Revisiting HBO’s Euphoria

When HBO introduced Euphoria back in 2019, it was positioned as the latest entry in the genre exploring the shocking realities of youth today. Whether this portrayal was accurate is up for debate, but it certainly drew attention. By the end of its second season three years ago, it ranked as HBO’s second most-watched show since 2004, only surpassed by Game of Thrones.

Recently, a trailer for the upcoming Season 3 was released, racking up over 100 million views within just two days.

I’ve often pondered what all the hype was about. Looking back, my generation had films like Less Than Zero, Kids, and River’s Edge. In those movies, teenagers faced extreme consequences—disease, drug abuse, and even violence. I can’t help but wonder, does Euphoria really elevate the drama beyond that?

Despite my initial doubts, I had a nagging feeling that Euphoria might represent the final stages of the “terrible teen trauma” genre, especially considering today’s youth appear to be heading in the opposite direction. Gen Z is reported to consume less alcohol and engage in fewer risky behaviors compared to earlier generations. The typical rebellious phase seems almost antiquated now.

First Impressions

To be honest, my first experience with Euphoria didn’t leave me impressed. Sure, it had shock value, but overall, it felt lacking. What I expected to be an insightful look into modern teen life turned out to be more about the downward spiral of a teenage character battling drug addiction, without any real redemption.

But that’s not even the most troubling aspect. The explicit content was overwhelming. Take an early scene, for instance, where an older man interacts with a transgender teenager, leading to a disturbing encounter in a rundown hotel room. The graphic nature of such moments raises questions about whether this is meant to enlighten us about teen life or just to shock the audience.

I kept hoping to find at least one character I could root for. Was there anyone relatable? Nope, all I saw were flawed individuals. And then there’s the storyline involving a young girl exploiting older men for money through suggestive content. I found it hard to watch, as it came across as an attempt to shock rather than illuminate.

Teen Rebellion

This might be the reason today’s teens seem to be reacting against this kind of portrayal. They’ve had the idea drummed into them that being involved in drugs, violence, or exploitation is somehow exciting. They’re tired of it—and I can’t blame them.

Experiencing Euphoria left me feeling uneasy. It showcases, in a serialized format, all the destructive behaviors teenagers may engage in. It feels like a checklist of bad choices—substance abuse, violence, exploitation, and so on. Does anyone really need to see this?

When I look at the dismal scenarios depicted, it makes me appreciate the struggles young women face today more than ever. They’ve been thrust into a world filled with crude dating rituals, and the sheer variety of experiences portrayed can be overwhelming.

In Context

So, what’s the overall takeaway regarding Euphoria? I wonder how outlets like NPR define “creative triumph” in this context. Their commentary highlights the series as a significant cultural achievement, yet I struggle to see it. The characters often lack depth, and the storytelling feels thin and forced.

NPR praises the creator for a supposed depth to the narrative—yet if I’m honest, the storytelling is superficial at best, and many character arcs feel predictable. The show often vilifies certain demographics, typically targeting white male athletes as the antagonists.

After watching, the only thing I felt deepening was a sense of distaste.

It’s alarming to see such content endorsed without hesitation. In some respects, Euphoria seems to normalize the subject of minor exploitation in entertainment. Take a scene featuring a young boy sneaking into his father’s office to watch adult content—the implications are distressing.

Overall, the series feels like a disturbing commentary on societal issues, one that pushes the envelope on morality. While it might resonate with some viewers, for many, it’s just an unsettling experience.