her very own Netflix show. Audiences were given a full view of her life as a teenager. Overall,Wednesday follows the protagonist’s time as a student at Nevermore Academy, as she navigates her growing psychic abilities, works to unravel her parents’ past, and prevents a potential killing spree from happening.

Heartstopper

Heartstopper follows the evolving relationship between Charlie, a shy and openly gay teenager, and Nick, a popular and easygoing rugby player. Set in an English high school, the story beautifully captures the complexities of young love, friendship, and self-discovery as Charlie and Nick begin to understand their feelings and identities.

Stranger Things

This captivating sci-fi thriller is set in the 1980s in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana. When a young boy named Will Byers goes missing under mysterious circumstances, his friends embark on a quest to find him. Along the way, they encounter a telekinetic girl named Eleven with extraordinary powers and uncover dark secrets about a parallel dimension called the Upside Down.

Bridgerton

Who doesn’t love a period drama full of intense romance? Bridgerton follows the lives and romantic escapades of the Bridgerton family and the elite society of the town. The series unfolds as debutante Daphne Bridgerton forms a complicated alliance with the Duke of Hastings to navigate high society. Each season of Bridgerton has brought many lovely moments and swoon-worthy lines that are sure to win every girl over, and as most Brits will tell you, it’s one of the best TV shows on UK Netflix.

Arcane

Arcane made its rounds as one of the best animated series of 2021 and has since remained fresh in the memory of every viewer. The series explores the origins of two iconic League of Legends champions, Jinx and Vi, in the city of Piltover and the undercity of Zaun. The series delves into their complex pasts, the rivalry between the two sisters, and the power struggles within these contrasting societies.

Black Mirror

Black Mirror is a thought-provoking anthology series, and often ranked as one of the best TV shows on UK Netflix. The visually stunning series explores the dark and often dystopian side of modern society and technology. Each episode presents a standalone story with a unique premise, focusing on themes of human nature, the consequences of technological advancement, and the impact of digital media on our lives. Altogether, you’re getting a great story, amazing visuals, and a potential warning of things to come. 

Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders is a masterfully crafted British period drama that focuses on the exploits of the Shelby crime family in the aftermath of World War I. Led by the cunning and ambitious Tommy Shelby, the Peaky Blinders fight through the treacherous world of organized crime, political intrigue, and family rivalries. With Cillian Murphy as the focal point, there’s no shortage of phenomenal acting moments. 

Blue Eye Samurai

This animated series won the praise of both critics and viewers alike for its storytelling and animation. Set in 17th-century Edo-period Japan, Blue Eye Samurai centers around Mizu, a skilled mixed-race sword master. After being abandoned by her father and spending her childhood being bullied for her white heritage, she takes matters into her own hands. While hiding her identity, she seeks vengeance against her father. Netflix UK subscribers are in for a treat, as this animated series is worth the hype.

Sense8

Sense8 follows eight strangers from different parts of the world who become mentally and emotionally connected, forming a unique cluster of “sensates.” As they try to control their newfound abilities to communicate and share experiences, they must also evade a mysterious organization that seeks to capture and control them. Until this very moment, fans still protest the series’ unjust cancellation, but it’s still one of the best TV shows on Netflix UK for fans to binge through.  

Orange is the New Black

With its unique mix of drama, friendship, and dark humor, Orange Is the New Black centers around Piper Chapman, a woman sentenced to prison for a past crime involving drug trafficking. Inside the all-female prison, Piper encounters complex relationships with fellow inmates. All the while, she must confront the challenges and realities of life behind bars.

After Life

Created by and starring Ricky Gervais, After Life is a comedy-drama series that follows Tony who struggles with profound grief after his wife’s death. Tony contemplates suicide but decides to live long enough to punish the world by saying and doing whatever he wants. As he interacts with people in his small town, Tony’s outlook gradually changes, and he begins to rediscover the joys of life amidst his profound loss.

Heartstopper season 3 is pulling out all the stops when it comes to injecting new life into the Netflix smash. Not that we’re getting bored of Joe Locke’s Charlie and Kit Connor’s Nick in the slightest, but the streamer is adding a bunch of exciting new faces to the show for its next run.

Perhaps the most thrilling is Bridgerton icon Jonathan Bailey, playing a key character from the original graphic novels from creator Alice Oseman. Let’s not forget that Eddie Marsan (Ray Donovan) is also on board, as is Marvel legend and Mission: Impossible star Hayley Atwell. The one downside of season 3? Olivia Colman is confirmed to be a no-show as Nick’s mom.

From what we can gather, though, it sounds like Atwell has been brought on to fill Colman’s role in the series. Here’s how.

Hayley Atwell’s role in Heartstopper season 3, explained

According to official casting information, Atwell is ing Heartstopper season 3 to play Nick’s aunt Diane. It’s Diane who takes Nick on a summer vacation to Menorca in Spain and “has some tough advice to impart about his relationship with Charlie.”

At first glance, Heartstopper fans might think that Diane is an original creation for TV as the Menorca arc in the comics definitely doesn’t revolve around Nick’s relationship with his aunt. However, those with an encyclopedic knowledge of the graphic novels may recall that she is a minor character instead. With Colman being unable to return to due scheduling conflicts, it sounds a lot like Diane’s role has been bumped up.

In particular, the character description sure makes it sound like Diane has been given Nick’s mom’s role in the iconic “beach scene” from the books. Without getting into spoilers, as this scene is so intrinsic to Nick’s character development and the story’s core themes, fans were devastated at the idea of Colman’s exit meaning we were going to lose this sequence. So introducing Atwell as another maternal family member in Colman’s place was a smart workaround.

We don’t have as much invested interest in Nick’s relationship with his aunt, of course, but hopefully Atwell’s acting talent and the writing will ensure this arc remains just as powerful as it was on the page. Although Olivia Colman had better come back for season 4.

Our worst fears have come true and it sounds like Heartstopper will be without its Sarah Nelson for the show’s third season. Olivia Colman has revealed she will not be returning to the role.

Season 3 of Heartstopper was in production between October and December of 2023, and despite plenty of surprises being kept under wraps, most of the regular cast was expected to come back for the show’s third installment. Among those expected was Olivia Colman, who plays Nick Nelson (Kit Connor)’s mom, Sarah. Sarah is a fan-favorite character thanks in big part to Colman’s lovely performance in the role, but also due to her relationship with her son, which is as warm as it is truthful.

We got to see more of Colman in the role in Season 2 as the show delved deeper into Nick’s personal and familial history, but unfortunately, that is all we’re going to get of Sarah Nelson for a while… or maybe ever.

Why did Olivia Colman leave Heartstopper?

Oscar-winning actress and international treasure Olivia Colman told Forbes magazine she wasn’t going to be a part of Season 3 of Heartstopper. According to Colman, she couldn’t fit in the filming for the show in her ever-bustling schedule.

“I couldn’t do number three. I couldn’t fit it in,” she said, confessing to feeling awful about the fact. Although the show was renewed for two more seasons only a month after the premiere of its first, it sounds like production on Season 3 wasn’t organized enough in advance so that someone like Colman couldn’t juggle her various commitments.

We say this based on Colman’s comments about a possible return in a fourth season, if Netflix does decide to renew Heartstopper again. “As long as it’s booked in advance, maybe I’ll be able to do it, yeah!,” the coveted actress promised.

Will Olivia Colman be recast in season 3 of Heartstopper?

Although she was forced by circumstance to leave the show, for Colman, Heartstopper is “one of the most beautiful things [she’s] ever been part of.” The scene in Season 1 when Nick comes to his mother was lauded as one of the most sincere of its kind, and fans are now mourning the scenes they won’t get in Season 3.

One, in particular, which they’ve labeled “the beach scene,” has caused the most heartbreak. In the comics, Nick tells his mom about Charlie’s eating disorder and, as he asks for advice and help, Sarah lovingly tells him “Love can’t cure a mental illness.” As has become Heartstopper‘s brand, the kindness with which the Netflix show and the source material approach hard-hitting themes is the reason why they’ve become so important to so many people.

There is always the chance Nick’s mom could be recast with another actress in the third season of Heartsopper, considering the importance of the scenes the two share in the part of the comics that served as the chapter’s inspiration. That scenario, we believe, is highly unlikely given that Colman was one of the show’s most recognizable talents. Replacing her would feel too jarring and impossible to look past given the depth she brought to such a small part.

According to Netflix, season 3 of Heartstopper will track the squad’s summer holidays and the beginning of their last year of high school (secondary school in the United Kingdom). Charlie will tell Nick he loves him, while Nick will have his own confession to make. As the characters begin considering college/university options “everyone must learn to lean on those they love when life doesn’t go to plan.”

Season 3 of Heartstopper comes out in October of 2024.