Euphoria is back with more shock and scandal, but mixed reviews
Euphoria Returns, Stirring Debate Over Shock Value and Narrative Depth
The third season of the acclaimed American series Euphoria has launched after a four-year hiatus, with its core trio of stars—Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi—once again anchoring the drama. While fans eagerly anticipate the show’s evolution, critics have offered a range of opinions, some lauding its bold storytelling, others decrying its perceived decline in quality.
Controversy and Criticism in the Trailer
Before the season even begins, a trailer has sparked fresh controversy, depicting Sweeney’s character, Cassie, in a provocative scene dressed as a baby. The image—showing her with curly pigtails, a dummy in her mouth, and open legs—has ignited debate. On social media, users have reacted strongly, with one calling it “fetish content. Disgusting,” and another labeling it “disturbing.” The first episode, now available, centers on Cassie persuading her fiancé, Nate (played by Elordi), to let her post online videos to fund their wedding, raising questions about her role as an OnlyFans content creator.
Divergent Critical Responses
The Guardian’s Hannah J Davies opened her review by stating that season three “fails to justify the four-year wait,” criticizing it as “a grubby, humorless exercise in extreme intimacy.” She highlighted the show’s focus on sex work, arguing that Cassie’s ambitions feel “bafflingly dated” and that storylines involving sugar babies and kink lean into “voyeuristic” and “judgy” territory. Meanwhile, the Telegraph’s Eleanor Halls described the season as “a misogynistic fantasy of a creepy old man,” noting how Levinson’s camera “peers and leers” at female characters, objectifying them in every shot.
“Whether that’s good or bad depends on if you want to see the biggest Gen-Z superstars—Zendaya, Jacob Elordi and Sweeney—in ludicrous situations that feel like Breaking Bad meets Looney Tunes,” said the New York Post’s Lauren Sarner. “It delivers that in spades. But if you want narrative coherence and character consistency, Season 3 leaves you wanting.”
The Times praised the series as “dazzling (and stomach-churning),” while the Independent called it “a generation-defining show that paints a clear-eyed, unflattering portrait of modern America.” These positive takes contrast with the Guardian and Telegraph’s skepticism, though both acknowledged the show’s continued ability to captivate with its unfiltered exploration of societal issues.
Creator’s Intent and Character Development
Creator Sam Levinson has long been associated with the show’s sharp critique of America’s cultural norms, particularly its obsession with synthetic opioids. “He clearly aims to highlight how drugs ravage ordinary lives,” Davies noted, but questioned if the characters’ bleak circumstances were necessary. She also remarked that while Zendaya and Sweeney deliver strong performances, Sweeney’s Cassie has become “a caricature of an airhead sex kitten,” leaving viewers unsure whether Levinson is mocking her or the broader public’s fascination with such figures.
“Moments that gesture at America’s prevailing culture as a corrupt, hypocritical thing that trickles down to infect everyone are a fascinating glimpse into what might be Levinson’s unfiltered thoughts on our collective psyche, but then he’ll cut to another shot of a female character being joyfully objectified,” wrote Vulture critic Roxana Hadadi.
Despite the mixed reception, the show’s raw, unapologetic style remains a key draw. As its characters age from high schoolers to early twenties, the series continues to challenge norms, blending grit with surrealism. While some viewers may find the third season’s direction less compelling, others argue its audacity and boldness still make it a standout in contemporary television.
