HEARTSTOPPER: THE UNIVERSITY YEARS (2026)

Other movies:

Romance • Coming-of-Age • Drama

Plot Overview:
The innocent crush is over. Nick and Charlie have stepped out of the school hallways and into the world of adulthood. And with it, the simplicity of high school love is replaced by something far more complex, raw, and real.

Now in university, Nick (played by Kit Connor) is carving out a new identity. He’s excelling on the university rugby scene, gaining strength and confidence, but it’s not just his body that’s changing—his emotions, his relationships, and his sense of self are evolving in ways he didn’t expect. The protective boyfriend is still there, but as the future looms closer, he finds himself facing the fear of losing what he’s worked so hard to build.

Charlie (played by Joe Locke) is blossoming into his own, no longer just the quiet, insecure boy from high school. He’s becoming confident, unapologetic, and learning that vulnerability doesn’t make him weaker, but stronger. However, university life is challenging him to dig deep into who he really is—what he wants for himself, and what his love for Nick really means now that the stakes are higher and their love is tested by distance, temptations, and new uncertainties.

But the path to adulthood is never easy, and Tao (played by William Gao) returns to be the emotional anchor for both Nick and Charlie. Together, they face the tough moments, the quiet fears, and the hard truths about what it means to be in a relationship when everything is changing.

Tone & Themes:
Heartstopper: The University Years is about growth—emotional, personal, and relational. It’s raw, intimate, and unapologetically human. The innocence of young love has evolved into something far more complicated, and with that comes the challenge of maintaining a relationship while navigating the pressures of adulthood, distance, and personal transformation.

While humor still plays a huge role in their journey, the series dives deeper into the struggles that come with growing up, showing the cracks that inevitably appear in even the strongest of relationships. The love between Nick and Charlie isn’t just a feeling anymore—it’s a choice. Every day, they must choose each other all over again.

The University Years isn’t just a story about love—it’s a story about the courage it takes to face the tough parts of growing up while holding onto the most important parts of yourself and each other.

Tagline:
“Growing up doesn’t mean growing apart. And love isn’t just a feeling anymore—it’s a choice.”

Why Watch It:

• Real, Raw, and Relatable: The journey from high school to university is full of growth and uncertainty. It’s a coming-of-age story that feels deeply personal and true to life.

• Powerful Themes of Vulnerability and Choice: Watch as Nick and Charlie navigate the ups and downs of growing up, learning that love requires more than just feelings—it requires effort, sacrifice, and understanding.

• Authentic Relationships: Not just about romance, but the enduring bonds of friendship and the importance of having people who support you as you navigate the difficult transitions of life.

Heartstopper: The University Years is a testament to the complexities of love, growing up, and choosing each other, even when everything around you feels like it’s shifting.