Show Summary:
“Euphoria” Season 3, starring Zendaya as Rue Bennett and Sydney Sweeney as Cassie Howard, released Sunday, April 12. The new season, directed by Sam Levinson, features a five-year time jump from when the cast was in high school. The show is rated MA and explores themes of drug addiction, mental illness, trauma and sexual assault.
Josh says 3 1/2 stars
“Euphoria” took a totally different direction than previous seasons, with the controversial five-year time jump, likely implemented because of the large gap of filming between seasons. Primary composer Labrinth’s music filled much of the aesthetic of the show and when he left abruptly, there was a noticeable difference in production.
Unlike Season 2’s opening episode — a fun and exciting New Year’s Eve party that reintroduces the entire cast — this season opens with only five members of the main cast working odd jobs: a drug mule, an influencer and a foreman. I was hooked on seeing what Rue, played by Zendaya, was up to, as her storyline is definitely interesting, but I wanted to see more from the cast. Where is Jules? Aren’t she and Rue the main couple of the show?
“Euphoria” has definitely been through the wringer with a busy star-studded cast combined with the unfortunate passing of two cast members, Angus Cloud (Fezco) and Eric Dane (Cal Jacobs). Director Sam Levinson’s current direction, especially involving characters like Cassie Howard, often felt like fetish content and self-inserts. This was unsurprising since his work on “The Idol” was criticized for its abusive and misogynistic themes, leading to its cancellation.
— Josh Buenaflor
Cj Says 3 stars
The new season premiere of “Euphoria” takes a bold step forward, using a time skip that feels like the smartest way to reintroduce the show. Rather than trying to recreate the same high school chaos, the episode drops viewers into a new phase of life, shaped by the distance between the once-close characters and obvious trajectories they take on after high school.
The shift in tone is immediately noticeable. The glossy, reckless energy that once defined “Euphoria” is replaced by something quieter and, at times, a bit dry. Still, that change feels intentional. These characters are no longer kids, and the show reflects that by focusing on early adulthood and the pressure that comes with it.
Lexi and Maddy stand out as they navigate careers in entertainment, facing the reality of being young women trying to earn respect. Rue remains grounded in consequence, still dealing with the fallout of her past, while Nate’s new role inheriting his father’s old company feels like a natural progression.
It is not as explosive as past premieres, but it still delivers those hyperreal, uncomfortable moments that make “Euphoria” compelling, setting up an intriguing season ahead.
— Chijioke Onyeagucha
