Heartstopper is growing up. Three seasons in, the cute, wholesome world of this hugely popular queer coming-of-age story still exists, but Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke) aren’t those same kids anymore. Just as the story Alice Oseman created in her graphic novels continues to mature, so too does Netflix‘s adaptation, in ways that might surprise regular viewers. Sex, alcohol and even F-bombs feature now, silencing critics who felt the show has previously been too unrealistic or sickly sweet. Yet even when Elle Argent (Yasmin Finney) contends with transphobia, or Charlie faces up to his eating disorder, Heartstopper’s signature innocence still remains intact.

That’s no easy feat, especially when all these growing storylines demand more nuance and consideration. In fact, everyone in the wider cast has bigger problems to face this time around, which speaks to the show evolving as it strives to give other characters outside of Nick and Charlie the space they deserve. While some could still do with a bit more screen time, it’s admirable to see fan favourites like Isaac Henderson (Tobie Donovan) and Tori Spring (Jenny Walser), Charlie’s older sister, appear more prominently without detracting from the central love story.

It’s fortunate, then, that the cast, mostly unknowns at the start, have grown along with their characters, becoming more comfortable than ever in these roles. Locke and Connor especially have never been better, with the latter sharing a particularly heartfelt moment alongside Hayley Atwell in a perfectly gauged cameo that just about fills the gap left by Olivia Colman’s absence. Jonathan Bailey’s guest role feels less organic, a rare slip-up for a show that usually feels so natural, especially in its approach to love and queerness. But that’s why it’s so easy to forgive these occasional flaws. Because even now, no other series celebrates queer joy with such earnest and much-needed warmth as Heartstopper still does, three years in, with its most adult, accomplished outing yet.