Sharon Stone on ‘Euphoria’: A High School Must-Watch

Sharon Stone has voiced her belief that the HBO series “Euphoria” should be available in American high schools, suggesting that parents “should” also tune in. In a discussion with Keke Palmer during Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series, the actress, who recently joined the show’s third and final season, praised its raw depiction of teen life, even as it faced criticism for its graphic content involving sex, drugs, and violence.

“I think this is the best show on TV,” Stone remarked. The series, which debuted in 2019, follows a group of high school students navigating their turbulent teenage years. Season three, however, takes a leap forward, tracking them as young adults.

Stone highlighted how viewers witness the characters evolve and confront the repercussions of their actions. She connected this portrayal of addiction and drug culture to her own family experiences, noting, “We’ve met these kids. We’ve seen them become young adults. We’ve seen them become full-fledged drug dealers. And I’ve experienced it in my family.”

In recalling her brother’s involvement in drug trafficking, which ultimately led to his imprisonment, she expressed the emotional impact the show had on her. After viewing the first episode, she said she cried, feeling that “Euphoria” authentically reflects the significant struggles students face today.

She stated, “‘Euphoria’ is a very meaningful show. I think it should be shown in every high school, and I believe every parent should see it. As a mom, I love this show.” Keke Palmer chimed in, emphasizing the importance of discussions surrounding the series rather than dismissing its content as too explicit, saying, “That’s the point.” Stone, herself a mother of three, pointed out that the issues portrayed are often ignored by parents.

She posed a question that lingered: “It’s like, ‘My child wouldn’t do that.’ Is it true? And can your child tell you who’s next to him?” This raises awareness of the social circles surrounding teenagers today.

Although Stone advocates for the show’s exposure to both students and parents, the show’s creator Sam Levinson and its cast caution viewers that it is rated TV-MA and intended for mature audiences. When “Euphoria” first premiered, Levinson and Zendaya warned against a young teen audience, stating, “I hope this creates some dialogue between parents and children,” reaffirming that it’s not meant for viewers under 17. Zendaya emphasized that parental guidance is vital for younger viewers.

Even so, Zendaya, while acknowledging the show’s serious themes, remarked that the depictions might not be shocking to certain individuals based on their experiences. “I think if that’s not your experience, you’re just going to be shocked,” she noted, affirming the nuanced understanding that can arise from viewers’ personal backgrounds.

As discussions about “Euphoria” continue, Stone’s heartfelt message—encouraging open dialogue and exposure to uncomfortable truths—raises pertinent questions about how society navigates youth challenges in the modern age.