If you suddenly feel the urge to rewatch glitter tears, hallway screaming matches, and decisions so bad they deserve their own warning label, you’re not alone. Euphoria is back on the streaming charts ahead of its upcoming third season, and viewers are clearly in the mood to revisit the beautifully chaotic mess that made the show a phenomenon. And you might be surprised to learn that Sydney Sweeney, your dad’s favorite underwear model on Instagram, appears to be an actress too.
When we last left East Highland High, the series had already cemented itself as TV’s most extra portrait of teenage life — all neon lights, emotional spirals, and consequences that hit like a truck. Since then, the cast has gone fully A-list, with Sweeney, Zendaya, and Jacob Elordi becoming bona fide stars, and mercifully, the next season isn’t going to be trying to convince us that any of them are still teenagers.
Created by Sam Levinson, Euphoria follows Rue Bennett (Zendaya), a teenager battling addiction, depression, and a constant sense that the world was broken before she even got here. Born just days after 9/11, Rue is framed as a kid shaped by crisis — growing up online, overwhelmed by expectations, and desperate to escape her own mind. Her fragile attempts at sobriety, especially in scenes with her little sister and mom, remain some of the show’s most grounded and emotional moments.
How Good Is ‘Euphoria’?
Collider’s review stated that Euphoria was a visually striking but emotionally punishing dive into modern adolescence, blending prestige polish with relentless provocation. Early episodes leaned heavily on shock value — graphic sex, drug use, and violence — which at times felt excessive and alienating. However, as the story progressed, the show found more balance, weaving in dark humor, strong supporting arcs, and thoughtful commentary on digital-age pressures facing Gen Z. Messy, provocative, and often difficult to watch, Euphoria ultimately proved compelling, even if its indulgences sometimes outweighed its insight.
“Euphoria is a spectacularly photographed, intricately designed series with moments of horrifying honesty and insight, while also being trashy, soapy, and relentlessly provocative. It sometimes feels like the pornstar cousin of Riverdale – both series set up in a vaguely heightened version of reality where drugs, lies, and sinister parents wait around every turn – but Euphoria takes it farther at every turn. That’s not a bad thing, it’s often incredibly entertaining, and it certainly strikes at more productive, progressive territory than fellow boundary-pushing YA provocateur 13 Reasons Why.”
Euphoria is streaming now on HBO Max.
- Release Date
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June 16, 2019
- Network
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HBO
- Showrunner
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Sam Levinson
