Euphoria’s Season Three Premiere Sparks Controversy
The return of “Euphoria” for its third season on Sunday ignited a wave of online discussion, particularly surrounding Sidney Sweeney’s storyline, which many viewers found troubling. Critics expressed disappointment with the show’s direction, stating that it seemed to “humiliate” Sweeney’s character, Cassie Howard.
After being off the air for nearly five years, the series kicked off with Cassie preparing to marry her boyfriend Nate Jacobs, portrayed by Jacob Elordi. In an opening scene, she dons a revealing dog costume while shooting a risqué video, evidently intended for social media. In an unexpected moment, she even barks and crawls on all fours to drink water.
Amid financial struggles, Cassie contemplates launching an OnlyFans account, a move that did not resonate well with fans. Many commenters recalled her previous character arcs in Seasons 1 and 2 that also leaned toward embarrassment.
One viewer remarked, “Sidney Sweeney in season 3 is literally just humiliating her. I don’t understand why this isn’t the point, her role is basically just humiliating her. She’s not going to win any awards like that.” Another questioned, “Why are they dressing her like a baby and pretending to be a baby with a pacifier?”
Some fans expressed their shock, with comments like “I thought it was AI but it was real, what did they do to Sidney Sweeney in the third season of Euphoria?” Others noted the discomfort by stating, “This is very embarrassing for Jacob… But how could Sidney Sweeney agree to do something like this? It’s like humiliation.”
A few defenders of Sweeney pointed out that the nature of “Euphoria” has always been bold and provocative. One observer countered the criticisms, saying, “Girl, that’s called acting. It’s always a wild, free-spirited show, and Sydney plays difficult roles. If that had been too much for her, she wouldn’t have signed on.” They argued that the show accurately reflects contemporary society, even if its portrayal is intense.
Originally premiering in 2019, “Euphoria” has played a significant role in launching the careers of several cast members, including Sweeney, Elordi, and Zendaya. The show has also featured accomplished actors like Colman Domingo and the late Eric Dane. Meanwhile, breakout star Angus Cloud tragically passed away in 2023.
Sam Levinson, the series creator, expressed his excitement about the cast’s evolution. He acknowledged the high expectations that come with casting decisions but noted how the enthusiasm and talent of the actors inspire innovation in storytelling.
