HBO’s 2-Part Psychological Thriller Series Is One Of Its Best

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Euphoria initially stood out as a bold new take on teen dramas, and it quickly became one of the most impactful shows for young adults in recent years. While many teen dramas focus on glamour and sensationalism, Euphoria, which debuted in 2019, set itself apart by diving deep into the complex emotional lives of its characters.

With its striking visuals and honest portrayal of emotions, Euphoria is a truly unique HBO show. Now that it’s gaining popularity again, it has the potential to become one of HBO Max’s biggest hits, possibly even surpassing Game of Thrones and The Pitt.

Created by Sam Levinson, Euphoria has become a gripping psychological thriller that explores themes of addiction and what it’s like to grow up today. As fans await season 3, HBO’s often-discussed show is once again gaining a lot of attention.

Euphoria Was Unlike Anything HBO Had Ever Done

From the very beginning, Euphoria showed that HBO was trying something different. The first season follows Rue Bennett (played by Zendaya), a young woman recently out of rehab. Zendaya received a lot of praise for her acting, winning two Primetime Emmy Awards.

Instead of the usual format for shows with multiple characters, each episode of Euphoria started with a unique and artistic introduction focusing on a character’s difficult past. This was a fresh and personal way to tell a teen drama. The show also had a striking visual style, using lots of glittery makeup, energetic dance music, and dreamlike scenes to show what Rue was feeling inside. The first season’s carnival episode, “The Next Episode,” ended with a dramatic hallway scene that felt like a moment from a horror movie.

Euphoria transformed its characters’ struggles into a visually striking, theatrical experience, making the entire story feel like a self-aware event. It was one of the most creatively bold dramas HBO had produced in a long time.

Why Euphoria Became So Controversial

The show Euphoria gained attention for its bold approach, but also faced criticism. Similar to the earlier British series Skins, it portrayed a glamorous but risky side of teenage life, which some found shocking. From the beginning, Euphoria‘s frank depictions of sex, nudity, drugs, and violence sparked a lot of discussion, with some critics believing the show went too far.

The show faced criticism not only for its plot, but also for how it was made. During the filming of season 2, reports surfaced describing the set as extremely difficult and unpleasant. HBO addressed these claims in a 2022 article in Deadline, stating that they hadn’t received any official complaints and that the production followed all safety rules.

The TV show Euphoria gained as much attention for the conflicts happening off-screen as it did for the show itself, especially after Barbie Ferreira, who played Kat Hernandez, decided to leave. Following the second season, Ferreira announced she wouldn’t return, and early reports suggested disagreements between her and the show’s creator, Levinson. Some people believed Levinson responded to their personal issues by significantly decreasing Kat’s role in season two.

Euphoria Season 3 Will Be An Event

Season 3 of Euphoria is expected to be a big hit for HBO. Since the last season aired, several of the show’s main actors have become major stars. Zendaya has won two Emmy Awards and is now known worldwide for her roles in blockbuster movies and her fashion sense. Sydney Sweeney has starred in popular films like Anyone But You, and Jacob Elordi has received praise for his film work, even earning an Oscar nomination for Frankenstein.

Production of Euphoria season 3 finally started in early 2025 after being delayed by the 2023 Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes and difficulties scheduling the cast. The new season will premiere on April 12, 2026, and will be set five years later, showing what the characters are up to after graduating high school.

The official trailer for HBO’s Euphoria season 3 hints at a visually striking and intense new season, with a darker tone and a focus on the characters’ complex relationships and inner battles.

Levinson will continue to lead the show. Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, Alexa Demie, and Maude Apatow are all returning for season 3 of Euphoria. The cast also includes many actors from previous seasons, plus exciting new faces like Sharon Stone and the singer Rosalía.

Now with a broader focus and even more popular actors, the third season of Euphoria could redefine what we expect from TV dramas.

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2026-02-22 18:59