Heartbreak High- Season 3 (review)

Published by Mason Oldridge, 2 April 2026

Who turned on the ride? That is the question to be answered in the third and final season of the Australian teen comedy drama reboot.

The third season primarily focuses on the ensemble cast embroiled in a serious accident at the carnival. Meanwhile, Amerie is in a new relationship with rival school St Bruno’s student Noah but is shook when Malakai returns, Harper becomes involved with fellow carnival worker Liam, Darren’s drama hopes take a blow, Quinni and Sasha find themselves in a love triangle with rebellious new student and Woodsy’s niece Taz, Spider and Missy’s relationship hits choppy waters and Zoe questions her celibacy over her relationship with Felix. Elsewhere, there is comic relief from Ant, who pretends to his mum that he is at a religious camp.

The second season storyline surrounding Rowan was never going to be beaten but the carnival plot is enthralling and in a similar vein to other teen series One of Us Is Lying as it follows the group trying to hide their involvement. Furthermore, the moment in which the students realise the criminal consequences of their actions as told to them by Woodsy is particularly tense. It is teased that Noah and his obnoxious friend Seb are to blame, before the false reveal that it was Liam and the eventual truth that it was Sasha who turned on the ride. This was her response to being hurt by her friends who, in her defence, were excessively mean to her.

Unfortunately, the series is still largely hindered by its heavy reliance on wokeness. Almost every student is LGBT or promiscuous, this being disguised as progressiveness and sex positivity, respectively. A more realistic portrayal of student life would be appreciated as this series otherwise offers so much potential. This is somewhat saved by the best character in the series: Ca$h’s straight-talking Nan. And let’s not forget a special shout-out to his beloved pet duck Darude RIP.

However, the show delivers on a strong conclusion that offers both closure and happy endings. There’s a dramatic overboard before follow-ups with the various characters. Amerie and Harper drawing on the wall where the map started sees the series come full circle and the two driving off together following Amerie’s inevitable reconciliation with Malakai feels perfect.

Despite excessive wokeness casting a dark shadow (as it has always done), the series is still an enjoyable watch with compelling coming-of-age stories.

8/10