The highly anticipated premiere of Euphoria's third season has left fans and critics alike in a state of shock and horror, with viewers expressing disgust over graphic depictions of fetish work, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The HBO series, which returns after a five-year hiatus, follows the former students of East Highland High School as they navigate adult life, but the latest instalment has been met with fierce backlash for pushing boundaries too far.
A Star-Studded Cast Fails to Impress Critics
Despite featuring a renowned ensemble including Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi, the new season has not won over critics. Many have slammed creator Sam Levinson for what they describe as "disturbing" and "misogynistic" storylines that rely excessively on shock value through nudity and sexuality, rather than developing coherent narratives. Fans have taken to social media to demand the show's cancellation, arguing that the stomach-churning scenes in season three have crossed a line.
Substance Abuse: Glamorisation or Realism?
Euphoria has long been notorious for its severe portrayal of alcohol, drug, and smoking content, as noted on IMDB's parents guide. From the very first episode of season one, the series delves into protagonist Rue's battle with depression and drug addiction, including harrowing scenes of her overdose and being found unconscious in vomit. Other characters, like Cassie, are shown abusing substances, with one memorable moment involving projectile vomiting in a hot tub.
The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program has criticised the show for allegedly glamourising drug use, releasing a statement condemning its depiction of high-risk behaviours as common. In response, Zendaya has defended Euphoria, emphasising that it aims to help viewers feel less alone in their struggles rather than serve as a moral guide.
Violence and Its Graphic Depictions
With a moderate rating for violent content on IMDB, Euphoria does not shy away from brutal scenes. Nate's abusive relationship with Maddy includes strangulation and gun threats, while he also violently attacks other characters. The series explores themes of childhood trauma, such as Fez being beaten by his father, and features shocking moments like Ashtray's death in a police shootout. Disturbing depictions of self-harm and violent sex further contribute to the show's controversial nature.
Sex and Nudity: Pushing Boundaries
Euphoria earns a severe rating for sex and nudity, with graphic full frontal nudity and explicit scenes. Cal's secret recordings of sexual encounters, including with underage individuals, and Cassie's revenge porn ordeal highlight issues of exploitation. Kat's venture into financial domination and Cassie's public masturbation scene have also sparked debate over the show's handling of sexuality.
Season Three's Most Disturbing Moments
The new season has introduced particularly nauseating elements, such as Rue and Faye attempting to smuggle fentanyl by swallowing lube-covered balloons, leading to vomiting and gruesome extraction scenes. In one shocking sequence, Faye suffers from explosive diarrhoea, with a dog consuming the excrement, while another scene shows Cassie turning to OnlyFans for fetish content, including dressing as a baby, to fund her wedding with Nate.
These moments have intensified calls for the show to be cancelled, with viewers questioning whether Euphoria's pursuit of shock value has overshadowed meaningful storytelling. As the debate rages on, the series continues to polarise audiences with its unflinching portrayal of dark and disturbing themes.
